The Struggles of Today’s Streamers and Creators
If you’re streaming on Twitch or uploading videos to YouTube in 2025, you already know the grind is real. It’s not enough to just hit “Go Live” or upload a video you’ve got to keep people’s attention in a world where attention spans are shrinking fast.
Creators today face brutal competition. On Twitch, thousands of channels go live in the same category at the same time. On YouTube, your video is stacked against millions of others, all fighting for that precious click and watch time. Even if someone clicks your stream or video, the reality is harsh: people decide in the first 10–15 seconds whether to stay or leave.
And that’s where a common mistake shows up one that’s quietly holding many streamers and YouTubers back: the dreaded “Starting Soon” screen.
What Is a “Starting Soon” Screen?
If you’ve watched Twitch streams or YouTube premieres, you’ve probably seen it. The video starts, but instead of content, you’re greeted with a screen saying:
- “Stream Starting Soon…”
- “We’ll Begin Shortly…”
- Or even just a looping background music with “Coming Soon” text.
Sometimes it lasts 1–2 minutes. But I’ve seen streams (and maybe you have too) where creators let that screen sit for 10 minutes or longer before the actual content begins.
Why Do Creators Use It?
It might seem odd, but there are reasons why creators add these waiting screens:
- Setup Buffer – Streamers use it to make sure their audio, video, and overlays are working.
- Building Anticipation – Some believe it creates hype, giving viewers time to join before the action starts.
- Professional Look – Creators feel it makes the stream seem polished, like a show about to begin.
On paper, it makes sense. But here’s the problem…
The Disadvantages of “Starting Soon” Screens
1. From the Viewer’s Perspective
Think about it when was the last time you clicked on a video or stream and happily waited minutes just to see it start? Most viewers simply don’t have the patience.
- On Twitch, they’ll back out and click another live channel.
- On YouTube, they’ll bounce, and that hurts your watch time (a huge ranking factor).
Audiences today expect instant engagement. If you make them wait, you’ve likely lost them for good.
2. From the Algorithm’s Perspective
YouTube and Twitch both track audience retention closely:
- YouTube’s Algorithm notices when viewers leave quickly. A “Starting Soon” screen at the beginning often causes massive drop-offs, signaling that your content isn’t engaging. This means your video will be pushed less in recommendations.
- Twitch’s Discoverability is already tough. If a new viewer clicks your stream and only sees a still screen, the chance of them sticking around drops to near zero. Twitch doesn’t push inactive or low-retention streams higher in categories.
3. Wasted First Impressions
That first impression matters. Instead of showcasing your personality, gameplay, or content style, you’re showing… nothing. It’s like inviting someone to your house but making them wait on the porch for 10 minutes before opening the door.
Is It Ever Beneficial?
Some creators argue that it helps when you already have a big audience. For example, large Twitch streamers use it to let thousands of viewers trickle in before the action starts. But the key difference? They already have an established fanbase. Their audience will wait because they know the content will be worth it.
For small or mid-sized creators, though, it’s a growth killer. You’re not at a stage where you can afford to lose viewers before they even see what you offer.
Smarter Alternatives to “Starting Soon” Screens
If you still want a little buffer time before diving into content, there are better ways:
- Engage Right Away: Start your video or stream with energy. Talk to your audience, greet new viewers, or jump straight into gameplay.
- Use Highlight Clips: Instead of “Starting Soon,” play a short highlight reel from your past streams or videos. It hooks viewers while you finalize setup.
- Countdowns Under 1 Minute: If you really want a countdown, keep it short and dynamic not a 10-minute waiting room.
Common Pain Points This Solves
By ditching “Starting Soon” screens, you’ll notice:
- Higher retention rates on YouTube videos.
- Lower bounce rates on Twitch streams.
- Stronger first impressions that make people more likely to follow or subscribe.
Your viewers will thank you for respecting their time, and the platforms’ algorithms will reward you for keeping people engaged.
Wrapping Up + A Smarter Way to Grow
At the end of the day, creators need every advantage to stand out. Removing barriers like long waiting screens is one small change that can lead to better audience retention and stronger growth.
If your real goal is to grow faster, though, you’ll need more than just smart settings you need visibility. That’s where twitch promotion services come in. At NexTech Ads, we help streamers and creators like you get discovered by the right audience, expand your reach, and grow authentically. Because what’s the point of great content if no one sees it?