Martina, better known as Yikes, shares the untold journey of her foray into gaming and streaming. In this exclusive Q&A, Martina opens up about her path to becoming a content creator, the challenges she has faced, and the exhilarating moment she achieved Twitch Partner Plus status. Dive into her unique perspective on Twitch, the power of community, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Join us as we unravel the story behind Yikes and gain insights into the dynamic world of online content creation.
How did you initially get into gaming and streaming?
I’ve always wanted to do something on the internet, but having to commit all my time to obtaining my master's degree, I never had the opportunity to learn how to make content. I had no idea where to start. One day during the pandemic, I started sharing my thoughts about wanting to create content on the internet, and a friend of mine suggested I try Twitch. To be completely honest, prior to the pandemic, I didn’t even know that people live-streamed video games. I figured live-streaming might be a good fit because I’ve always been a gamer and now that I had time during quarantine, I decided to give the live-streaming avenue a go.
What is your favorite thing about being a content creator?
My favorite part about being a content creator is the ability to be myself on the internet and see that people relate to whatever aspect of my life I’m choosing to share. I’ve consumed tons of content on YouTube back in the day, and I always found myself sticking around creators who made me feel like I am not alone and I can relate to them. If I make people laugh, that’s a win too.
What was it about Twitch that made it feel like the right platform for you?
One of the reasons why I felt like Twitch was the right platform for me was the unique ability to interact with your audience in real time. I love how community-focused Twitch is, and one of the pillars of my success on the internet is my Twitch community, which I love deeply.
What made you decide to want to push for the new Twitch Partner Plus program?
There was a time when I quit my full-time job to pursue streaming and content creation full-time, but I was quickly hit with the reality of how inconsistent this industry is. One month you may feel like you have made a little extra money that you can stow away in your savings and the next you are barely making ends meet. When I heard that I may have a chance at qualifying for Partner Plus, I immediately began planning for it.
Have you faced any roadblocks or challenges while on your pursuit? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?
Pushing for Partner Plus was more difficult for me than when I was pushing for Twitch Partner because it involved that taboo topic of “money” that you inevitably had to discuss with your community. Explaining to my community that people choosing to subscribe to my channel with organic subs was more beneficial than people gifting subs felt a little uncomfortable. At the end of the day, educating my community on how a streamer qualifies for Partner Plus was the key to achieving it. To do this in a lighthearted way, I made a humorous PowerPoint presentation that I brought up as a talking point every once in a while throughout the 3-month qualifying period.
What did it feel like when you finally hit the numbers needed for the Plus program?
When I finally hit the numbers needed for the Plus program, I felt like there were genuinely so many people that wanted to see me succeed. It validated that people not only want to consume my content but they want me to become bigger and better. You’d be surprised how much your community is willing to step up for you.
What do you feel are the benefits of being a part of this program?
The benefits of being a part of this program are that you can finally feel like you are getting compensated fairly for the hard work that you are putting into your streams on a regular basis. That original 50-50 split is brutal.
Do you have any advice for other content creators, particularly other females, wanting to join this space?
I want to tell other content creators, particularly other females, wanting to join the space to be fearless. Post your content. Just post it. You will eventually learn what is good and what doesn’t work. You will learn how to tweak things and make things better. Just do not be afraid of what other people are going to think. Someone, somewhere out there will relate to your content and the wheel will start turning.
Finally, since you reached a huge milestone, what are some of your other goals for 2024?
My biggest goal for 2024 is to find a balance between building two businesses, managing my mental and physical health, and maintaining my social life. I’m looking forward to a year filled with many more memories with my community, the rest will follow.
