Being a streamer is different from being a YouTuber – Wode Maya

Popular Ghanaian YouTuber and content creator, Wode Maya, has highlighted the differences between being a streamer and a YouTuber, stressing that live streaming demands nonstop energy and engagement.

Speaking in an interview with Bola Ray on Starr FM on January 31, 2026, Wode Maya explained that while YouTubers can take breaks and rely on editing, streamers must remain entertaining throughout the entire live session.

“Being a streamer is different from being a YouTuber. A streamer has to entertain the audience 24/7 because they’re watching you live. If I’m doing a YouTube video, I can relax when I’m tired. We then edit the interesting parts and put them out there,” he said.

According to him, streamers do not enjoy the luxury of editing out dull moments, making the job far more demanding.

“He can’t edit, so he has to entertain you for five hours,” he stated.

Wode Maya used popular American streamer IShowSpeed as a case study, describing his energy levels as extraordinary after spending time with him during his visit to Ghana.

“IShowSpeed’s energy is on another level. I was with him and was asking how he was doing all that. It’s insane and at some point, I said I couldn’t do it anymore,” he shared.

IShowSpeed wasn't happy with crowds and leaked plans - Wode Maya

He described the experience as eye-opening, saying he had the opportunity to observe IShowSpeed closely while he worked.

“It was a beautiful moment walking with him and me being behind the scenes watching him do his thing,” he noted.

Wode Maya further explained that many people misunderstood the logistics behind IShowSpeed’s Ghana stream, particularly the need to keep activities within close proximity.

“I wanted to showcase a bit of Ghana, but what people didn’t understand was that he didn’t have to be anywhere for 15 minutes apart. That’s the law for streaming. When he’s moving from one location to another, it shouldn’t be more than 15 minutes because the audience would drop,” he explained.

Wode Maya added, “They need to be entertained at all times and that’s why we needed to put all activities in one place.”

FG/EB

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