On May 22, 120 influencers and aspiring Twitch streamers crowded onto the campus of the University of Akron to attend Streamer University, a weekend-long event where top Twitch streamer Kai Cenat would educate them on how to become the internet’s next big star.
For the days that it was in session, Streamer University content was some of the highest-performing content on Twitch. Cenat accumulated over 10 million views during orientation/move-in day alone, while dozens of student streamers saw their numbers swell to new heights. The event was a historic moment online, not just because of the numbers it generated, but it showed what next-generation reality television might look like.
The Streamer University content was immersive, character-driven, and had plenty of drama and controversy. At least one attendee suffered an eye injury after a mishap involving an Orbeez gun. There was also Covid outbreak, which put attendees’ health in physical danger. But Cenat created a choose-your-own-adventure reality show where you could watch the streams of different attendees and interact in the chat, which became irresistible to thousands of kids online.
Cenat, who boasts over 17 million followers on Twitch and 14 million on Instagram, designed Streamer University as entertainment mixed with some actual education. His curriculum included courses like “Internet Beef 101” taught by Gen Z influencer DDG, a “Defense Against Hating” class taught by content creator ImDontai, and a culinary class by cookingwithkya, a 23 year old Instagram influencer whose catch phrase is “wake up and make your man breakfast before I do.” Participants lived on campus, attending classes and streaming their experiences, allowing viewers to engage heavily in real-time.
Cenat selected all the students for Streamer University himself and urged participants to take it seriously. Some students were kicked out for disrespecting him as the headmaster of the school and for hosting unapproved parties. The 150 young influencers who were selected had their “tuition,” food, and lodging paid for. At the end of the weekend, those who made it through were presented with awards and a diploma.
What made Streamer University stand out so much was that not only was it formatted like a reality competition show and packed to the brim with promising entertainers, but it also felt like a collective moment online, even for those not involved.
In addition to the spike in Twitch viewership on various streamers’ channels, TikTokers, YouTubers, and Instagram news outlets posting up-to-the-minute coverage of the events and developments at Streamer University were also able to attract new eyeballs. As people online are increasingly inundated with short-form video content and ephemeral media, they are craving deeper and more immersive collective events online.
Cenat has not announced if he will do a second class of Streamer University, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see other creators attempt to replicate or evolve the format of bringing together dozens of up-and-coming creators for livestreamed events.
– Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor
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