When Twitch started in 2005 as Justin.tv, it was more focused on real-life content rather than games.
Justin.tv was a small platform with user accounts called "channels. Users could stream by using the "Broadcast" function. The content was divided into many categories. Streaming on Justin.tv was possible on various devices, just like it is now on Twitch.
The platform got its first users thanks to Justin Kan's, the founder, unconventional approach. He livestreamed his life there 24/7. People watching the stream wanted to influence this "spectacle". Just 4 davs after launch, viewers had reported an alleged "stabbing" incident in Kan's apartment. Which resulted in police raiding his place. The next day, 6 fire trucks showed up, because someone reported a fire at his apartment.
Justin.tv also received a ton of media coverage, which helped a lot.
The founders noticed that e-sport content and gaming was the fastest-growing category on Justin.tv. They set up a new platform, TwitchTV, just for that. It caught on pretty fast, thanks to the earlier popularity of Justin.tv.
