Stream Hatchet's Report on Gen Z Voter Engagement via Live Streaming

Stream Hatchet, a subsidiary of GameSquare Holdings, has released a report ahead of the U.S. elections, focusing on the rise of political engagement among Gen Z through live streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. As young voters diverge from traditional media, these platforms have become vital for real-time political discourse.

Key findings highlight a 513% increase in political streaming activity, with major events like debates driving significant viewership. Gen Z's engagement is notable, with 117 million hours of streams featuring Kamala Harris on YouTube compared to 203 million hours for Trump streams. Furthermore, Tim Walz received the highest positive sentiment during live chats.

Suspicious activities were noted, with 35% of political viewership on YouTube Live connected to channels showing signs of "view botting." Top streams featured major news outlets hosting presidential debates, with ABC News' debate pulling 5 million viewers. Stream Hatchet's report underscores the evolving landscape of political engagement through interactive, digital platforms.