D-Live who?
Despite tapping into a streaming venture with the relatively new (and unknown) platform D-Live, Pewdiepie recently signed on a deal to exclusively stream on YouTube.
He’s back to stream, boys!
Goodbye D-Live
Last year, Pewdiepie announced an exclusive live-streaming deal with D-Live.
He bragged about the platform as a service that “puts creators first,” considering D-Live promised better benefits and financial perks for content creators compared to major platforms like Twitch and Mixer.
It seems like his exclusive 1-year deal with the platform ended in April, and now he’s back and ready to stream on his home court.
Back on YouTube to Stream
The YouTube icon, who garnered over 104 million subscribers, said in a press release:
“YouTube has been my home for over a decade now and live streaming on the platform feels like a natural fit as I continue to look for new ways to create content and interact with fans worldwide.”
To date, Pewds generated more than 25 billion views on the platform.
The numbers put him on the forefront of having the most views of any individual channel on YouTube.
“Live streaming is something I’m focusing a lot in 2020 and beyond, so to be able to partner with YouTube and be at the forefront of new product features is special and exciting for the future.”
Similar exclusive streaming deals were also offered to other notable stars like CouRage, Valkyrae, LazarBeam, Lachlan, and Muselk.
By including Pewdiepie into its official roster, YouTube may be stepping up its game with other live streaming platform rivals.
YouTube Gaming also announced the news on their official Twitter handle, along with a GIF of the bro-fist legend:
Guess who's streaming exclusively on YouTube now? pic.twitter.com/05DXIwkkyz
— YouTube Gaming at 🏠 (@YouTubeGaming) May 4, 2020
“Guess who’s streaming exclusively on YouTube now?”
Fans and fellow content creators Lazarbeam, MrBeast, CouRageJD, Valkyrae, and more are all delighted by the sight of the familiar face:
“Easily the best pickup in the streamer wars yet. GOAT.”
“Really cool! The king is back!”
“Amazing! Congratulations @YouTubeGaming family. What a year!”
Making amends
Setting aside YouTube and Pewdiepie’s differences in the past, the deal comes three years after the platform cut its business deals with the star over a string of controversies.
His success on the platform came with several online controversies; such as anti-Semitic jokes, Nazi imagery, and when he dropped the n-word during a PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds livestream.
Pewdiepie has long since apologized for his mistakes.
There was various evidence of Pewds’ apparent toxicity on his viral YouTube videos, making advertisers and businesses hesitant to invest on the platform.
As a result, some advertisers pulled out of YouTube (an event branded as the adpocalypse). The platform also struggled to craft new rules and regulations to appease advertisers.
To confirm the news, a YouTube spokesperson said:
“While we can’t share specifics, our goal is to provide the best gaming content out there. We’re excited to provide even more great content in a variety of formats all in one place.”
