Max Lysser, a full-time streamer on TikTok, engages deeply with his community, fostering a family-like bond despite never meeting many viewers in person. He balances his streaming schedule and personal life while earning around 4,500 Swiss Francs monthly, primarily through donations. Despite the allure of streaming, he faces challenges such as harassment and the risk of burnout, yet remains hopeful about leveraging his experience for a future in marketing or social media.
Max Lysser: A Journey into the Streaming World
“Hello, hello, hellooo!” Max Lysser enthusiastically greets his audience as he goes live on TikTok. At that moment, a transformation occurs: he embodies both the personal Max and a captivating storyteller. Max, who has been streaming for eight years, has recently transitioned to full-time streaming. “I heard your exam went well, Schrodi! Are you ‘ready’ for the job interview, Caro?” he engages directly with his community members.
Though he has never met many of his regular viewers in person, he knows intimate details about their lives. “For me, they are like a second family,” he shares. During his streams, which last anywhere from two and a half to four hours, the dynamic between Max and his “Chat” flourishes as they exchange stories, share jokes, and ask questions. With audience numbers fluctuating between 50 and 100, the flow of messages keeps Max talking almost non-stop.
Max’s Streaming Strategy and Income
When asked why viewers are inclined to donate small virtual gifts, one follower quips, “How else is he supposed to pay his rent?” Another user, Heidi, adds, “You pay for Netflix too.” This indicates that while Max is primarily viewed as an entertainer, his identity as a gamer is secondary.
This entertainer persona is also evident on Max’s Instagram, where he posts daily videos that resonate with his audience, addressing trending topics like “killer clowns” during Halloween. “Comedy and gaming go hand-in-hand for me. Plus, these videos might lead some people to discover my livestreams,” the 22-year-old explains. He once humorously repeated “Chuchichästli” 11,000 times to celebrate hitting 11,000 followers—now, he boasts over 40,000 followers.
Max streams three times a day—during lunch, at 6:00 PM, and from 10:00 PM until around 1:00 AM—timing that aligns with when many people relax or finish work. Balancing this schedule with his personal life has posed challenges for him and his girlfriend, but they’ve found a way to make it work. His friends often visit him in the afternoon, knowing he will be busy streaming later.
Since committing to streaming full-time in May 2024, Max has managed to earn around 4,500 Swiss Francs a month, with income sources fluctuating. About 60 percent of his earnings come from TikTok, primarily through donations in the form of gift emojis. “Another 20 percent comes from subscriptions, known as ‘subs,’ with the rest from partnerships,” he clarifies.
However, the donation system on TikTok has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the lack of control creators have over who sends them money. “I couldn’t feel right if a 12-year-old sent me 500 Francs,” Max admits, highlighting the ethical concerns. He once refunded a mother after her son used her credit card to donate to him, as TikTok retains a portion of donations.
Manuel Oberholzer, co-organizer of HeroFest in Bern, notes that while streaming has become a sought-after career, it requires significant effort. “Only a select few manage to achieve true success or earn a living from it,” he cautions. A 2021 leak revealed that top streamers can earn millions annually, but this is not the norm. An analysis indicated that merely 0.06 percent of Twitch streamers can support themselves solely through streaming.
Swiss streamers face unique challenges due to high living costs, which further complicate their financial situations. “This is like professional sports: prize money and sponsorship come from the international scene,” explains Manuel, emphasizing that sponsors may be unwilling to pay more just because a streamer is based in Switzerland.
At HeroFest, Max experiences the excitement of being recognized by fans, which he finds both new and enjoyable. Despite his love for streaming, he acknowledges that it may not be a lifelong career. “There comes a time when you can’t keep up the energy to engage with every message in the chat,” he reflects. He hopes to leverage his streaming experience to establish a future in marketing or social media.
While Max appreciates the perks of his profession, he has faced negative experiences, including threats and harassment. “I’ve received messages like: ‘I know where you live,’ or even death threats,” he shares. Initially troubled by such encounters, he now takes swift action to block offenders.
Streamers often grapple with the pressures of staying relevant, constantly producing content, and maintaining viewer engagement, which can lead to burnout. The term “Streamer Burnout” has become common on platforms like Reddit.
Notable figures in the streaming world, such as Richard Tyler Blevins (Ninja), have spoken about their struggles with burnout. “I streamed for 11 years and felt trapped in an unbreakable loop,” he revealed on Good Morning America. Max understands the potential for overload in this profession but feels fortunate to have the support of his partner and family, which he believes helps him navigate challenging times successfully.