Even if you enjoy watching other people play video games, the long, multi-hour streams found on live video game streaming services can test your patience. For a more condensed alternative, check out FreshCut. The platform offers half-minute videos that get straight to the point with entertaining game clips. FreshCut is an appealing idea, but it currently feels like a weird experiment compared to Twitch, a robust, Editors’ Choice-worthy platform.
(Credit: PCMag)
Getting started with FreshCut
You can view FreshCut in your web browser or via an Android or iOS app. Creating an account costs nothing. When you sign up, FreshCut asks you to choose a profile picture from a selection of funny faces from pop culture. I went with fat Bugs Bunny aka Big Chungus.
FreshCut then asks you which games you want to track to initially populate your video feed. You’ll find the big esports treasures that dominate the larger video game streaming landscape like Call of Duty: Warzone and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Most of the other major games also appear as options, such as the classic shooter Half-Life, old Mario Kart racing games, and the latest Mortal Kombat.
You can rely on our reviews
However, the library has some strange omissions. You can watch Heroes of the Storm, but not StarCraft? Tetris 99, but no other Tetris game? Cuphead, but no Celeste? It seems that games are listed as soon as a user decides to upload a video for that game, and no one has uploaded anything yet for some of these undeniable hits. It reflects how FreshCut’s community still has a lot to grow, an issue I’ll discuss later in this review.
(Credit: PCMag)
Watch videos on FreshCut
Once you’ve completed your profile, it’s time to start watching videos. FreshCut is essentially TikTok for gamers. Most of the videos are just over 30 seconds in length (none I saw were longer than a minute), and they usually feature the most exciting moment cut from a stream: fighting game pop-offs, impossible snipes, funniest VR failings. . Video game footage naturally lends itself to hilarious online memes, and FreshCut takes that exceptionally well.
Just like with TikTok, you can keep scrolling to get new surprises. This works especially well on mobile. However, you can also customize your searches by looking at trending tags, adding new games to your account, and following more creators. FreshCut even puts together its own playlists that combine clips from different channels into some easy-to-digest packages, such as “FGC Highlights” and “League of Legends Weekly Roundup”. Videos are not broadcast live, but you can like clips, leave comments and share clips on social media.
(Credit: PCMag)
Becoming a FreshCut Maker
As a viewer, FreshCut is a fun, low-stakes activity. However, many people now make a living playing online games, so they need to know if a platform is worth their limited time. In that context, FreshCut is harder to recommend.
For starters, there aren’t that many users. The most popular games have only a few thousand followers, the best creators only a few hundred, and the number of views across the board is extremely low.
To the credit of the platform, it seems that most creators don’t create content specifically for FreshCut. Instead, they upload short clips from their longer, pre-existing Twitch streams, which is a smart idea. FreshCut lacks live streaming tools, so creators don’t have to learn new broadcast software. They just upload the file and move on.
(Credit: PCMag)
However, you need to meet some requirements to become a FreshCut maker. You need at least 25,000 followers on Twitch or YouTube; at least 5,000 followers on Facebook Gaming, Instagram or TikTok; or at least an average of 2000 views on your clips. That’s probably more than most casual users. You can also join FreshCut’s Discord server to learn more about the service and network with other creators.
As for getting paid, FreshCut offers currency called FreshCut Diamonds. With Diamonds, viewers can tip their favorite creators, access VIP benefits (merch, access to events), and influence decisions as part of the community. Unfortunately, FreshCut Diamonds is a cryptocurrency, which means participants must set up a wallet on the blockchain. That gives the whole affair a dubious atmosphere.
Why you should play on a PC
Cut to size
In their own way, TikTok and Twitch have massively changed the way young people interact with online video, and FreshCut takes advantage of both delivery styles by providing instant access to fun, short, personality-driven video game clips. That said, a relatively small community, a less than extensive game library and deplorable use of cryptocurrency make it difficult to fully embrace the platform. In any case, enjoy what FreshCut has to offer now. Don’t be shocked if it doesn’t last when the 30 seconds are up.
Need more help starting your streaming journey? Check out our ultimate game streaming guide, as well as our tips for streaming with OBS.
Like what you read?
Sign up for Lab results to get the latest reviews and top product advice delivered straight to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertisements, offers or affiliate links. By subscribing to a newsletter, you indicate that you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
0 Comments