Fiona Fan started streaming on Twitch with a computer that could barely handle the software and a voice she hardly recognizes today. Five years later, the creator known as FANFAN stands as a featured creator at TwitchCon 2025, celebrating her streaming anniversary while managing the complexities of full-time content creation.

“I instantly loved it. I streamed maybe 180 hours my first month to barely any people, but it was so much fun,” Fiona recalls about her early days on the platform. Like many creators who found their calling during COVID-19 lockdowns, her streaming career began almost accidentally when her friend group’s gaming sessions outgrew Discord’s technical limitations.

“I was in school when COVID happened and went back home. Every day was just gaming with my friends,” Fiona explains. “One of my friends streamed his gameplay on Twitch so we could all hang out and watch together. That’s how I discovered Twitch.”

What began as casual gaming sessions quickly evolved into something more meaningful. “I started streaming games with my friends because I didn’t even know you could just chat with your community,” she says. That early connection, even with a small audience, became the foundation of a lasting career in the creator economy.

Finding Her Voice

Despite her natural affinity for content creation, Fiona faced big hurdles early on. “My biggest challenge was getting over being nervous on camera,” she shares. “When I watch my old videos, I sound completely different. I was terrified.”

Her anxiety led to a softer, higher-pitched tone, very different from her confident voice today. “I spoke in a gentle voice because I didn’t want to be seen as mean or rude,” Fiona explains. “My voice is naturally lower, but I used to raise it. Now I’m louder and deeper than before.”

Technical challenges added to her early struggles. “My PC was just really bad,” she laughs, recalling the upgrades she had to make as her channel grew.

Building a Career Through Consistent Growth

Unlike many creators who go viral overnight, Fiona’s journey has been slow and steady. “I don’t think I ever had a blow-up moment,” she reflects. “It’s always been consistent growth and consistent dips.”

Those ups and downs taught her patience. “If I switch from traveling to gaming or change time zones, I expect a big dip in viewership. It always climbs back slowly; it never just explodes again,” she says.

Her full-time leap came after college, when she chose streaming over grad school. “After graduation, I was supposed to apply to grad school,” she says. “Then I thought, maybe not right now. I can always go back to school, but I have this opportunity now. I’m growing, I have a community, so why not try?”

That thoughtful mindset, balancing risk with practicality, continues to guide her approach today.

Content Strategy and Daily Routine

For Fiona, streaming is the rhythm of her life. “If I’m streaming that day, everything revolves around it,” she explains. “I plan my calls around my stream, finish, eat, play games, spend time with my mom, then go to bed.”

Her channel is eclectic. “I play games, do travel content, and stream at events,” she says. This variety keeps her audience engaged while staying true to her personality. Authenticity anchors her content. “I think I share a little too much,” she admits. “Everything I secretly love, gaming, hanging with my dog, making music, playing Sudoku, I’ve shared on stream.”

That openness has built deep trust. “They know me so well,” she says of her audience. “Sometimes I think they know how I’ll react better than I do.”

The Misunderstood Business of Content Creation

Streaming may look easy, but Fiona knows better. “People don’t see why streaming can be stressful,” she says. “They think you’re just sitting there playing games or traveling. They don’t get the nuance.”

She’s quick to add, “Streaming isn’t the hardest job in the world,” but insists it still comes with real pressure and burnout. Her honesty about that balance makes her voice relatable.

Her schedule leaves little downtime. “I don’t have good balance,” she admits. “The only full days off I take are for my monthly me-day, lashes, nails, massage, but even that doesn’t leave much time for friends or family.”

TwitchCon 2025: A Milestone with Mixed Emotions

This year marked Fiona’s first experience as a featured creator at TwitchCon, aligning with her five-year anniversary. When asked to describe it in three words, she says: “Busy, humbling, and disappointing.”

The disappointment came from event mishaps. “It was unfortunate. The situation made security and Twitch look really incompetent,” Fiona shares. “And of all years, it had to be the one I was featured at.”

Still, the personal moments stood out. “I had more female streamers come up to me than ever before,” she says. “People told me I was an inspiration. No one had ever said that to me.” Their words left a mark. “They admired that I was myself,” she explains. “I used to think people disliked me for that. Getting that validation felt really good.”

The connections went beyond fans. “I talked to people who probably wouldn’t have approached me before,” she says. “They shared things I really appreciated.”

Her biggest surprise? “Usually I like hanging with friends more than fans,” she admits. “But this year, my fans made it. The love I got from them was amazing.” She describes them warmly. “They’re funny but respectful,” she says. “They really know me, probably better than I do.”

The bond is mutual. “I wouldn’t enjoy streaming without them,” she admits. “They’re the reason I love it.” That connection turns her channel into a genuine two-way relationship.

The Changing World of Live Streaming

Having streamed since 2020, Fiona has watched Twitch evolve. “I’ve noticed more overlap between different creator communities, IRL [In Real Life], gamers, everyone,” she observes. She sees that as a good thing. “I hope it keeps going. It’s good for Twitch when everyone’s connected,” she says. “Five years ago, everything felt divided.”

This unity also offers emotional support. “It’s nice knowing so many others are going through the same things, even if they make different content,” she reflects.

Practical Advice for Aspiring Streamers

Fiona’s advice is grounded in realism. “People always say just do it, but for me, the best thing I’ve done is keeping my expectations low,” she says. “It sounds pessimistic, but it helps.”

Managing expectations, she believes, is key to longevity. “The disappointment of not meeting your goals can be rough,” she explains. “Setting realistic goals helps you handle the ups and downs.”

Her biggest lesson? “Even if you’re doing great, it won’t always stay that way, and that’s okay,” she says. “Knowing that keeps you going.”

Looking Ahead: Balance and New Horizons

Fiona is finally planning her first real vacation. “I’m taking my first vacation since I started streaming,” she says. “No streams, no emails, no calls, just time off.” Her plans include visiting Toronto and family in China.

She’s also eyeing new experiences. “I’ve always wanted to skydive. I’ve seen the FaZe Clan guys do it, it looks incredible,” she laughs.

Looking back, her gratitude is clear. She concludes: “I’m so thankful for the past five years and just hope I keep loving this for as long as possible.”

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