“This is a multi-generational, multi-gendered, multi-ethnic, multi-racial, movement of conscious-minded people. That’s who we are. That’s what we are. And we are not going to let anybody divide us. We’re coming together to transform this nation.”

These are just a few of the messages heard in MoveOn’s first-ever political ad on Twitch, that premiered live Thursday, March 4 on The Young Turks’ (TYT) channel.

TYT is an award-winning progressive news show that generates over 250 million views per month. The name The Young Turks was inspired by the definition provided in the American Heritage Dictionary: a young, progressive or insurgent member of an institution, movement or political party.

MoveOn engaged viewers on the channel to co-create the ad backing “the people’s champ,” Nina Turner, in her campaign for a seat in the U.S House of Representatives.

On Twitter, Turner’s campaign ad received 145,000 views and it reached about 200,000 views on Facebook.

In October 2020, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hopped on her personal Twitch channel to play the murder mystery game “Among Us,” while also urging her young viewers to register to vote and make a plan to get to the polls. 

In a recent interview with AL DÍA News, Jordan Uhl, the video distribution manager for MoveOn, said that the Nina Turner ad was simply an idea that popped into his head.

“It’s an interesting site and the chat and community function work really well; so leveraging that for something like an ad would be fun. And it turned out really well,” he said.

Uhl believes that Twitch is a very strong platform for these kinds of campaigns, as it very easily fosters parasocial relationships.

Two weeks ago, during a TYT stream, activists directed the MoveOn team on messaging, use of sound bites, B-roll, music, audio levels and more. Through the chat, Twitch viewers were able to give their input on the production process.

With a platform like Twitch, supporters can quickly be turned into mobilizers. Elected officials can use it to directly talk to their constituent base and connect with them in a unique way.

“[Using Twitch] does this in a way that’s more altruistic and engaging, rather than just going on MSNBC or CNN, and just hoping to get a hit. In this case, you’re speaking to an audience that most likely already likes you, or is interested in what you have to say,” Uhl explained.

For instance, Ocasio-Cortez, who already has a large following on social media, showcased her relatability factor through playing the popular game Among Us on Twitch, while also stressing the importance of voting.

Uhl said that his team spent a large portion of 2020 discussing how Twitch is a great way to break through to people during a time when rallies are out of the question, but he thinks that it will continue.

“People are now accustomed to this medium and have formed this habit of consumption,” he said.

Uhl believes that this type of ad is successful because it takes issues that matter to voters and places them at the forefront.

Cenk Uygur, host and founder of The Young Turks, said that the ad is “a testament to the power of the progressive base when we work together towards creating positive change.”