A streamer's channel is growing rapidly, but engagement is low. What specific community-building strategy should they implement FIRST?

If a streamer's channel is growing rapidly but engagement is low, the specific community-building strategy they should implement FIRST is to actively and consistently engage with viewers in chat during streams. Low engagement despite rapid growth suggests that while the streamer is attracting new viewers, they are not effectively converting them into active members of the community. Proactively interacting with chat addresses this directly by making new and existing viewers feel seen, heard, and valued. This includes responding to messages, asking questions, acknowledging contributions, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Simple actions like calling out viewers by name, answering their questions about the game, or reacting to their emotes can significantly increase their sense of connection to the streamer and the community. Furthermore, the streamer should actively encourage conversation among viewers themselves, fostering a sense of shared identity and belonging. While other community-building strategies like creating custom emotes, hosting community events, or setting up a Discord server are also valuable, actively engaging with viewers in chat provides the most immediate and direct way to address the issue of low engagement and build a stronger sense of community.