Twitch presents a unique opportunity for building a business by allowing viewers to watch their favorite content creators engage in activities like video gaming, ASMR audio, or “just chatting” streams. The more viewers you attract, the more financial rewards you can earn, with some streamers making thousands of dollars monthly through channel monetization. In this article, we explore how streamers generate income on Twitch and how you can do the same.
What is Twitch?
Twitch is a livestreaming platform where content creators showcase video games, esports, music, and more in real-time, often interacting with their audience simultaneously. Video gaming dominates the platform, with over 3,000 unique games streamed at any time of the day.
Twitch provides viewers with live channels and categories they might enjoy, allowing them to scroll through the home feed, browse the Twitch directory, or search for specific video types. Fans can also subscribe to their favorite streamers for a small monthly fee. Many streams serve as hubs for users to chat, with chat rooms available on a wide range of topics. Finding a popular niche is crucial for creating a sustainable income on this versatile platform.
What is the Twitch affiliate program?
The Twitch Affiliate Program is one of two official programs available for creators to monetize their channels. Twitch automatically invites accounts that meet specific eligibility criteria to join. To qualify for the Twitch Affiliate Program, you must satisfy the following four conditions:
- Achieve 50 followers.
- Stream for at least eight hours.
- Stream on seven different days.
- Maintain an average of three viewers.
How to monetize as a Twitch affiliate
Once your channel qualifies for affiliate status, Twitch will notify you via your user dashboard, granting you access to extra monetization features.
As a Twitch Affiliate, you can earn money through two primary methods.
Twitch subscriptions
Upon joining the Twitch Affiliate Program, you can offer your own subscription tiers directly on Twitch. A “Subscribe” button will appear at the bottom right corner of your stream, allowing followers to explore subscriber benefits. For example, top streamer Ninja offers various subscription perks:
- Custom emotes for chat.
- Subscriber badges in chat.
- Ad-free viewing.
- Subscriber-only streams.
You can set up three subscription levels on Twitch: $4.99, $9.99, and $24.99 per month.
Twitch Bits
Another advantage for Twitch Affiliates is Twitch Bits, a virtual currency that viewers purchase to “cheer” streamers during live streams. Streamers earn approximately one cent per Bit. You can also set minimum Bit limits for cheering.
Streamers can create unique Cheermotes (custom emotes) for their channel, enhancing the cheering experience. Stream chats display the weekly top cheerers. For instance, a streamer with 41,700 Bits received around $417 from their top 10 cheerers.
What is the Twitch partner program?
The Twitch Partner Program is a more exclusive level for creators with established audiences, considered a step up from the Affiliate Program. You must apply to join.
While eligibility criteria are not as precise, you need a dedicated audience, regular streaming, and a positive community role model. In the “Path to Partner” achievement dashboard, complete the following milestones:
- Stream for 25 hours.
- Stream on 12 different days.
- Maintain an average of 75 viewers (excluding suggested, raid, and embed views).
How to earn money as a Twitch partner
As a Twitch Partner, you have the opportunity to monetize your streams by running ads. This approach can significantly boost your income, especially if you have a large audience, since your earnings are based on the number of ad impressions.
As noted by a Twitch streamer on Quora, you can earn $3.50 for every 1,000 ad viewers. Thus, with fewer than 1,000 viewers, your ad revenue will be minimal. Conversely, if you host streams with thousands of viewers, running ads every 30 minutes to an hour can be an excellent way to generate additional revenue.
Top 7 ways to monetize on Twitch
- Accept donations
- Include affiliate links in your profile
- Set up a Patreon
- Seek brand sponsorships and partnerships
- Sell merchandise
- Create a YouTube channel
- Offer coaching
Beyond Twitch’s official programs, there are numerous strategies to earn money on the platform. If you’re new to streaming, remember that building an audience takes time. To accelerate your channel’s growth, make a habit of streaming regularly and focus on popular games or content that viewers are eager to watch. Here are some effective methods to start monetizing your Twitch presence.
1. Accept donations
As a beginner on Twitch, you may not yet have access to subscription tiers, but you can still receive donations from your viewers. Set up a Donate button using third-party services like PayPal, or try platforms like Streamlabs to create a tip page and earn extra income through tips and donations on your channel.
For inspiration, check out MuTeX’s profile, which includes several panels linking to social media, subscription options, and a Donate button for supporters.
2. Include affiliate links in your profile
Monetize your Twitch presence with affiliate marketing by adding links to your favorite products in your profile. This approach, used by streamer Alixxa, allows you to earn a commission on purchases made through your links, boosting your monthly revenue. You can also share affiliate links in the chat during your streams when discussing specific products.
To get started, join affiliate programs of your preferred companies or engage in platform-specific programs like Amazon Associates. Mention Amazon products during your stream and include affiliate links to earn commissions on purchases made via your links.
3. Set up a patreon
For new Twitch streamers unable to establish Twitch-based subscriptions immediately, Patreon offers a way to earn income directly from subscribers. This platform allows creators to offer varied subscription tiers, each with distinct perks. Streamers can define their tiers and list the benefits at each level. For instance, you might offer a personalized shout-out to subscribers at a certain tier.
4. Seek brand sponsorships and partnerships
Brand sponsorships and partnerships can be lucrative for well-established channels. While brands benefit from partnering with micro-influencers (with 10,000 to 100,000 followers), they also seek streamers with substantial audiences to ensure a worthwhile collaboration. Sponsorships can take different forms, such as product mentions within a stream.
However, remember to inform your viewers about paid promotions and comply with Twitch’s Terms of Service by including a disclaimer like, “This is a promotion by [Your Name]. Twitch does not sponsor or endorse this promotion and is not responsible for it.” Alternatively, brands may sponsor entire streams, allowing streamers to feature sponsor names in their stream titles, increasing brand visibility even if viewers miss direct mentions.
5. Sell merchandise
Selling your own merchandise can be a profitable venture and bolster your brand. Consider offering items like t-shirts, hoodies, pens, and hats featuring your logo or design. Establishing a shop on platforms such as Shopify enables you to sell merchandise and generate revenue.
6. Create a YouTube channel
Expand your reach by starting a YouTube channel, allowing your audience to engage with and share your content beyond the Twitch platform. This new outlet provides another income stream through YouTube monetization.
7. Offer coaching
Leverage your audience to offer services to aspiring Twitch streamers. Provide coaching to share your expertise in building a Twitch audience. Additional services could include profile customization, graphic design for panels and banners, merch design and store setup, and brand development as a streamer. Any skills you’ve honed on Twitch can become valuable services for emerging streamers.
Earning potential on Twitch
On Twitch, you can start getting paid every 15 days through direct deposit or PayPal once your account exceeds $50, or $100 for wire transfers. Your income depends on your average viewers and streaming frequency, with other factors like subscribers and donations also influencing earnings.
Estimated monthly earnings vary with viewer count, ranging from $50–$200 for 5–10 viewers to $30,000 for 10,000 viewers. While building even a small viewer base can take time, Twitch is a good platform for those pursuing a career in professional gaming.
Building your twitch audience
To grow your Twitch audience, focus on these strategies:
- Establish your niche: Specialize in specific content to attract a dedicated following.
- Engage actively with viewers: Interact with your audience through regular streams, chat engagement, and subscriber-exclusive events.
- Expand your network: Collaborate with other streamers and participate in live chats to build connections and increase visibility.
- Develop your personal brand: Utilize multiple platforms, like YouTube, X, and Instagram, to promote your channel and enhance your reach.
