Twitch has not only become the most popular online hub for gamers, but it also offers a distinctive opportunity to earn money on the internet. With an average of approximately 3 million viewers at any given time, there is ample potential to generate income.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with essential information to begin your journey as a prosperous Twitch streamer. Continue reading to gain insight into Twitch’s functionality, its workings, and tactics to generate income from it.
What Is Twitch?
Twitch, which is a subsidiary of Amazon, is a service that offers live video streaming for video games and esports competitions.
Twitch boasts a sizeable monthly active user community consisting of numerous viewers and members who log in consistently to watch content and interact with fellow users through live chat.
Twitch streamers create content covering a wide range of topics, including video games such as Grand Theft Auto, art demonstrations, and music performances. Moreover, politicians make use of Twitch channels to live stream town hall-style meetings.
Twitch offers an exceptional, enjoyable, and informative viewing experience that caters to a wide range of interests.
However, it has been discovered that one can also generate significant wealth on Twitch by strategizing effectively. In reality, a handful of Twitch streamers have successfully amassed millions of dollars in earnings through gaming. So, why not become a part of their league?
Best Ways on How to Make Money on Twitch
We have compiled 12 excellent methods for streamers to generate income on Twitch, regardless of whether they are new to streaming or have already become part of the Twitch Affiliate or Partner Program.
How to make money on Twitch as a beginner
If you are new to streaming on Twitch, remember that it may take a while for your channel to gain traction. To get your channel going, make sure to regularly go live and stream popular games that viewers are interested in.
After gaining a small number of viewers for each stream, here are some methods to begin earning money.
1. Donations
Even though you are a beginner, you can still accept donations from viewers who watch your video streams, although you don’t have the capability to establish subscription tiers at the moment.
You have the option to establish this feature with the assistance of an external organization. Arrange the inclusion of a donation button on your account via PayPal, or utilize a platform like Streamlabs to create a tipping page and begin acquiring additional funds through tips and donations on your Twitch channel.
2. Amazon Associates
The Amazon Associates program is designed specifically for new streamers who want to generate some affiliate income. By participating in this program, streamers are able to promote Amazon products and insert affiliate links on their channel during livestreams. When a viewer decides to purchase the mentioned product, the streamer will receive a percentage of the sale as their commission.
3. Patreon subscriptions
Patreon offers an excellent opportunity for new streamers on Twitch to generate income directly from subscribers, given that they are unable to instantly establish Twitch-based subscription programs. By utilizing Patreon, streamers can conveniently establish subscription tiers and specify the associated benefits for each level.
How to make money on Twitch as an affiliate
If you have been using Twitch for a certain period of time, you might receive an invitation to become a member of the Twitch Affiliate Program. The conditions needed to be met in order to qualify for this program are outlined below.
- At least 500 total minutes broadcast in the past 30 days
- At least seven unique broadcast days in the past 30 days
- An average of three concurrent viewers or more over the past 30 days
- At least 50 followers
Once your channel meets the requirements for affiliate status on Twitch, you will receive a notification on your user dashboard. This will provide you with the chance to access the extra affiliate features and explore the various monetization options available to Twitch Affiliates.
1. Twitch subscriptions
After being accepted into the Twitch Affiliate Program, you gain the ability to offer subscription tiers directly through Twitch. The Subscribe button is situated at the bottom right corner of your stream, allowing followers to click and discover the perks they will receive upon subscribing.
You have the option to establish three distinct subscription tiers on Twitch, priced at $4.99, $9.99, and $24.99 monthly.
2. Twitch Bits
Twitch Bits, a type of virtual currency, is a bonus feature for Twitch Affiliates. Viewers can send these Bits to streamers as a way to show support during their live streams. For every Bit received during a stream, streamers earn 1ยข.
Followers can be restricted by streamers in terms of the minimum amount of Bits or cheers they can contribute.
Cheermotes are visual options that Bits offer, and followers have the opportunity to buy Bits in large quantities to support their cherished streamers or give them as gifts while enjoying gameplay or commentary.
The Weekly Top Cheerers are displayed in the stream chats. To illustrate, this streamer garnered a total of 41,700 Bits from their supporters. This amount is equivalent to $417 and solely originated from their top 10 cheerers.
How to make money as a Twitch Partner
Becoming a Twitch Partner takes one’s Twitch Affiliate status to the next level. Rather than Twitch extending invitations to potential Affiliates, streamers must take the initiative to apply for the Twitch Partner Program.
1. Twitch Partner Program
Having an established and engaged audience, regularly streaming, and being a role model in your community are the requirements for this program, although the eligibility guidelines are not completely straightforward.
To achieve the Path to Partner, you must also accomplish these milestones on the achievement dashboard.
- Stream for 25 hours
- Stream on 12 different days
- Average of 75 viewers
After that, an additional opportunity to earn money on Twitch will be available to you in the form of advertising revenue.
2. Twitch ads
Running ads during your streams becomes possible once you attain Twitch Partnership. Implementing this tactic allows you to generate additional earnings. Nevertheless, for this monetization strategy to achieve optimal results, it is crucial to have a substantial viewership since you receive payment based on the number of ad impressions.
In line with a Quora response provided by a Twitch streamer, earning from advertisements amounts to $3.50 for every 1,000 viewers. Hence, if the stream you host garners fewer than 1,000 viewers, the revenue generated per ad is minimal.
Nevertheless, if you possess a substantial audience in the thousands on your livestream, incorporating a brief advertisement every 30 to 60 minutes can serve as an effective method to generate extra income.
How to make money on Twitch with a large audience
After developing a larger audience, you can employ numerous extra methods to generate income on Twitch.
1. Brand sponsorships and partnerships
Having aligned companies as brand sponsors or partners is an effective way for large channels to generate revenue. Although partnering with micro-influencers (content creators with approximately 10,000 followers) may offer benefits for companies, brands still prefer to ensure that streamers they sponsor have a significant viewership to make the partnership worthwhile.
There are various ways in which brand sponsorships and partnerships can be executed. For instance, a streamer may endorse a brand by discussing its product or service during a live stream. Such advertisements can appear naturally as the content creator genuinely shares their admiration for the product or service with their audience during a typical stream.
As a streamer, it is necessary to inform viewers that you have received payment for promoting a certain product or service. Moreover, in accordance with Twitch’s Terms of Service, it is important to specify that Twitch is not affiliated with this promotion. This can be done through a disclaimer such as, “I, [Your Name], would like to mention that this promotion is being sponsored by me and is not endorsed or sponsored by Twitch.”
2. Merchandise
Once you have established a considerable following, an additional approach to earn money is through selling your own branded merchandise. These could include products such as t-shirts, blankets, hoodies, pens, and hats featuring your logo or unique designs.
3. Affiliate marketing
Just like the previously mentioned Amazon Associates, affiliate marketing is a method of earning income through commissions when people utilize your affiliate link to make purchases. To begin, you must sign up for the affiliate programs of your preferred companies and obtain approval. Following that, you can utilize your Twitch audience to boost your earnings.
If, for instance, you mention a product during your Twitch stream, you have the option of sharing your affiliate link in the chat so that viewers can go and make a purchase. As a result, you will earn a portion of that purchase.
By incorporating your favorite products into your Twitch profile, you enable others to explore and purchase those appealing items. Generate revenue as a Twitch streamer through affiliate marketing, simply by featuring your preferred products in your Twitch profile.
Tips For Making A Lot Of Money On Twitch
Before you rush to open an account, become a broadcaster, and strive for Affiliate streamer status, there are a few considerations to bear in mind.
Figure out your content
Take some time to contemplate what you have to offer on Twitch. With numerous users on the platform, it can be challenging to distinguish yourself and captivate audiences.
To excel in your field, it is advantageous to focus on your strengths and specialize in them. For instance, if you have a talent for outmaneuvering opponents in chess, establishing it as your niche would be ideal. Similarly, being exceptionally skilled in Counter-Strike or mastering the electric guitar could also define your expertise.
Take it one step at a time by focusing on one area first and making efforts to cultivate an audience. Provide people with a compelling incentive to return to your channel each time they tune in.
Create quality content
Being magnetic on Twitch is the challenging aspect; in simpler terms, you need to be one of those individuals that users associate with upon accessing Twitch.
Quality content is the most important factor in this situation. It necessitates a significant amount of effort, as well as ensuring that the content is both engaging and valuable. Achieving this requires dedication and consistency, as even a few subpar pieces can result in losing followers.
Show some personality
In order to set yourself apart from the crowd on Twitch, consider taking unique actions. For instance, you could opt for coloring your hair purple or dressing in costumes during your gaming sessions.
Consider ways to create a unique element that captures people’s attention and holds their interest on your channel. Unless you possess noteworthy skills that engage viewers, mundane content on this platform will repel them.
Concurrent users are important
Having a considerable number of simultaneous viewers is beneficial for achieving success on Twitch. Essentially, it is necessary to have a substantial audience actively participating in the chat feature.
Having concurrent viewers is essential for showcasing the relevance and appeal of your content, as it helps seize followers’ attention. It serves as a gateway to attracting advertisements, generating subscriptions, and earning significant revenue on Twitch. Without the presence of concurrent viewers, maximizing earnings can become quite challenging.
Be respectful on video and in chat rooms
It’s a no-brainer, but it must be emphasized that being respectful and pleasant is a requirement on Twitch.
Using threatening, racist, or offensive language will lead to consequences, although it is permissible to engage in trash talk or display an attitude. If you struggle to control your words, it is advisable to refrain from streaming on platforms like Twitch or any other.
Think beyond Twitch
Instead of solely relying on the Twitch platform, certain top Twitch earners generate significant earnings from alternative online activities by effectively monetizing their Twitch channels.
Generating ad revenue from YouTube videos is one of the most popular ways streamers earn income outside of Twitch. After concluding a live stream, you have the option to upload the video on YouTube to maximize earnings through ads and attract more followers.
By having a Patreon page, you have the opportunity to supplement your Twitch earnings. This platform enables your followers to financially support your content through regular donations.
Have fun
Don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself! Make sure your content remains engaging and enjoyable. Viewers often tune in for the streamer’s personality, not just for the shared videos.
Don’t hesitate to showcase your passion if you love doing something. This will create a connection with Twitch viewers and ensure their ongoing interest.
The Bottom Line
Do you think you possess the necessary skills to monetize a Twitch channel? You can only find out by giving it a try.
It is possible to earn money on Twitch’s streaming platform, and if you achieve success, you have the potential to join the numerous influencers who monetize their Twitch streams.
Dedicate some time to observe renowned Twitch streamers, making sure to jot down observations in a notebook. Pay close attention to their techniques for keeping audiences interested and engaged, and aim to replicate those strategies on your own channel.
By attempting this approach, you have the potential to generate Twitch subscriptions and earn income for yourself, which can transform a pleasurable pastime such as playing games into a potentially profitable side gig.
