After learning how to stream on Twitch, you may wonder if making money on this platform is possible. Actually, with a certain commitment, it’s even possible to make a living from streaming. This article will go through some of the ways to generate profit on Twitch and maximize revenue for long-term success.
Contents
Direct Monetization
First of all, you must become a Twitch Affiliate or Twitch Partner to generate money directly on Twitch.
You can make money as an Affiliate with bits and subscriptions. The following are the requirements for becoming an Affiliate:
-
500 minutes broadcast in the last 30 days.
-
3+ concurrent viewers over the last 30 days.
-
Minimum of 7 unique broadcast days in a month.
-
A minimum of 50 followers.
As a Twitch Partner, you'll be able to run advertising which can dramatically improve your profits. While it is more difficult to join, the rewards are well worth the effort. The following are the requirements for becoming a Partner:
-
At least 25 hours of streaming in the previous 30 days.
-
At least 12 unique broadcast days monthly.
-
An average of 75 viewers in the last 30 days.
The Audience Size
According to the StreamScheme survey, 70% of small streamers don't earn money from Twitch at all. But starting from 100 subscribers, creators might expect to make a minimum of $250 per month only from the "sub button" and even more with ad revenue. This CNBC report mentions that the average "professional" streamer earns between $3,000 and $5,000 per month. Also, sponsorships can raise the revenue dramatically. Thus they can make anywhere from $5000 to $30000 and more.
Ways to Make Money on Twitch
You should have no issue incorporating a commercial component into your streaming process as long as you stay true to your audience. Promote and sell only products you believe would benefit them. You can make money as a streamer in a variety of ways, both on and off the platform.
Direct Sources Of Income On Twitch
Subscribers
Subscriptions are paid by users once a month and are a more predictable funding source for a streamer. There are 3 ranges of subscriptions: $4.99, $9.99, and $24.99 (streamer splits 50% of the revenue with Twitch). Large broadcasters with Partner status typically receive a higher percentage of subscriber income, up to 100% in some situations.
Assume you have 10,000 followers, with 2000 of them subscribed at $4.99 a month. In this case, you will have $5000 from subscribers only. Quite good, right?
Ad Revenue
Twitch has a CPM of $3.50, which means that a streamer will receive $3.50 for every 1000 viewers who see an ad on their channel. Take note that there is no difference in how long the advertisement is. For example, a 15-second commercial pays the same as a three-minute one.
A big streamer with over 1000 concurrent viewers on every stream can make a lot of money just by running advertisements. However, this will not bring in much money if you have a small audience. If you have a small channel, you'll be lucky if you make more than $5 per month in ad revenue, assuming you run an ad about every 30 minutes.
Mid-Stream Advertisements
Mid-stream ads appear during the stream. These commercials are usually used by streamers during a slow period of their content or breaks. The streamer can run commercials at varying intervals and for different lengths. Typically, streamers inform viewers that they'll be running an ad break, so users are not shocked. Ad money is paid to the streamer based on how many people are watching.
Donations
Donations are probably the next most popular source of income among streamers. In a sense, the amount of money streamers earn is determined by their ability to engage with viewers. For some people, donations are a way to support and cheer their favorite streamer. For others, it's about gaining a momentary burst of internet popularity and seeing their name on the big screen. That's why you should use such visual incentives as Twitch alerts. These graphics pop-up when viewers contribute to you during the stream. You may modify alerts in an infinite number of ways. Discover our library of full stream packages to have alerts and many more items included.
Bits
Twitch has a local virtual currency called Bits — users can buy them to support and cheer broadcasters, gain attention in chat, vote in polls, get recognition through badges, and even more with all kinds of twitch extensions. The more viewers cheer you, the more money you get. One thousand bits is equal to $10. So a streamer will keep exactly $10 if someone donates 1000 bits.
Sources Of Income Outside of Twitch
Sponsorships
Sponsored content has various forms: affiliate links in descriptions, mentioning the product while playing, displaying the company's logo during the stream, promoting new products or upcoming games, etc. For example, you can get a sponsorship deal on Twitch with as few as 1,000 followers. Even if the streamer doesn't have a large following yet, many businesses prefer to collaborate with influencers with good content and engaging personalities.
How can you find sponsors?
-
Networking on streaming and e-sports events.
-
Using a platform that connects companies and streamers. Such as Powerspike, Athlane, and Hello Gamers.
-
Writing directly to the brand.
Merch
Lots of streamers recommend creating branded merchandise as quickly as possible. If you have something to contribute, make it, since you never know who might need it. Even if you just have 10 viewers every stream, some people are willing to support you and grab your merch.
To make your merch, you'll need to design it, print it using print-on-demand services, set up your store, and advertise it on your social media and streams!
One of the best and easiest ways to do that is Streamlabs Merch - not only do they provide you with an easy-to-use design interface that will get your merch ready in minutes, but they offer native integration with streaming platforms and lots more. On top of that, you can use it absolutely for free!
Remember to include your merch in About section of your Twitch Channel. Use our Free Twitch Panels Mega Bundle to make it look awesome.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a method of earning a commission for each purchase completed through your affiliate link. The most typical way to do this is through major retailers, where you may link to specific things like PC parts or game systems and get a percentage of sales.
For example, Amazon Associates, G-FUEL Affiliate, Corsair Affiliate, and Razer Affiliate are the four most popular affiliate programs. When you join an Affiliate Program, you enter a contract agreement. Before you sign the contract, be sure you understand everything it contains!
Subscription-Based Services
Streamers can entice viewers with subscriptions through third-party sites like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee giving them bonus content, priority, or early access to videos in exchange for a monthly charge. It's a fantastic method to supplement your income.
Quirky To Know: Who Are The Richest Streamers On Twitch?
Here are ten of the Twitch richest creators, according to the 2021 leak:
-
Critical Role – $9,626,712.16
-
xQc – $8,454,427.17
-
Summit1g – $5,847,541.17
-
Tfue – $5,295,582.44
-
NICKMERCS – $5,096,642.12
-
Ludwig – $3,290,777.55
-
TimTheTatman – $3,290,133.32
-
Altoar – $3,053,839.94
-
Auronplay – $3,053,341.54
-
Lirik – $2,984,653.70
*earnings since Sep 2019
In Conclusion
Twitch isn't a simple way to financial independence if you seek to become rich quick. However, if you enjoy streaming and want to make money doing what you love, being a streamer is a superb career. Summing up, here's a list of things you should do to start making money on Twitch:
-
Improve your streaming skills and grow your subscribers base.
-
Become a Partner to profit from Twitch adverts.
-
Encourage viewers to donate to you.
-
Motivate people to send Twitch Bits to you.
-
Make money through influencer marketing by partnering with brands.
-
Collaborate with businesses to promote products and games you love
-
Create and sell merchandise
-
Join affiliate programs and earn by promoting affiliate links
-
Inspire viewers to become 'Patreons' by providing incentives.
Making money on Twitch is by no means simple, but it is possible. Go for it! Kudos 🤟
