How to Make Money on Twitch [Guide for Streamers]

Ever since the computer was invented, people have been looking for ways to make money playing games on it, and many have gotten quite good at it.

According to Newzoo’s 2022 estimate, the audience for gaming live-streaming topped 810 million in 2021. This is in line with Newzoo’s forecast of a 10.0% increase to 728.8 million viewers in 2021. They predict that by 2025, there will be 1.41 billion people watching game livestreams worldwide, representing a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 16.3% from 2020 to 2025.

The estimated CAGR for the following regions between 2020 and 2025 is expected to be: Latin America (+19.0%), Central Southern Asia (+23.4%), and Southeast Asia (+27.6%). They also anticipate double-digit growth rates in several developing nations.

When most avid gamers and gaming enthusiasts hear the words “live streaming,” there’s one platform that often comes to their minds – Twitch. While most of these gamers also earn money from YouTube by uploading their gaming highlights, Twitch is in the mix of how these gaming influencers earn their incomes.

Twitch is the world’s leading live streaming platform that allows people to stream videos of themselves playing games and lets visitors those videos in real time. Twitch’s growth is kicking into high gear, and that escalation is a great side hustle opportunity for gamers to earn a real income from their favorite pastime. The following are the six ways you can make money on Twitch:

How to Make Money on Twitch

This post will help you learn how to make money on Twitch through six income sources:

• Twitch Partnership program
• Bit donations
• Advertising
• Sponsorships
• Affiliate marketing
• Signing on an eSports team

Let’s get started.

1. The Twitch Partner Program

For most Twitch streamers, their number one source of revenue is their subscriber base. There are two subscription levels that viewers can opt for on Twitch: $9.99 or $24.99. You will only be able to earn through subscribers after you are invited to the Twitch Partner Program.

Through the Twitch Partner Program, you will split the income from new subscribers with Twitch on a 50/50 basis. As time goes by and you become a renowned broadcaster, you can get a bigger share of the pie, in some cases, up to 100%

The good thing about the Twitch Partner Program is that the subscriptions offer a recurring income. This means that you will make money every month. 

Twitch Partners can also generate income through sponsorships, merchandise sales, and affiliate marketing. They can collaborate with brands for sponsored content, promote their own branded merchandise to their viewers, and use affiliate links to earn commissions on products or services they promote.

To become a Twitch Partner, you should focus on consistently streaming high-quality content with engaging interactions, build a substantial follower base, maintain a regular schedule, and network within the Twitch community.

While specific requirements may change over time, having a dedicated and growing viewership is crucial. Additionally, ensure your content adheres to Twitch’s terms of service and community guidelines.

It’s a process that requires dedication, but once accepted into the program, you gain access to various monetization options and support from Twitch to further grow your channel.

2. Bit Donations

Another common source of revenue for new Twitch streamers is bit donations. Viewers can buy “Bit gems,” which are Twitch’s virtual currency, and redeem them to use “cheer” emojis in your chatroom. Twitch will pay you $0.01 per bit gem used by each of your subscribers.

If you become a Twitch Partner, you will have the liberty to create your own custom emotes called “Cheernotes,” which work in a similar manner as the bit gems. The more subscribers use cheer emojis in your chatroom, the higher the amount you can expect to get.

3. Advertising

Twitch advertising is another revenue source that is reserved for Twitch Partners.

Twitch offers standard Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) pre-roll and display ads. Using the Cost Per Impression (CPM) model, they pay you for every 1K views of your ads.

There’s one aspect that can make it difficult for Twitch streamers to make a lot of money from advertising – the use of ad blockers by viewers.

To increase your chances of earning good money from this revenue source, you can request your viewers to turn off their ad blockers when they are streaming your content.

4. Sponsorships

After you gain a huge following, it can be easier for you to develop a relationship with companies that are looking to market their products.

For instance, a company can sponsor or pay you to promote them, such as using their products or wearing their merchandise when you are live streaming.

Paid live streaming is another form of sponsorship. Game developers pay broadcasters to live stream their games in front of a new audience, hoping that some of them will love the games and start playing them as well.

Getting sponsors for your Twitch channel requires a combination of dedication, audience engagement, and proactive outreach.

First and foremost, focus on building a strong and loyal community by consistently streaming high-quality content, interacting with your viewers, and growing your follower base.

As your channel gains traction, sponsors will be more interested in partnering with you.

Next, create a professional and appealing sponsorship package that outlines the benefits sponsors will receive, such as exposure to your viewership, social media mentions, and exclusive content.

Approach potential sponsors whose products or services align with your content and audience. Networking at gaming conventions and utilizing online platforms for content creators can help you find potential sponsors.

Finally, be prepared to negotiate terms, as sponsorships can vary widely in terms of compensation and obligations. Remember to maintain transparency and authenticity with your audience to build trust, as this will be crucial when partnering with sponsors.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting a service or product and giving out coupon codes to your audience.

Once someone makes a purchase using your coupon code, the seller cuts you some of the profit.

It works pretty much like sponsorship, but instead of being paid for just showing the product, you have to get your audience to purchase it.

With a huge following, affiliate marketing can often be more profitable than sponsorship. One of the desirable aspects of this model is that you don’t have to become a Twitch Partner to make money from affiliate marketing.

Making money with affiliate marketing on Twitch can be a lucrative opportunity for streamers.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Choose Relevant Products or Services: Select affiliate products or services that align with your Twitch channel’s theme, niche, or audience. This ensures that your promotions feel natural and authentic.
2. Join Affiliate Programs: Sign up for affiliate programs offered by companies or brands whose products you want to promote. Some popular affiliate networks include Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and ShareASale.
3. Create Compelling Content: Craft engaging content around the products or services you’re promoting. This can include product reviews, unboxing videos, or live demonstrations during your streams.
4. Disclose Your Affiliation: It’s essential to be transparent with your audience about your affiliate partnerships. Clearly disclose that you may earn a commission if viewers make a purchase through your affiliate links.
5. Use Affiliate Links: Share affiliate links in your Twitch channel’s description, chat, or during your streams. You can also use overlay graphics to display affiliate promotions or limited-time offers.
6. Offer Exclusive Discounts: Negotiate with affiliate programs to provide exclusive discounts or promotions for your Twitch viewers. This can incentivize them to make purchases through your links.
7. Engage with Viewers: Interact with your audience and answer their questions about the products or services you’re promoting. Building trust and credibility is crucial for successful affiliate marketing.
8. Track Performance: Monitor the performance of your affiliate links and campaigns. Most affiliate programs provide analytics and insights to help you understand which promotions are working best. To further optimize your affiliate marketing strategy, consider utilizing an affiliate tracking tool for comprehensive performance monitoring and actionable insights.
9. Diversify Partnerships: Don’t rely on a single affiliate program or product. Diversify your partnerships to reduce risk and cater to a broader audience.
10. Stay Compliant: Familiarize yourself with the FTC guidelines and ensure compliance with their disclosure requirements. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to maintain transparency and trust.
11. Build a Strong Brand: Over time, as your Twitch channel grows, your brand becomes more valuable. Focus on building a strong brand identity that resonates with your audience, making your affiliate promotions more impactful.

Remember that success in affiliate marketing on Twitch takes time and consistency. It’s essential to balance your affiliate promotions with your regular content to keep your audience engaged and interested in what you have to offer.

6. Get Signed to an eSports Team

Did you know that esports players make millions of money per year in salary? If you are a pro gamer on Twitch, chances of getting signed to an eSports team are high. All you need to do is focus on a game that you like the most and that you’re most confident as a player.

By showing off your brilliant skills on a live stream, you’ll increase your odds of being seen by and signed to an eSports team. So, Twitch can serve as a platform where you can showcase your gaming skills to another platform that can give you a full-time income.

Getting signed to an eSports team is a competitive process, but it’s possible if you have the right skills, dedication, and strategy.

Here are steps to help you increase your chances of joining an eSports team:

1. Develop Your Skills: First and foremost, you need to become exceptionally skilled at the game you want to compete in. This requires countless hours of practice, studying the game, and honing your abilities. Consider focusing on one specific game to become a specialist.
2. Choose Your Game: Select a game that you are passionate about and that has an active eSports scene. Popular eSports titles include League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, and many others. Make sure you enjoy playing the game consistently.
3. Climb the Ranks: If the game has a ranking system, strive to reach the highest ranks possible. Climbing the ladder demonstrates your skill level and dedication to potential teams.
4. Build an Online Presence: Create a strong online presence as a gamer. Start streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube. Share your achievements and highlights on social media. Engage with the gaming community by participating in forums, subreddits, and Discord servers related to your chosen game.
5. Join Local Tournaments: Participate in local eSports tournaments and competitions to gain experience and exposure. Winning or performing well in these events can attract the attention of scouts or team managers.
6. Attend LAN Events: If possible, attend LAN (Local Area Network) events and gaming conventions. These events provide opportunities to network with other players and team representatives.
7. Create a Gaming Resume: Develop a professional gaming resume that includes your gaming achievements, experience, and notable statistics. Highlight your strengths and what you can bring to a team.
8. Seek Tryouts: Many eSports teams hold tryouts or open recruitment periods. Keep an eye on the websites and social media accounts of the teams you’re interested in to know when they are looking for new players.
9. Reach Out to Scouts and Managers: Some eSports organizations have talent scouts or managers actively searching for new talent. You can proactively contact them through email or social media, sharing your achievements and expressing your interest in joining their team.
10. Stay Persistent: It can be challenging to get signed by a top-tier team immediately. Be prepared to start with smaller or less well-known organizations and work your way up. Consistency and perseverance are key.
11. Improve Your Communication Skills: In eSports, effective communication is crucial, especially in team-based games. Work on your in-game communication skills, teamwork, and adaptability.
12. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Demonstrating a positive attitude and good sportsmanship, both in victory and defeat, can make you more attractive to potential teams.

Remember that eSports is highly competitive, and not everyone will secure a spot on a professional team. Continue to improve your skills, stay dedicated, and be open to opportunities. Even if you don’t make it onto a professional team right away, you can still enjoy eSports as a hobby and potentially transition into coaching, content creation, or other roles within the industry.

Can Anyone Make Money on Twitch?

Earning money on Twitch is a goal for many Twitch streamers, and there are various ways to achieve it. Twitch offers several monetization features for streamers, including the Twitch Affiliate Program and the Twitch Partner Program.

Twitch Affiliate and Twitch Partner are different programs on the Twitch platform.

• Twitch Affiliate: To become an Affiliate, streamers need to meet certain criteria, which usually include streaming for a minimum number of hours and gaining a minimum number of followers. Affiliates can earn money through ads, donations, and subscriptions. They have access to some monetization features but not as many as Partners.
• Twitch Partner: Twitch Partners have a higher level of recognition and more benefits compared to Affiliates. They need to meet more stringent criteria, including higher viewership and consistent streaming. Partners have access to additional monetization options like custom emotes, ad revenue, and more. They also receive dedicated support from Twitch.

To become a Twitch Affiliate, streamers must meet specific criteria, such as streaming for at least 8 hours on 7 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days, maintaining an average of 3 concurrent viewers or more, and reaching at least 50 followers.

Twitch Affiliates can generate revenue through Twitch Bits, which are virtual currency viewers can purchase to cheer within the chat, and they can also earn a percentage of ad revenue when ads run on their channel.

On the other hand, if you want to make money on Twitch as a partner, you’ll have to meet certain requirements that Twitch has. These requirements are as follows:

• Grow your aduience to 1000 followers
• 25 hours broadcasted in the past 30 days
• 12 unique broadcasts in the past 30 days
• 75 oncurrent viewers (on average) in the past 30 days

Once you have met this criteria, Twitch will invite you to the affiliate platform. There you can make money as a partner by selling games, in-game items, and t-shirts. As a Twitch partner, you’re also eligible to run ads on your stream, that pay a flat-rate CPM that is usually $1 to $2 per thousand views.

Twitch Partners have the ability to run ad breaks, access custom emotes, and the option to create subscription tiers. Partnerships can also open doors to brand sponsorships and other revenue streams, making it an attractive goal for many dedicated Twitch streamers.

However, it’s important to note that achieving success and making a steady income on Twitch often requires time, dedication, and the cultivation of an engaged audience.

Many Twitch streamers start by streaming regularly, playing video games, and interacting with their viewers to encourage more viewers and engagement. This consistency can lead to increased viewership and more benefits from the Twitch Affiliate Program.

One of the key differences between Twitch Affiliates and Twitch Partners is the ability to run ad breaks. Ad revenue generated from these ad breaks can provide an additional income source for streamers.

Moreover, Twitch streamers can also earn money through other methods, such as merchandise sales. By creating their own Twitch store and selling merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, and mugs featuring their branding and custom emotes, streamers can diversify their revenue streams. This not only generates income but also strengthens the streamer’s personal brand.

Additionally, streamers can encourage viewers to subscribe to their channel for exclusive benefits like ad-free viewing, subscriber badges, and access to subscriber-only chat rooms. Subscriptions offer a steady income stream, with various subscription tiers allowing viewers to choose the level of support they want to provide.

Streamers can further increase their earning potential by promoting their Twitch store and merchandise during their streams, as well as offering exclusive content to subscribers.

Building a dedicated audience on Twitch is essential to making money on the platform. Streamers can also cross-promote their Twitch content on other social media platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook to reach a larger audience and attract more viewers.

Another source of income for Twitch streamers is donations. Viewers can use Twitch’s virtual currency, Bits, to show support during streams. Streamers receive a portion of the revenue from Bits used in their channel. Additionally, streamers can accept direct donations through platforms like PayPal, where fans can contribute money as a show of appreciation for the content.

Brand sponsorships and endorsement deals with gaming companies and other brands can be lucrative for popular Twitch streamers. These partnerships can provide additional income and opportunities for collaboration. Some streamers also expand their presence by creating YouTube videos, allowing them to monetize their content on multiple platforms.

In conclusion, while becoming a successful Twitch streamer and making money on the platform may not happen overnight, it’s certainly achievable through dedication, consistency, and various monetization strategies. Streamers should aim to build an established and engaged audience, leverage multiple revenue streams, and actively promote their content on both Twitch and other social media channels to maximize their earning potential.

How Much Does the Average Twitch Streamer Make?

On average, pro-streamers make between $3,000 to $5,000 per month just from getting subscribers to their channel. Expect to earn $2.50 to $3.50 per sub as a pro-streamer. Keep in mind, that it is very hard to make money on Twitch, and would generally take a few years of hard work to become a prostreamer.

Need More Help? Here are Frequently Asked Questions

How do Twitch streamers make money?

Twitch streamers can make money through various revenue streams, primarily by monetizing their content and engaging with their audience.

The most common income sources for Twitch streamers include advertising revenue from ads shown during their streams, subscription revenue from viewers who subscribe to their channel, and donations from generous fans.

Additionally, many streamers sell their own merchandise, collaborate with brands for sponsorships, and participate in affiliate programs like the Twitch Affiliate Program, which allows them to earn money through bits and other activities that engage their audience.

What is the Twitch Affiliate Program, and how does it work?

The Twitch Affiliate Program is a partnership program designed to help streamers monetize their content on the platform. To become a Twitch Affiliate, streamers need to meet specific criteria, such as having at least 50 followers and streaming for a minimum number of hours over a set period.

Once accepted into the program, affiliates can earn money through various means, including subscription revenue, where viewers subscribe to their channel at different tiers, cheering with bits, and a share of ad revenue when ads are shown during their streams. This program provides a stepping stone to becoming a Twitch Partner and enjoying even more lucrative benefits.

How can I start earning money on Twitch as a new streamer?

Starting to earn money on Twitch as a new streamer requires dedication and a strategic approach.

Begin by creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience, and make sure to stream regularly to build a dedicated following.

To monetize, consider running ads during your streams, setting up a donation button, and encouraging viewers to subscribe to your channel.

Don’t forget to leverage other social media accounts to promote your Twitch channel and engage with your audience across different platforms.

Keep in mind that building a substantial income may take time, as it depends on factors such as how many viewers you can attract and how well you engage with your community.

What are some other methods for making money on Twitch?

In addition to the common methods mentioned above, there are several other avenues for making money on Twitch. One option is to sell your own merchandise, such as T-shirts, hats, or mugs, through a dedicated online store linked to your Twitch channel.

You can also earn revenue from affiliate links, where you promote products and receive a commission for each sale generated through your referral.

Furthermore, consider diversifying your income by creating exclusive content for subscribers or offering coaching services for fellow streamers looking to improve their skills. Exploring various monetization strategies can help maximize your earnings potential on Twitch.

How do I become a Twitch Partner, and what are the benefits?

Becoming a Twitch Partner is an achievement that many streamers aspire to, as it comes with significant benefits. To qualify for the program, you typically need a larger and more engaged audience, often requiring an average of 75 concurrent viewers for the past 30 days.

Partners enjoy numerous perks, including a share of ad revenue generated during their streams, the ability to offer custom emotes for subscribers, and the option to run ads on their channel to generate additional income.

Achieving partner status opens up more opportunities for collaborations and sponsorships, making it a major milestone for many streamers aiming to make a living from their Twitch career.

Can I make a full-time income from streaming on Twitch?

Making a full-time income from streaming on Twitch is achievable, but it requires time, effort, and a dedicated approach.

Many top-tier streamers have reached this level of success, but it’s essential to understand that your income depends on factors such as the size and engagement of your audience, the number of subscribers and donations you receive, and the potential revenue from ads and sponsorships.

Building a full-time income typically involves consistently streaming high-quality content, fostering a loyal community, and exploring additional monetization features available on the platform.

How do I get sponsorships and brand deals as a Twitch streamer?

Attracting sponsorships and brand deals as a Twitch streamer involves several steps. First and foremost, you need to build an established and engaged audience that aligns with the brands you’re interested in partnering with.

Once you have a strong following, you can reach out to brands directly or use influencer marketing platforms like FameBit or Collabstr to connect with potential sponsors.

It’s important to have a well-defined personal brand and showcase your audience’s demographics, interests, and engagement levels to make yourself an attractive candidate for sponsorships.

Additionally, creating compelling content that showcases your professionalism and the value you can provide to brands can increase your chances of securing lucrative brand deals. Remember that building these partnerships takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent in your pursuit.

The Bottom Line

If you love gaming and would like to turn your passion into profit, creating your channel on Twitch might be the best decision you’ll ever make. With a lot more competition with major games that many broadcasters are playing, you can increase your odds of succeeding on Twitch by broadcasting games that fewer people are playing. If you manage to stand out from the competition, you’ll become the go-to broadcaster for major releases, and the more you’ll get to make good money.