If you’re looking for a way to make money online, have you considered Twitch? Twitch is a global community where users can watch and create livestream gaming, entertainment, music, and sports content. It’s not just a platform for gamers anymore. Twitch streamers can earn money in various ways, including donations, merchandise sales, brand deals, subscriptions, and Twitch bits. Making money on Twitch requires time and effort, but it can be a rewarding endeavor. So, let’s dive into how you can get started and make money on Twitch in 2024!
Why use Twitch to make money?
There are several online platforms where you can make money, such as YouTube, Amazon, and TikTok. But what makes Twitch stand out? Twitch is considered the next generation of entertainment, with an average of 31 million daily visitors and content from 7 million individual streamers every month. Unlike YouTube, which focuses on prerecorded and edited content, Twitch is known for its livestreaming of gaming and other real-time video content. So, if you’re passionate about livestreaming and connecting with an active community, Twitch is the platform for you.
Six ways to make money on Twitch
While making money on Twitch is possible, it’s important to understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. Building a solid foundation and audience takes time and dedication. Here are the primary ways to make money on Twitch as you progress from a “streamer” to an “affiliate” and eventually a “partner.”
1. Donations
Donations can be a great way to start earning money on Twitch, even before you qualify as an affiliate or partner. You can add a PayPal donation button to your channel description or use a third-party app like Streamlabs to set up a virtual tip jar. Encourage your viewers to support you and show their appreciation for your content.
2. Merchandise sales
Once you have a small, loyal fan base, you can consider setting up an online store to promote and sell custom merch on your Twitch channel. Popular products include hats, T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, socks, tote bags, backpacks, mugs, and stickers. Engage with your viewers and offer merchandise that resonates with your brand and community.
3. Brand deals and sponsorships
If you have a large enough audience, companies might be interested in partnering with you to get their products in front of your viewers. This can come in the form of brand deals or sponsorships, where you can either be paid or receive free products in exchange for promoting them during your streams. Focus on building your audience and creating quality content to attract potential brand partners.
4. Subscriptions
Subscriptions, also known as “subs,” allow your fans to support you on a consistent basis while receiving exclusive perks. These perks can include access to custom emotes, subscriber badges, and ad-free viewing. As an affiliate or partner, you can offer monthly subscriptions ranging from $5 to $25, with the majority of the revenue going to you.
5. Twitch bits
Twitch bits are a virtual currency that viewers can use to cheer on their favorite streamers. As an affiliate or partner, you can earn revenue from Twitch bits. Viewers can purchase bits and send them to you as a way of supporting your stream. For every gifted bit, you earn 1¢. Encourage your viewers to cheer you on and show their support with Twitch bits.
6. Ad revenue
Advertisements can be displayed during Twitch streams, but only affiliates and partners can monetize them. The more viewers who see the ad, the more money you earn. Ad breaks can range from 30 seconds to three minutes. As you grow your audience and become an affiliate or partner, you can start generating revenue from ad placements.
Essential setup to get started with Twitch
Ready to start your Twitch journey? Here’s what you need to set up and get started.
Twitch account
Sign up for a Twitch account by visiting Twitch.tv or downloading the Twitch Mobile app. You can become a Twitch streamer if you’re 13 years or older. However, if you’re between 13 and the age of majority where you live, you’ll need the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to Twitch’s terms of service.
Laptop/PC
While you can stream from a gaming console or phone, the streaming quality is better when using a laptop or desktop PC. Invest in a reliable device for a seamless streaming experience.
Camera and microphone
Having a webcam on your computer is sufficient when you’re starting out, but consider upgrading to a professional camera as your fan base grows. Additionally, invest in a good microphone to interact with your viewers and keep them engaged during your streams.
Streaming software
To share your content on Twitch, you’ll need broadcasting software. Popular options include Twitch Studio, OBS Project, Streamlabs Desktop, XSplit, Vmix, Elgato Game Capture, Live Gamer Extreme, and Lightstream. Each software has its own benefits, so do your research and choose the one that suits your needs.
How to build your Twitch audience
Building a Twitch audience takes time and effort. It’s not just about playing games; it’s about building a welcoming community and establishing a connection with your viewers. Here are some tips to help you grow your viewership:
- Be dependable: Stream on a consistent schedule so that viewers know when and where to find you.
- Interact with your viewers: Engage with your viewers and create a sense of connection. Take the time to respond to comments and make your audience feel valued.
- Seek feedback: Ask your viewers and subscribers what content they enjoy and adapt accordingly. This shows that you care about their opinions and want to provide the best experience possible.
- Cross-post: Stay active across various social media platforms and diversify your content. Reach out to potential viewers on platforms other than Twitch and provide them with a taste of what you offer.
- Stream the right games: Start with games that are less competitive and build your audience before diving into more popular titles. Find a niche that suits your style and attracts viewers who will appreciate your content.
How do you qualify to become a Twitch partner?
Becoming a Twitch partner is the ultimate goal for many Twitch streamers. To qualify as a partner, you need to achieve certain benchmarks within 30 days:
- Stream for at least 25 hours.
- Stream on 12 different days.
- Have an average of 75+ concurrent viewers.
- Have at least 50 followers.
Meeting these requirements doesn’t automatically grant you partner status. However, if you do meet them and are promoted, you gain access to more Twitch tools that can help you grow your audience and engage with your viewers on a deeper level.
Twitch affiliate vs. Twitch partner
While you work towards becoming a Twitch partner, you can join the Twitch Affiliate Program. To become an affiliate, you need to meet the following requirements over a 30-day period:
- Stream for at least eight hours.
- Stream on seven different days.
- Have an average of three or more concurrent viewers.
- Have at least 50 followers.
Unlike applying for partnership, you don’t need to apply for affiliate status. Once you meet the requirements, you automatically become an affiliate. As an affiliate, you gain access to some of the same Twitch tools as partners, including a subscription button for your viewers to support you and the ability to upload Twitch-specific emoticons called “emotes” to engage and reward your viewers.
How does Twitch pay you?
Twitch offers various payout options, including direct deposit/ACH, PayPal, CashApp, check, wire transfer, and eCheck (for non-U.S. affiliates and partners). Payouts are made once a month, usually on or around the 15th, if your account balance exceeds the thresholds of $100 for wire transfers or $50 for other payment methods. Balances that don’t meet the minimum thresholds roll over to the next month.
Bottom line
Becoming a successful Twitch streamer and making money takes time and dedication. It’s not an easy path, but with realistic expectations, measured benchmarks, and a consistent effort, you can achieve your goals. Remember, even the biggest streamers started from scratch and faced challenges along the way. Stay committed, build a welcoming community, and focus on providing entertaining and engaging content. Your dreams of making money on Twitch can become a reality!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How much money can Twitch streamers make?
- There’s no set amount that Twitch streamers earn, and revenues can vary widely. Top earners can make up to $500,000 per month, but most streamers don’t reach that level. Smaller streamers typically earn anywhere from $50 to $1,500 per month with 100 viewers or up to $30,000 per month with 10,000 viewers.
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How many followers do you need on Twitch to make money?
- You don’t need a massive following to start making money on Twitch. Even as a smaller streamer, you can earn money through donations and merchandise sales. Once you have more than 50 followers and meet other requirements, you can become an affiliate and earn cash from subscriptions, Twitch bits, and brand deals. As a partner, you can further boost your earnings with ad revenue.
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How hard is it to make money on Twitch?
- Making some money on Twitch is relatively easy, but turning it into a full-time income requires more effort. It’s important to stay committed to your goals and grind it out. If you can’t do it full-time, consider keeping it as a hobby and transitioning to full-time if you get that lucky break. Building an audience and making money on Twitch takes time, so be patient and take care of yourself along the way.