Twitch is a promising avenue for gamers and entertainers who are looking to turn their passion into profit. The online video service has a massive reach, averaging 7M unique streamers per month and 35M daily visitors.
Some of Twitch’s top earners, like Kai Cenat and Jynxzi, reportedly make up to seven figures annually. However, getting to that point can be difficult, as these popular streamers boast millions of followers and dedicate several hours each day to broadcasting content and hosting fellow creators on their channels.
Despite this, you don’t have to be a pro-level gamer or influencer to thrive on the platform. With the right strategies, you too can cultivate an audience and learn how to make money on Twitch.
How to Sign Up for Twitch
If you’re interested in streaming and making money on Twitch, you’ll first need to make a Twitch account. You can do so by heading to https://www.twitch.tv/ and clicking the Sign Up button in the top-right corner. Afterward, you’ll be redirected to the window below.
You used to be able to join Twitch via your Facebook account, but as of 2020, this is no longer possible. Instead, you’ll be prompted to create a unique username for your channel and a password that is secure to keep your account safe. You’ll also have to enter your date of birth since you have to be at least thirteen years old to register. Finally, after verifying your email or phone number, you’ll be all set to start using your new channel. It’s that simple!
How to Build an Audience on Twitch
Establishing a substantial audience on any platform requires considerable patience and effort. To make money on Twitch, you’ll need to dedicate significant time and energy to attracting new viewers. But how do you get them to keep tuning in?
One way to do this is to find your niche. Figure out what makes you unique and then lean into it! Perhaps you excel at fast-paced shooters like Valorant, or maybe you’re great at making people laugh. Whatever the case, if you stay true to yourself and play to your strengths, it’ll be easier to gain a loyal Twitch following.
Another way to cultivate your audience is to develop a regular streaming schedule. That way, your fans will know when to expect you and that you’re serious about being a content creator. Once you’ve solidified your schedule, you can display it on your Twitch channel by going to Settings > Channel and Videos > Schedule and then typing in the details. Some streamers also use schedule templates with graphics to share their upcoming plans on social media.
With that said, being active on sites like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram can allow you to connect with your current audience and appeal to potential followers and subscribers. Supporting other Twitch users by watching their streams or engaging with them on social media can also be beneficial, as it can potentially lead to future collaborations.
Lastly, don’t forget to ask your viewers for feedback. Though Twitch chats are notorious for being “meme-y,” they can still provide streamers with valuable insights via criticism, praise, or suggestions. Reviewing audience comments can help you determine what you’re doing well and what you need to improve on.
Want to learn more about growing your audience? Check out our blog on how to gain Twitch followers!
How to Make Money on Twitch
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of Twitch, here are several ways to earn income from it:
Twitch Affiliate Program
You have to become a Twitch Affiliate to monetize your channel. To receive an invite to the program, you must do the following:
- Stream for eight hours
- Stream on seven different days
- Reach 50 followers
- Reach an average of three viewers
Afterward, you’ll be able to receive Twitch donations, subscriptions, and ad revenue, as well as a variety of other benefits.
Donations
Your viewers can support you by donating “Bits,” a digital currency that can be exchanged for real money. The act of gifting Bits is called “Cheering” and often comes with highlighted messages and animated emotes.
In terms of conversion, for streamers, one Bit equals one cent, but they’re slightly more expensive for viewers. This is because Amazon (which owns Twitch) takes a cut, so 100 Bits costs $1.40.
Additionally, you can sign up for third-party sites like Ko-fi and Patreon and link those pages to your Twitch channel. Ko-fi doesn’t charge extra for one-time donations, so it’s a great way for viewers to send you tips.
Subscriptions
Another way for viewers to show their appreciation is by subscribing to your channel. Doing so will also allow them to unlock certain perks, like special badges and Sub-only chats.
There are three subscription tiers: Tier 1 ($5.99/month), Tier 2, ($9.99/month), and Tier 3 ($24.99/month). Users can also gift Subs to others. Additionally, Twitch hosts events like SUBtember, an annual promotion that offers nice discounts.
Ad Revenue
Since 2022, Twitch has offered an Ads Incentive Program in which affiliates can get a portion of ad revenue. If your channel plays at least three minutes of ads per hour, you’ll receive a cut of 55 percent (or 30 percent for fewer ads).
Merchandise
Many Twitch streamers have found success by extending their brand through merchandise. Creating and selling merch not only allows you to engage with your community on a deeper level but also provides an additional revenue stream.
Whether you’re offering custom t-shirts, pajamas, or mugs adorned with inside jokes, promoting merchandise is a viable way to make money on Twitch. However, it also requires understanding your audience’s preferences, maintaining quality standards, and leveraging platforms like TeePublic or SpreadShop for efficient production and distribution.
Brand Sponsorships
As mentioned in our blog about how Twitch can help brands, many companies have begun promoting their products by collaborating with streamers. For example, Razer, an electronics company, offers many Twitch affiliates markdowns on products like gaming mice and headsets. Once your channel gains traction, you can start actively seeking out brands that align with your content and audience interests. These endorsement opportunities are an amazing way to network while also making money on Twitch.