Twitch, the world’s leading live streaming platform for gamers and content creators, has become a lucrative avenue for many. With over 140 million monthly active users, it’s not just a place to share your passion but also to monetise it. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make money on Twitch.
1. Becoming a Twitch Affiliate or Partner
Twitch Affiliate: To start earning money on Twitch, aim to become an Affiliate. Here’s how:
- Stream for at least 8 hours in the last 30 days.
- Stream on at least 7 different days.
- Maintain an average of 3 concurrent viewers or more.
- Have at least 50 followers.
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply to be an Affiliate. Affiliates can earn through:
- Subscriptions: Viewers can subscribe to your channel at different tiers ($4.99, $9.99, $24.99). As an Affiliate, you receive a portion of this fee.
- Bits: Virtual goods that viewers can buy to cheer you on during your stream. You earn $0.01 for every Bit used.
- Game Sales: If you’re playing a game available in the Twitch store, viewers can buy it directly from your stream, earning you a 5% revenue share.
Twitch Partner: The next level is becoming a Partner, which offers more benefits, including higher revenue shares, priority customer support, and more customization options. The requirements are more stringent:
- Stream for at least 25 hours in the last 30 days.
- Stream on 12 different days.
- Maintain an average of 75 viewers.
2. Donations
Many streamers earn a significant income through donations. Set up a donation button using services like PayPal, Streamlabs, or Muxy. Engaging with your audience and building a loyal community increases the likelihood of receiving donations.
3. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
As your channel grows, brands may approach you for sponsorships. This could involve:
- Sponsored Streams: Playing a specific game or using a product during your stream.
- Affiliate Links: Sharing links to products or services, earning a commission on sales generated through your link.
Ensure to disclose these sponsorships to comply with Twitch’s guidelines and maintain transparency with your audience.
4. Merchandising
Selling your merchandise is another revenue stream. Platforms like Teespring, Merch by Amazon, and Streamlabs Merch make it easy to design and sell your own branded products. Promote these items during your streams and on social media.
5. Ad Revenue
Once you become a Twitch Partner, you can earn from ads run during your stream. The revenue depends on your viewer count and ad impressions. While not the most lucrative option for smaller channels, it adds up as your audience grows.
6. Royalties
Once you start making money, Twitch will withhold American taxes from you, they call these royalties. This is on all the income you earn apart from Bits income. You need to ensure you have an interview with Twitch and provide them with your New Zealand tax information which will lower the amount of tax they take from you.
Tips for Success:
- Consistency is Key: Regular streaming helps build a loyal audience.
- Engage with Your Viewers: Interact with your chat, acknowledge regular viewers, and create a community feel.
- Quality Over Quantity: Invest in good equipment to provide high-quality streams.
- Network with Other Streamers: Collaborations can help grow your audience.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on Twitch’s new features and trends.
Conclusion
Making money on Twitch requires dedication, consistency, and engagement. While the journey to becoming a successful streamer can be challenging, the potential rewards are substantial. By diversifying your income streams and continuously improving your content, you can turn your passion for streaming into a profitable venture.