How to Make Money on Twitch

Twitch is the go-to platform for gamers, with more than 2.5 million people on average tuning in to watch at any given time and 105 million average monthly visitors, according to the company.

It’s also the destination for gamers hoping to turn their hobby into a little extra cash and make money without a traditional job.

Some broadcasters earn seven figures per year, thanks to subscriptions, sponsorships and a share of ad revenue, among other things. Granted, they typically have tens of thousands of followers and spend hours each day broadcasting, gaming and hosting other games on their channel.

But you don’t need to be an elite user to cash in on the site. Here’s how to build your audience and start making money on Twitch.

How to build a Twitch audience

You can’t attract an audience on any online platform overnight. It’s the same with Twitch.

You might make a little money here and there at first, but don’t expect a steady income until you’ve put in a lot of work. Find your niche, whether it’s a game, genre or shtick — if you’re not the most skilled player, for example, be the funniest.

Set a regular streaming schedule so fans know when to tune in. Use your existing social media accounts — Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc. — to promote your Twitch broadcasts. And support other Twitch users by watching and engaging with their streams.

Once you attract viewers, interact with them. Ask questions. Crack jokes. Respond to chats. An entertaining broadcaster gets fans to tune in stream after stream.

How to make money as a novice

When your audience grows, so does your potential to earn money. But there are a few ways you can cash in as you’re still growing your following:

Brand partnerships

Companies use Twitch streamers to get their products in front of people, and the streamers get a kickback in return. This is typically referred to as a partner or affiliate relationship (not to be confused with Twitch’s partner and affiliate programs, more on that later).

Affiliate opportunities for Twitch streamers can come from companies that sell hardware and software, energy drinks and accessories, such as headsets and chairs. Commissions vary.

Brands don’t typically come to you unless you’re a big-time gamer. Talk with other streamers to research potential affiliate opportunities.

Merchandise

If you have a dedicated audience, consider selling your own merchandise — think t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs and laptop cases — via a third-party site such as TeePublic or Spreadshop. Just create a storefront, stock it with items — bearing your own design or curated from other sources — and promote it on your Twitch channel.

How to make money as a Twitch Affiliate

Streamers who meet a specific set of criteria can become a Twitch Affiliate. The program is invitation-only, and you must have met the following milestones within the past 30 days to be eligible, according to Twitch:

• A minimum of four hours streamed.

• A minimum of four different broadcast days.

• An average of three concurrent viewers or more (on four different days).

• At least 25 followers.

Joining the program comes with additional ways to earn money on Twitch:

Subscriptions

Viewers can subscribe to your channel to unlock perks, such as exclusive chat rooms, emotes and merchandise discounts. Monthly subscriptions start at $4.99, with $9.99 and $24.99 options available. Affiliates receive a cut of each subscription.

Virtual cheers

Another way viewers lend monetary support is via virtual cheers, called “bits.” The price starts at $1.40 for 100 bits. Viewers then dole them out to their favorite broadcasters, who receive a cut — 1 cent for every bit used in their chat.

How to make money as a Twitch Partner

Partner status is the top tier for Twitch earners. Unlike Twitch Affiliates, who are automatically invited to join the program, users must apply to become partners.