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Streaming on Twitch sounds like a fun side hustle, but earning big may not be all that realistic. It’s one of those “you should get into it because you enjoy it, and maybe the money will follow” type content creation aspirations.
Still, it could be fun if you have the time, energy and can amass an audience.
What is Twitch?
Twitch is a live-streaming platform that lets content creators broadcast their activities and interact with viewers in real time. It’s the go-to platform for streaming live video game play, but music, talk shows, sports, travel and cooking are popular, too.
With more than 2.5 million people on average tuning in to watch at any given time and 105 million average monthly visitors, it’s a popular digital pastime.
It’s also the destination for gamers hoping to turn their hobby into a little extra cash and make money without a traditional job.
How to build a Twitch audience, according to Reddit users
Twitch offers monetization opportunities, but getting there requires a real audience, and Reddit users say you should focus on that first.
We sifted through Reddit forums to get a pulse check on how users feel about earning money with Twitch. We used an AI tool to help analyze the feedback. There was a collective emphasis on thinking through your content strategy and building community for prospective gaming streamers. Here are the high points.
(People post anonymously, so we cannot confirm their individual experiences or circumstances.)
Come up with a clear content strategy
- Figure out your niche: Find the balance between popular games and those with small but mighty followings.
- Rather than chasing trends, hone the quality of your content (which should entail good conversation, video and sound quality).
- Get to streaming and go live consistently.
- Consider streaming during peak hours, which sources around the web say generally occur between late afternoon and evening time.
Build your online community as you go
- Go into it with an emphasis on audience engagement to build a loyal following.
- Interact with and chat with viewers while streaming to make them feel welcome.
- Make sure your livestreams keep people engaged to discourage viewer dropoff.
- Look for opportunities to collaborate with other streamers in a similar niche.
Users say it’s best to approach Twitch as a hobby first. Make it fun, build an audience and maybe the money will come.
Three ways to make money on Twitch
Let’s say things are going well and people are watching. You have options both on and off the platform to make money.
1. Reach Twitch Affiliate status
As a Twitch Affiliate, you can monetize your content on the platform. 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 allows users to earn through subscriptions and digital currency called “Bits.”
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.
Bits: Another way viewers lend monetary support is via virtual cheers your audience can buy and give, called “Bits.” The price starts at $1.40 for 100 bits. Kind of like tips, viewers dole them out to their favorite broadcasters, who receive a tiny cut — 1 cent for every bit used in their chat.
2. Become a Twitch Partner
Partner status is the top tier for Twitch earners; the next level from Affiliate. Unlike Twitch Affiliates, who are automatically invited to join the program, users must apply to become partners.
In your application, you must show you’ve completed certain achievements in Twitch or be able to demonstrate the breadth of the large, engaged audience you’ve amassed on other social channels.
Twitch Partners earn money the same way as affiliates and general users, but they also receive a share of ad revenue generated from their page. Partners are also likely to get endorsement deals and brand sponsorships.
3. Get brand deals and sell merch
When your audience grows, so does your potential to earn money through Twitch. But you can partner with brands that have things to sell and/or make and sell your own branded gear to earn without Twitch Affiliate status.
Brand partnerships: Companies use Twitch streamers to get their products in front of people, and the streamers can get a kickback in return. This is typically referred to as partner or affiliate marketing.
These opportunities for Twitch streamers can come from companies that sell hardware and software, energy drinks and accessories, such as headsets, gaming chairs and more. Commissions vary.
Here's the kicker, though: 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 (even a small one), 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.
More Redditor insight on earning with Twitch
Boisterous Redditors preach about diversifying your income sources on platforms like Twitch. Incorporate other monetization opportunities — like selling merch or starting a Patreon — to avoid sole reliance on Twitch’s monetization methods.
Diversify your social platforms, too. Users suggest saving your streams and putting shorter, edited versions on a platform like TikTok or YouTube for added reach.
Above all, users say successful streamers should focus on building an engaged audience instead of short-term monetary goals. Good luck, because you’re going to need a lot of Bits.
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