How to Make Money on Twitch in 2023: 5 Ways You Need to Know
Twitch is a popular live streaming platform that allows users to broadcast themselves playing computer games or mobile games online, creating art, or performing other activities for an audience. It has become very popular over the last few years, with millions of viewers from around the world tuning in to watch their favorite streamers. In some ways, these streamers earn money through the platform.
If you're just getting started on the platform, you might be asking, "How to make money on twitch?" or "How much do Twitch streamers make?" Luckily, this blog will answer all of your questions. You will learn how to get started on the platform and explore the ways in which you can monetize your Twitch channel. From advertising and sponsorships to merchandise sales and donations, there are a variety of things you can do to start making money on Twitch. Whether you're already using Twitch or just getting started, this guide will help you unlock the platform's full potential and start earning money from streaming.
How to stream on Twitch？
Streaming on Twitch is a straightforward process, but there are a few steps you'll need to follow to get started. Here's a basic guide on how to stream on Twitch:
Create a Twitch account: If you haven't already, you'll need to create a Twitch account. Go to twitch.tv and click the "Sign Up" button in the top-right corner. Follow the instructions to create your account. For streaming via mobile, download the Twitch app for free from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and create your account.
Download broadcasting software: To stream on Twitch via a desktop computer, you'll need broadcasting software. Two popular options are OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) and Streamlabs OBS. Both are free to download and use. However, for the Twitch app, no additional plug-ins are needed to stream your mobile games.
Configure your broadcasting software: Once you've downloaded your broadcasting software, you'll need to configure it for use with Twitch. This will involve entering your Twitch account details and setting up your stream settings, such as your video and audio quality.
Go live: Once your broadcasting software is configured, you're ready to go live! Start your broadcasting software, and it should automatically connect to your Twitch account. Enter a title for your stream, choose the game you're playing (if applicable), and click the "Go Live" button.
Interact with your viewers: While you're streaming, make sure to interact with your viewers. Respond to comments and questions in your chat, and make your stream a fun and engaging experience for your audience.
That's it! Streaming on Twitch can be a lot of fun, and with a little practice, you can build a dedicated following of viewers who love watching you play games, create art, or just hang out and chat.
How to make money streaming on Twitch?
The rise of live streaming platforms made earning money from streaming games possible. When a platform offers multiple ways to share its earnings with its users, many people will be encouraged to use it. Twitch is one major example of these platforms that became very popular to reach millions of users worldwide. To know how to make money on Twitch, below are 5 of the best ways to learn. Let's discuss each of them.
1. Twitch Affiliate Program
One of the easiest ways to monetize your Twitch channel is by becoming a Twitch Affiliate. To be eligible for becoming a Twitch Affiliate, you must have gained a minimum of 50 followers, streamed for at least 500 minutes in the last 30 days, did so on no less than seven separate days, having maintained at least three concurrent viewers. Check if you meet these requirements, then you can apply to become an Affiliate. As an Affiliate, you can earn money through several revenue streams, including:
Subscriptions: Twitch users can subscribe to your channel for a monthly fee. Affiliates receive 50% of the subscription fee.
Bits: Bits are a type of virtual currency that Twitch users can use to cheer on their favorite streamers. Affiliates receive 1 cent for every Bit cheered on their channel.
Ad revenue: Twitch displays ads on your channel, and Affiliates receive a share of the revenue generated from these ads.
2. Twitch Partner Program
The Twitch Partner Program is a more advanced version of the Affiliate Program. To become a Partner, you must have a larger audience and meet more stringent requirements, such as an average of 75 concurrent viewers or more. Partners have access to more monetization options, including:
Higher subscription rates: Partners receive 70% of the subscription fee.
Sponsorships: Partners can work with sponsors to promote products or services to their audience.
Twitch Prime: Partners receive a share of the revenue generated from Twitch Prime subscriptions.
Game sales: Partners receive a share of the revenue generated from game sales made through their channel.
3. Donations
Another way to earn on Twitch is through donations. Viewers can donate money directly to your channel using a variety of payment methods, including PayPal, credit cards, and cryptocurrency. Some viewers may donate money to show their support or appreciation for your content, while others may do so to request specific content or features.
4. Merchandise
If you have a loyal fan base, you may consider selling merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, or mugs with your branding. Many streamers use platforms like Streamlabs or Teespring to create and sell their merchandise.
5. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting other businesses' products or services and earning a commission on sales made through your unique referral link. As a Twitch streamer, you can use affiliate marketing to promote gaming equipment, software, or other products that your audience may be interested in.
How much do Twitch streamers make?
The amount of money Twitch streamers make can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of their audience, the type of content they create, and how they choose to monetize their channel. Here are some estimated calculations based on how streamers make money on Twitch:
1. Ad revenue
Twitch streamers can earn money from ads that run on their streams. Typically, Twitch pays streamers around $2 per 1000 views, which means that a streamer with 100,000 views per month can expect to earn around $200.
2. Subscriptions
Twitch streamers can offer subscriptions to their channel for a monthly fee. The cost of a subscription can vary, but most streamers charge around $4.99 per month. Twitch pays out 50% of the subscription fee to the streamer, which means that a streamer with 100 subscribers would earn around $250 per month.
3. Donations
Viewers can donate money to streamers directly through Twitch using a feature called "Bits." One Bit is equal to one cent, so if a viewer donates 100 Bits, the streamer earns $1. Typically, Twitch streamers earn a few hundred dollars per month from donations.
4. Sponsorships
Twitch streamers can also earn money from sponsorships, where a company pays them to promote their product or service on their channel. The amount of money earned from sponsorships can vary widely, but some streamers can earn tens of thousands of dollars per sponsored stream. The amount of money Twitch streamers make can range from a few hundred dollars per month to tens of thousands of dollars per month or more, depending on their audience size, content, and monetization strategies. In conclusion, Twitch is an excellent platform for those looking to turn their passion for playing PC games or mobile games online and other activities into a source of income. With several monetization options available, including Affiliate and Partner Programs, donations, merchandise, and affiliate marketing, Twitch streamers have multiple ways to earn money from their channel. However, it's important to note that knowing how to make money on Twitch is not enough. It also requires effort and dedication. Building a following takes time and consistent content creation, and earning significant income from Twitch may take even longer. It's essential to be patient, persistent, and open to trying different monetization strategies to find what works best for you.