When one thinks of live streaming, the first thing that comes to mind is likely Twitch, the massive platform owned by Amazon.
It’s a destination for various entertainers to create content that millions of people view in real-time.
Although streaming has become a viable career option for those who gain popularity on the platform, the reality is that only a small percentage of Twitch creators can make a living off their online fame.
So, do you want to find out how much do Twitch streamers make and what it takes to become a professional streamer?
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How Much do Twitch Streamers Make?
Being a streamer is not a traditional job where one earns a fixed salary each month, as their income is directly linked to their level of popularity and the monetary support they receive from their audience.
The earning potential for Twitch streamers can vary greatly depending on their level of popularity and sponsorships.
According to industry estimates, most Twitch streamers earn $3000-$6500 monthly.
However, the picture can be pretty different for smaller streamers. After polling 5,000 individuals in the community, it was discovered that 76% of them had yet to achieve Twitch’s $100 minimal-level payout limit.
Most Twitch earners said they make around $25 and $130 per month. It’s worth noting that these numbers are just averages, and some streamers may earn much more or less than these figures.
Ultimately, the earning potential for a streamer is highly dependent on the individual streamer’s level of popularity and audience engagement.
Primary Income of the Twitch Streamers
When understanding how Twitch streamers make money, it’s essential to look at how Twitch channels generate revenue.
Whether a streamer is big or small, most start by making their channel page appealing to viewers and then explore other options.
The income of Twitch streamers isn’t tied to just one source but rather a combination of different methods.
Some of the ways streamers can make money on Twitch include viewer support, subscriptions, sponsorships, and more.
The key to making money on Twitch is by providing quality content and value to your audience.
Subscription
One of the critical ways for Twitch streamers to earn an income is through subscribers. These are viewers who choose to support a channel financially.
Unlike other platforms like Patreon, where people pay for exclusive content, Twitch subscribers don’t typically receive special perks or access.
However, they get an ad-free viewing experience without using an ad-blocker.
Additionally, subscribers know they support a streamer, even if they don’t receive much in return.
Streamers can activate a subscriber-only chat mode, where only those who have paid for a subscription can participate in the conversation.
Ad revenue
While Twitch ads are an excellent way for streamers to earn additional revenue, they are only available for partners and not for affiliates.
Their work is similar to YouTube ads, where streamers can profit from ad revenue.
This is typically more profitable for larger streamers. On average, Twitch pays out around $250 ad revenue for every 100 subscribers.
However, it’s important to note that this can vary significantly as Twitch has individual contracts with many significant streamers, and the amount paid can be different for smaller streamers.
Additionally, ad revenue from subscribers differs from that of viewers, ranging from $2 to $10 for every 1,000 viewers.
Bits revenue
When monetizing on Twitch, one aspect to consider is the use of Bits, a virtual currency on the platform.
These Bits, typically valued at $0.01 each, can be donated by viewers to support the streamer.
The streamer can also adjust the value of Bits in their channel settings. Donations made in Bits often appear on the streamer’s screen, allowing them to interact with their audience and thank donors.
However, the amount of money earned through Bits donations varies wildly, depending on factors such as the streamer’s popularity and audience engagement.
Remember that only streamers with affiliate or partner status can utilize Bits on their channel.
Sponsorship revenue
Many businesses seek out popular streamers to promote their products or services on the platform.
However, these partnerships are typically conducted behind closed doors and vary greatly depending on the size of the channel and the specific product or campaign being promoted.
It’s important to note that not all streamers have the same influence level; therefore, the financial gain from sponsorships can vary greatly.
Becoming Twitch Affiliate or Partner
The initial step on Twitch is becoming an Affiliate, which grants access to new monetization opportunities such as tips, subscriptions, and ad revenue.
To achieve this status, you must meet specific benchmarks within 30 days, including 50 followers, seven days of streaming, 8 hours of broadcast, and an average of 3 concurrent viewers.
The next level on Twitch is a partnership, which can offer a higher percentage of revenue and promotional possibilities.
To reach this status, you must stream for 25 hours, stream on 12 different days, and have an average of 75 concurrent viewers.
Both Affiliate and Partner progress can be tracked through the Twitch dashboard using the “Path to Affiliate” and “Path to Partner” achievements.
Twitch Payout
Earning money as a Twitch streamer can be a slow process, especially for those who have just reached the affiliate level.
To receive a payout, a streamer must earn at least $100 in total, which can take some time to accumulate.
Remember that Twitch takes a 50% cut of the earnings, so a streamer must have at least 40 subscribers to cash out.
It’s important to note that Twitch Partners typically earn much more Affiliates. Streamers will start as Partners with a 50% cut of level 1 subscriptions.
However, many more prominent streamers have specially made deals in which this percentage is expanded.
Depending on the level of the sub, the traditional split for Twitch Partners is:
- Level 1: 50/50
- Level 2: 60/40
- Level 3: 70/30
It’s worth noting that Twitch Partners typically have a higher entertainment factor and a more extensive viewer base.
With these thriving values, Partners can usually safeguard a monthly payment from Twitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start earning money on Twitch with my follower count?
Having a large following on Twitch doesn’t necessarily translate to a higher income, but it can certainly impact ad revenue generated through streams. While having many followers is necessary, the number of viewers and subscribers is even more crucial in determining streamer income.
How much money can I make with 1000 subscribers?
The income a Twitch streamer can earn from subscribers can vary greatly. For example, 1000 monthly subscribers can generate a monthly payment of $2,495 or an annual income of $29,940.
As a streamer’s ranking on Twitch increases and they become a Top Tier Partner, they may be able to collect up to 70% of the monthly subscription fees.
Conclusion
The amount of money a Twitch streamer can make varies greatly depending on many factors, such as their subscriber count, the number of hours they stream, and the revenue generated through ads and sponsorships.
While a streamer can earn a significant income through Twitch, it’s important to note that it’s not a guaranteed path to financial success and requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and consistent viewership.
Factors such as being a Twitch Affiliate or Partner, having a high number of subscribers, and securing sponsorships can contribute to a streamer’s earning potential.
Additionally, the revenue split between Twitch and the streamer also plays a role, with Partners typically making a more significant share of revenue than Affiliates.
Overall, after learning how much do Twitch streamers make, we hope you know that becoming a successful streamer on Twitch requires a combination of talent, dedication, and a bit of luck.
