How to Make Money on Twitch

Twitch is the go-to platform for gamers, with more than 2.2 million broadcasters each month and 15 million active users each day, all playing or watching other people play video games. It's also the go-to platform for gamers hoping to turn their hobby into a little extra cash.

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.

Building an audience

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

"Successful channels — like companies — are built up over years, not over days or weeks," says Jordan Slavik, an avid gamer who has advised Twitch broadcasters on building a following. "The most important thing is to keep producing materials."

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.

Your marketing and networking skills are almost as important as your gaming skills, Slavik says.

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:

Donations

Twitch users like to support their own. One of the main ways they do this is by donating money to their favorite streamers. Add a "donate" button to your channel — via PayPal or a third-party app, such as Streamlabs — and let viewers show you the money.

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, but for example, Razer — the hardware and software company — offers affiliates up to 20% on the sale of its products.

Brands don't typically come to you unless you're a big-time gamer. Talk with other streamers to suss out 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 eight hours broadcasted

A minimum of seven unique broadcast days

An average of three concurrent viewers or more

At least 50 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, emoticons 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." Viewers buy bits — which come in different colors and sizes — from the chat window, according to Chase, Twitch's director of public relations, who goes by only his first name. 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.

Game sales

Say you're streaming yourself playing Warframe. Viewers can purchase the game and in-game add-ons directly from your channel using a "buy now" button. This button automatically appears whenever you play games sold in the Twitch store. Affiliates receive a 5% share of purchases that originate from their channel.

How to make money as a Twitch Partner

Partner status is the top tier for Twitch earners, and only 1% of the 2.2 million active broadcasters have gained entry, according to Twitch. Unlike Twitch Affiliates, who are automatically invited to join the program, users must apply to become partners.

Streamers need to broadcast at least three times per week and have "an established and steadily growing audience and chat" to become partners, according to Twitch's website. Though Chase says, "There is no magic number to go from an affiliate to a partner."

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.

Source: How to Make Money on Twitch