If you enjoy playing video games, you undoubtedly want to learn how to monetize Twitch.
Particularly considering that the most popular Twitch streamers regularly earn seven figures annually, like Tyler Blevins (also known as “Ninja”), who reportedly made $1 million for a few hours of gameplay during the launch of EA’s Apex Legends.
With this in mind, you must be able to profit a little from your streams, right? You may still be curious about how Twitch streamers earn money. And precisely how can one make money on Twitch?
You’ll discover the distinct streams of income in this guide. And read all the way through for advice on how to grow your Twitch audience.
Twitch’s Workings
Initially, a primer The live streaming website Twitch. tv. Similar to Facebook’s or Periscope’s (RIP) live stream feature, but with live streams occurring constantly. And it’s big: Twitch Tracker reports that as of this writing, there are almost four million viewers. People viewed 1.8 billion hours of live-streamed content in just December 2020.
Anyone may sign up for Twitch and start a live stream on any subject they like (within limits, of course). Twitch users broadcast cooking demonstrations, book club meetings, arts & crafts, and more. The most well-known live streams on Twitch, though, are those of esports and gaming.
It’s comparable to watching a football game on local television, claims Westlund. You can communicate with someone you’re watching on Twitch, and they can see your message and connect with you in real-time!
On Twitch, anyone may stream, and we’ll go through some methods below for making money from the site. To make real money, though, you must either become a Twitch Affiliate or Twitch Partner.
Making Money from Your Twitch Channel: Ideas
Twitch has a sizable user base, and many well-known streamers make money there. If you’re interested in learning how to make money on Twitch, we’ll look at some of the various methods you could use in your channel to increase your earnings.
Become a Twitch Affiliate
One of the primary ways to monetize Twitch is through the Twitch affiliate program. As long as you stream frequently, you can join the Twitch affiliate program. Participating in certain games, reselling them, or using Twitch Bits are all ways that you can make money as an affiliate.
If a Twitch affiliate can increase their Twitch affiliate status by broadcasting frequently, they will be rewarded by being invited to join the Twitch partner program. Although it functions similarly to the affiliate scheme, Twitch partners have access to more benefits and revenue options.
Sponsorships of brands
You don’t have to be a Twitch Affiliate or Partner to land sponsorship possibilities (although it would help); all you need is a substantial, engaged audience that advertisers will want to reach.
You can advertise a variety of companies and goods to your Twitch audience, including drinks, musical instruments, and gaming technology. Usually, brands who want to partner with streamers approach them, but there’s nothing stopping you from approaching brands directly.
Streams that generate advertising income
Advertising on Twitch streams is another lucrative option for Twitch streamers. Pre-roll and display commercials are examples of the kind of video ads that viewers see on Twitch while watching a stream. Streamers get a share of the advertising money when they run adverts during their content.
YouTube
Uploading the best parts of your streams to a YouTube channel will enable you to start earning some money from YouTube advertisements. You may post video game compilations, entertaining or amusing footage from your streams, or even brand-new material.
Making money on YouTube may be quite difficult, much like Twitch. The ability to gain more Twitch stream viewers is another significant advantage of YouTube video uploads.
Why?
Well, Twitch doesn’t really give streams many opportunities to draw in new viewers. However, YouTube offers thorough search options, similar video suggestions, and even user-submitted recommendations.
Selling Personalized Goods
Another revenue stream unrelated to Twitch itself is this one. As a result, any Twitch broadcaster can use it.
Of course, it is unlikely that many people will want to pay money on a mug or t-shirt bearing the face of a “nobody” they have never heard of if you don’t have a sizable following. However, your following will be willing to pay for your customized goods once you become well-known on Twitch.
Donations
Many Twitch users enjoy giving money (or “tips”) to support their favorite streamers. Additionally, you can collect donations using a third-party service even if you cannot accept Twitch Bits until you are an Affiliate or Partner.
You can begin collecting money by adding a “Donate” button to your channel and using programs like PayPal, Streamlabs, Muxy, or Donorbox.
There are essentially two techniques to encourage viewer donations:
- Include a contribution panel in your profile’s “About Me” section.
- In the “About Me” section of your profile, include a donation panel.
- Utilize a tool like Nightbot or Moobot to advertise your contribution Details in the discussion.
- You can sell in-stream services to encourage viewers to make donations.
Competition winnings
If you are a good player, entering and winning a tournament is one method to get money while streaming on Twitch (either in a team or yourself, depending on the game).
In practice, this option will typically only be available to professional players or members of professional teams because it will be too challenging for mediocre players to defeat them.
Smaller players could be able to sign up for tournaments like ESL or GameBattles by MLG and make some money while, of course, broadcasting their matches for their Twitch viewers.
How much money is possible on Twitch?
According to Westlund, those who attempt to make money on Twitch are setting themselves up for failure. As with any money-making endeavor, you must first be passionate about it before the money will flow. Nevertheless, it is still possible to make a decent living. Your ability and commitment will have a direct impact on how much money you can make. Additionally, there are non-financial advantages.
According to Westlund, “I met some fantastic people and have stayed close friends with many of them to this day.” “I frequently get a slight sense of regret since I created a community that was focused on positivity, accepting, and having fun, and I know that I won’t be going live for a very long time, if not ever again.”
And that was the real triumph for Westlund.