How You Can Earn Money on Twitch Today

So, you’ve spent many countless hours leveling up your skills, racking up achievements and really have a good thing going. Now you’re ready to take your streaming to the top and join the streamers making $thousands$. Twitch users earn money through donations, subscriptions, sponsorships and programs offered by the platform. Let’s get you on your way to success and show you how you can earn money on Twitch today!

In 2022, Twitch users collectively watched a staggering 1.35 trillion minutes of content. This figure was more than double the total viewing time logged on YouTube Gaming Live and Facebook Gaming together.

Statista

People are able to earn money on Twitch through more ways than just video game streaming. It can be a live cooking tutorial, gambling on online slots, a piece of artwork you’re working on, and talented or not, just chatting. Oddly enough, Twitch streamers who are ‘just chatting’ get double the traffic a video game streamer gets. So, if Grand Theft Auto, Fortnite, or video games in general aren’t your thang, there’s still a big change you can earn money on Twitch!

Between January and November 2024, Grand Theft Auto 5 topped the charts as the most-watched gaming category on Twitch, amassing around 1.3 billion hours of viewing time globally. However, the leading spot was taken by the Just Chatting category, which garnered over 2.8 billion hours of watch time worldwide, making it the most popular for general conversations.

Statista

On this post, we will tell you how to start monetizing your content. Earn extra income by playing your favorite video games or with live videos about your hobbies.

How to Get Started: Setting Up Your Twitch Channel

First things first, you’ll need to create a Twitch account if you don’t already have one. Once you’re all signed up, it’s time to set up your channel and start streaming like a pro. Remember, a strong first impression can help attract more followers. Here’s what you’ll be looking at:

1. Choose a catchy username that reflects your streaming persona along with a quality profile pic.
2. Customize your channel with eye-catching graphics and overlays.
3. Get the right equipment, including a high-quality microphone and webcam.

Plan and Schedule Your Content on Twitch

A major challenge that new streamers face when trying to earn money on Twitch, is the consistency. When you create a streaming schedule, it not only helps your followers know when to watch you, but also signals Twitch’s algorithm letting it know that you’re committed to your channel.

It doesn’t matter what you are streaming, having a schedule that’s consistent keeps your channel organized and you content more engaging. The top-level upgrade you need is going to be social media integration. You think Ninja only posts on Twitch? Absolutely not! Their content is everywhere, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok… plus it’s the best way to really spread the awareness of when you will be going LIVE.

How to Monetize Your Channel & Earn Money on Twitch

Twitch offers several monetization avenues, both for streamers who are on the front lines and for those who prefer to create content off-camera. Let’s break down the key revenue streams and how you can get started today.

Make Money with the Twitch Affiliate Program

Many successful streamers incorporate affiliate marketing into their revenue streams. By partnering with gaming companies, tech brands, or other relevant products, you can earn commissions every time a product is purchased through your referral link. It’s as simple as adding affiliate links to your channel bio, video descriptions, or during your streams.

To qualify as a Twitch Affiliate, you need to meet some basic requirements within a 30-day period:

• At least 50 followers.
• Broadcast for at least 500 minutes.
• Stream on 7 different days.
• An average of 3 concurrent viewers or more.

Once you’re an Affiliate, you gain access to revenue streams such as Bits, subscriptions, and a share of ad revenue. This program is a great entry point since it allows you to test monetization waters with relatively modest requirements.

How to get into the Twitch Partner Program

The Partner Program is designed for more established creators. While the exact criteria can be a bit subjective, generally speaking, Twitch looks at factors such as viewer count, engagement levels, streaming consistency, and overall brand potential. Once you’re a Partner, you’ll unlock advanced monetization tools, including higher subscription tiers, better ad revenue splits, and more direct support from Twitch.

In order to really level up and join the Twitch Partner program, all of the following actions need to be done in the same 30-day window.

▶️  Live stream for 25 hours. 

▶️  Stream on at least 12 different days 

▶️  Average of 75 viewers.

When you start completing these requirements, you will see a check next to the criteria on the ‘achievement’ dashboard.

Despite your hard work, meeting all this criteria doesn’t guarantee that you will reach the Partner status. Once you complete all the requirements, you must apply for the Partner program, Twitch Partnership team will review your application and give you an answer within 7 business days.

If your application is declined, keep calm, you won’t lose your achievements and you will be able to apply again in the future.

The main distinction between the Affiliate and Partner programs lies in the exclusive perks offered to Partners. These perks include Twitch covering payout fees, the ability to form and manage your own team of streamers, and access to the exclusive Twitch Partner Discord server.

If you advertise games or related items during your streamings on Twitch, a call to action will pop up to encourage viewers to buy the product.

With a purchase originated from their channel, Affiliates earn a 5% revenue share.

How do you know if you meet the criteria?

Twitch puts at your disposal a screen with the ‘achievements’ that will be updated every time you take a step forward to fulfill the requirements to join an affiliate or partner program.

▶️ On the right column you can check all the goals on Twitch. Listed first on the page are a number of goals that help you track your progress from your first time on Twitch to applying for Partnership. Afterwards, you’ll see your in-progress achievements and then, completed achievements.

▶️  On the left side you can track your progress towards eligibility for the Twitch Affiliate or Partner program.

Once you achieve Twitch Partner or Affiliate status, you’ll earn money through a direct deposit to your chosen payout method, provided your earnings surpass $50 for most methods or $100 for wire transfers. Payments are generally processed around the 15th of each month and may take three to five business days to appear in your account.

Primary Twitch Monetization Methods

Aside from the two main money-making ways offered by Twitch, there are quite a few other creative ways you should try out.

Make income with Twitch Bits

Bits are virtual coins that you, as a streamer can enable so your viewers can buy and “cheer” to offer support to your channel. Bits can be animated gem emotes, or Cheermotes (animated versions of global emotes). 

For each viewer whos uses Bits to Cheer, the streamer gets a share of the revenue. It’s considered the official donation system for streamers. You can buy virtual Bits via Amazon Payments and Paypal.

So, encourage your audience to cheer by making your stream interactive—perhaps set up on-screen challenges or fun reactions whenever someone cheers.

Subscriptions to your Twitch channel

Subscribers pay a monthly fee to support your channel and, in return, receive benefits such as custom emotes, ad-free viewing, and exclusive chat privileges. As an Affiliate, you can offer subscriptions in several tiers (usually $4.99, $9.99, and $24.99). Many viewers become long-term subscribers because the perks provide them with a sense of community and exclusive rewards.

Placing ads on your Twitch streams

Ads on Twitch streams are another revenue source, though they can be less lucrative than direct fan support like Bits or subscriptions. If you are a Partner, you have more control over ad placements and revenue splits. The key here is timing your ads well—try to engage your audience with entertaining break segments so that ads feel like a natural pause rather than an interruption.

Sponsorships and brand deals

As you grow, sponsorships become a significant source of income. Brands are constantly looking to collaborate with influencers who have an engaged audience. Initially, you might land smaller sponsorship deals in your niche, but as your channel grows, larger opportunities will arise.

When negotiating a sponsorship, always ensure that the brand and the product align with your channel’s ethos and audience’s interests.

Twitch and Amazon Prime gaming benefits

If you have an Amazon Prime subscription (or subscribe to Prime Gaming), you receive a monthly channel subscription free of charge on Twitch. This benefit not only provides you with additional subscribers, but it also makes your channel more attractive to a larger audience. Encourage viewers to link their Amazon Prime account, and explain how this supports your channel without any extra cost to them.

Earn Money on Twitch Without Streaming

Not every content creator wants to be live 24/7. Here are some non-streaming methods to switch up your potential earnings.

Sell Twitch merchandise

Once you establish a brand identity, consider selling merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies, or custom accessories. Platforms like Teespring or Merch by Amazon allow you to design and sell items with minimal upfront investment. Merchandise not only brings in extra revenue but also helps build your community as fans proudly wear your brand.

Post across multiple social media platforms

Repurpose your Twitch content on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok to reach new audiences. In addition to ad revenue on these platforms, you can monetize through platform-specific features like YouTube memberships, Super Chats, or sponsored posts across social media. This multi-platform approach means that even if you’re not live, your content continues to generate revenue.

Earn money on Twitch through donations

Many viewers love to support their favorite creators directly. Integrate donation tools like PayPal or third-party services such as Streamlabs into your channel to accept one-time or recurring donations. Be sure to thank every donor on stream to create a positive community vibe and encourage others to contribute as well.

Streamline the donation process by setting up a personalized Tip Page through Streamlabs, and enhance it with a PayPal donation button or a PayPal.Me link on your channel.

For those interested in raising funds for charitable causes, Twitch offers a Charity Tool that integrates effortlessly with your streams. This tool simplifies the process for your audience to donate to your selected charity.

Best Ways to Grow Your Twitch Channel

While monetization is a huge part of the Twitch journey, growing your channel is where the magic truly happens. The larger and more engaged your community, the more revenue opportunities you unlock. Here are some practical examples and strategies to grow your Twitch channel.

Engage with your audience

A successful Twitch channel is all about community. Spend time interacting with your viewers by reading chat messages, asking questions, and creating interactive segments. For example, set aside a few minutes each stream to answer viewer questions or run a poll on what game to play next. This builds a loyal audience that is more likely to support you financially.

Be social… it’s social media

Your social media presence is invaluable when promoting your Twitch channel. Share updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content on Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and Facebook. For example, create short clips of funny moments from your streams and upload them to TikTok or Instagram Reels. This not only draws attention to your channel but also provides content for fans who might not have time to watch a full-length stream.

Network and collab for growth

Collaborating with other streamers is a great way to grow your audience. Host joint streams, organize multiplayer gaming sessions, or participate in community events. These collaborations can expose your channel to a new set of viewers, many of whom might decide to follow you if they enjoy your content. Don’t be shy about reaching out—collaboration is a win-win for all involved.

Analyze, track, and measure your Twitch performance

Twitch and third-party tools provide a wealth of data on your viewership, engagement, and streaming habits. Use these insights to understand which parts of your stream resonate best with your audience. For instance, if you notice a spike in viewer count during interactive Q&A sessions, consider incorporating more of these segments.

Upgrade you content quality

Feedback is your best friend if you want to earn money on Twitch. Ask your viewers for honest reviews and suggestions on how to improve your channel. Whether it’s upgrading your audio, experimenting with new streaming formats, or refining your graphics, continuous improvement can keep your audience engaged and attract new viewers over time.

Other ways to earn money with Twitch

Streamloots

This Spanish platform allows viewers to fulfill their dream to interact with streamers directly. 

It is a simple process, the streamer creates cards with challenges or any other type of actions and they are kept in loot-boxes. For instance, an action could be a greeting while doing a handstand, stopping a videogame session or chugging a coke.

A viewer buys one of these loot-boxes with a random card and the streamer earns money with the purchase.

Streamloot will keep a 20% fee.

Muxy

This platform is oriented to complement Twitch, where you can edit and add extensions for streamers or eSports teams.

Also, of course, it’s a platform to receive viewer’s donations via PayPal, for example.

StreamLabs

StreamLabs is a software that will help you to monetize your broadcasts, but also a tool to manage your streamings that is very popular amongst streamers.

You can add custom alerts when your viewers take any action (e.g donate money, subscribe, etc.), embed a chat in your stream or edit background themes during the streaming.

Every successful Twitch streamer started exactly where you are right now—with a passion for content creation and the drive to succeed. With patience, persistence, and these actionable strategies, you have the tools necessary to not only start earning money now but to also build a long-term career on Twitch.

So what are you waiting for? Take that first step—set up your channel, engage with your community, and start streaming today. The Twitch world is full of opportunities, and your journey to monetization and success starts now. Happy streaming!

Alexis Turner , 19 April 2025