How Do You Make Money Streaming On Twitch?

Virginia Miller

September 11, 2024

In this article

The pandemic played a significant role in expanding gaming and live streaming into society. As a result of being locked up at home, individuals created these new interests and went to websites like Twitch for entertainment or to engage in gaming. The Amazon-owned company's early-year growth increased by 82 percent, dominating at 1.8 billion hours watched. Its popularity has only increased with prominent sports organizations and politicians using the site to share their content or thoughts.

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Twitch is a live streaming platform that primarily targets video gamers. With approximately 2.7 billion individuals worldwide, that is a significant marketplace. Therefore, it is not surprising that Twitch has experienced considerable growth since its launch in 2011.

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Video gamers can stream their gameplay live online because of Twitch. The idea is straightforward, but it is pretty popular. Twitch has grown to 15 million daily viewers and 2.2 million streamers, and individuals wonder how to make money streaming on Twitch. Even though Twitch has live streaming from several genres, such as "in real life" and musical performances, gaming continues to be the most popular. On Twitch, you can watch users play almost every game you know, from classics to the latest new releases.

How to Stream on Twitch and Grow Your Channel

Twitch is the leading platform for live streaming video games, with over 30 million daily active users. But streaming goes beyond gaming - creators now live stream everything from music to cooking shows. If you want to start your own channel, here's a beginner's guide to streaming on Twitch and growing your audience.

Getting Started with Streaming

To broadcast on Twitch, the first step is creating an account. The sign up process only takes a few minutes. You'll also need to set up two-factor authentication for extra security.

Once your account is ready, download and install a streaming software like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). This will capture and encode your video feed to send to Twitch's servers. In OBS, connect your Twitch account and generate a stream key to link the two services.

With the software set up, arrange your broadcast scene with sources like game capture, display capture, etc. Customize the layout to your preference, and you're ready to go live!

Monetizing Your Twitch Channel

As your channel grows, you can start earning money from your streams. Here are some of the top ways Twitch streamers monetize:

Channel Subscriptions - Viewers can subscribe monthly for perks like ad-free viewing and subscriber-only content. Creators earn a share of these subscription fees.
Bits - Fans can purchase Bits to Cheer in chat. Streamers earn $0.01 per Bit used to Cheer them.
Advertisements - You can display ads during your streams once you reach Affiliate or Partner status. Ad revenue is shared with creators.
Sponsorships - Popular streamers often get sponsorship deals from brands relevant to their audience and content.
Merchandise - Design and sell unique branded merch for your channel through sites like Teespring.
Affiliate Links - Share affiliate links to gaming equipment, Amazon products etc. and earn commissions from sales.

Growing Your Twitch Audience

Gaining viewers on Twitch takes consistency and persistence. But these proven tips will help you build a loyal community over time:

Stream regularly 3-5 days per week, at consistent times so fans know when to tune in.
Promote your stream across social media platforms like Twitter, YouTube, Instagram etc.
Provide value to viewers with entertaining or educational content.
Interact with your audience in chat to build personal connections.
Collaborate with other streamers to tap into their follower base.
Play popular but not oversaturated games that align with your niche.
Set realistic goals for followers and channel growth.

By understanding the Twitch platform and putting in the work, you can build a thriving channel with a dedicated fanbase.

FAQs

What equipment do I need to stream on Twitch?

You'll need a computer, high-speed internet connection, webcam, microphone, and streaming software like OBS (Open Broadcaster Software). For the best quality, invest in an external webcam and USB microphone.

How do I set up OBS for Twitch?

In OBS, go to Settings > Stream and select Twitch as the service. Click connect account to sign in and link your Twitch account. You can then use your stream key to connect OBS.

What are the requirements for the Twitch Affiliate program?

To qualify for the Affiliate program, you need 50 followers, an average of 3 concurrent viewers per stream, 500 total minutes broadcast, and to have streamed on 7 unique days in the last 30 days.

What are Bits on Twitch and how do they work?

Bits are virtual goods that viewers can purchase to Cheer and support streamers. Each Bit is worth $0.01, and streamers earn a share of Bit revenue from their channels.

How can I monetize my Twitch channel?

Top monetization options include channel subscriptions, advertisements once you reach Affiliate/Partner status, Cheering with Bits, sponsorships, selling merch, and using affiliate links.

What games should I stream on Twitch as a beginner?

Good games to start with include multiplayer titles like Fortnite, Valorant, League of Legends, CS:GO, Overwatch, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty, as they have built-in fanbases.

How can I get more followers on Twitch?

Stream consistently, promote your channel across social media, interact with viewers, collaborate with other streamers, stand out with high-quality streams, and play popular but not oversaturated games.