Want to get paid streaming on Twitch, but aren‘t sure where to start? As an internet entrepreneur and Twitch power user since Day 1, I‘m breaking down all the proven ways you can monetize your passions on Twitch in 2023 and beyond…
Must-Know Twitch Monetization Fundamentals
Before diving into money-making methods, let‘s quickly cover the essentials around getting paid on the internet‘s largest streaming platform…
Twitch Creator Programs
To unlock ANY income source on Twitch, you must first meet the requirements to join one of two tiers:
Twitch Affiliate Program
- Easier to qualify for
- Unlocks basic monetization features
Twitch Partner Program
- Harder to be accepted
- Unlocks more advanced money-making capabilities
Here‘s an at-a-glance view of how each tier compares regarding monetization features:
As you can see, Twitch Partners gain access to more income sources, higher rev shares, increased sub icons, and longer VOD storage.
But even as an Affiliate you can start earning money! Now let‘s explore exactly how…
10 Proven Ways to Get Paid Streaming on Twitch
Based on my own experience and seeing countless up-and-coming creators succeed, these are the TOP-TIER methods for making that steady Twitch cash:
1. Paid Subscriptions
Paid channel subscriptions represent a MAJOR piece of income potential on Twitch.
Fans pay either $4.99 (Tier 1), $9.99 (Tier 2), or $24.99 (Tier 3) per month to subscribe. As the channel owner, you receive a 50% revenue share from each sub.
At minimum, that‘s $2.50 per Tier 1 sub, per month. But with Tier 2/3 subs and accumulating monthly subscribers, earnings scale rapidly.
Let‘s do some quick math on subscription revenue potential:
- 100 Tier 1 Subs = $250/month
- 500 Tier 1 Subs = $1,250/month
- 1000 Tier 1 Subs = $2,500/month
- 5000 Tier 1 Subs = $12,500/month
And with Tier 2/3 mixed in, you could easily clear $15k+ monthly from subs alone!
Case in point: popular streamer Asmongold makes ~$300k PER YEAR solely from 5 figure+ monthly subscribers.
Now, achieving figures like that takes time and dedication. But EVERY successful Twitch channel starts with their first few loyal subscribers.
2. Advertising Revenue
In addition to subscriptions, Twitch allows creators to monetize through advertisements displayed on stream.
How Twitch ads work:
Enable ads through Twitch‘s Creator Dashboard. When you run ads, you‘ll earn a 30% revenue share by default.
However, if you run at least 3 minutes of ads per hour streamed, your rev share jumps to 50%!
Twitch also offers an Ads Incentive Program that guarantees fixed monthly payouts if you meet certain viewership thresholds. This provides predictable income atop your normal ad splits.
And again, while ad money may seem small at first, it compounds with more viewers!
If we assume ~$20 RPM (revenue per 1000 views) and a modest 5,000 average viewers per stream, you would earn roughly:
~$20 * 5 RPM = $100 per stream
Stream 25 times per month = $2,500 per month
That‘s $30,000 extra per year from ads alone!
3. Twitch Bits & Viewer Tipping
Alongside ads and subs, Twitch Bits enable viewers to tip their favorite streamers. Fans buy Bits via packages:
100 Bits = $1.40
500 Bits = $7
5000 Bits = $70
As the streamer, you earn $0.01 per Bit used to "Cheer" you on. Enable Bits to start earning small tips that add up over time and encourage engagement.
You can also accept direct donations through links to PayPal, Venmo, StreamLabs and more. Promote these around your channel to unlock another revenue stream!
4. Channel Sponsorships & Brand Deals
As you grow in popularity, companies will start offering BIG paydays to sponsor and promote products on stream.
Top creators like Ninja and Shroud regularly earn ~6 figures per branded sponsorship or cross-promotion deal.
But again, you don‘t need celebrity status to benefit here! Even micro influencers on Twitch strike brand deals worth hundreds or thousands per post.
Pitch yourself to relevant brands by creating and leveraging an influencer media kit showcasing your value. Reach out to companies that align well with your niche and personalities.
The gaming industry full of potential sponsors including energy drinks, hardware, software, accessories, merch companies and game studios launching new titles.
Get a little creative! Almost any major consumer brand would love viewer exposure through a hot Twitch channel.
5. Affiliate Marketing Programs
Affiliate marketing represents an extremely scalable income stream for pro Twitch streamers.
For those unfamiliar, affiliate marketing simply means promoting third-party products and services and earning commissions on resulting sales or leads.
As a streamer, all you need to do is join affiliate programs, then share your special links out on stream, in video descriptions, during promotions, etc.
When viewers click your link and complete a desired action – like signing up for something or making a purchase – you earn affiliate payout!
Commissions typically range from 5% to 30%+ per conversion depending on vertical. Popular programs for streamers include:
- GameStop
- Amazon Associates
- Green Man Gaming
- GOG.com
- Humble Bundle
- Fanatical
- DRM-free games
Rakuten‘s extensive network also opens up thousands more affiliate opportunities across every category.
Most programs pay monthly, so affiliate income keeps rolling in automatically by driving paid signups and sales from your loyal viewer base. Such a simple yet powerful concept!
6. Sell Merchandise & Physical Goods
Another "no brainer" move is creating and selling branded merch to capitalize on your growing fanbase.
Basic merch like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, socks, mugs and posters represent low-hanging fruit here. Fans love repping their favorite streamer!
For fulfilled order printing and shipping, leverage platforms like Spreadshop and Teespring using a print-on-demand model.
You simply design gear, set pricing, run promotions, and collect profits. The platforms produce and ship all orders automatically, handling returns too.
No physical inventory or upfront costs!
And don‘t forget digital products which offer even HIGHER profit margins…
Think ebooks, courses, graphics packs, sound packs, video assets, templates, presets and more evergreen content fans value.
For example, sell an online video editing course teaching your unique editing style for $299 a pop. No per-unit costs there 🙂
7. Launch Secondary Income Channels
Successful Twitch stars always spread their content across multiple platforms.
Start repurposing engaging clips into bite-sized shorts for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook. Stream highlights get more eyes on your brand!
Over time, streaming clips can evolve into more polished compilation videos. And with enough viewership on secondary channels, you also unlock ad revenue through YouTube Partner Program, Facebook Watch and more.
Income diversification FTW!
8. Organize or Join a Stream Team
Collaborating with fellow gaming creators compounds growth across ALL channels involved.
Form or join a dedicated stream team aligned to your niche. Cross-promote each other‘s content, organize exclusive co-streaming events, support each other‘s campaigns, share fanbases, etc.
A few examples:
- G Fuel Stream Team
- LG UltraGear Stream Team
- G2 Esports Stream Team
Or organize your own micro network for deeper cooperation potential!
9. Paid Community Platforms
Direct community support platforms like Patreon enable creators to offer exclusive experiences, content and perks in exchange for monthly funding by "patrons."
Fans pay anywhere from $3 to $25+ per month for stuff like:
- Bonus streams
- Priority access
- Behind-the-scenes footage
- Early previews
- Exclusive Discord access
- Members-only chat rooms
Top creators easily earn 5-figures+ per month going direct support. Slowly open this avenue after cementing free viewer loyalty.
10. Compete Professionally in Esports
Lastly, if you‘ve gained notoriety dominating any popular competitive esports games, explore getting signed by a professional gaming organization.
Salaries for top talent range from ~$50k to $100k+ in many cases. Big names demand seven figure contracts!
In exchange you‘re expected to stream consistently, build your personal brand, place high in tournaments, and promote team sponsors.
Speaking of tournaments, winning major events also pays out huge. We‘re talking millions in cash prizes across games like:
- Dota 2
- Fortnite
- League of Legends
- Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Overwatch
- Call of Duty
- Madden NFL
Sign with an elite team, train relentlessly, gain legions of fans through your success and personalities, profit massively. What more motivation do you need?
Wrap Up & Next Steps
Hopefully this guide demonstrated the incredible money-making potential steaming gaming content day in and day out on Twitch.
Remember, you won‘t unlock ALL these income streams overnight. Building an engaged audience itself takes immense commitment over months and years.
But sticking to strategies that monetize your passions IS possible. And incredibly rewarding when done right!
Now here‘s to crushing it in 2023 and beyond 💰
Let me know if you have any other questions!
