The Twitch platform has considerably gained popularity over the years. And while it mainly focuses on regular video game streaming, it’s also branching out to cover the fast-growing world of competitive eSports.
To add to this growing popularity, the Twitch Affiliate Program helps streamers get closer to turning their passion into a way of earning a living.
Create your own free link in bio page
Ready to simplify your online presence?
With Pushbio, you can;
- Link all your social media profiles together effortlessly.
- Showcase all your content, products, and services in one space.
- Share everything through a single link.
Create your own free link in bio page
Ready to simplify your online presence?
With Pushbio, you can;
- Link all your social media profiles together effortlessly.
- Showcase all your content, products, and services in one space.
- Share everything through a single link.
Twitch’s affiliate program lets streamers do what they enjoy most: connecting with fellow gamers and earning cash at the same time. But exactly how can an avid user leverage this program? What steps does a new streamer take to become a known Twitch affiliate?
Whether you’re starting fresh or aiming to improve your streaming, this guide will walk you through the steps to become a Twitch affiliate in no time.
How to become a Twitch affiliate
The Twitch Affiliate program lets streamers make money from their channel. It gives you new tools to grow your audience, get your content out and earn a decent amount for your efforts.
To join the Twitch Affiliate program, streamers must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Get 50 Followers.
- Stream for 8 hours.
- Stream on seven different days.
- Maintain an average of 3 viewers.
Creators must meet all these requirements at the same time within 30 days. Once Twitch checks and confirms you’ve met these rules, they’ll send you an invite within 48 hours. Streamers can easily track how close they are to joining the Affiliate Program by going to their Achievements Analytics.
Once you get invited to join Twitch’s Affiliate program, you’ll have four things to do before you can start making money:
- Enter Payout Details: Share your contact info for taxes.
- Agree to Monetization: Sign a contract or have a guardian sign if you’re under 18.
- Tax Forms: Fill out forms for royalties and service taxes. If you’re outside the U.S., you might need more tax forms.
- Choose Payment Method: Pick how you want Twitch to pay you (like direct deposit, PayPal, etc.).
Once you finish these steps, you’re officially an Affiliate. From here, you can earn money via any monetization methods available to Twitch affiliates (more on this later). Alternatively, creators can aim higher to meet Twitch Partner requirements and level up their streaming journey to open up more revenue sources.
How do Twitch Affiliates make money?
The Twitch Affiliate program can boost your income, possibly covering some expenses or helping with bills. It’s available worldwide and lets streamers earn money in various ways:
- Get paid from subscriptions: Viewers pay monthly to support your channel. They also unlock special badges for chat.
- Enable Bits for earnings: Bits are items viewers buy to cheer for the streamer in chat.
- Earn from game sales: If viewers buy a game you’re playing through your channel, you get a cut.
- Make ad revenue: Play ads during your streams and earn a share of the sales.
Perks of Becoming a Twitch Affiliate
Aside from the monetization tools Twitch affiliates have access to, becoming one comes with other benefits. These include:
1. Video Tools
- Transcoding options as available
- Subscriber Streams
- Subscriber-Only VODs and archives
- Increased VOD storage from 7 days to 14 days
2. Community Tools
- Eligible to create stories on Twitch.
- Customizable Channel Points
- Polls
- Access to Instant Emote Uploads
When do Twitch Affiliates get paid?
Twitch applies the Net 15 payment schedule, which means they pay out earnings 15 days after each month ends. You must reach at least $50 for Twitch Affiliates before receiving a payout.
Also, the creator’s payout method can affect how quickly they get paid. Once Twitch starts the payout process, the money might take a few days to reach your bank. Available withdrawal methods include ACH/direct deposit, eCheck/local bank, PayPal, or check for payouts once you hit the $50 threshold.
7 Tips for Success as a Twitch Affiliate
1. Be consistent
Consistency isn’t just about sticking to a schedule; it’s about reliability for your audience. Regular streaming times help your viewers know when to expect your content. Consistency also extends to the quality of your streams—maintain a level of entertainment or education that keeps your audience engaged. Building this reliability can boost your viewership and help retain your audience.
2. Engage and interact
Engagement is the heartbeat of Twitch. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and questions and interacting with them during streams. This creates a sense of community, making viewers feel valued and more likely to return. Utilize chat, polls, or interactive elements within your stream to keep your audience involved and entertained.
3. Vary your content
While maintaining a primary focus, diversifying your content can attract a wider audience. Experiment with different games, challenges, or special events. This variety prevents monotony and attracts viewers who may not have been interested in your usual content. It also shows flexibility and creativity, making your channel more dynamic and appealing.
4. Networking and collaboration
Collaborating with other streamers can introduce your channel to new audiences. Engage with fellow streamers, participate in communities, and consider joint streams or collaborations. Networking expands your reach and opens doors to new opportunities, boosting your channel’s growth.
5. Analyze and adapt
Regularly analyze your stream analytics. Understanding viewer behavior, peak streaming times, and which content performs best helps you tailor your future streams. Adaptation based on these insights ensures that you’re catering to your audience’s preferences, leading to increased engagement and retention.
6. Promote beyond Twitch
Leverage social media, forums, or gaming communities to promote your Twitch channel. Share highlights, upcoming streams, or special events to attract new viewers. Engaging with communities outside Twitch broadens your exposure and invites potential viewers who might not have discovered you otherwise.
7. Stay Informed and positive
Twitch evolves; therefore, stay updated on platform changes, trends, and new features. Additionally, maintain a positive attitude even during slow growth periods. Persistence and a positive mindset are crucial; growth takes time, and staying informed and optimistic will motivate you to succeed as a Twitch Affiliate.
In the End
Becoming a Twitch affiliate opens doors to a realm of possibilities. However, it often requires dedication, consistency, and engagement. Meeting the set criteria of followers, streaming hours, and viewer averages is crucial. It’s not just about earning money; it’s about building a community, sharing experiences, and turning your passion into a sustainable endeavor.
