Can You Make Money On Twitch Without Being An Affiliate

Twitch is the go-to platform for gamers, with more than 4 million broadcasters each month and 17.5 million average daily users, all playing or watching other people play video games. It's also the destination for gamers hoping to turn their hobby into a little extra cash and make money without a traditional job.

Some broadcasters earn seven figures per year, thanks to subscriptions, sponsorships and a share of ad revenue, among other things. Granted, they typically have tens of thousands of followers and spend hours each day broadcasting, gaming and hosting other games on their channel.

But you don't need to be an elite user to cash in on the site. Here's how to start making money on Twitch.

1. Streamers Earn from Subscriptions

Twitch allows its influencers to provide exclusive perks (extra videos, emojis, etc.) for viewers who subscribe to their channel. Subscriptions start at $4.99 (Twitch has two additional tiers at $9.99 and $24.99). Twitch broadcasters get 50% of each subscription fee. After becoming a well-known Twitch partner, you may be able to negotiate a higher percentage of what you can earn through subs alone.

There are several ways you can incentivize your viewers to subscribe to your channel. The most common incentives include custom Twitch emotes and badges to membership holders and ad-free viewing

You can also create your unique perks for those who have financially supported your channel. While you should treat all of your viewers with respect and gratitude, people will understand if you give your subscribers preferential treatment.

2. Make Money Through Twitch Bits

Bits are an alternate way for followers to tip on Twitch. Viewers purchase them directly from the platform without having to leave the site and hand them out to whichever streamer they choose. Each bit counts for a single USD penny. As a bonus, users receive special Twitch badges as they hand out their bits. Twitch users can donate bits to any streamer who is a part of the affiliate program.

As an incentive to subscribe or donate, streamers can set up their stream alerts that will display the viewer's name and their action. Twitch alerts can bring a lot of character to your stream and show your viewers that you will go the extra mile for them.

You can create incentives for bits by making conditions for them. For instance, when playing certain games, you can tell your viewers that if they donate a specific amount, you will drop all your weapons, armor, or something else that will make the game more interesting.

3. Earn Money on Twitch From Donations or Tips

Viewers can donate to Twitch streamers through a donation (or tip) option on their channels through a third-party app such as Streamlabs. To make it easier for people to donate to your channel, create a chatbot command that will give them the link, or set up a Twitch panel in your about me section.

Some creators use this function to "sell" in-stream services. For example, musician trinityflynn will live-learn a song on her channel for $10.

4. Streamers Earn Through Ads

While Twitch creators can get cash from ad revenue, the overall consensus is that it isn't really worth it. Ad revenue is generally paid per view (generally between $1-$10 per thousand views, depending on the time of the year), but with high adblocker usage, streamers can't rely on their viewer count as an accurate measurement for payment. That being said, running the occasional ad can bring in a little extra income to hard-working streamers, just so long as it doesn't get in the way of your game.

Twitch streamers must reach the Twitch partner program before they can earn off of ads. At that point, they can control how often ads run on their channels. It is best to run ads sparingly as running ads too frequently can turn viewers off of your channel. Many streamers will run an ad at the beginning of their show, when they need to take a quick break, or at the very end of the broadcast, though others choose not to run them at all.

5. Upload Content to YouTube

Uploading game compilations, portions of streams, or new content to a classic YouTube channel will give you another way you can monetize your work. Videos on YouTube are easy to search for and have the chance to go viral. If it does, you will get a decent amount of views (from which you can collect ad revenue). Viral videos can also funnel people into your stream channel to watch your future content.

While you may be able to stream for hours, it is best to upload shorter YouTube videos that are between 5-15 minutes long. Try to upload at least one per week. If you post less frequently, YouTube won't recommend your videos. Make them unique, entertaining, and educational for the best chance that potential followers view them.

6. Earn Money on Twitch From Merchandising

While your followers are also the financial backers to your merchandise empire, in return for their money, they will receive a tangible object in return. Twitch has built-in ways for you to display your merchandise and you can also promote it on your social media accounts.

You can reuse your logo or other original graphics related to your branding for your merchandise. Logos and graphics can be created on your own or outsourced to designers on Fiverr or Etsy. Get permission to use the designs for your merchandise.

While you may not earn much from merchandising until you are in the partner program, having them available on your Twitch channel generally won't cost you anything and you may be able to make money passively from your merchandise over time.

7. Streamers Earn Through Sponsorships

Twitch streamers can potentially make money from sponsorships through third-party companies. While streaming platforms do not set these up, there are programs out there that can help. Two sites that match sponsors and streamers are PowerSpike and HelloGamers. You can also meet with agents at conventions or network with them through their companies.

8. Broadcasters Earn Through Affiliate Marketing

Broadcasters on all three platforms can make money on Twitch through affiliate marketing. These are generally set up by each creator, not by Twitch.

The most popular affiliate program for streamers is through Amazon. All you have to do is set up the Amazon Blacksmith extension. Once you have an Amazon affiliate account, you can set it up with your other extensions in your profile. Promote items that you use or are passionate about on your stream.

You can also set up affiliate programs with unique products or software through their businesses (if applicable). When you use a new device or product, look into the company and see if they have a program available and what you need to do to be paid. You don't want to overuse affiliates as it could put off your viewers, but a select few could bring you some extra income.

9. Special Services Can You Offer to Other Streamers?

As an independent streamer, you may need to learn many new skill sets (or develop existing ones) to grow your Twitch brand and channel. If you excel in one specific area, you may be able to market those skills to other streamers (or trade them for services you need). These may include:

Graphic/Animation Design Skills for Twitch Broadcasters
Content Coaching for Streamers
Troubleshooting Support for Broadcasters on Twitch
Video Editing Services for Twitch Streamers

10 Getting Signed To An Esports Org

Did you know the average esports salary is about $60,000 per year? The top esports players even make $1-$3 million per year.

While this income won't come directly from Twitch, showing off your skills on stream can get you seen by and signed to an eSports team.

It's a long shot admittedly, but then again, making a full time income via any method on Twitch is a long shot for most streamers as well.