How To Make Money On Twitch: A Complete 2025 Playbook

Streaming on Twitch can go far beyond a casual hobby. With the proper setup and strategy, Twitch streamers can make money from their Twitch content. This guide shows how to make money on Twitch, grow your following, and unlock real earning potential – no matter your niche.

Here’s how to make money streaming on Twitch.

How does Twitch monetization work?

Twitch monetization is the process of earning income from your Twitch streams. Money flows from viewers, through features like Twitch subscriptions, Twitch Bits, or merch, then passes through Twitch before reaching the creator. Twitch receives a cut, but the rest goes directly to you.

Most Twitch streamers earn money through built-in Twitch tools, community support, and off-platform deals. If you’re hoping to make money fast, it helps to understand how these income streams work together. Anyone can enable Subscriptions and Bits immediately, but running ads still requires the status of a Twitch affiliate or Twitch partner program.

Here are the main revenue categories:

Twitch pay: Subs, Bits, and ad revenue
Community-driven income: Donations, merch, coaching
External sources: Sponsorships, affiliate program payouts, referral revenue

1. Turn on Twitch’s built-in revenue features

Twitch’s native monetization tools are the easiest way to earn money immediately. These features are already integrated into your Twitch account, making it simple to turn viewer support into real money on Twitch, and you do not need any extra setup or third-party services.

Enable subs and Bits on day one

As of 2025, most new Twitch accounts can turn on Twitch subscriptions and Twitch Bits without waiting to qualify for the Twitch affiliate program.

How to qualify through your Creator Dashboard:

Go to Monetization > Subscriptions > Enable
Then navigate to Monetization > Bits & Cheering > Enable
Link your payout method and confirm terms
Set up notification alerts for new subs and Bits

Remember Prime Gaming: viewers with Amazon Prime can give you a free subscription each month. You’ll earn a fixed payout (around $2.25 in the U.S.), so remind fans regularly.

For early incentives, add a “Founders” badge to reward your first supporters and create an emote tied to an inside joke from your stream. Upload at least three Tier-1 subscription tiers emotes before you go live to maximize viewer engagement from the start.

Climb the Plus Program for 60/40 & 70/30 splits

The Twitch Partner Program now includes the “Plus” system, offering better revenue splits based on subscription tiers' performance:

Tier-1 sub = 1 point/month
Tier-2 sub = 2 points/month
Tier-3 sub = 6 points/month

To unlock higher earnings:

100 points for 60/40 split (Level 1), sustained 3 months
300 points for 70/30 split (Level 2), also sustained 3 months

A creator with 100 Tier-1 subs earns ~$250 under the standard 50/50 model. That same streamer would earn $300 with the Level 1 split – a clear $50 jump for the same support.

To hit milestones, run a monthly “Plus Push” stream with exclusive content, like custom overlays or downloadable wallpapers. Just keep in mind: if your Plus Points drop, so does your level, by one tier each missed month.

Run ads and earn per 1 000 viewers

Ads unlock automatically once you reach Twitch affiliate (25 followers, 4 hours streamed on 4 different days).

Twitch offers creators 55% of net ad revenue, with an average CPM of $2-$4 per 1,000 viewers depending on region and seasonality.

For a smoother viewer experience, try running a 90-second mid-roll every 30 minutes. This allows ad-free viewing for new viewers.

To avoid viewer drop-off:

Give a heads-up with a quick on-screen ad countdown
Time ad breaks during lulls (loading screens, restroom breaks)
Reward the chat post-ad with a Channel Points drop or viewer poll

Don’t forget to turn on Ads Manager in your dashboard – it automates ad breaks so you can continue live streaming.

2. Diversify income streams beyond built-in Twitch payouts

Twitch revenue can be unpredictable – policy changes, algorithm shifts, or sudden suspensions can cut off your income overnight. Popular Twitch streamers hedge against that risk by building multiple monetization paths outside Twitch’s built-in tools.

Land brand sponsorships via the Creator Profile dashboard

The Sponsorships tab helps streamers pitch brands with a downloadable one-sheet showing Twitch channel stats, top clips, and audience data.

Brands care about:

Average concurrent viewers over 30 days
Geographic audience breakdown
Past CPM performance from Twitch ads or brand deals

Mid-stream shout-outs typically earn $15-$25 CPM for 100-500 ACV. Product demos can pay more, especially for Twitch users with an established and engaged audience.

For live reads, Hook > Value Proposition > CTA.

Always disclose brand sponsorships with an on-stream mention and #ad tag to stay compliant.

Use Affiliate program and gear recommendations

Many Twitch streamers earn extra money by recommending the exact gear they use and getting paid when viewers buy it. The Amazon Influencer Program allows eligible Twitch creators to build a storefront with curated gear lists and earn 3-10% commission per sale.

Other strong options include:

Elgato: 8% on stream decks, lights, and capture cards
GamerSupps: 10% on energy drinks and branded cups

To boost conversions, use a !gear chat command or display a QR code overlay during tech talk segments. Highlight only the gear you use. Do a quarterly link audit and keep it fresh. Turn this into a steady affiliate marketing side hustle without overwhelming your Twitch community.

Sell merch, digital products and coaching

Creating products around your personal brand gives fans more ways to support you and helps you make money on Twitch without relying solely on views.

Merch: Platforms like Streamlabs Merch and Fourthwall let you sell hoodies, mugs, and mousepads with zero upfront cost. Expect around 20-30% profit margin on each sale.
Digital products: Sell OBS overlay packs, alert sounds, or LUT bundles for $5-$15 using Gumroad or other platforms. These items are easy to update and scale with your Twitch following.
Coaching: Offer one-on-one VOD reviews for video games where your gaming skills stand out. Depending on your reputation, rates typically range from $25 to $75 per session. It's a great way to make money without investment while helping others improve.

During Twitch streams downtime, remind fans they can earn on JumpTask and tip their favorite Twitch streamers using those earnings.

3. Use advanced Twitch monetization tactics for 2025

Once the basics pay the bills, stack these next-level tactics to generate income and deepen your connection with your Twitch following.

Stream in dual horizontal + vertical formats

In May 2025, Twitch announced native support for dual-format streaming. This feature lets Twitch streamers broadcast in widescreen and vertical views simultaneously – ideal for mobile-first viewers and better reach across platforms.

To prepare:

Add a 9:16 canvas in OBS
Use a vertical overlay layer
Enable chat hide to reduce clutter

This TikTok-style format boosts discoverability and gives you double the content to repurpose into YouTube videos or create stories that help increase social media engagement.

Watch your CPU – dual encoding is demanding. If you use an NVIDIA GPU, switch to NVENC for smooth performance and consistent stream quality.

Use events and subathons for revenue spikes

A subathon extends stream time with each sub or donation, often lasting days. Charity marathons work similarly and can double daily income, especially for Twitch streamers with an involved audience.

A few tips:

Set a hard end cap to prevent burnout
Prep your mod team for extra-long sessions
Offer tiered stretch goals (e.g., wig stream, game challenge)
Be transparent about any charity split or donation destination
Record and publish a recap video with highlights and earnings

If you're running giveaways during your event, check your local/state laws – there are strict rules regarding raffles and sweepstakes compliance.

License highlight clips and VOD bundles

You don’t need to keep all your Twitch clips in-house. Other streamers, YouTubers, and esports news channels pay for quality highlights. Expect $50-$200 for a 30-second clip, depending on the video game and reach. A revenue share model is often better for longer edits or bundles.

Set up a basic licensing workflow:

Export high-res (1080p) footage
Attach a Creative Commons Non-Commercial (NC) license if sharing non-exclusively
Send a sample reel for partner-only opportunities via email or DMs

Make sure your contract includes:

Usage scope (e.g., YouTube only, no ads)
Term length (e.g., 6 or 12 months)
Credit attribution requirements (on-screen or description)

To stay organized, tag your best moments using Twitch’s Clip Manager – it makes your highlights searchable and share-ready in seconds.

Set up your channel to convert viewers into paying supporters

A steady stream of views is great, but turning those viewers into paying supporters takes smart setup. If you want more Twitch subscriptions, affiliate clicks, or merch sales, optimize your Twitch channel with these essentials:

About section: Share who you are, what you stream, and how fans can support you.
Branded panels: Use clean, custom graphics to link to your store, gear, or tip page.
Pinned chat commands: Add !sub or !tip to guide viewers without interrupting the stream.
Exclusive content: Offer subscriber-only streams, VODs, or Discord access.
Live shout-outs: Recognize subs and gifters as you go.
Creative emotes: Fill your own subscription tiers with fun, on-brand options.

Use Twitch’s Featured Content panel to spotlight affiliate links or merch.

How many followers do you need to make real money?

To make money on Twitch, average concurrent viewers (ACV) matter far more than total followers. How many followers do you need on Twitch to make money? The truth is, as-you-go engagement drives income. Higher ACV means more subs, Bits, and better splits, regardless of your follower count:

ACV	Tier 1 Sub	Split	Monthly Income
10	10	50/50	$25
10	10	70/30	$30

Qualifying for Twitch’s Plus Program boosts sub payouts from $2.50 to $3.00. While the Twitch affiliate program unlocks ads, other streamers can access subs and Twitch Bits without it. Estimate your monthly income with this formula:

(Subs × payout) + (Bits × $0.01) + (Ad impressions × CPM).

Proven strategies to grow your Twitch audience fast

Your Twitch audience size and loyalty directly affect how much you earn. More viewers bring more ad impressions, Bits, subscription tiers, and affiliate clicks. Here’s how to grow faster:

Stream regularly: Stick to a schedule – consistency keeps fans coming back.
Engage live: Talk to chat, use names, and reward interaction.
Share clips: Post highlights on YouTube videos or other social media channels to attract new, encouraging viewers.
Collaborate: Partner with other Twitch streamers who share your target audience.

Growth isn’t just about being seen – it’s how you unlock serious money on Twitch. An engaged audience will help you make money on Twitch.

Special considerations: how to make money on Twitch as a girl

When women join Twitch to start streaming, they often face unique challenges – from unwanted attention to doubts about how they play video games. Still, many have built thriving channels by setting boundaries and leading with value.

Use moderation tools early to filter toxic chat. Clearly state what behavior is acceptable to foster a respectful Twitch community. Focus your content around personality, humor, or niche interests – not appearance. Showcase your strengths, whether chill vibes, competitive play, or insight.

You don’t need to change who you are – just build intentionally around what makes you stand out.

Tips for tracking your money and staying compliant

As your Twitch profile grows, your income streams become more complex. Keeping things organized between subs, Twitch Bits, ads, merch, and affiliate payouts is essential for peace of mind and tax season.

Track monthly income: Export payout CSVs and log revenue by type (subs, Bits, ads, etc.) in a spreadsheet.
Use separate accounts: Open a business PayPal and bank account to keep streaming income and expenses separate.
Understand taxes: Gear, software, and home office space are often deductible. Always consult a tax pro.

Build a safety net with an email list or YouTube channel archive in case Twitch policy shifts.

Key takeaways and next steps

Twitch monetization methods work best when income comes from multiple sources
Subs and Bits are now available without needing a Twitch affiliate
Climbing the Plus Program unlocks better revenue splits (60/40 or 70/30)
External income (sponsorships, selling custom merch, affiliate links) adds security
Vertical streaming helps reach mobile users and repurpose content
Viewers pay more when your Twitch channel is clean, branded, and engaging
Track every dollar earned and keep backup channels just in case

FAQs

Yes. Subscriptions and Bits are one way for most streamers to make money on Twitch, even for those without Twitch affiliate status. However, features like ads and the Twitch affiliate program still require your Twitch account to meet the basic Affiliate requirements.

Twitch typically pays creators 15 days after the end of the month, assuming you’ve reached the minimum payout threshold. Payouts are sent via your chosen method, bank transfer, PayPal, etc., and delays can happen if tax or payment info is incomplete.

Plus Points are part of the Twitch Partnership Program and determine your split tier. You earn 1 point for each Tier-1 sub per month (more for Tier-2 and 3). Run monthly “Plus Push” Twitch streams with stretch goals to increase subs and climb levels faster.

Streaming less can lower your exposure, which impacts subscribers, views, and ad revenue. However, many streamers who focus on quality, engagement, and audience building still make money on Twitch with shorter sessions, especially if they repurpose highlights and stay consistent with their stream's regular schedule.

Gabriele Zundaite

Digital Marketing Manager

Meet Gabriele, a marketing specialist focused on digital growth and social media. As a Digital Marketing Manager at JumpTask, she helps others discover new ways to earn online by turning creative ideas into real results. With a degree in Marketing Management and a background in growth marketing and community building, Gabriele shares clear, practical advice for anyone ready to start earning or grow their online presence.