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Twitch, a platform originally focused on video game streaming, has expanded its reach, becoming a major hub for content creators across various genres including music, talk shows, cooking, and even everyday life. Many aspiring streamers wonder how they can begin earning money on the platform. While the number of followers is important, it’s only part of the equation. The key factor that determines when a streamer can start making money on Twitch is whether they meet the requirements for the Twitch Affiliate Program or the Twitch Partner Program. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both programs and how followers play into monetization on Twitch.

The Twitch Affiliate Program: The First Step to Making Money

The Twitch Affiliate Program is designed for streamers who are just starting to build an audience and want to start monetizing their content. To become an Affiliate, there are specific requirements that you must meet, and the number of followers is one of them. Here’s what you need to qualify:

1. 50 Followers

The most basic requirement to join the Affiliate program is having at least 50 followers. While this might seem like a small number, it shows that you have started to build a community of viewers who are interested in your content. In practice, gaining followers on Twitch often requires consistent streaming, engaging with your audience, and promoting your channel on social media or other platforms​

2. 500 Minutes of Streamed Content in the Last 30 Days

To qualify for the Affiliate Program, you also need to have streamed a total of at least 500 minutes (or roughly 8.5 hours) over the past 30 days. This ensures that you are regularly producing content and giving potential followers a chance to discover your streams. Successful Affiliates typically stream a few times a week to maintain consistent engagement with their growing community​

3. At Least 7 Different Streaming Days in the Past 30 Days

Beyond just streaming a minimum amount of hours, Twitch wants to ensure that you are maintaining a consistent presence on the platform. You must have streamed on at least 7 different days during the past 30 days. This encourages streamers to develop a schedule that followers can rely on. By having a regular streaming schedule, you are more likely to attract a steady group of viewers who will become loyal subscribers and, eventually, paying supporters​

Twitch also requires that you have an average of 3 concurrent viewers across your streams over the past 30 days. This means that, on average, 3 viewers need to be watching your stream at any given time. This requirement ensures that you’re not just going live and streaming to an empty channel, but that people are consistently watching and interacting with your content​

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Twitch Affiliate Program. Upon acceptance, you’ll gain the ability to make money through subscriptions, Bits (Twitch’s virtual tipping system), and ads. As an Affiliate, you’ll also receive access to exclusive features such as emotes and channel badges, which can help build a stronger connection with your audience​

How Twitch Affiliates Make Money

Once you’re a Twitch Affiliate, there are several ways to monetize your content. The most common methods are:

1. Subscriptions

Followers can subscribe to your channel for a monthly fee, and you’ll earn a percentage of that revenue. Subscriptions are typically offered at three different price points: $4.99, $9.99, and $24.99 per month. You’ll keep about 50% of the subscription revenue, depending on your agreement with Twitch.

2. Bits

Bits are Twitch’s virtual currency that viewers can buy and use to “tip” streamers during a broadcast. You earn a share of the revenue when viewers send you Bits, and this can be a steady source of income as your viewership grows.

3. Advertisements

You can also make money from ads run during your streams. However, ad revenue is typically modest unless you have a large number of concurrent viewers. Twitch runs pre-roll ads and mid-stream ads, and you’ll earn a portion of the ad revenue each time an ad is shown to your audience​

4. Donations

While not directly part of the Affiliate Program, many streamers also set up external donation links using services like PayPal or Streamlabs. Donations can supplement your earnings, and some viewers may prefer to donate directly rather than subscribing or purchasing Bits​

The Twitch Partner Program is for streamers who have grown significantly in their popularity and viewership. Becoming a Twitch Partner unlocks higher earning potential, but the requirements are more stringent than those for the Affiliate program. To qualify for the Partner program, you must meet these requirements:

1. 1,000 Followers

To apply for the Partner program, you need to have at least 1,000 followers. This represents a significantly larger audience than the 50 required for the Affiliate program. Reaching this milestone means you have successfully attracted a substantial number of viewers who are consistently following and engaging with your content​

2. 75 Average Concurrent Viewers

A major difference between the Affiliate and Partner programs is the requirement for 75 average concurrent viewers over the past 30 days. This means that, on average, you must have 75 viewers watching your stream at any given time. This is a more challenging threshold to meet and requires building a loyal and engaged audience. The higher the concurrent viewers, the more likely you are to attract additional subscribers, tips, and ad revenue​

3. 25 Hours of Streaming on 12 Different Days

Twitch Partners are expected to be highly active on the platform. To qualify, you must stream for at least 25 hours across 12 different days in the past month. This ensures that you are consistently creating content and engaging with your growing audience​

Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for the Partner program, which offers more lucrative monetization options. Partners receive a higher share of revenue from subscriptions (around 70%), additional emote slots, and the ability to run more ads during their streams. They may also get opportunities for sponsorships and exclusive promotions through Twitch​

Other Ways to Make Money on Twitch

While followers are a significant factor in earning money on Twitch, they are not the only metric that matters. There are additional revenue streams available to streamers, whether they are Affiliates or Partners:

1. Donations

Streamers often set up donation buttons through external platforms like Streamlabs or Ko-fi, which allow fans to contribute money directly to the streamer without Twitch taking a cut. Donations are often used by viewers to show support or in exchange for shout-outs or personalized content​

2. Merchandise Sales

Selling merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and hoodies with your branding or catchphrases is another way to generate income. Websites like Teespring or Redbubble allow streamers to create and sell merchandise without any upfront cost. Merch can be promoted during streams or through social media to increase sales​

3. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

As your channel grows, you may attract sponsors who are willing to pay for product placement or promotion. Some brands will approach streamers for collaborations, while others offer affiliate programs where streamers earn a commission for driving sales. Partnering with gaming companies, technology brands, or other relevant companies can be a lucrative way to supplement your earnings​

Conclusion

To start making money on Twitch, you need to meet the requirements for either the Twitch Affiliate Program or the Twitch Partner Program. For Affiliates, having at least 50 followers is the minimum, while the Partner program requires 1,000 followers. However, simply having followers is not enough to earn money—you’ll need to stream consistently, engage with your audience, and explore various monetization options such as subscriptions, Bits, ads, and donations. As you grow your channel and expand your audience, you’ll unlock new revenue opportunities and increase your earning potential.

Twitch monetization is about more than just numbers; it’s about creating a community and offering engaging content that keeps viewers coming back for more. Consistency, content quality, and community engagement are essential for building a sustainable and profitable streaming career.