Twitch is a top live streaming site with two main ways for streamers to make money: the Affiliate Program and the Partner Program. Both let streamers earn from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. But, the Partner Program offers more features and benefits1. Over one million streamers make money on Twitch each month. They share revenue with Twitch, with different rates for different levels2.
Choosing between Affiliate and Partner depends on what you want and how big your audience is. The requirements and benefits are different1.
To join the Twitch Affiliate program, you need 50 followers, 3+ viewers on average, and 500+ minutes streamed in 7 days3. Becoming a Twitch Partner is more selective. Twitch picks streamers with a strong community1. Partners get more ways to make money, like Squad Streams and exclusive subscriber streams1.
Twitch splits subscription money 50/50 with streamers. Top streamers get 70/30 under the Partner Plus Program3. To get a 70/30 share, you need 300 Plus Points for three months. For a 60/30 share, you need 100 Plus Points2. Also, there’s no longer a $100K cap on earnings, so streamers can keep earning at a 70/30 share2.
Both Affiliates and Partners can show ads and earn from them. Partners get more support and a verified badge, making them more credible1. Affiliates can stream in higher quality, while Partners get longer VOD storage1. Affiliates can make $100 to $1,000 a month. Top streamers can make over $32,850 monthly3. The choice between Twitch Affiliate and Partner programs depends on your audience size, engagement, and goals.
Key Takeaways
- Twitch offers two main monetization programs: Affiliate and Partner, both allowing streamers to earn money through subscriptions, Bits, and ads.
- Partners have access to additional features and benefits compared to Affiliates, such as enhanced revenue sharing, extended VOD storage, and exclusive subscriber streams.
- Qualifying for the Affiliate program requires 50 followers, 3+ average viewers, 500+ minutes of streaming, and 7+ unique streaming days within 30 days.
- Top streamers can receive a 70/30 revenue share under the Partner Plus Program, depending on their Plus Points accumulation.
- Monthly earnings for Affiliates range from $100 to $1,000+, while top Partners can earn significantly more, with the top 100 streamers earning at least $32,850 monthly.
Understanding Twitch’s Monetization Programs
Twitch has two main ways for streamers to make money: the Affiliate Program and the Partner Program. These programs let creators earn through subscriptions, Bits, and ads. Let’s look at each program’s details and how they differ.
Twitch Affiliate Program
The Twitch Affiliate Program is for new streamers who want to start making money. To join, a streamer needs to have:
- At least 50 followers on their channel45
- Stream for 500 total minutes across 7 days in the last 30 days45
- Keep an average of 3 viewers at once for the last 30 days45
Once a streamer is an Affiliate, they get to use subscriber-only emotes, bits, and earn from ads. Affiliates get 50% of the subscription fee, about $2.50 for Tier 1 subscriptions ($4.99)4. Also, each Bit cheered by viewers is worth $0.01, so 100 Bits is $1 in earnings4.
Twitch Partner Program
The Twitch Partner Program is for the best streamers with a big audience. To get in, a streamer must first be an Affiliate and then meet these criteria:
- Have between 1,000 and 2,000 followers5
- Stream for 25 hours across 12 days in 30 days45
- Keep an average of 75 viewers at once for 30 days45
Partners get extra benefits like custom emotes, a verified badge, and priority support. They can also earn more from subscriptions and get exclusive sponsorships.
| Monetization Feature | Affiliate Program | Partner Program |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Revenue Share | 50% (typically) | 50% or higher (negotiable) |
| Bits Value | $0.01 per Bit | $0.01 per Bit |
| Ad Revenue | Available | Available (potentially higher rates) |
| Custom Emotes | Subscriber-only | Subscriber-only (more slots) |
| Minimum Payout Threshold | $50 | $100 |
Both Affiliates and Partners can make money from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. But Partners can earn more and have more chances to grow. Yet, becoming a Partner is hard and needs a lot of effort, consistency, and a big fan base.
Twitch Affiliate vs Partner Requirements
Content creators on Twitch have two paths to make money: Affiliate and Partner programs. Each has its own set of rules. Let’s explore what’s needed to qualify and start earning on Twitch.
Affiliate Requirements
To become a Twitch Affiliate, you need a few things. First, you must have at least 50 followers36. You also need to have streamed for 500 minutes over 7 different days in the last 30 days36. Lastly, you should have an average of 3 or more viewers at the same time over 30 days36.
These criteria show you’re serious and good at drawing in viewers.
Partner Requirements
To become a Twitch Partner, you need more followers and viewers. The exact number isn’t shared, but it’s between 1,000 to 2,000 followers6. You also need to have 75 viewers on average over 30 days and stream for 25 hours over 12 days in a month6.
Just meeting these requirements doesn’t mean you’ll get in. Twitch looks at each application carefully. They consider your stream quality, content uniqueness, and how well you interact with your audience.
Becoming a Twitch Partner is a big deal. It lets you make more money and access special features and support.
In 2023, over 7.39 million broadcasters use Twitch every month3. With so many creators, it’s important to stand out and build a loyal audience. By making great content and talking to your viewers, you can meet Affiliate and Partner requirements. This opens up many ways to make money.
Benefits of Being a Twitch Affiliate
Becoming a Twitch Affiliate is a big step for streamers. It opens up many ways to make money from their content. To join, streamers need 50 followers, broadcast on 7 days in 30, stream for 500 minutes, and have 3 viewers on average7.
Being an Affiliate means you can earn money in different ways. You can get a share of subscription fees, which range from $4.99 to $24.99 a month. Viewers can also buy Bits to support their favorite streamers, with each Bit worth $0.017.
Affiliates get special emotes to make their channel more engaging. These emotes are earned by getting subscribers. Each subscriber level gives more points, unlocking up to five emotes8.
While Affiliate earnings might not be as high as Partners’, they can still make $100 to $1,000 a month. This money comes from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. Twitch pays Affiliates every month after they reach $100 in earnings9.
Affiliates also get priority support from Twitch. This is very helpful for managing their accounts and solving problems9. This support, along with the chance to grow their community, makes the Affiliate program very appealing.
As Affiliates grow, they might qualify for the Twitch Partner program. This offers even more benefits and ways to make money9. But, becoming a Partner is harder, needing more followers and viewers9.
The Twitch Affiliate program is a great start for streamers wanting to make money from their hobby. It lets them use subscriptions, Bits, and emotes to build a career. They can keep working towards the Partner status while doing this.
Twitch Affiliate vs Partner Payout
On Twitch, there are two main ways to earn money: Affiliate and Partner. Each has its own payout structure and benefits. Knowing the differences helps streamers make the best choices for their career and earnings.
Affiliate Payout Structure
Twitch Affiliates get 50% of subscription revenue10. To join, streamers need to meet certain criteria. This includes streaming for 500 minutes in 30 days and having 50 followers11. They also earn from Bits, a virtual currency, but the exact rate is not shared12.
Partner Payout Structure
Partners can earn up to 70% of subscription revenue12. To become a Partner, streamers must meet higher standards. This includes streaming for 25 hours in 12 days and having 75 viewers on average11. Partners also get extra benefits like better support and more emotes11.
Comparing Affiliate and Partner Payouts
Affiliates and Partners both earn from subscriptions and Bits. But, Partners earn more because they get a higher percentage of revenue11. For example, an Affiliate needs 20 Tier 1 subscriptions to reach the minimum payout of $5010.
Partners can earn more by reaching milestones like 300 Plus Points11. They might also get special offers that increase their earnings. But, these deals come with specific terms that change the Agreement12.
The table below shows the main differences between Affiliate and Partner payouts:
| Payout Aspect | Twitch Affiliate | Twitch Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Revenue Split | 50/50 | Up to 70/30 |
| Ad Revenue Share | 30-55% | 30-55% or fixed monthly revenue through Ads Incentive Program |
| Minimum Payout Balance | $50 | $50 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly, within 45 days after the end of each calendar month | Monthly, within 45 days after the end of each calendar month |
Choosing between Affiliate and Partner depends on a streamer’s audience and content dedication. Understanding the twitch payout rates and requirements helps creators make informed decisions for a successful career on Twitch12.
Twitch Affiliate vs Partner Revenue Streams
Both Twitch Affiliates and Partners can make money from their channels. But, the ways and amounts they can earn differ. Affiliates need 50 followers, 500 minutes of stream time, and 3 viewers on average to start9. They can earn from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. Partners, with thousands of followers and high viewership9, get more benefits like higher earnings and customization options.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are a big income source for both. Viewers pay $4.99 a month to subscribe, with the streamer and Twitch splitting the revenue 50/5013. Partners often get a bigger share of this money9. Top streamers like Ninja and Shroud can make a lot from subscriptions alone, thanks to their huge followings13.
Bits and Cheering
Bits are virtual goods that viewers buy to cheer for streamers. Each Bit is worth $0.0113. Streamers get a share of the money from Bits. While both can earn from Bits, Partners might get more.
Advertising Revenue
Advertising is another way for streamers to make money. Affiliates can have ads, but Partners get better rates9. With so many live streams in 202113, ad rates vary. Partners also get 5% from game and item sales, a perk for Affiliates13.
Top Partners can get big sponsorships and brand deals, boosting their earnings. Since late 2019, 81 top streamers have made over $1 million, with the top five making more than $5 million13. As Twitch grows, with 15 million daily users13, more opportunities for success await Affiliates and Partners.
Conclusion
In the world of Twitch affiliate vs partner programs, aspiring streamers have two paths. The Affiliate program is an easy start, needing 50 followers, 500 minutes of broadcast, and 3 viewers on average14. Affiliates can earn from subscriptions, bits, game sales, and a share of ads15.
The Partner program offers more for those who meet higher streaming requirements. They need to stream for 25 hours a month, on 12 unique days, and average 75 viewers1514.
Partners get more customization, extra revenue, and top-notch support from Twitch15. Moving from Affiliate to Partner shows a big jump in viewer engagement. This shows the hard work and quality content needed to thrive15.
Twitch keeps growing, focusing on quality partnerships and working well with streamers16.
The choice between Affiliate and Partner depends on a streamer’s goals and audience size. The Affiliate program is a good start for twitch monetization strategies. But the Partner program offers more chances for growth and income.
As the live streaming world grows, Twitch leads the way. It helps creators build careers and connect with fans globally. Knowing the Affiliate and Partner differences helps streamers make smart choices. They can then plan well to increase their income and succeed on Twitch.
FAQ
What’s the difference between Twitch Affiliate and Partner programs?
Twitch Affiliate is for smaller streamers who meet certain criteria. The Partner Program is more exclusive, needing a bigger audience and regular streaming. Partners get more benefits than Affiliates.
How do I become a Twitch Affiliate?
To be a Twitch Affiliate, you need 50 followers, stream for 500 minutes in 30 days, and average 3 viewers. You must also stream on at least 7 different days.
What are the requirements for becoming a Twitch Partner?
Twitch Partner is harder to get than Affiliate. It needs a big audience, steady viewers, and a professional setup. Twitch looks at each application individually.
How do Twitch Affiliates earn money?
Twitch Affiliates make money from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. They get 50% of subscription earnings and
FAQ
What’s the difference between Twitch Affiliate and Partner programs?
Twitch Affiliate is for smaller streamers who meet certain criteria. The Partner Program is more exclusive, needing a bigger audience and regular streaming. Partners get more benefits than Affiliates.
How do I become a Twitch Affiliate?
To be a Twitch Affiliate, you need 50 followers, stream for 500 minutes in 30 days, and average 3 viewers. You must also stream on at least 7 different days.
What are the requirements for becoming a Twitch Partner?
Twitch Partner is harder to get than Affiliate. It needs a big audience, steady viewers, and a professional setup. Twitch looks at each application individually.
How do Twitch Affiliates earn money?
Twitch Affiliates make money from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. They get 50% of subscription earnings and $0.01 per Bit. They also have tools like analytics and can run ads.
What’s the difference in payout structure between Twitch Affiliates and Partners?
Affiliates split subscription revenue 50/50. Partners can get up to 70/30, but need 300 Plus Points to qualify.
What are the main revenue streams for Twitch streamers?
Twitch streamers mainly make money from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. Top Partners also get sponsorships and brand deals, increasing their income.
How do I choose between the Twitch Affiliate and Partner programs?
Pick between Affiliate and Partner based on your audience, content, and streaming commitment. Affiliate is good for starting out. Partner offers more for bigger, established streamers.
.01 per Bit. They also have tools like analytics and can run ads.
What’s the difference in payout structure between Twitch Affiliates and Partners?
Affiliates split subscription revenue 50/50. Partners can get up to 70/30, but need 300 Plus Points to qualify.
What are the main revenue streams for Twitch streamers?
Twitch streamers mainly make money from subscriptions, Bits, and ads. Top Partners also get sponsorships and brand deals, increasing their income.
How do I choose between the Twitch Affiliate and Partner programs?
Pick between Affiliate and Partner based on your audience, content, and streaming commitment. Affiliate is good for starting out. Partner offers more for bigger, established streamers.
Source Links
- Twitch Partner vs. Twitch Affiliate: An in-depth tutorial – https://www.tutkit.com/en/text-tutorials/2141-twitch-partner-vs-twitch-affiliate-an-in-depth-tutorial
- An Update to Several Streamer Payout Programs – https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2024/01/24/an-update-to-several-streamer-payout-programs/
- How Does Twitch Affiliate Payout Work – Payment Guide – WEBIGCI – https://webigci.com/how-does-twitch-affiliate-payout-work-payment-guide/
- How to Earn Money on Twitch Through Affiliate and Partner – https://filmora.wondershare.com/social-media/how-to-make-money-on-twitch.html
- Making Money on Twitch as a Beginner: A 2025 Guide – https://www.obsbot.com/blog/live-streaming/make-money-on-twitch?srsltid=AfmBOoqm_hniPJb04ks4dRc0PwSXqk6UdzeImcqgwcw8OHgm0I8gZCk9
- Making Money on Twitch as a Beginner: A 2025 Guide – https://www.obsbot.com/blog/live-streaming/make-money-on-twitch?srsltid=AfmBOoq9OigUZnabRzKfMHlzedGTlpxxP_19mVKU-L3BnOEEZoK9g4_W
- Top Ways to Make Money on Twitch in 2024 – https://www.spocket.co/blogs/how-to-make-money-on-twitch?srsltid=AfmBOor8sgwkudldZuEgHFHgi1cHpMzJPzQqRZlhUdt32RhRC6NfXoa0
- Ultimate Guide on How to Become a Twitch Affiliate – https://influencermarketinghub.com/twich-affiliate/
- Unlocking Twitch Affiliate: A Comprehensive Guide for Streamers – https://www.bocalive.ai/blog/twitch/twitch-affiliate/
- How To Make Money On Twitch: 10 Proven Methods – https://bloggingwizard.com/make-money-on-twitch/
- Learn how to earn money with HowtoJoinAffiliatePrograms.com – https://howtojoinaffiliateprograms.com/twitch-affiliate-vs-partner-key-differences-and-benefits/
- Twitch.tv – Monetized Streamer Agreement – https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/legal/monetized-streamer-agreement/
- How do Twitch streamers make money? – https://www.thoughtleaders.io/blog/how-do-twitch-streamers-make-money
- How to make money and get paid on Twitch in 2024 – https://nowpayments.io/blog/how-can-twitch-streamers-get-their-money-safely
- The Streamer’s RoadMap: From Twitch Affiliate to Partner – Mobit Solutions Presents Cost Effective IT Solutions – https://www.mobitsolutions.com/the-streamers-roadmap-from-twitch-affiliate-to-partner/
- Affiliate vs Partner: Which One is Better for Your Blog? – https://www.bramework.com/affiliate-vs-partner/
