Twitch is a leading livestreaming platform. It's like YouTube, but only with live streamed videos. If you've never heard of it, don't worry, this is quite common as the platform is more popular among gamers for hosting and sharing eSports events and challenges. In this article we will explain in detail how this platform works.
Twitch not only has a niche audience of online gamers, but it is also the largest online game streaming platform in the world. However, that doesn't mean that Twitch has nothing to offer other content creators.
On Twitch, you'll find all kinds of videos, including cooking, makeup, music, and lifestyle content. And with a daily active user count of 15 million, Twitch is already one of the biggest social platforms in the world.
The basics about Twitch
Twitch started as a spin-off of Justin TV. In 2014, the platform had a significant growth, gaining a good number of subscribers. None other than the tech giant Amazon saw potential in Twitch, and decided to buy this platform for $340 million. Since then, Twitch has only gained even more traction.
Twitch is a platform where content creators can showcase their skills, connect with their audience, build communities and also earn money doing what they love.
Content creators are called "streamers" on Twitch. Streamers have their channels, where all their broadcasts are stored. As the streamer grows on the platform, Twitch unlocks many rewards and monetization options.
Check out the different levels of Twitch participants
1. Streamer: Anyone can live stream videos on Twitch, but people under the age of 18 need parental consent before they can join. Streamers can submit content, exchange messages with their audience, access their stream analytics and build a community of fans.
As a streamer, you can work towards becoming a Twitch Partner, a status that unlocks many exclusive features and rewards for you. You can monitor your progress from the "Achievements" page, which you can access from Home > Insights > Achievements. Once you have met the eligibility criteria, a twitch link will appear inviting you to join as a partner.
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2 Affiliates: As a Twitch partner, you have a number of great tools at your disposal. You get a subscribe button for your fans and a custom emote. If you want to make a living with Twitch, you need to reach the affiliate level.
Twitch affiliates can monetize their channels in a number of ways, including:
- Subscribers can give you bits, which can be exchanged for real money;
- Earn money by playing upcoming games and selling in-game items;
- Advertisements and donations;
- Make money with subscriptions.
Minimum qualifications to become an affiliate include:
- 50 followers;
- Eight hours or seven days of streaming in 30 days;
- An average of three viewers per stream (for at least three simultaneous streams).
3. Partners: You can try out the Twitch Partner Program, which guarantees priority support and better monetization opportunities. Twitch partners enjoy the following benefits:
- Earning monthly subscriptions;
- Verification for your channel;
- Personalized badges for subscribers;
- Custom emotes;
- Blockable chats only available to your subscribers;
- Limited access to your content files;
- Disable the ad or give this control to your subscribers.
There are three criteria you must meet to become a partner:
- 25 hours of streaming in the last 30 days
- 12 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days;
- 75 viewers on average per stream.
Once you know these benchmarks, you will need to fill out a partner form so that Twitch can consider you. If Twitch approves your request, you will be an Official Twitch Partner.
How to watch streams on Twitch?
To start watching Twitch streams or commenting on streams, you need to create a Twitch account. You can access Twitch through the official website or the app, available for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, consoles like PS4 and Xbox, and smart TVs.
Check the download link for other platforms here.
What is Twitch Prime?
Twitch Prime is a premium subscription from the Amazon Prime linked website that all Prime customers can use at no additional cost. Twitch abstains from advertising, offers discounts on various game titles, and allows the user to enjoy a premium membership for free to financially support a streamer of their choice.
What are Twitch donations?
With a donation on Twitch, viewers can support a streamer. The money can then be considered a kind of "tip". Some streamers have special tricks to collect donations, like triggering small reactions during the stream. But beware: your donation does not necessarily have consequences for you.
The streamer is not obligated to respond in any way, as donations are voluntary. So if you really want to support a streamer, donate the amount of your choice to them.
Support your favorite streamer with donations
If your favorite streamer offers the option to receive a donation, you can find it in their Twitch information. As a rule, there is a button with the inscription "Donations" or similar. If you click on it, you will be redirected to a donation page that is linked to PayPal or other external providers.
Here you can then set an amount and make the payment. Another option is to make a donation with Twitch Bits. Per bit, 1 cent goes to the streamer. Some streamers also offer their own links to wishlists, for example on Amazon.
So you don't donate a fixed amount of money, but physical items, through Amazon's public wish lists.
If you want to connect with other gamers, play eSports challenges, prove your talent or just enjoy great live content, Twitch is the place for you. With the information in this post, you can safely start your Twitch journey.
