How to make money on Twitch (2025 guide for streamers)

Twitch is more than a hobby. It’s a platform where creators turn streams into income. This 2025 guide on how to make money on Twitch covers subscriptions, Bits, ads, merch, sponsorships, and more.

Discover what Twitch pays, how the affiliate and partner programs work, and how to grow a loyal audience that supports you.

Key takeaways

• In 2025, Twitch offers most new Twitch streamers subscriptions and Bits from day one.

• The main monetization methods include Twitch subscriptions, Bits, ad revenue, donations, brand sponsorships, and selling merch.

• Joining the Twitch affiliate program unlocks payouts and ads, while the Twitch partner program provides higher subscription revenue shares and exclusive perks.

• Many Twitch streamers earn a few hundred dollars monthly, while popular Twitch streamers can generate tens of thousands in income.

• The keys to long-term success are building a consistent streaming schedule, growing a loyal Twitch community, and maintaining strong viewer engagement.

What is Twitch?

Twitch is a live streaming service where people broadcast content to an interactive community. Initially known for playing video games, Twitch has become a hub for music, cooking, fitness, art, and casual hangouts.

When you join Twitch and set up a channel, your audience supports you through paid subscriptions, virtual currency called Bits, running ads, and selling custom merch from your integrated store.

What makes Twitch powerful – it combines entertainment with real-time interaction, creating a deeper bond between Twitch content and creators, and their audience.

How to make money on Twitch: 9 Twitch revenue streams you should set up

To make money on Twitch in 2025, you’ll need to tap into multiple monetization methods – not just one. Below is a breakdown of the main options in 2025 and how to set them up for your own Twitch channel.

1. Subscriptions (three tiers)

Source: Twitch

Subscriptions are one of the most reliable ways for Twitch streamers to generate income. There are three subscription tiers your fans can pay for (standard US web pricing):

• Tier 1: $5.99/month
• Tier 2: $9.99/month
• Tier 3: $24.99/month

Note: Subscription prices vary by country; check local pricing if your Twitch audience is global.

Subscribers get perks like custom emotes, badges, and access to exclusive chat rooms, while creators earn recurring revenue.

At first, Twitch typically pays Affiliates and Partners a 50/50 split of subscription revenue. Once you join the Twitch Partner Program, high-performing streamers can keep up to 70% of their subscription revenue through the Partner Plus Program.

To grow Twitch subscriptions, highlight the benefits during your Twitch streams, keep a consistent streaming schedule, and encourage fans to subscribe with on-screen prompts or shoutouts.

Explore: Bits and Subscriptions on Twitch

2. Bits and Cheers

Source: Twitch

Twitch Bits are a built-in virtual currency that viewers buy to support streamers. Each Bit is worth about $0.01, but the real magic comes in how fans use them. When someone cheers with Bits, it triggers fun animated emotes in chat called Cheermotes.

These can be global emotes like Kappa or TriHard, or custom designs that unlock as you become a Twitch Partner. Cheermotes spotlight viewer support and make your channel feel more interactive.

For streamers, Twitch Bits and Cheermotes are an easy way to earn money and boost interaction. Viewers feel recognized, your chat comes alive with animations, and you get rewarded in real time.

Tips to increase cheering activity during live streaming:

• Display a leaderboard of top cheerers to spark friendly competition

• Celebrate milestones with shoutouts when someone uses Cheermotes

• Trigger hype trains – short events that reward rapid viewer support with exclusive perks

• Use alerts or overlays to make cheering stand out on screen

Cheermotes are more than just emotes; they turn cheering into a mini-event. The more you highlight them, the more likely your audience will use Bits to support your stream.

3. Ads and ad revenue

Ads are a core way to make money on Twitch, but they’re only available through the Twitch Affiliate Program or the Twitch Partner Program.

Once you qualify for and enable ads, you receive ad revenue based on CPM (cost per 1,000 ad impressions). Rates vary by region, content type, and viewer location, but most creators earn a few dollars for every 1,000 impressions.

Ads are intrusive and annoying, so place them during natural pauses – like right after a match ends or in between topics. This way, you keep the flow intact and avoid frustrating viewers during exciting moments.

4. Donations and tips

Another way to make money on Twitch is through direct support from your audience. Using 3rd party tools lets you collect fan donations without Twitch taking a cut.

Popular options:

• PayPal for quick one-time tips

• Streamlabs or Ko-fi for recurring monthly support

• Crypto wallets for direct transfers

Many Twitch users prefer contributing through these tools and donation links because they know creators keep a bigger share.

Always be transparent about how donations are used and thank your supporters during livestreams. Recognition builds trust and encourages more viewer engagement.

5. Brand sponsorships and affiliate marketing

Sponsorships are one of the most lucrative ways to make money streaming once your Twitch account grows. Companies look at your concurrent viewers, engagement rates, and how closely your fans match their target audience.

You don’t need thousands of followers to start. Begin with an affiliate program: add links for products your audience already cares about – like gaming gear, streaming software, or custom merch from Printful.

As your Twitch channel grows, you can pitch brands directly. Show them your average viewership, streaming schedule, and explain how their product fits naturally into your content. Highlight data points like engagement rates, subscriber loyalty, or social reach.

Always keep partnerships authentic. Promote only the products you genuinely use and believe in. Viewers can tell when a sponsorship feels forced, and trust keeps an engaged audience loyal for the long run.

Pro tip: Join Printful’s Affiliate Program and earn 10% from orders made via your link.

6. Patreon

Patreon helps you make money on Twitch by setting up a membership program outside the platform. The big advantage is that you keep more revenue than what Twitch typically pays Affiliates and Partners.

You can offer subscription tiers and reward your biggest supporters with perks like:

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes videos or highlights

• Access to private chat groups or a Discord server

• Early access to upcoming content

• 1:1 coaching sessions for top-tier supporters

For Twitch creators, Patreon works best when you treat it as an add-on to your channel subscriptions. Mention it during your streams, add it to your channel panels, and remind your community that Patreon unlocks extras they can’t get on Twitch. 

Source: Video Games AWESOME! via Patreon

Start small with one or two perks you can easily deliver, then expand as your Twitch audience engagement grows. This way, you avoid overpromising and still give people a reason to sign up.

7. Sell merch with Printful

Selling custom merch is one of the best ways to monetize Twitch beyond subscriptions, Twitch Bits, and ads. It gives your viewers something tangible to connect with and makes them feel like they’re part of your community. When fans wear your hoodie, sip from your mug, or stick your logo on their laptop, they carry your brand into their daily lives.

Top Twitch streamers like Nickmercs and Lilypichu use merch to strengthen their brand and deepen loyalty. But you don’t need millions of followers. Even small channels can succeed with inside jokes, catchphrases, or simple, memorable designs. A single tee can turn casual viewers into true fans.

Printful makes selling merch simple – design and sell t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or stickers without managing inventory. Printful takes care of production, packaging, and shipping, while you focus on streaming.

Here’s how to start selling custom merch with Printful:

• Create a free Printful account

• Browse Printful’s Product Catalog and pick a product – start with a staple item like a hoodie or t-shirt that your viewers already love

• Design it – upload your logo, tagline, or a meme from your stream using our Design Maker

• Set up your online store using an eCommerce integration like Shopify or Squarespace

• Promote your merch during Twitch streams – add links to your channel panels, offer discount codes, or show off products on screen

Selling custom merch is more than making money on Twitch – it’s a way to turn your channel into a brand your audience can wear, share, and support.

8. YouTube channel and other social media platforms

Don’t keep your content locked inside Twitch. Repurpose it. Take highlights, funny clips, or fully edited versions of your Twitch streams and upload them to a YouTube channel. This way, you reach people who missed your live and generate ad revenue from your YouTube videos.

Short-form social media channels like TikTok and Instagram are also powerful tools. A single viral clip can attract hundreds of new viewers who visit your Twitch channel later.

Think of it as building an ecosystem. You stream on Twitch, but new fans discover you on other channels. Diversifying across channels keeps your growth steady and your income more sustainable.

9. Coaching and services

If you’ve built solid gaming skills or know the ins and outs of running a Twitch channel, turn that experience into a paid service. Many new streamers are eager to learn from someone who’s already done it, and they’re willing to pay for coaching.

Offer 1:1 sessions on how to set up streaming software and grow a personal brand. Or create a streaming schedule fostering an established and engaged audience. You can also package your advice into workshops, paid group classes, or recorded tutorials for passive income.

Start by promoting your coaching services in your streams and on your other social media channels. A simple note in your channel panels or a shoutout during live sessions is often enough to get the word out.

As you build testimonials and results, scale into higher-price offerings and turn your knowledge into a steady income stream.

How much do Twitch streamers make?

Twitch income varies widely based on audience size, consistency, and how many monetization methods you use. Here’s a snapshot:

Most streamers rely on a mix of ad and subscription revenue, Bits, brand sponsorships, and selling custom merch. The more diversified your income, the more stable and scalable it becomes. 

What’s new: Twitch’s 2025 monetization shift

The biggest update for 2025: Twitch has opened subscriptions and Bits to nearly all creators from day one. That means you can start earning immediately after creating your Twitch account.

Before, you had to reach affiliate status by reaching 50 followers, streaming on 7 different days, and averaging at least 3 concurrent viewers. Now, many streamers can unlock revenue streams without those thresholds.

Here’s what’s new:

• Subscriptions and Bits unlocked early. Creators no longer need Affiliate approval to enable these features.

• Spendable Balance. Use Twitch earnings to support other Twitch streamers by buying Bits or gifting subs before hitting the $50 payout minimum.

• Shared Hype Trains. Streamers who use Shared Chat can now run hype trains together, increasing community engagement.

• Improved brand collaboration tools. Twitch introduced a built-in sponsorship dashboard, making it easier to negotiate brand sponsorships and affiliate deals.

This shift makes 2025 the best time to start streaming and experiment with different monetization methods.

Growth tips to make money on Twitch

• Stream regularly. Stick to a clear streaming schedule so viewers know when to find you. Consistency turns casual watchers into loyal fans.

• Engage in chat. Keep the conversation flowing. Ask questions, respond in real time, and make your audience feel like part of the stream.

• Highlight Cheermotes. When someone cheers with Bits, give them a shoutout. Those fun animations light up chat and encourage others to join in.

• Collaborate with other streamers. Partner with creators in your niche to cross-promote and share audiences. Joint streams help you grow faster and build authority.

• Promote your Twitch channel. Share stream highlights, funny moments, or valuable clips on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels to reach new viewers.

• Invest in the right Twitch streamer equipment. Good streaming software, clear audio, and crisp video make a big difference in keeping viewers engaged.

• Build your story. Shape your personal brand around what makes you unique, whether it’s a catchphrase, a theme, or your personality.

• Focus on loyalty. Numbers are nice, but long-term success comes from strong viewer engagement and community trust.

Final thoughts: Start streaming and make money on Twitch

Learning how to make money on Twitch isn’t just about hitting numbers – it’s about building a loyal, engaged audience that supports you through multiple channels.

From Twitch subscriptions, subscription tiers, Bits, and running ads to sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling custom merch, you now have more tools than ever to build income. 

If you’re serious, start with a Twitch account, set a streaming schedule, stream regularly, and nurture your Twitch community. Add merch through Printful to expand your revenue, and use social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok to grow visibility.

The key to earning money on Twitch in 2025 is diversification, consistency, and building a strong personal brand.