Twitch has grown into a major platform for content creators to earn money through live streaming. Understanding how much Twitch pays its streamers helps you set realistic income goals and develop effective monetization strategies.
The platform offers multiple revenue streams, from subscriptions and bits to ads and donations, making it possible for streamers to build sustainable income sources.
The amount you can earn on Twitch varies based on factors like your audience size, engagement levels, subscription count, and monetization methods. Small streamers might earn a few hundred dollars monthly, while top creators generate millions annually.
This guide breaks down Twitch’s payment structure, earning potential, and requirements to help you understand what to expect as a content creator on the platform.
How Much Do Twitch Streamers Get Paid?
Twitch streamer earnings vary widely:
- Small streamers (5–100 average viewers): $50–$1,500/month from bits, donations, and subscriptions.
- Mid-tier streamers (100–1,000 viewers): $5,000–$30,000/month, often supplemented by sponsorships.
- Top-tier streamers (10,000+ viewers): $100,000–$370,000/month, with some earning millions annually from ads, subs, and brand deals
Streamers also earn money through several channels:
- Subscriptions: Regular viewers pay monthly fees ($4.99, $9.99, or $24.99) to support their favorite channels. Affiliates receive 50% of subscription revenue, while Partners typically get 50-70%.
- Bits: These are virtual cheers viewers can buy and send during streams. Streamers earn $0.01 per bit, with viewers typically spending between $1.40 to $308 for bit packages.
- Ad Revenue: Streamers earn money when viewers watch ads during their streams. Ad rates vary by region and season, ranging from $2 to $10 per 1,000 views.
- Donations: Viewers can send direct monetary gifts through PayPal or other payment processors. Streamers keep 100% of donations minus processing fees.
For example, Critical Role, a Dungeons & Dragons channel, earned $370,258/month from subs and bits alone.
How Much Does Twitch Pay for 1000 Views?
Twitch doesn’t pay directly for views. Instead, streamers earn from:
- Ad revenue: $2–$6 per 1,000 ad impressions (CPM), depending on content type.
- Subscriptions: ~$2.50 per Tier 1 sub (50% of $4.99).
- Bits: $0.01 per bit donated
If you run ads during a stream with 1,000 viewers, you might earn $3–$6 per ad break. However, ad-blockers and viewer location can reduce this.
Can You Make $1000 a Month on Twitch?
Yes, but it takes consistent streaming and audience engagement. Earning $1000 monthly on Twitch is achievable with:
- Reach 100+ average viewers**: Earn $1,000–$1,500/month via subs and bits.
- Run 3–5 ads/hour: Adds $250–$500/month if you maintain 50+ concurrent viewers.
- Secure sponsorships: Brands pay $500–$1,500 for product placements in small channels.
A streamer with 50 viewers reported earning $484/month from bits and subs
How Does Twitch Pay You for Beginners?
New streamers must meet these requirements to start earning:
1. Affiliate Status:
- 50+ followers
- Stream for 8 hours total
- Stream on 7 different days
- Average of 3 concurrent viewers
2. Hit the $100 payout threshold:
Twitch pays via PayPal, direct deposit, or wire transfer.
Payments arrive around the 15th of each month, with processing times varying by method:
| Payment Method | Processing time |
|---|---|
| PayPal | 1 to 2 days |
| ACH | 3 to 5 days |
| Wire transfer | 1 to 3 days |
Does Twitch Take 50% of Earnings?
Yes—for most Affiliates. Twitch’s default revenue split is:
- 50/50 for Tier 1 subscriptions.
- 60/40 or 70/30 for Partners in the Plus Program (requires 100–300 Plus Points monthly) .
For example, a $4.99 sub gives the streamer $2.50. Partners with custom deals can keep up to 70% ($3.50/sub)
Who Gets 70/30 Split on Twitch?
Streamers in the Plus Program qualify for better splits:
- 60/40 split: 100+ Plus Points (earned via Tier 2/3 subs).
- 70/30 split: 300+ Plus Points.
The $100K annual cap for 70/30 splits was removed in 2024, letting top earners retain higher shares indefinitely
Can You Make Money on Twitch Without Being an Affiliate?
Yes, but options are limited:
- Direct donations: Use PayPal or Streamlabs.
- Third-party sponsorships: Brands may pay for unaffiliated streams.
- Merch sales: Promote products via external sites like Teespring.
However, you can’t earn from subs, bits, or ads until becoming an Affiliate.
Who Is the Richest Streamer on Twitch?
As of 2025:
- Ninja: $25M/year from subs, sponsorships, and YouTube .
- xQc: ~$197K/month from Twitch, plus $100K/month on YouTube .
- Kai Cenat: $222K/month from 89K subs.
Critical Role, though not a traditional gaming channel, earned $9.6M in 2021 via Twitch .
Note: Actual earnings fluctuate based on:
- Active streaming hours
- Sponsorship deals
- Investment income
- Platform exclusivity contracts
Conclusion
Twitch offers multiple paths to earn money, but success hinges on audience growth and diversifying income. Small streamers can make $100–$1,500/month, while top creators leverage subscriptions, ads, and sponsorships for six-figure incomes.
Use Twitch’s Affiliate and Partner programs to unlock higher revenue splits, and combine this with off-platform strategies like merch and YouTube.
