Twitch is a platform known for its gaming streams and vibrant community, where many creators start as casual streamers. While becoming a Twitch Partner offers lucrative benefits, it’s not the only way to earn money. You don’t need to be partnered to make a steady income on the platform. In fact, there are several methods to monetize your Twitch channel without meeting the requirements for a Partner status. Here’s how you can make money on Twitch without being partnered.
1. Use Affiliate Marketing to Generate Income
One of the easiest ways to make money on Twitch without being partnered is through affiliate marketing. This is a popular method where you promote products or services in exchange for a commission. Many companies, especially those in the gaming and tech industries, run affiliate programs. By signing up for these programs, you can share affiliate links in your Twitch stream description or during live broadcasts.
For example, if you’re promoting a gaming headset, you can place the affiliate link in your bio or talk about it during your streams. Whenever a viewer clicks on that link and purchases the product, you earn a commission. Sites like Amazon Associates, Razer, or SteelSeries often have affiliate programs that work well for Twitch streamers. If you have an active and engaged audience, affiliate marketing can become a significant source of income.
2. Accept Donations from Viewers
Another fantastic way to make money without being a Twitch Partner is through donations. Donors can directly send you money via third-party platforms like PayPal or through donation services like Streamlabs or StreamElements. These donations are often voluntary and come from viewers who enjoy your content.
The best part about donations is that they are not tied to your Twitch status. As long as you have an engaged audience, your viewers can support you financially. You can incentivize donations by offering shoutouts, personalized messages, or exclusive content. Some streamers even set up donation goals that give their audience something to look forward to once a certain amount of donations have been reached.
3. Launch a Subscription Model with Services Like Patreon
While Twitch subscriptions are typically tied to becoming a Partner, you can still use third-party services like Patreon to offer exclusive content and rewards to your followers. Patreon allows creators to set up different tiers of subscription with added perks for paying supporters.
For example, you can offer early access to streams, private Discord channels, behind-the-scenes content, or personal interactions. Patreon also allows you to receive recurring monthly payments, which provides a consistent income stream. The key here is to engage with your audience and provide value that encourages them to support you through regular contributions.
4. Create and Sell Merchandise
Selling custom merchandise is another way to make money on Twitch without needing a Partnership. Whether it’s t-shirts, mugs, or hoodies, having your own branded products allows your audience to support you in a tangible way. Platforms like Teespring, Spreadshirt, and Redbubble make it easy to design and sell merchandise directly to your followers.
Once you’ve set up a merchandise store, you can promote it during your live streams or on social media. This is a great way to monetize your brand if you have a loyal fan base who wants to showcase their support for you. Merchandise can also act as an additional revenue stream that can grow as your channel becomes more popular.
5. Participate in Sponsored Streams and Brand Collaborations
Even without being a Twitch Partner, you can still collaborate with brands for sponsored streams. Sponsored streams are a great way for companies to promote their products or services through influencers like you. While it might take time to get your first brand collaboration, having a consistent streaming schedule and a growing audience can make you an attractive partner for companies.
Brands often look for streamers who have an engaged and relevant audience. So, if you focus on a particular niche, like a specific game or activity, this will increase your chances of getting sponsored. Once you get a few deals, you can potentially earn money through product placements, shoutouts, or even creating content around the sponsor’s brand.
6. Leverage Twitch Bits to Earn Income
Twitch Bits are a form of virtual currency that viewers can purchase and use to cheer for their favorite streamers. Although Bits are mostly associated with Twitch Partners, you don’t need to be partnered to use them. As a non- partnered affiliate, you can still earn Bits whenever viewers use them to cheer in your streams.
While the payout for Bits is relatively small, they add up over time, especially if you have a dedicated audience. Viewers may also use Bits to interact with your content, making it a fun way to engage with your community while earning some money in the process. Encouraging your viewers to cheer with Bits can also make them feel more involved in your streams.
7. Affiliate with Twitch’s "Sub Button" for Non-Partners
Although the Twitch "Sub Button" is usually reserved for partnered streamers, non-partners can still unlock a similar feature through Twitch’s Affiliate Program. Becoming an affiliate gives you access to receive paid subscriptions from viewers. Affiliates can earn a share of the subscription fees, which can provide a steady income stream.
The best part about becoming a Twitch Affiliate is that it’s easier to get into than the Partner Program. To qualify, you need to have streamed for at least 500 minutes over the past 30 days, have at least 50 followers, and maintain an average of three viewers per stream. If you’re eligible, this program allows you to earn money from both subscriptions and Bits, giving you an opportunity to make money before achieving Partnership.
8. Offer Coaching or Gaming Services
If you’re an expert in a specific game or have certain skills, you can monetize your expertise by offering coaching services. Many viewers look to improve their skills in their favorite games, and they’re willing to pay for personalized guidance. Whether it's offering tips on strategy, gameplay mechanics, or team coordination, coaching is a great way to earn extra income.
Platforms like Gamer Sensei and ProGuides allow you to sign up as a coach and offer your services to a wider audience. You can also offer private lessons to your viewers directly through your Twitch channel. The key to success in this area is establishing yourself as an expert and providing real value to your followers, which can turn into a consistent income stream.
Conclusion
Making money on Twitch without being a Partner is entirely possible, and there are various ways to do so. From affiliate marketing and donations to merchandise sales and brand collaborations, the opportunities are numerous. Remember, the more you engage with your community and provide value, the more likely you are to earn an income from your content. Whether you're a casual streamer or someone looking to make a side income, there’s a path for everyone on Twitch. Just stay consistent, be creative, and explore different revenue streams to find what works best for you!