How Many Average Viewers Do You Need to Get Affiliate on Twitch?
The golden number you’re chasing to unlock Twitch Affiliate status is three. That’s right, you need an average of three concurrent viewers over the last 30 days. It sounds simple, but consistent viewership is key. Let’s dive into the nuances of achieving this goal and beyond.
Understanding the Twitch Affiliate Program
The Twitch Affiliate Program is a stepping stone for aspiring streamers, offering a pathway to monetization and a closer relationship with the platform. It’s the gateway to earning revenue through subscriptions, Bits (Twitch’s virtual currency), and ad revenue. Before you can start earning, though, you have to meet some initial criteria.
The Key Requirements
Besides that magic “3” for average viewers, you need to hit these other markers:
- 50 Followers: This is your initial fanbase. Focus on building a community.
- 7 Unique Broadcasts: Stream on seven different days within a 30-day period.
- 8 Hours of Streaming: Accumulate a total of 8 hours of broadcast time within the same 30-day window.
Once you’ve achieved these milestones, you’ll receive an invitation to become a Twitch Affiliate. Congratulations, the real fun is about to begin!
Strategies for Boosting Your Viewership
Getting to that average of three viewers requires a strategic approach. Here are some effective methods:
1. Content is King (and Queen)
Your stream’s content needs to be engaging and entertaining. Ask yourself:
- What makes my stream unique? Do you have a particular skill, play a niche game, or offer insightful commentary?
- Am I providing value to viewers? This could be entertainment, education, or simply a sense of community.
- What are my viewers asking for? Pay attention to chat and tailor your content to their interests.
2. Networking is Essential
Don’t be an island! Connect with other streamers and viewers:
- Participate in other streams: Engage in chat, offer support, and build relationships.
- Collaborate with other streamers: Team up for joint streams to cross-promote each other’s channels.
- Engage on social media: Promote your streams on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.
3. Consistency is Key
Regular streaming builds anticipation and loyalty.
- Establish a consistent schedule: Let your viewers know when to expect you online.
- Stick to your schedule as much as possible: Life happens, but consistency is crucial.
- Promote your schedule: Use Twitch’s scheduling feature and social media to remind viewers when you’ll be live.
4. Engage with Your Audience
Viewers want to feel like they’re part of something special.
- Respond to chat messages: Acknowledge viewers by name and answer their questions.
- Create interactive elements: Use polls, giveaways, or other interactive features to keep viewers engaged.
- Build a community: Foster a sense of belonging among your viewers.
5. Promote, Promote, Promote!
Don’t assume people will stumble upon your stream by accident.
- Use social media effectively: Share clips, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Participate in relevant online communities: Share your streams in gaming forums, Discord servers, and other online spaces.
- Consider paid advertising: If you have a budget, consider running ads on Twitch or other platforms.
Beyond Affiliate: The Road to Partnership
Becoming a Twitch Affiliate is a significant achievement, but it’s not the end of the journey. The next goal is to become a Twitch Partner, which unlocks even greater monetization opportunities and platform support.
The Partner Requirements
The requirements to become a Partner are considerably steeper than those for Affiliate:
- Average of 75+ viewers: Over a 30 day period.
- Stream Regularly: Streaming is fairly consistent
- Content and Community Guidelines: Adhering to Twitch’s guidelines are essential.
Leveling Up Your Strategy
To reach Partner status, you’ll need to refine your streaming strategy even further.
- Invest in high-quality equipment: Good audio and video are essential for a professional stream.
- Develop unique and engaging content: Differentiate yourself from the competition.
- Build a strong community: Cultivate a loyal and active fanbase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to get 50 followers in 30 days for Twitch affiliate?
No, the 50 followers are a total milestone. The 30-day requirement applies to the 7 unique broadcast days, 8 hours streamed, and average of 3 viewers.
2. What happens if I don’t maintain 3 average viewers after becoming an affiliate?
While Twitch doesn’t immediately revoke your affiliate status for temporary dips below 3 viewers, consistently low viewership can lead to a review of your account. Focus on maintaining engagement and providing valuable content. Failing to keep up with the affiliate requirements will also lead to a loss of status.
3. How much can I earn as a small Twitch affiliate?
Small Twitch streamers can earn anywhere from $50 to $1500 per month, depending on the number of average viewers they have. 5 – 10 average viewers could see $50 – $200 per month, while 20 average viewers could bring in $200 – $400 per month.
4. What are the best games to stream to attract more viewers?
Avoid oversaturated games like Fortnite or League of Legends initially. Instead, focus on niche games with dedicated communities, or games that are trending but not yet oversaturated. Research popular games in your genre that you enjoy playing.
5. How important is it to have a webcam?
While not mandatory, a webcam can significantly enhance your stream. It allows viewers to connect with you on a more personal level and see your reactions.
6. How often do Twitch affiliates get paid?
Twitch affiliates get paid around the 15th of each month if their balance exceeds $50 (most payout methods) or $100 (wire transfer).
7. What is the 50/50 split between Twitch and affiliates?
The 50/50 split refers to the revenue from subscriptions. Twitch takes 50% of the subscription price, while the affiliate receives the other 50%. Before the 50/50 split between you and Twitch takes place, deductions are made from the full price of a subscription, including taxes, payment processing fees, bank fees, currency conversion fees, etc.
8. Can I lose my affiliate status on Twitch?
Yes, you can lose your affiliate status if you consistently fail to meet the requirements or violate Twitch’s terms of service.
9. How can I encourage viewers to subscribe to my channel?
Offer exclusive perks to subscribers, such as emotes, badges, and access to subscriber-only chat rooms. Thank subscribers publicly and acknowledge their support.
10. Should I run ads on my Twitch stream?
Running ads can generate revenue, but it can also disrupt the viewing experience. Experiment with different ad frequencies and placements to find what works best for your audience. Streamers should consider running ads when they are away from the stream or during breaks.
11. Is it okay to ask friends and family to watch my stream?
Yes! Inviting friends and family to watch your stream is a great way to boost your initial viewership. Just make sure they’re genuinely interested in your content.
12. How important is it to have a good microphone?
A good microphone is essential for a professional stream. Viewers are more likely to stay if the audio is clear and easy to understand.
13. Can I drink alcohol on my Twitch stream?
Yes, but moderation is key. Appearing clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol on stream. Being intoxicated to the point of being incapacitated (falling asleep or not being able to stand) or no longer being in control of the stream, drunk driving, use of illegal drugs, and misuse of prescription drugs is still prohibited.
14. What resources are available to help me improve my streaming skills?
There are many online resources available, including Twitch’s Creator Camp, YouTube tutorials, and online communities. Participating in organizations like the Games Learning Society can also provide valuable insights and connections within the gaming and streaming community. GamesLearningSociety.org offers great resources for learning the art and science of streaming.
15. How can I track my progress toward becoming a Twitch affiliate?
Twitch provides analytics dashboards that track your follower count, average viewership, and other key metrics. Use these dashboards to monitor your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Becoming a Twitch Affiliate requires dedication, effort, and a strategic approach. By focusing on creating engaging content, building a community, and promoting your stream effectively, you can achieve your goals and unlock the potential of the Twitch platform.