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Do Streamers Get Paid for Subs? A Deep Dive into Twitch Subscriptions

Yes, streamers get paid for subscriptions on platforms like Twitch, but it’s not as simple as a flat fee per subscriber. The amount a streamer earns from subscriptions varies based on several factors, including their partnership status, the tier of subscription, and the platform’s revenue split. This article will explore the ins and outs of how streamers earn money from subscriptions, also known as “subs,” and address some of the most common questions surrounding this topic.

How Twitch Subscriptions Work

Twitch offers a subscription system that allows viewers to support their favorite streamers directly. These subscriptions are usually monthly recurring payments, providing a consistent income stream for streamers. There are different tiers of subscriptions, each offering varying benefits to the viewer, and consequently, different revenue splits for the streamer.

Subscription Tiers

Generally, Twitch offers three main tiers for subscriptions:

Tier 1: The most common and basic subscription, usually priced at $4.99 per month.
Tier 2: A mid-tier subscription, often priced at $9.99 per month, providing additional benefits.
Tier 3: The highest tier subscription, typically priced at $24.99 per month, offering the most exclusive perks.

The Revenue Split

The crucial element here is the revenue split between the streamer and Twitch. For most Twitch Affiliates, the standard split is 50/50 meaning they take home 50% of the subscription revenue. Therefore, for a tier 1 sub, they would earn roughly $2.50 per month. However, for Twitch Partners, this split can be more advantageous. Top-tier partners might receive a 70/30 split, greatly increasing their earnings.

It is crucial to note that the actual amount earned per sub might be slightly less after taxes and processing fees, which can vary based on location and payment method. Furthermore, while the base price is in USD, these values are typically converted to local currencies for viewers purchasing from different regions.

Factors Affecting Subscription Earnings

A streamer’s earnings from subs are not solely based on the number of subscribers they have. Several other factors play a significant role:

Affiliate vs. Partner Status: As mentioned, Twitch Partners generally have more favorable revenue splits than Twitch Affiliates. Becoming a partner requires a significant amount of time, effort, and a consistent, large viewership.
Subscription Tier: Tier 2 and Tier 3 subs contribute significantly more revenue than Tier 1 subs, despite being less common.
Region and Currency: The price of subscriptions and the payout rate may differ by region.
Promotional Periods: Occasionally, Twitch may run promotional periods that may slightly alter how much money a streamer would make per sub.

Beyond Subscriptions: Other Revenue Streams

While subs are a significant income source, it is not the only way streamers earn money. Many rely on a combination of:

Donations: Viewers can donate directly to streamers using platforms like PayPal or integrated Twitch extensions.
Bits: Twitch’s virtual currency, which viewers can use to “cheer” during streams. One Bit is worth one cent.
Brand Deals and Sponsorships: Streamers with a decent viewership can partner with brands for sponsored content and promotional streams.
Merchandise Sales: Selling branded merchandise is another common way for streamers to earn money.
Game Sales: Twitch Affiliates can earn a commission when their viewers purchase games through their channel.

These streams of income can vary greatly in their yield, and the balance between them differs significantly between streamers.

The Importance of Subs for Streamers

Subscriptions are often considered the most reliable source of income for streamers, offering a steady stream of revenue as opposed to the less predictable donations or sponsorships. Knowing they have a recurring income through subscriptions allows streamers to plan and invest in their streaming career.

FAQs About Streamer Subscription Payments

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about streamer subscription payments to give you a comprehensive understanding:

1. How much does a streamer make per Tier 1 sub?

A streamer typically makes around $2.50 per month from a Tier 1 sub at the standard 50/50 split. Partners often earn more through more favorable revenue splits.

2. Do small streamers get money from subs?

Yes, small streamers can earn money from subs once they become Twitch Affiliates, which requires fulfilling certain criteria like having 50 followers.

3. How much does 100 subs generate for a streamer?

With the standard 50/50 split for Tier 1 subs, 100 subscribers would generate around $250 per month for the streamer.

4. How much does a gifted sub cost?

A gifted Tier 1 sub costs $4.99, plus taxes. Tier 2 and Tier 3 gifted subs are correspondingly priced at $9.99 and $24.99.

5. Are Twitch subs paid monthly?

Yes, subscriptions are a monthly recurring product, though viewers can cancel at any time.

6. How much do small streamers actually make?

Small streamers can earn anywhere from $50 to $1500 per month, depending on viewership, with those with 5-10 average viewers earning $50 – $200 and those with 20 average viewers earning around $200 – $400. This does not only include subs, but donations and other revenue streams.

7. How much does 1 sub on Twitch cost?

A Tier 1 sub on Twitch costs a minimum of $4.99 per month.

8. Do Twitch affiliates get paid from subs?

Yes, Twitch Affiliates earn money from subscriptions, along with bits, brand deals, and other opportunities.

9. How much money do 100 viewer streamers make?

A streamer with 100 average viewers can potentially earn around $1,500 per month, often reaching Twitch Partner status.

10. How does Twitch pay you?

Twitch pays streamers through various methods, such as direct deposit, PayPal or a check, after reaching a certain minimum payment threshold.

11. Can you lose Twitch affiliate status?

Yes, you can lose your Twitch affiliate or partner status for violating terms of service or not maintaining viewership goals.

12. How much does a 1,000 viewer streamer make?

A streamer with an average of 1,000 viewers can earn from $5,000 to $30,000 per month, or even more for top tier streamers.

13. How many subs to make a living from Twitch?

It is generally estimated that you need to amass about 1,000 subscribers to make a full-time living solely from Twitch subs, assuming a relatively high income goal.

14. What benefits do viewers get for subscribing?

Viewers usually receive benefits like custom emotes, subscriber badges, ad-free viewing, and more.

15. How much does 50 gifted subs cost?

50 gifted Tier 1 subs cost $249.50 before taxes, while 50 Tier 2 subs cost $499.50, before taxes.

Conclusion

Earning money through subscriptions on Twitch is a complex topic, influenced by many variables. While it’s not a “get rich quick” scheme, it is a legitimate way for streamers to generate income. A successful streamer needs to build an engaging community, consistently stream quality content and diversify revenue streams. Understanding how subscription income works is a crucial step for anyone serious about pursuing a career as a Twitch streamer. The more you know about the process, the better prepared you are for success in the streaming landscape.

Do streamers get paid for subs?