Introduction
Many new Twitch streamers believe they need to become a Twitch Partner to start making money. While Twitch’s built-in monetization options—such as subscriptions, Bits, and ad revenue—are available to Affiliates, there are plenty of ways to monetize your stream without needing Partner status.
This guide will walk you through proven methods to make money on Twitch without being a Partner. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to maximize earnings, you’ll find actionable strategies to generate revenue.
1. Understanding the Difference: Affiliate vs. Partner
Before diving into monetization strategies, it's important to understand the difference between Twitch Affiliate and Twitch Partner status.
Twitch Affiliate Requirements:
- 50 followers
- Stream for 8+ hours in the last 30 days
- Stream on 7 different days
- Average 3 concurrent viewers
Once you qualify for Affiliate, you can earn through Bits, Subscriptions, and Ads.
Twitch Partner Requirements:
- Stream for 25 hours in the last 30 days
- Stream on 12 different days
- Average 75 concurrent viewers
Partners get higher revenue shares, more customization, and better video quality options, but reaching Partner status is significantly harder than becoming an Affiliate. If you’re not a Partner yet, you can still monetize effectively using the strategies below.
2. Accept Direct Donations and Tips
The simplest and fastest way to make money as a Twitch streamer is by setting up a donation system. Even without Twitch Partner perks, you can receive tips directly from viewers.
How to Set Up Donations:
- PayPal or Venmo: Set up a direct payment link using PayPal.Me or Venmo.
- Streamlabs or Donorbox: These services allow you to create a donation button that integrates with Twitch overlays and alerts.
- Promotion Tips: Add your donation link in your Twitch panels, use chatbot commands to remind viewers, and include subtle reminders on stream.
Why This Works: Donations are a direct way for viewers to support your content, and they allow you to earn money even if you have a small audience.
3. Set Up Crowdfunding with Patreon or Ko-fi
Platforms like Patreon and Ko-fi allow your fans to support you through monthly memberships or one-time contributions.
Ways to Monetize with Crowdfunding:
- Exclusive Perks: Offer special content like behind-the-scenes footage, shout-outs, or private Discord access.
- Early Access: Give patrons a first look at your upcoming content or unique subscriber-only live streams.
- Custom Rewards: Offer perks like personalized videos, Q&A sessions, or bonus gaming content.
Why This Works: Crowdfunding provides a steady monthly income, helping you plan content and grow your channel sustainably.
4. Affiliate Marketing and Referral Links
Even without Partner status, you can earn commissions by promoting products and services through affiliate marketing.
How to Use Affiliate Marketing:
- Amazon Associates: Share affiliate links to gaming gear, streaming equipment, or games.
- Game Store Affiliates: Platforms like Humble Bundle offer commissions when viewers buy games through your link.
- Tech & Service Affiliates: VPN services, streaming accessories, and gaming peripherals often have affiliate programs.
Why This Works: Affiliate marketing allows you to earn passive income by recommending products you already use.
5. Sponsorships and Brand Deals
Many companies prefer working with small, engaged audiences over massive channels. Even without Partner status, you can secure sponsorships.
How to Get Sponsorships:
- Reach Out to Brands: Look for companies relevant to your audience (gaming accessories, energy drinks, indie game developers).
- Join Influencer Platforms: Sites like PowerSpike and Loots connect streamers with sponsors.
- Offer Value: Highlight your community engagement and niche appeal instead of just follower count.
Why This Works: Sponsorships offer direct payments rather than relying on viewer donations.
6. Sell Merchandise and Digital Products
Creating and selling your own merchandise is a great way to build your brand and generate income.
Best Ways to Sell Merch:
- Print-on-Demand Services: Teespring, Streamlabs Merch, and Fourthwall allow you to sell T-shirts, hoodies, and mugs with no upfront cost.
- Digital Products: If you’re creative, sell custom emotes, overlays, or guides for streamers.
- Panel Store Links: Add a shop link to your Twitch page and promote new items during streams.
Why This Works: Merchandise allows viewers to support you while receiving a tangible product in return.
7. Monetize Your Content on Other Platforms
Expanding beyond Twitch can increase your revenue streams. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram offer additional ways to monetize your content.
How to Leverage Other Platforms:
- YouTube Ad Revenue: Upload Twitch highlights and grow a YouTube channel for ad earnings.
- Short-Form Content: Repurpose stream clips into viral TikTok and Instagram Reels to drive traffic back to Twitch.
- Brand Partnerships: Engage brands for promotions across multiple platforms.
Why This Works: More platforms = more exposure and income streams.
8. Monetize Non-Paying Viewers with StreamEngage
Not all viewers can afford to donate or subscribe, but you can still earn from them using StreamEngage.
How StreamEngage Works:
- Viewers Support You for Free: By downloading apps through your StreamEngage link, they generate earnings for you.
- Earn Points for Engagement: Viewers earn points as they interact with different app offers.
- Convert Points to Tips or Subscriptions: Once they accumulate enough points, they can send a donation message or even subscribe to your Twitch profile for free.
- Easy Integration: Add your link to your Twitch panels and mention it on stream.
- Completely Passive Income: Earn money from non-paying viewers without any effort.
Why This Works: StreamEngage is a simple way to monetize every viewer, even those who can’t afford to donate or subscribe. It also helps increase engagement by allowing viewers to actively contribute without spending their own money.
Conclusion
Earning money on Twitch without Partner status is entirely possible. Whether through donations, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise, or StreamEngage, you can start making money today. By diversifying your income streams and leveraging creative monetization methods, you’ll be on the path to financial success as a streamer.
Want an easy way to start earning today? Sign up for StreamEngage and start monetizing your non-paying viewers effortlessly!