If your business has anything to do with video games (or video game players), you must be familiar with Twitch.
Originally founded in 2011 as a spinoff of Justin.tv, Twitch is currently the most-used platform for video game live-streaming. Currently owned by Amazon, Twitch offers a wide range of content, but the majority definitely centers around gaming.
As of February 2021, Twitch generated about 2.9 million average concurrent Twitch viewers, with a total of 9.5 million active streamers.
The following are four things you should know about Twitch, especially if gamers are a target audience for your business.
Accessible on most platforms
Twitch has a full website that can be accessed through a web browser, and the app is available on:
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
- PS4
- Xbox One
- Chromecast
- Apple TV
Truly, if your device supports apps, it’s very possible you can use this application on it. Accounts also are free, whether you’re a streamer or viewer. Accounts are necessary to post comments and follow content creators.
Common purposes behind many streams
Video games can definitely be expensive. This is where Twitch streams can play a role by helping gamers decide if a video game is right for them that goes beyond a traditional review.
Essentially, when you’re watching a stream, you’re seeing the game in action as well as the streamer playing the game. In other words, you’re watching the gamer and the game he or she is playing.
Of course, as mentioned earlier, Twitch features more than video game content. Musicians, for example, have used streams as a substitution for canceled touring amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Streams also feature a live chat so that viewers can engage with the streamer and other viewers in real-time.
Streamers can make money
Similar to YouTube, content creators have the opportunity to make money through the Twitch platform. This can happen through donations, subscriptions and ads.
However, you must first become a Twitch Affiliate to earn money through the application directly. To qualify, you must have:
- At least 500 total minutes broadcast in the last 30 days
- At least 7 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days
- An average of 3 concurrent viewers or more over the last 30 days
- At least 50 followers
Once you become an Affiliate, you can earn money directly through:
- Ads, where you get a share of the ad revenue for the ads that play during your stream. You also get to choose the frequency at which they appear.
- Bits, which are a form of virtual currency that enables viewers to cheer for the streamer. This acts like somewhat of a tip that comes with an animated cheering message in the chat. The conversion rate is one cent per Bit.
- Subscriptions, which come in tiers of $4.99, $9.99 or $24.99 monthly. The application reportedly keeps 50 percent of subscription revenue. Subscribers often get access to special emotes, badges, exclusive chats and ad-free streams.
Above Affiliates are Twitch Partners, who get the same benefits as Affiliates but also:
- A verified user badge
- Priority access to the application’s support team
- Broadcast delay of up to 15 minutes
- Up to 50 emote slots
And that’s just to name a few. To become a Twitch Partner, you must have:
- Streamed for 25 hours
- Generated an average of 75 viewers
- Streamed on 12 different days
Once you’ve achieved these metrics for 30 days, you can then apply to become a Partner.
Learn more about affiliate marketing in general.
Twitch has a Prime Subscription
While the platform offers free accounts, users can opt to pay for a monthly subscription to Twitch Prime, which features:
- One channel subscription
- In-game content
- Loot to gift to other Twitch members
- Exclusive emotes (emojis that let you show your support for a streamer)
- Additional chat colors
- Exclusive chat badge
- Access to free games
- Ability to save broadcasts for 60 days instead of the regular 14 days
If you already have an Amazon Prime account, that automatically includes a free Twitch Prime subscription once you connect the two accounts. If you don’t, it costs $11 per month.
Twitch is a popular place for gamers to connect, share and explore. Understanding this platform will only help you find ways to share your brand within it.
See our 12 tips on live-streaming so that your business can look more professional. And if YouTube is more relevant for your brand, we have 20 tips to grow your YouTube subscribers.
While you’re exploring the live-streaming platform, consider leveling up your digital marketing process with DailyStory, which features automation, audience segmentation and more. Schedule your free demo with us today.
