How to Become a Twitch Affiliate With 6 Easy Steps

Those who spend most of their time on streaming platforms like Twitch have one common goal.

That is, to earn money and play games at the same time. However, earning that partner status can't be done overnight.

Before one can reach partner status, gamers need to unlock the Twitch Affiliate status first.

Unfortunately, many find it challenging to join the affiliate program.

But this shouldn't be the case at all. With enough skills and knowledge, everyone can get extra cash and earn money regularly as affiliates.

Lucky for you, we've created a detailed guide to help you monetize your channel and start earning revenue.

As you read along, you'll learn how to become a Twitch Affiliate and make a living from streaming online!

An Overview of a Twitch Affiliate: A Primer

Gamers who aspire to earn money on Twitch often find inspiration in successful Twitch Partners who've succeeded in the industry.

While Twitch partnerships unlock a variety of monetization options like subscriptions, ad revenue, and bit donations, it's crucial to take the initial step of becoming a Twitch Affiliate.

This entry-level status for Twitch streamers sets the foundation and acts as an onboarding process for streamers to begin their journey toward financial success and industry recognition.

As a Twitch Affiliate, you'll gain access to exciting affiliate perks such as Channel Points, which enable you to create a customized rewards system for your viewers. 

Additionally, you'll become part of a supportive community that offers networking opportunities and collaboration possibilities with fellow streamers, making it even easier to learn how to become a content creator on Twitch.

How Much Do Twitch Affiliates Make?

When it comes to earnings, Twitch Affiliates have multiple streams of revenue.

The amount you can make depends on your skills, dedication, and the level of engagement you establish with your audience.

Subscriptions and subscriber emotes, which allow viewers to support you with a recurring fee, play a significant role in generating income.

Additionally, you'll receive a portion of the revenue from Bits, which is a virtual currency a viewer can use to show appreciation for your content.

Running ads during your streams also contributes to your earnings.

According to Business of Apps, experienced streamers who dedicate approximately 40 hours per week can earn around $3,000 to $5,000 per month.

It's important to note that these estimates exclude ad revenue an average streamer can receive.

Ads can further enhance your earnings by approximately $250 for every 100 subscribers.

What You'll Need to Become a Twitch Affiliate [& Associated Costs]

​​You don't have to pay Twitch any amount to reach the affiliate or partner status.

However, you'll need to invest in equipment and services to provide your current audience with good-quality content and to attract new followers.

If you've been streaming for a while now, you may already have these at your expense.

However, be sure to check the following points to determine any additional costs you may need to incur.

• Reliable Internet connection: You'll require a stable Internet connection with sufficient upload speeds for smooth streaming. Internet plans will depend on your location and the speed tier and can range from $20 to $100+ per month.
• Microphone: A good quality microphone is essential for clear audio during streams. USB microphones can cost around $50, while professional options range from $100 to $300+.
• Webcam: A webcam enhances viewer engagement. Entry-level webcams cost around $50, while higher-end models cost $100 to $350+.
• Lighting Equipment: Ring lights or softboxes can improve visual quality. Basic lighting setups range from $50 to $200+.
• Gaming Console or PC: Depending on the streaming content you'd like to provide on your Twitch channel, you'll need a gaming console or a gaming PC. This may take the most of your budget. Consoles can range from $200 to $500+, while gaming PCs range from $800 to $2,000+.
• Software and Subscriptions: Streaming software like OBS are free to download, but optional subscription services with additional features may cost around $10 per month.
• Graphic Design Software: This is for custom overlays and branding and can cost $20 to $50 per month.
• Miscellaneous Costs: Additional items include a gaming chair, green screen, stream deck, audio mixer, and peripherals. These extras range from $100 to $500+ based on your preferences.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Twitch Affiliate?

Becoming a Twitch Affiliate may involve an investment ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 in total.

These figures are approximations and can vary based on a certain Twitch channel's needs and budgets.

It's recommended to conduct thorough research before making any purchases to ensure they align with your streaming goals and audience expectations.

Is It Hard to Become a Twitch Affiliate?

Becoming a Twitch Affiliate takes effort, dedication, and consistent streaming. However, with the right approach, it's an achievable goal.

It can take as little as 30 days to become a Twitch Affiliate. The time it takes one Twitch channel to reach the affiliate status depends on how soon the gamer can meet all the eligibility criteria, which we'll discuss later.

How to Become a Twitch Affiliate in 6 Simple Steps

If you're ready to achieve affiliate status and earn money, here's what you should do:

Step One: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Twitch has four primary requirements that you need to fulfill before they present you with the Twitch Affiliate agreement.

• Total Minutes Broadcast: You must have streamed for a minimum of 500 minutes in the previous 30 days.
• Unique Broadcast Days: To demonstrate your commitment to streaming, you need to have at least seven different broadcast days within the last 30 days.
• Concurrent Viewers: Twitch expects an average of three or more concurrent viewers over the past 30 days.
• Follower Count: You need to have a minimum of 50 followers as per Twitch terms. This indicates that you've successfully built a community of viewers who enjoy your content and want to stay connected.

Step Two: Wait for the Twitch Affiliate Program Invite

Within a few weeks after your channel qualifies, they'll send you an invitation to start monetizing your Twitch profile!

You can find this invitation in your email or on the Twitch website in the upper right corner.

Once you receive the invitation, you'll be directed to the Preferences tab on your Creator Dashboard.

On the tab, you'll find the necessary options to enable monetization with Bits.

Make sure to regularly check your email and the notification area on Twitch to stay updated on your invitation and any additional instructions.

Step Three: Complete the Registration Details

The next step requires you to provide basic and general information for the program registration.

This includes filling out the necessary forms with your personal details to create your Twitch Affiliate account.

Step Four: Agreement Acceptance

Once registered, you'll be prompted to review and sign the Twitch Affiliate Agreement.

By doing so, you indicate your consent and agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of the Twitch Affiliate program.

Step Five: Tax Information Submission

Twitch strictly follows tax regulations. Amazon will ask for your tax information before you can generate revenue.

Step Six: Payment Preferences

The last step may be the most exciting, as you must specify your preferred payment method.

This is done by completing the Tipalti form, where you can provide the necessary details for Twitch to send your payments to the designated account.

Reasons to Consider Becoming a Twitch Affiliate

Embarking on a Twitch Affiliate journey opens up a unique opportunity to earn money within the gig economy while enjoying several advantages over traditional full-time positions.

Let's explore what awaits you in this exciting venture:

Freedom and Flexibility

As a Twitch Affiliate, you can design your schedule and stream from the cozy confines of your home.

This flexibility allows you to pursue other interests and commitments while still earning a living.

High Earning Potential

With a devoted fan base and captivating content, Twitch Affiliates can unlock significant income streams through video ads, subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships.

The more you nurture your channel and engage your audience, your earning potential grows.

Creative Expression

Twitch is a dynamic platform to showcase creativity and share your passions with a global audience.

Your creator dashboard lets you choose your stream content and connect with a community that shares your interests.

Community Engagement

Twitch provides a lively and supportive community where you can interact with viewers, forge meaningful relationships, and cultivate a dedicated fan base.

This community's sense of belonging and connection can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Difference Between Being a Twitch Partner and a Twitch Affiliate?

The main difference between being a Twitch Partner and a Twitch Affiliate lies in the eligibility requirements and benefits.

Twitch Partners have higher criteria to meet, gain more revenue options, and receive additional perks. Twitch Affiliates have a more accessible entry point with fewer benefits.

How Can I Withdraw My Revenue Generated Income and Other Earnings?

There are multiple payment options available, including direct deposit, wire transfer, PayPal, or receiving a check.

Additionally, you can hold payments temporarily if you need to update your payout information. You can refer to this Twitch article for more information about payout fees.

Similar Gigs to Check Out

Here are similar careers to explore:

• How to Become an Affiliate Marketer: Want to earn extra money besides being a Twitch Affiliate? Why not become an affiliate marketer for other brands? Click here to learn more!
• How to Become a Social Media Manager: Create an online presence for your channel and other brands with this guide.
• How to Become an Instagram Influencer: This guide will help you become a successful Instagram influencer.

Wrapping Up

Starting a streaming career and becoming a Twitch Affiliate isn't an overnight process but can be accomplished through dedication and consistency.

You'll soon earn revenue and gather new viewers by working your way to meet the affiliate eligibility requirements.

And by having a consistent brand name and continually producing good content, you'll find yourself in the application process of becoming a Twitch Partner!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to share this post with your fellow gamers.