Hardly anyone makes a living on Twitch from a single source. Streamers combine what Twitch pays (subscriptions, Bits, ads) with money that comes straight from viewers and brands. This guide explains each source, what it requires and what you actually keep.
Viewers pay monthly to subscribe to your channel and get emotes and badges. By default you receive half of the net revenue. Twitch's Plus Program can raise your share to 60% or 70% when you earn enough points several months in a row. Subscriptions depend on Affiliate or Partner status, or on the access Twitch gives your account.
Bits are virtual points bought from Twitch and used in chat; you receive 1 US cent per Bit, paid out above a minimum balance. Ad revenue depends on your viewer count, your audience's country and how often you run ad breaks. For a small channel it is almost never the main source.
A tip goes through your own tip page, not through Twitch. There is no follower threshold and no Bits conversion: viewers choose an amount in dollars. Viewers pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, plus Amazon Pay once Stripe has activated it for your account. PayPal is coming soon, and Venmo is not offered. DonoLink charges 3.5% per successful tip with no subscription; Stripe charges its processing costs separately. Every tip can trigger an alert in OBS.
Brands pay for mentions or a spot in your overlay, especially once your community is loyal. Affiliate links earn a commission per sale. Each month, write down gross, costs and net for every source: Bits and subs are paid in dollars, tips in dollars, and this income is usually taxable.
Yes, with direct tips on your own link, sponsors and affiliate links. Subscriptions, Bits and ads depend on Twitch's own programs.
Twitch pays 1 US cent per Bit, so 100 Bits earn 1 dollar before taxes.
The amount minus the 3.5% DonoLink fee and the Stripe costs charged to the creator account. Viewers can choose to cover the DonoLink fee.