Streamers rarely live off a single source. Income comes from platforms (subscriptions, Bits, ads), from viewers (direct tips), from brands (sponsors, affiliates) and from your own products. This guide explains each source, what it requires and how to calculate what you really keep.
On Twitch, the Affiliate program unlocks subscriptions, Bits and a share of ads; Twitch publishes its criteria. YouTube offers Super Chats, channel memberships and ads through its Partner Program. TikTok LIVE works with virtual gifts converted under its own rules. Kick has its own programs. Each platform sets its own conditions and share.
A tip goes through your own page, outside the streaming platform. It needs no follower threshold and works with the same link on Twitch, YouTube, Kick and TikTok. With DonoLink, each tip can trigger an on-screen alert, which encourages other viewers.
DonoLink charges 3.5% per successful tip; Stripe separately charges its processing fees. The homepage calculator shows the net amount on a typical tip.
Brands pay for mentions or promo codes, usually once your audience is stable and engaged. Affiliate links earn a commission on sales. Your own products (merch, coaching, exclusive content) take more work but belong entirely to you.
For each source, note the gross amount, the fees and the net. TikTok gifts and Bits are not dollars you can add straight to your tips. Do not forget taxes and contributions: streaming income generally has to be declared. Our tax guide links to the official sources.
There is no reliable figure without knowing the channel. Income depends on regular viewers, streaming frequency and community. Compare your own months rather than averages.
Yes. An external tip link works from your first stream, with no follower requirement. Just check your platform's rules on links.
The tip minus the 3.5% DonoLink fee and Stripe fees charged to the creator account, before tax. The viewer can choose to cover the DonoLink fee.