Guide 2026
How to make money on Twitch: every income source
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.
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At a glance
- Direct donations work from your first stream, with no follower threshold.
- Twitch pays streamers 1 US cent per Bit.
- Subscriptions are split 50/50 by default, up to 70% with the Plus Program.
- Affiliate requirements change: check them in your Creator Dashboard.
Start making money on Twitch
- Create a free donation page and choose your username.
- Add the link to your Twitch panels and a chat command such as !donate.
- Set up the OBS donation alert and test it before you go live.
- Work towards Affiliate and track your progress in the Creator Dashboard.
Subscriptions and the Plus Program
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 and ads
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.
Direct donations: available right away
A donation goes through your own donation page, not through Twitch. There is no follower threshold and no Bits conversion: viewers choose an amount in euros. Your community can donate with Bizum when it is activated for your account. You can also offer cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay where available. DonoLink charges 3.5% per successful donation with no subscription; Stripe charges its processing costs separately. Every donation can trigger an alert in OBS.
Sponsors, affiliate links and your net income
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, donations in euros, and this income is usually taxable.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make money on Twitch without being an Affiliate?
Yes, with direct donations on your own link, sponsors and affiliate links. Subscriptions, Bits and ads depend on Twitch's own programs.
How much are 100 Bits worth?
Twitch pays 1 US cent per Bit, so 100 Bits earn 1 dollar before taxes.
How much of a donation do I keep?
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.