Twitch.tv

What is Twitch.tv?

If you are someone with interest in video games, Twitch offers you an opportunity to make money with that. The Amazon-owned platform is arguably the foremost live game streaming in the world.

It has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception in 2011. The service is available in many countries and its live streamer count is now approaching two million. Learn how you can take your cut out of the millions of dollars on offer on the platform.

How does Twitch.tv work?

Twitch is built with the average video game enthusiast in mind. It doesn’t matter whether you a hardcore gamer or just someone who loves to watch others play. The platform enables users to broadcast live or pre-recorded gameplays to millions of viewers and make money.

The business model of this service is based on the idea that some people loves to watch others play games. It, therefore, brings the players and viewers together, giving the former opportunity to earn from their gameplays while the latter view for free.

The more interactive nature of Twitch makes it more exciting for viewers than other video websites such as YouTube. Streamers and their fans can chat together and fans are able to chat with one another.

This platform supports multiple devices. Viewers can access the content via their smartphones, computers or gaming consoles.

What are the requirements to work for Twitch.tv?

You don’t have to pay to start streaming on Twitch – registration is free. Also, you can stream almost any type of video games, which you think people will have interest in watching.

If you’d love to stream your gameplays on Twitch for an opportunity to make money, you need the following, in addition to your Twitch account:

• A personal computer
• Streaming software (e.g. Open Broadcaster Software) or Twitch Studio Beta app
• Microphone
• Camera

You also have the option of streaming from your game console, such as an Xbox One or PlayStation 4. It’s actually simple using this option. You can go live directly from PS4 using the Share menu, while you need only the free Twitch app for Xbox One.

It can be said that this service is available worldwide. This is because Twitch Prime is now available in more than 200 countries.

How do you earn money on Twitch.tv?

The options you have for making money on Twitch include:

Donations – The platform allows you to request voluntary PayPal donations from users for the fun gameplays, tips and hacks you provide.

Bits – This is somewhat similar to regular donations. The main difference is that Bits is Twitch’s own ‘currency,’ which viewers give their favorite streamers. In dollars, 100 bits cost viewers $1.40, but they are worth $1 in earnings to streamers.

Affiliate Partner Program – If you are able to build decent following and meet other requirements, you can sign up for this. The Affiliate Partner Program enables you share in subscription money and advertising revenue that Twitch gets. The requirements for being a partner are more, compared to being an affiliate.

Sponsorships, e-tournaments and affiliate marketing are some other means you have for making money.

Pros of working for Twitch.tv

• More user-friendly and interactive than most rivals
• Supports multiple devices
• Free for viewers, with options for paid, ad-free viewing
• Support for almost all video games
• Available in more than 200 countries

Cons of working for Twitch.tv

• Lacks official app for Roku and Apple TV
• Streaming only possible from personal computer or console

How do I sign up to work for Twitch.tv?

Visit Twitch.tv and click on the “Sign up” button at the top corner of your screen. This will bring up the registration page. Choose a username and enter your preferred password in relevant fields. Provide your date of birth and e-mail address, confirm you are not a robot and click on “Sign Up.”

An alternative means of signing up is by clicking on the “Connect with Facebook” button to register with your Facebook account.

CONCLUSION

Twitch represents a decent way for earning money from what you enjoy doing: playing video games. It is not a get-rich-quick opportunity, but you can make significant amount of money if you can deliver what viewers want. It is possible to be getting an additional $500 or more from there each month – even thousands of dollars if you can build a large fan base.