How to Become a Twitch Streamer: Tips & Tricks

How to become a Twitch streamer? If you are new in the world of live streaming, make sure you know these tips to nail your first live stream channel.

Gamers who use social video platform services like Twitch are giving an interactive gaming experience to others. This streaming website has more than just technology, it contributes also to cultivating communities of fans along with gamers that love it! On Twitch, users can stream gameplay and connect with friends and fans over the shared love of games. 

If you are a gamer, then live streaming is something you wouldn’t want to miss out on. After all, getting paid to play games is fantastic, isn’t it? Are you curious about how to become a Twitch streamer and how the platform works? Read more about it below.

How to Become a Twitch Streamer?

Before getting into details and how this platform works, you should know the most fundamental things to become a Twitch streamer.

1. Prepare the Necessary Tools

The equipment needed for live-streaming games is quite standard, as you only need to provide the following things below:

• A computer or laptop that has decent specs
• Headset/headphone
• High-quality webcam
• Good internet connection
• Account on Twitch
• The game you want to play
• The best streaming software

That’s about the most basic equipment a streamer needs. However, if you want to look even better, you can add a green screen to make a custom background or lighting equipment so that you can look clearer and brighter. Anyway, make sure you pay more attention on recommended specs for streaming PC that is written below.

• Intel Core i5-4670 processor
• Minimum OS Windows 7
• 8 GB RAM
• Minimum DDR3 graphics card

2. Meet Twitch Affiliate Requirements

Once you have prepared all the necessary equipment, you need to meet a few requirements first to become a Twitch Affiliate. The conditions are not difficult at all, just pay attention to the things below.

• At least 500 total minutes were broadcast in the last 30 days.
• At least 7 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days.
• An average of 3 concurrent viewers or more over the last 30 days.
• Get at least 50 Followers.

More on Eklipse Blog >> How to Get Followers on Twitch: 12 Tips You Need to Follow

How to Live Stream on Twitch with OBS

If you are looking for the best streaming software for Twitch, we recommend you try OBS. OBS has become one of the most popular software because it has comprehensive features, produces high-quality video, and is easy to use. So, here’s how to go live with OBS Studio.

• To begin with, go to the Twitch website and log in with your account.
• Then, click the profile icon in the upper-right corner and select Settings under the drop-down menu.

Source: How to Geek

• After that, click on Channel and Videos tab.

Source: Affde.com

• Find and copy the Primary Stream Key.

Source: Dot Esports

• Once you’ve copied the stream key, now download and launch OBS Studio on your device.
• Next up, head to File > Settings > Stream.
• Paste the copied stream key in the existing box and hit OK.

Source: Dacast

• Right-click anywhere on OBS and select Add, then hit Video Capture Device.

Source: StreamShark

• Then, name the layer and find the capture device and click OK.
• The box will pop up and show the live footage. You can adjust it.
• Do the same step if you want to add a microphone or webcam.
• If you are ready to go live, just hit the Start Streaming button on the right-bottom corner of the screen.
• Hit the Start Recording button if you wish to record a whole stream.

There you go. You’re now live streaming to your Twitch audience via OBS! Remember, the world will see everything on your phone screen. So, make sure you turn your notifications off first before streaming.

How Do Twitch Streamers Get Paid?

A talented gamer and engaging streamer attracts and retains viewers on Twitch, boosting income potential. Success stems from entertainment, information, and strong community-building. Finding a niche and resonating with audiences is crucial.

Twitch streamers earn through subscriptions, bits, donations, ads, sponsorships, merchandise, affiliate marketing, YouTube videos, and streaming services. Income depends on consistent viewer engagement; larger audiences yield larger incomes.

Bits and Cheers

Twitch has introduced Bits, a virtual currency for subscribers to buy and redeem emotes in the chatrooms of their favorite channels. There are two types: small gray gems worth one bit each or large red animated stars which have a 10k value each – you can obtain it through purchasing vouchers from third-party vendors onsite or attained by achieving certain milestones while using Twitch’s free feature called Cheers!

Subscription Revenue

Affiliates and Partners can earn a portion of the money people pay to subscribe. Affiliate Subscribers might be given an Emote (a special character) that they could use in chat, but Twitch Partners have up to 50 additional slots unlocked for them as incentives!

Viewers can subscribe to one of three levels – $4.99, $9.99 or 24/7 access for the lifetime cost of your choice with Twitch and a 50:50 split at first but large broadcasters often receive more than 100%.

Advertising Revenue

Twitch ads are an effective way to advertise your stream, but it’s important not just anyone can take advantage. You need a Twitch Partner account for that!

Twitch Partners get the majority share of the revenue from advertising on their platform which is why many big-name gamers have chosen this platform as opposed to YouTube where subscribers only receive 10%.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Twitch Streamer?

You’ll be surprised to know that you can become a Twitch affiliate even sooner than 1-2 months of consistent streaming. All it takes are some requirements and meeting them will get your account set up on the platform as soon as possible!

Many streamers will enlist the help of their family and friends to reach affiliate milestones within a week or two. 

But, I don’t think this is an effective long-term strategy because it takes away from building strong relationships with those who might become your future audience members – which could be crucial in getting them interested enough about what you’re doing that they want more than just something free!

Benefits of Becoming a Twitch Streamer

Unlike eSports players who have to go through rigorous training, live streaming games is considered a more laid-back way to earn money as gamers. You can set your own schedule to live stream and you’re not tied to just one game title. Let’s say, you could stream horror games on Monday, FPS games on Tuesday, and so on.

There’s just so much freedom that you can enjoy. Moreover, you can also interact with your viewers and receive donations from them. The thing is, anyone can live stream as long as they have the necessary equipment. For example, for starters, you just need a laptop and a webcam.

In conclusion, live streaming is easy, fun, and can be done anywhere. It’s convenient as you could set up your own schedule, and play the game you like while receiving money at the same time.

With hard work and dedication, over time, you will be able to grow your channel and gain more profit. So, what are you waiting for? Give live-streaming games a try!

How to Become a Twitch Streamer with Massive Followers

Live streams are going to be your community’s favorite way of consuming your content, but sometimes life just gets in the way.

Highlights are a great way to keep these people engaged and watching your content when they log in, even if you aren’t there. Giving them the option to watch a highlight of the live stream they just missed not only makes it less likely for them to go watch some other streamer that happens to be online, but it also increases the chance of them actually showing up the next time you’re live, once they see how much fun your last broadcast was. 

Also, when you highlight regularly, your followers can see what they have missed. Seeing highlights from you will remind them to stop by your channel more often.

An Estimate on How Much Twitch Streamers Make

Tyler, aka Richard “Ninja” Blevins, is the Twitch channel with the most followers. He streams and plays Fortnite–a popular game that has nearly 12 million fans on his side of things!

According to Mediakix, the estimation of how much Twitch streamers make based on Ninja’s profile is made up of:

• Subscription – $3,955,571
• Ad – $509,521
• Bit Donations – $316,354.92
• Average Sponsorship – $600,000
• Average Estimated YouTube Compensation – $36,000

He may be overestimating his earnings, but Twitch stats suggest otherwise. He earned $19,577 -$10 over the past few months alone on Bit Donations and there are times when he earns less than a hundred thousand dollars!

It is hard to say how much money Ninja has made from gaming, but he’s likely very comfortable.

The other popular former Twitch streamers, Trainwreckstv is estimated to make around $385k to $460k per annum from his YouTube and Twitch channels. He also generates a significant amount of revenue from sponsorships, as well as sponsor deals he receives for his podcast named “Scuffed Podcast.” Many viewers on Twitch also donate to his stream. This number could be bigger now since he’s join Kick.com that offers bigger revenue share that both Twitch and Youtube.

Interested in being a Twitch streamer and earning like Ninja & Trainwrecks? One more thing you can do to make your streaming more exciting is by choosing the right games to play. If you don’t know where to begin, our post will guide you right away: Best Games to Stream on Twitch for New Streamers in 2023.

Stay tuned for more live-streaming tips and tricks!