How Twitch streamers make money
Twitch income usually comes from five places: subscriptions, Bits, ads, sponsorships and tips. Subs are the steadiest for most streamers. Sponsorships and tips are paid by brands and viewers directly, so Twitch doesn't take a cut of those.
How much is a Twitch sub worth?
At the time of writing, US prices are $4.99 for Tier 1, $9.99 for Tier 2 and $24.99 for Tier 3. The standard split is 50%, so a Tier 1 sub pays you about $2.50. Prime subs and gift subs count as Tier 1.
Streamers in Twitch's Partner Plus program can earn a 70% split, and Twitch has changed its programs more than once, so check yours in the Creator Dashboard. Many countries have lower local sub prices, which brings your average down.
Bits and ads
Viewers buy Bits and cheer them in chat, and you get 1¢ per Bit, so 10,000 Bits is $100.
Ad income depends on how many ads run and what advertisers pay. The calculator estimates ad impressions as average viewers × hours streamed × ad minutes an hour × 2, since most ads run 30 seconds, then multiplies by a CPM range. Twitch doesn't publish creator ad rates, and they swing with the season and where your viewers live, so keep the range wide.
The formula
Monthly income = (Tier 1 subs × $4.99 + Tier 2 subs × $9.99 + Tier 3 subs × $24.99) × your split + Bits × $0.01 + ad impressions ÷ 1,000 × ad CPM + sponsorships + tips.
With 120 Tier 1, 8 Tier 2 and 3 Tier 3 subs at a 50% split, subs pay about $377. Add 15,000 Bits ($150), $300 in sponsorships, $150 in tips and $58 to $144 from ads, and that's about $1,034 to $1,121 a month before tax.
Earning beyond Twitch
Relying on one platform means one policy change can hit everything. Many streamers add sponsorships, merch, YouTube highlights and a paid community. A link-in-bio page in your panels and socials gives viewers one place to find all of it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Twitch pay per sub?
With the standard 50% split at US prices, about $2.50 for a Tier 1 sub, $5 for Tier 2 and $12.50 for Tier 3. Partner Plus streamers can get 70%.
How much do you make with 100 Twitch subs?
About $250 a month from 100 Tier 1 subs at a 50% split, before Bits, ads, sponsorships and tax.
How much are 1,000 Bits worth to a streamer?
$10. Streamers get 1¢ for every Bit cheered in their channel.
How much do Twitch ads pay?
Twitch doesn't publish rates. Streamers commonly report a few dollars per 1,000 ad impressions, varying by season, audience location and ad type, so use a low and high CPM to see a range.
Does Twitch take a cut of tips?
Not of tips sent through a third-party service, though that service or the payment provider charges its own fees. Bits are Twitch's own way to tip, and you get 1¢ per Bit.