It doesn't matter if you just started streaming or have been active for years. Making money on Twitch is not easy. The good news is that there are many different ways to make money giving streamers more flexibility than ever. Let's run through 6 money-making methods to find pros and cons and figure out which is best for you.

Affiliate Links

In recent years the affiliate market has become over-saturated with streamers. Most programs now require an abundance of information and background checks before they let anyone join.

Pros:

• Once admitted it is easy to run the links
• Some companies offer large payouts
• Numerous tips and tricks online
• Viewers are fully used to seeing these

Cons:

• Can take days or weeks to get started
• Is usually not possible for new or small streamers
• Might not earn you any money

Many streamers will find that the negatives outweigh the positives. Later in the article, I will be talking about a platform that is far better than affiliate links.

Donations

There is a good reason why donations are still one of the best ways for streamers to make money.

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Little upkeep
• Scales well
• Viewers are accustomed to it
• Is not too distracting

Cons:

• Frequently asking may deter viewers
• Usually requires a more devoted community

There is nothing wrong with asking your viewers for donations. Just try and make sure you aren't doing it so frequently that it interrupts the stream or makes your viewers uncomfortable. A great tip here is to give your viewers a reason to donate and then ask them. This could be in the form of a fun challenge, new content, or to purchase new stream equipment.

Want to add donations to your stream? Head here for an incredible walkthrough article.

Bits

Bits and the cheering system were added back in 2016 and they have remained a staple on the platform. Bits are similar to donations except they do not require you to set up through a third party. The problem? You have to be at least an affiliate to start making money off of bits.

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Can be fun and engaging for viewers
• Viewers can earn bits for free

Cons:

• Usually less than a dollar
• Need to be a Twitch affiliate or partner

Earning bits isn't going to change your life, but it is a good way to get occasional income.

Head here to learn more about how Twitch's bits work.

Subscriptions

One of the best parts about becoming an affiliate is that you can finally get subscribers. Sub trains and gifted subs will soon become an adrenaline-filled event every time they happen. What makes subs so good?

Pros:

• No setup required
• Possibly recurring
• People get prime subs for free
• Viewers are rewarded for subbing so they are likely to do so

Cons:

• Many users will never sub
• You will need to regularly exceed streamer expectations
• Must be an affiliate or partner

One of the best tips ever given to me was that it is my duty to go above and beyond when I react to a new subscriber. Not only will you make their day, but you are also more likely to convince other viewers to do the same and subscribe.

For a detailed look into how Twitch's subs work head here.

Merchandise

For many years the ability to sell merch was reserved for the top streamers only. Thanks to platforms like Printful it is easier than ever to give your viewers something they can wear.

Pros:

• Fun for viewers to have
• Creative streamers will do well
• Helps engage your current community
• Can be a good money maker

Cons:

• Takes time to set up
• Unattractive designs will not sell well
• Some stores require monthly payments

‍

Starting up you merch store takes a lot of time. It is likely only a good idea if you know your viewers want to buy. Otherwise, it is probably a better idea to spend the energy improving your stream. For a full list of great merch stores as well as how to get started head here.
‍

‍

Showing Ads

I am not talking about the terrible Twitch mid-roll ads. I am talking about joining a platform that automatically connects you with paying advertisers. If you haven't heard of something like this it is because there is really only one platform that does it well and it just recently came out for all streamers.

Pros:

• Easy to setup
• Not distracting to viewers
• Scales incredibly well
• New or small streamers can use this
• Veteran or large streamers can use this as well
• Makes more money than most other option

Cons:

• Posts a link in your chat

The link that appears in chat will likely not even be a problem for most streamers. Plus, you get paid every time one of your viewers clicks the link. Advertisers are willing to pay streamers more for this type of ad because of how high engagement will be.

You can be making money in less than 10 minutes here.

Conclusion

So, what are the best ways to make money streaming on Twitch? The answer is that it depends on your stream and what you are willing to do. If you want an easy way to start making some extra cash, donations or bits are a good option. If you have been streaming for a while and are looking for new ways to make money, affiliate links and merchandise sales might be a better bet. Ultimately, the best way to make more money streaming is through IGNTE. This free platform takes all of the hassles out of monetizing your stream and makes it easier than ever to make money. Learn more about IGNTE and take your first steps in becoming a full-time streamer here.

‍