Twitch is one of the largest live streaming platforms today — especially in the gaming community — and it has two main levels of content creators, Twitch Affiliate and Twitch Partner. There will be different requirements, and different benefits and implications for streamers for each tier. This Twitch affiliate vs Partner guide takes you through what sets these two statuses apart, an overview of their features and requirements along with how they affect a streamers career as a whole.
Twitch Affiliate vs Partner: Benefits and How to Join
What is a Twitch Affiliate?
Twitch Affiliate is the entry-level program designed for streamers who have demonstrated a commitment to building their channels. It serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a Twitch Partner. The Affiliate program allows creators to start monetizing their content while still growing their audience.
Twitch affiliate requirements: how do you become a Twitch affiliate?
In a 30-day period, streamers must satisfy the following to become Affiliates:
- Stream at least 500 minutes over at least seven unique broadcasts.
- Keep at least three viewers watching at any given time.
- Gather at least 50 followers.
Once those conditions are fulfilled, the streamers can monitor their stats using the Creator Dashboard and wait for a notification/invitation from Twitch to join the Affiliate program.
The Pros of Being a Twitch Affiliate
Affiliates have access to various monetization features including:
- Subscriptions: Viewers can subscribe, providing streamers with steady income.
- Bits: Streamers earn revenue from viewer donations via Bits.
- Ads: Affiliates can run ads during streams for extra revenue.
- Emotes: Unlock 1 to 5 custom emotes based on subscriber count.
- VOD Storage: 14 days of VOD storage, with extra time for Twitch Prime members.
- Channel Points and Polls: Engage audiences with interactive features like channel points and polls.
The Cons of Twitch Affiliate
- Low Revenue Share: Affiliates receive a paltry 50% of subscriptions and Bits
- Ad Interruptions: Forced ads can annoy new viewers.
- Multi-Streaming Restrictions: Contracts restrict using other platforms.
To join, read our Twitch Affiliate Program guide.
What is a Twitch Partner?
Twitch Partner is the highest degree of success you can achieve on the platform. Becoming a Partner means that a streamer has gained significant momentum and regular interactions with their viewers. Partners have more features and monetization options than Affiliates.
Twitch Partner Requirements
In order to apply for the Partner status, streamers must already be Affiliates and meet more rigid benchmarks:
- 25 total hours of streams over 12 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days.
- Keep an average of 75 concurrent viewers over the same time period.
If streamers meet all of these requirements, they can submit an application to the Partner Program — but acceptance isn’t guaranteed.
The Pros of being a Twitch Partner include:
- Higher Revenue Shares: Partners earn up to 70% of subscription revenue, versus 50% for Affiliates.
- Extended VOD Storage: Access to 60 days of VOD storage.
- Transcoding Options: Ability to offer multiple streaming quality options.
- Custom Emotes and Cheermotes: Create up to 60 custom emotes and access unique Cheermotes.
- Priority Support: Enhanced customer service from Twitch.
- Bounty Board Access: Opportunities for promotional participation through the Bounty Board.
- Verified Badge: A check mark next to their username for added credibility.
- Exclusive Events: Invitations to special Twitch-hosted events.
The Cons of Twitch Partner
- High Pressure: Partners are expected to draw big audiences and maintain regular schedules.
- Earnings Complexity: Fees can deplete total revenue even with a better split.
- Content Exclusivity: Restrictions on sharing of content on platforms other than Twitch can limit the number of people reached.
To join, read our Twitch Partner Program guide.
Twitch Partner vs Affiliate: The Differences
The distinction between Affiliates and Partners goes beyond the requirements and benefits. Below is a rundown of the key differences:
| Feature | Twitch Affiliate | Twitch Partner |
| Revenue Split | Typically 50% | Up to 70% |
| Minimum Viewership Requirement | Average of 3 concurrent viewers | Average of 75 concurrent viewers |
| Streaming Hours Required | 500 minutes over 7 broadcasts | 25 hours over 12 broadcasts |
| VOD Storage | 14 days | 60 days |
| Custom Emotes | Up to 5 emotes | Up to 60 emotes |
| Transcoding Options | Limited | Full access |
| Priority Support | Standard support | Priority support |
| Special Events | Not included | Access to exclusive events |
Twitch Affiliate vs Partner: Which One Should Streamers Choose?
Though Affiliate and Partner statuses both come with lucrative monetization opportunities, streamers should aim for one status or the other, depending on their goal:
- Jumpstart Building Your Brand: New streamers can begin making money right away when they level up to Affiliates. This gives you the necessary tools to build a following without needing thousands and thousands of viewers to start.
- Time Investment: Hitting Partner status takes a huge amount of time and consistency in streaming. Maintaining bigger viewership numbers and more consistent streams means that streamers need to stay on top of their game.
- Commercial Considerations: Many creators opting out of Twitch Partnership do so because of limitations on streaming elsewhere or because they want more content creation freedom. Your strategy should depend on your individual goals and content strategy.
- Community Engagement: Whether you are at the partner level or not, one way to grow on Twitch is to make use of interactive features like polls, channel points, and community events, where you engage with your viewers.
5 Twitch Affiliate Alternatives
There are a number of alternative programs and platforms available for streamers who want to expand their revenue or their exposure beyond the Twitch programs. Here are five such options:
YouTube Gaming Program
Creators on YouTube Gaming can monetize their content via ads, channel memberships, and Super Chats. Its large audience and solid monetization tools makes it an ideal choice for streamers who want flexibility.
For potential applicants, visit the YouTube Gaming affiliate program post.
Facebook Gaming Program
Facebook Gaming has shot to popularity, and streamers can make money through fan subscriptions and ad revenue. Due to the integration of the platform with social media, you get easier access and reach to your audience.
Wish to join? Read our Facebook Gaming Program review for more details.
DLive Program
DLive is a content streaming site similar to Youtube but the difference is that the content creators earn cryptocurrency. It is a different type of platform primarily of interest to blockchain enthusiasts as streamers can earn Lino Points that may be exchanged for real money
Joining is simple! Head on over to the DLive affiliate program requirements.
Trovo Program
Trovo is a new platform that focuses on community and has different ways to monetize such as subscriptions and donations. The platform is still growing its user base, which means it can be a great place for streamers to get in early and create a name for themselves.
Visit the Trovo affiliate program requirements page to learn more about the program.
Kick Program
Kick is a new streaming service designed to offer content creators improved revenue-sharing models. Offering better incentives for communities and creators, it presents a compelling alternative for anyone interested in maximizing their monetization.
Visit the Kick affiliate program page and join this program with the help of our step-by-step guide.
In addition to offering alternative monetization streams, these platforms also offer streamers different audiences and improved overall streaming experience.
Twitch Affiliate vs Partner: Final Thoughts
The Twitch Affiliate and Partner programs both provide unique opportunities that are catered to suit different stages in a streamers career. Partners benefit from unlocking advanced features that enable them to earn more from their content and build a stronger community, whereas Affiliates receive immediate benefits that help them monetize the content they create early in their journey. It’s crucial to know this difference if you want to pave your way as a streamer on Twitch.
Check our gaming affiliate programs section for the latest opportunities in this niche. Also, connect with us on social media for more affiliate tips:
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