Comprehensive guide to getting sponsored on Twitch in 2023: Tips and strategies for streamers

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Twitch is now a powerhouse in the gaming and entertainment industry, with many streamers taking advantage of its reach to build their brands and communities. However, with increasing competition, it has become challenging for these content creators to stand out from the crowd and make a living off their content. This is where the platform's sponsorships come in as a potential solution.

Twitch sponsorships are partnerships between streamers and companies that involve the former promoting the latter's products or services in exchange for compensation. Sponsorships can take many forms, such as product placements, shoutouts, advertising, or sponsored streams. They can provide broadcasters with an additional revenue stream and exposure to a wider audience and potential networking opportunities.

In 2023, getting sponsored on Twitch will likely be even more competitive than ever before. As the Amazon-owned site continues to grow, more streamers will be vying for sponsorships, and companies will be looking for unique and innovative ways to promote their products or services.

In this guide, we will explore the process involved in getting Twitch sponsorships this year and provide tips and strategies for streamers to increase their chances of success.

Introduction

The first step to getting sponsored on Twitch is understanding what sponsorships are and the benefits they can bring. Sponsorships can provide content creators with a steady source of income, allowing them to invest in better equipment and improve their streams. They can also help streamers reach a wider audience, as the sponsored content will be seen by the company's existing customer base as well as potentially new viewers. Additionally, sponsorships can provide validation for the streamer's content and brand, showing that a reputable company sees value in what they do.

However, getting sponsored on Twitch is not as simple as reaching out to a company and asking for a partnership. It requires broadcasters to build a strong brand and audience, create quality content, identify potential sponsors, pitch to sponsors, negotiate sponsorship deals, and fulfill sponsorship obligations. Each of these steps is crucial to increasing the likelihood of getting sponsored on Twitch in 2023.

Growing an engaged audience is another critical component of getting sponsored on Twitch. Sponsors want to partner with streamers who have a large and engaged audience, as this will provide them with the most exposure.

Streamers can grow their audience by collaborating with other content creators, participating in Twitch communities and events, and running giveaways or other promotions. Social media can also be a powerful tool for reaching new viewers and engaging with existing ones.

Creating quality content is a must for attracting sponsors. These organizations want to partner with streamers who produce high-quality content that aligns with their brand and values. Broadcasters should have a clear focus for their channel and put effort into making their content engaging and entertaining. Using high-quality equipment and software can also help elevate the production value of streams and attract potential sponsors.

 PepsiCo delved into Rocket League to promote its product, Brisk, aimed at a younger audience  

Identifying potential sponsors that align with the streamer's brand and audience is another critical step. Streamers should research companies that align with their niche and audience and reach out to them directly. They can also use platforms like Streamlabs or Upfluence to connect with potential sponsors.

Crafting a strong pitch to potential sponsors is essential to stand out from the competition. Streamers should highlight their strengths and unique selling points and be clear and concise in their communication. They should also demonstrate their value to the sponsor and show how they can help achieve the sponsor's goals.

Getting sponsored on Twitch can provide numerous benefits to streamers, including:

1. Increased revenue: Sponsorship deals can provide a significant source of income for streamers, especially those who are just starting out and haven't built up a large following yet.
2. Exposure: When you promote a product or service on your channel, you are exposing it to your audience, which can help increase brand awareness and drive sales for the company.
3. Networking: Sponsorship deals can also provide opportunities for networking and building relationships with other streamers and companies in your niche.
4. Validation: Finally, getting sponsored can provide a sense of validation for your content and help establish you as a professional in your field.

  Sponsorships can work wonders for Twitch’s streamers   

Checklist before looking for sponsors

Approaching Twitch sponsors can be an exciting opportunity for streamers to build partnerships and grow their revenue streams. However, they need to keep a few things in mind before reaching out to potential sponsors. Here are some key things to remember before approaching Twitch sponsors:

• Knowing their brand and audience: Before reaching out to sponsors, it's essential to know their brand and audience. Sponsors want to partner with streamers who align with their values and target audience, so it's crucial to have a clear understanding of who they are and who their content appeals to.
• Grow their audience: Another important factor in attracting sponsors is having a large and engaged audience. While it can take time to build a following, there are several things broadcasters can do to help grow their audience, like being active on social media and other platforms to promote their channel and interact with viewers; collaborating with other streamers to cross-promote each other's channels; participating in Twitch communities and events to get your name out there; considering running giveaways or other promotions to attract new viewers.
• Create quality content: Sponsors are looking for streamers who can create high-quality content that will reflect well on their brand. This means having a clear focus for their channel, as well as putting effort into their content to make it engaging and entertaining. To create quality content, streamers can choose a niche they're passionate about and that has a dedicated audience. Also, they need to plan their content to ensure that it's well-organized and engaging, use high-quality equipment, such as a good microphone and webcam, to ensure the stream looks and sounds professional, and engage with their audience during these broadcasts, whether it's through chat, giveaways, or other interactive elements.
• Build a strong social media presence: A robust social media presence can be excellent to showcase a creator's brand and attract potential sponsors. They must ensure their social media accounts are active, engaging, and aligned with their brand.
• Research potential sponsors: Before reaching out to sponsors, it's important to research potential companies and brands to ensure they align with a streamer's brand and values. They have to be sure to only approach sponsors that are a good fit for their audience and niche.
• Prepare a sponsorship proposal: Once creators have identified potential sponsors, it's time to prepare a sponsorship proposal. Their proposal should be clear and concise, and showcase their strengths and unique selling points. It should include relevant metrics, such as their average viewership, engagement rates, and demographic information. The proposal should also highlight how partnering with the sponsor can benefit both parties and how the online personality can help them reach their marketing goals.
• Craft a personalized outreach message: When reaching out to potential sponsors, it's important to craft a personalized message that showcases a broadcaster's interest in their brand and how they can add value to their marketing efforts. They must include specific details from their proposal that showcase their strengths and align with the sponsor's goals and values. The message should be professional, friendly, and respectful, and demonstrate their understanding of the sponsor's brand and target audience.
• Build a strong brand: One of the most important things broadcasters can do to attract sponsors is to build a strong brand. This means having a clear identity that sets them apart from other streamers and a consistent style and tone across their content. To build a strong brand, they should:

1. Choose a memorable username and avatar that reflect their personality or niche.
2. Create a consistent look and feel for their channel, including graphics, overlays, and panels.
3. Develop a unique voice and tone for their content, whether it's funny, informative, or something else.
4. Be consistent in their content schedule so their viewers know when to expect new content.

  Getting sponsors for Twitch streamers has never been harder   

How to approach sponsors

Approaching Twitch sponsors can be a game-changer for streamers looking to build partnerships and grow their revenue streams. However, it's important to approach potential sponsors strategically and thoughtfully. Here are some tips on how to approach Twitch sponsors:

• Reach out to sponsors: Once streamers have a strong brand, a large audience, and quality content, they can start reaching out to sponsors. While some companies may reach out to them directly, it's often up to them to make the first move.
• Go to events: Congregating at seminars, events, and esports competitions, where it becomes a part of the experience to network, plays a crucial part in building a rapport with potential sponsors. Creators can approach these officials, pitch their ideas and themselves, and ensure to exchange contact details for any future communications.
• Get in touch with fellow creators: To learn how to secure sponsorships on Twitch, one of the most effective ways is to communicate with other streamers. If a creator is already networking and cooperating with other influencers, they're aware of the advantages of connecting with peers to develop their brands. They have to allocate time to converse with other streamers to obtain insights into the brands that sponsor Twitch streamers and learn from those with direct experience. While getting a brand sponsorship on Twitch or any streaming platform may appear like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it's feasible if they understand how their content aligns with a brand and can present it in a manner that the brand cannot refuse. Broadcasters should remember to pay it forward by sharing this post with a fellow Twitch streamer who may be seeking guidance with sponsorships.
• Approach smaller companies: Requests for sponsorships are frequently found in the comments sections of websites and social media profiles of multi-million dollar companies. Many new streamers or those who have not yet begun streaming often request sponsorships on Twitch and are generally ignored. Businesses prefer to give Twitch sponsorship opportunities to someone who could also benefit their brand. Larger companies, whether it is a gaming apparel website or Logitech, are unlikely to collaborate with small streamers. However, creators may be able to establish partnerships with smaller companies or start-ups (but it's best to be an existing streamer and at least a Twitch affiliate with a growing audience before making the request). They can also search for affiliate sponsors who offer a percentage on sales generated through your personal link. These are considerably easier to obtain than conventional sponsorships.

Remember these things when dealing with sponsors:

• Be professional: When approaching sponsors, it's important to be professional and courteous. Streamers must treat the sponsorship outreach process as they would any other business opportunity and ensure their communication is clear, concise, and respectful.
• Understand the sponsorship agreement: Before entering into a sponsorship agreement, it's essential to fully understand the terms and expectations of the partnership. They have to be sure to read the agreement carefully and ask any questions before signing on.
• Follow-up: After sending their initial outreach message, it's important to follow up with potential sponsors to ensure they received the proposal and gauge their interest. Content creators may need to be persistent but not pushy and always remain professional and respectful. They can follow up with emails or phone calls and be prepared to answer any questions or provide additional information.
• Negotiate terms: Once a streamer has established a relationship with a potential sponsor, it's important to negotiate the terms of the partnership. They should discuss expectations, compensation, and any other details that are important to the success of the partnership. These online stars must be open to compromises and be willing to negotiate until both parties are satisfied with the terms.
• Sign the contract: Once they have negotiated the terms of the partnership and both parties are in agreement, it's time to sign the contract. Streamers must ensure to carefully read and understand the terms of the agreement before signing on. It's also a good idea to consult with a lawyer or other professional to ensure the contract is fair and legally binding.
• It's ok to be told “No”: It's not uncommon for creators to feel discouraged when a brand declines their sponsorship proposal. However, it's important to remember that this shouldn't dissuade them from persistently approaching brands. Various factors, such as budget constraints and campaign priorities, may influence why a brand cannot sponsor a streamer. If a brand declines their request to sponsor their Twitch, it doesn't imply they're inadequate. It simply means that the timing or fit wasn't right, and a more suitable opportunity is on the horizon as long as the person remains dedicated.

Examples of sponsorships for streaming platforms

  Pokimane eating her just cooked Nissin Cup Noodles   

Nissin Cup Noodles and Pokimane: Popular Twitch streamer Pokimane has over 9 million followers, and she demonstrated how effortless it is to prepare Nissin Cup Noodles. While playing League of Legends, she cooked the ready-to-eat item in front of her 11,000 followers. The brand got established "instantly" thanks to being linked to the Twitch star's community and used this marketing strategy to attract potential new customers.

Kick and F1 Team Alfa Romeo: Earlier this year, Kick signed a deal with the Swiss Formula 1 team, Alfa Romeo, ensuring its branding will feature on Alfa Romeo’s C43 at selected races across the season. With F1 drivers also now indulging in a lot of streaming, fans might just see them have live broadcasts on the green platform with branding for their team.

G Fuel and Ninja: American energy drink brand G Fuel heavily invested in a marketing campaign featuring Ninja, the iconic Fortnite streamer with over 18 million followers on Twitch. The brand released a special edition drink for him, and the campaign resulted in a significant surge in searches for the product. Ninja is now part of G Fuel's Gamma team of digital influencers, along with other notable personalities.

  G Fuel has benefitted immensely from its partnership with streaming megastar Ninja   

NordVPN and PewDiePie: NordVPN has sponsored PewDiePie more than 300 times, with these videos earning the Swede over 2.5B views — a lot of exposure for the brand. With some nearly-accurate assumptions, it can be postulated that the YouTube megastar made around $50M, a significant amount of money, just from this brand collaboration. However, nearby estimates will suggest that PewDiePie made much more for the VPN service provider.

Elgato and Alanzoka: Elgato's another company that has made a name for itself on Twitch by sponsoring successful streamers with high-quality peripherals. For example, Alanzoka, the most followed Brazilian streamer on the platform, promotes its Stream Deck to his audience of 6 million followers on a daily basis, resulting in significant exposure for the brand.

Some influencer marketing/sponsorship platforms

  Streamlabs Desktop Ultra is one of the various modes from the company to help streamers   

Today, there are platforms available for almost anything, including those designed to connect content creators with brands for sponsorships. Many such sites provide comprehensive services, from making inquiries to receiving payments. Here are some platforms broadcasters should consider if they're keen on getting sponsored on Twitch.

• Hellogamers: This sponsorship platform was designed specifically for gamers. Hellogamers' primary objective is to help players of all skill levels become marketable to brands so they can secure sponsorships and increase their fanbase along the way. Creators must not miss out on registering for this platform if they are interested in growing their gaming careers.
• Powerspike: This platform is free and an excellent resource to connect creators with brands offering paid sponsorships. They can apply for available sponsorship opportunities and keep track of their status. Additionally, if someone is already using Streamlabs to live stream, they can get Powerspike in its app store, enabling them to stream and find sponsorships in one convenient location.
• Pillar: Pillar not only helps secure brand deals and sponsorships but also enables streamers to create a customizable, shoppable website to promote their favorite products to their audience. Although there is a waitlist to join, Streamlabs Ultra members gain exclusive access and can cut straight to the chase.

Conclusion

Getting sponsored on Twitch can be a great way for streamers to monetize their content and build relationships with companies in their niche. By building a strong brand, growing their audience, creating quality content, identifying potential sponsors, pitching to potential sponsors, negotiating sponsorship deals, and fulfilling sponsorship obligations, streamers can increase their chances of getting sponsored on Twitch in 2023.

In summary, approaching Twitch sponsors requires careful consideration and planning. Streamers should have a clear understanding of their brand and audience, build a strong social media presence, have a clear pitch, research potential sponsors, be professional, and understand the sponsorship agreement before signing on. By keeping these things in mind, streamers can increase their chances of securing successful partnerships with sponsors.