Any streamer, regardless of the platform, eventually faces the issue of monetizing their content. Many platforms offer their own mechanisms for monetization, such as channel subscriptions, paid emojis, chat icons, and so on. Viewers can choose any of them to support streamers through the platform, or they can directly send donations to their electronic wallets, bank cards, cryptocurrency wallets, etc. Streams Charts has analyzed the most popular content monetization services used by Twitch streamers.
We analyzed our vast database and found relevant content monetization service links in the descriptions of 425K channels. In total, we identified about 50 different payment services, including both global services that handle international transfers and more localized ones that operate in specific countries.
Streams Charts has established itself as a key actor in the live streaming industry in regards to the collection, processing, and analytics of platform and channel viewership data. With our expertise and constantly growing database of a huge number of services (including the largest ones like Twitch, YouTube Live, Kick, and more) and over 15 million (!) channels, we provide services to the largest players in the market, including both individual content creators and talent agencies, brands, etc.
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The most popular content monetization service on Twitch turned out to be Streamlabs: its links were present on 42% of all the channels we analyzed, which is the highest percentage. It is worth noting that Streamlabs has been developing streaming software since 2014: the service provides streamers with graphic overlays, pop-up notifications during broadcasts, donation alerts, and more.
In second place in terms of popularity is Streamelements, the service that is used by approximately 25.5% of channels that made it to the sample. Streamelements offers a similar set of features to Streamlabs: essentially, these are the two main competitors on the platform.
Around 5% of Twitch streamers include direct links to their PayPal electronic wallets in the descriptions of their channels, making it the third top-ranked monetization service. However, there are not only direct money services that are used to collect donations. Interestingly, many streamers accept donations not just in cash, but in other forms too. For example, with in-game items: approximately 1.12% of streamers accept gifts through Steam.
Streamers also often include links to their personal pages on paid subscription services in the descriptions of Twitch channels. Fans can access exclusive content there for a specific fee. For example, they can interact with the streamer in a private broadcast or receive exclusive clips. One of the most popular services like these on Twitch is Patreon, with links present in the descriptions of 2.25% of all analyzed channels. In comparison, the reach of another popular subscription service, OnlyFans, is only 0.11%.
The choice of monetization service depends on various factors. Firstly, it should be universally convenient for both the streamer and their viewers. It is crucial for fans to find it easy to send donations, while the streamer should have no trouble receiving them. Essentially, one must ensure that the service enables financial transactions in their country.
The second factor is the commission charged by the service for money transfers/withdrawals. This commission often directly depends on the speed of withdrawal, which is also significant. Finally, the third factor is the reliability of the service, its security against hacking, and its customer service policies. Streamers often list multiple services in the descriptions of their channels so that viewers can choose the most convenient option.