Streaming on Twitch can be an exciting and lucrative experience. However, to take advantage of the monetary benefits as a Twitch streamer, you must achieve affiliate status. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps and requirements you need to fulfill.
Key Points: To achieve affiliate status on Twitch, you need 50 followers, at least 8 hours of streaming on 7 different days, and an average of 3 viewers.
Requirements for Twitch Affiliate Status
Before applying for the affiliate program, you must meet certain requirements. Firstly, you need to have 50 followers on your channel. At the same time, it's crucial that you have streamed for a total of 8 hours over a period of at least 7 different days. One of the biggest challenges is often reaching an average of 3 viewers. Many streamers, myself included, struggle with this.
To determine if you have already met the requirements, you can check the statistics on your Twitch channel. To do this, go to your channel at the top right, select settings, and navigate to "Channel" and "Videos." There you will find the statistics regarding your progress towards affiliate status.
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, Twitch will send you an email informing you that you have met the requirements and can now apply for the affiliate program. However, this is not mandatory, but it is recommended.
Business Registration
If you have applied to be a Twitch affiliate, there is an important piece of information to consider: if you are under 18 years old, you will need your parents' consent. They must sign the necessary documents for you. In this case, it is advisable to go to the local community office or town hall together to register the business.
The costs for business registration vary depending on the state but are usually between 20 and 30 euros. After completing the registration, you will receive mail from the tax office, which includes a tax registration questionnaire. Don't worry about it. The tax office staff are available to assist you with any questions you may have.
It is important to know that all income you generate on Twitch must be taxed. This includes not only subs and bits but also donations, even if they are through external platforms like PayPal. However, there are exceptions, such as if you operate as a non-profit organization.
Tax Considerations
Once you have officially registered your business, you will need to create an income-expenditure calculation and an income tax return. You can also turn to the tax office for assistance or consult a tax advisor if necessary.
All income you generate through Twitch must always be reported accurately. This applies to income from subscriptions, donations, and advertising revenue. It is very important to work carefully in this regard, as ignorance of such regulations can lead to problems.
Benefits of Twitch Affiliate Status
Upon reaching affiliate status, you receive numerous benefits. You can now activate bits and subs, enabling direct monetization of your streams. Additionally, you have the option to run advertisements – another source of income. Another benefit is the activation of channel points that you can modify as you see fit.
Furthermore, you have access to custom emotes that your subscribers can use to further establish your brand. This not only leads to increased interactions in your stream but also strengthens the bond between you and your viewers.
Summary
The path to affiliate status on Twitch comes with challenges, but with the right preparation and the necessary information, you can successfully achieve it. Pay attention to the requirements, take care of the legal aspects, and make use of the benefits that affiliate status offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many followers do I need for affiliate status?You need at least 50 followers.
How much do I need to stream to become an affiliate?You must have streamed a minimum of 8 hours total on at least 7 different days.
What if I am under 18 years old?You must obtain your parents' consent and register the business together with them.
Do I need to pay taxes on my earnings?Yes, all earnings, including donations and advertising revenue, must be taxed unless you are a non-profit organization.
What are the benefits of the affiliate program?You can activate bits and subs, run ads, use channel points, and create custom emotes.
