Online video game streaming has grown in popularity among gamers in recent years. Gaming enthusiasts with exceptional passion and skill in video games stream themselves while playing their favorite games for millions of fans to watch, connect, and share thoughts.
What’s fascinating about game streaming is not being tied to a specific niche. Streamers can showcase various games, ranging from car racing to boxing, football to adventure, and much more. Some streamers have even taken it further by live streaming their casino gameplay. Despite happening in the digital world, live dealer roulette games add an element of excitement when streamed as viewers can engage in the guessing game of which number or color the roulette ball will land on, creating an interactive and immersive experience for both the streamer and the audience. Moreover, online casinos offer games like Blackjack and Baccarat.
This article discusses monetization models in live gaming streams and building a successful streaming business.
Monetization Models in Live Streaming
Nowadays, gamers can build their communities, establish a fan base, and monetize their content through different platforms. The common monetization models for everyone considering getting started in game streaming include subscription-based models, donations and tips, affiliate and brand partnerships, and advertising revenue.
Subscription-Based Models
The subscription-based monetization model for gaming streams is a popular and profitable form of revenue streaming that most online streaming platforms provide. Gaming fans can support their favorite streamers by subscribing to their channels, which charge a monthly fee, usually between $8 and $10 per user.
Channels Policies
Depending on each platform’s funding policies, subscription rates are divided between the hosting platform and streamers. However, streamers must meet specific requirements to be eligible for receiving monetization.
The conditions to monetize a live stream vary from one platform to another. For the top streaming platforms, YouTube and Twitch, streamers must be in the Partner Program to earn from paid subscriptions, which are only available for streamers with specific qualifications.
On the other hand, Facebook Gaming opens this opportunity to streamers who have achieved a specific number of returning weekly viewers. Most importantly, streamers must consider creating something special and exclusive to their loyal subscribers to reward them.
Donations and Tips
Streamers can also generate revenue by accepting donations and tips from their dedicated fans. Most platforms have different tipping systems that allow viewers to support their favorite streamers, which include:
- Twitch: Twitch uses a ‘Bits’ tipping system, virtual currency that viewers can purchase to cheer their streamers.
- YouTube: YouTube’s tipping system depends on ‘Super Chat’ and ‘Super Like,’ which allows viewers to pin their messages on a channel’s chat window and support their chosen streamers.
- Facebook: Viewers can buy a virtual good called ‘Star’ and send it to streamers on Facebook.
- TikTok: TikTok uses a ‘Diamond’ tipping system, a virtual currency that viewers can use to support streamers.
Affiliate and Partnership Programs
Popular online streamers with a large fan base can apply for the platform’s affiliate or partner program and receive a share of the platform’s profits. However, this feature is limited to specific platforms, such as Twitch and YouTube, and there are specific requirements that streamers must meet to be eligible for affiliate or partner membership.
Here are the eligibility requirements for partnerships with these two platforms:
- Twitch Affiliate Program: Streamers must have a minimum of 50 followers in addition to 500 total minutes of broadcasting, seven unique broadcasts, and three concurrent viewers in the last 30 days to become an affiliate.
- Twitch Partner Program: Streamers must have streamed games for at least 25 hours over 12 days with an average of 75 concurrent viewers to be eligible for a Twitch Partner membership.
- YouTube Live: Streamers must have a minimum of 1000 subscribers and 4000 valid watch hours in the last 12 months to qualify for partnership eligibility.
It’s worth mentioning that gaming streamers don’t earn a fixed monthly income but are proportional to their popularity and other factors.
Advertising Revenue
Online streaming platforms allow gamers to generate decent revenue through advertisements. Streamers should have many followers and considerable popularity to profit from ads to attract businesses to engage in advertising campaigns.
However, gamers streaming online must know how to control the display of ads during streams and how to negotiate deals with interested businesses to avoid losing their loyal fans. While ads can generate significant income, streamers should avoid relying solely on ads as their primary source of revenue.
Building a Successful Streaming Business
Building a successful streaming business requires dedication, effort, and consistency. Here are the necessary stages of building a successful streaming business:
- Develop a loyal audience: A loyal audience is key to gaining popularity and achieving streaming business goals. Consider thoughtfully rewarding the most loyal fans and show appreciation for their support. Also, investing in quality streaming devices and services will enhance viewers’ experience and attract more people.
- Create high-quality content: With countless gaming streamers on all popular platforms, standing out and piquing the audience’s interest is challenging. Creating high-quality content and presenting new ideas is key to attracting viewers to your streams.
- Establish a personal brand: A personal brand is important in shaping viewers’ perception of streamers and increasing recognition of their names.
Conclusion
The attractive potential of online streaming makes it a great source for generating revenue while gaming. There are various methods through which video game streamers can monetize their content and make profits. The key to succeeding is possessing real gaming skills, maintaining consistency, and fostering creativity.