With platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, earning a substantial income from online gaming has become increasingly accessible. For example, Félix "xQc" Lengyel reportedly earns over $300,000 monthly from a combination of channel subscriptions, viewer donations, sponsorships with brands like G-Fuel and HyperX, and ad revenue. He’s just one of many gamers who earn thousands of dollars each month by playing games online, illustrating how online gaming has evolved into a legitimate career path for those passionate about the industry.
![]() |
How to Make Huge Income from Video Games via Twitch and YouTube Gaming |
Turning Gaming into an Income Stream
If you know someone who loves gaming, whether it’s a younger cousin or even yourself, it's time to consider turning that passion into a way to pay some bills. Gaming can consume a lot of electricity, so why not let it cover the expenses?
Step 1: Become a Twitch Affiliate
The first step to making money online as a gamer is becoming a Twitch Affiliate. Luckily, it’s not as hard as it sounds. You only need 50 followers, an average of three concurrent viewers over a 30-day period (this could be friends and family supporting you), and to stream for at least eight hours across seven different days. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply to become an affiliate, opening up options to earn through ads, subscriptions, and more.
Setting Up Your Channel
Once you’re approved as a Twitch Affiliate, set up your channel with a profile picture, avatar, and a catchy description. Customize your settings so your channel is ready to attract viewers. The next step? Consistency! Stream regularly, spread your sessions over different days each week, and start hitting milestones.
Step 2: Earning from Subscriptions
Subscribers are the lifeblood of a Twitch channel. These are the viewers who choose to support you with monthly payments ranging from $5 to higher tiers. Twitch splits the revenue with you, so for a $5 subscription, you’ll earn $2.50. Consistent and engaging content will encourage more viewers to subscribe and support your journey.
Step 3: Encourage Prime Subscriptions
If your viewers have Amazon Prime, they can subscribe to you for free, with Twitch paying you the same amount as a regular subscription. Many viewers don’t realize they have this benefit, so remind them during streams to support you without any extra cost.
Using Bits and Cheers
Bits and cheers are Twitch’s virtual tipping system, where viewers can purchase Bits and use them to cheer you on during streams. Each Bit gives you $0.01, which adds up over time. 100 Bits, for example, will earn you $1. Encourage viewers to use Bits for a fun, interactive way to support your channel.
Direct Donations
You can set up direct donations through services like PayPal or platforms like Streamlabs. Unlike subscriptions where Twitch takes a cut, direct donations go entirely to you, minus small transaction fees. Set donation goals, like upgrading equipment or hosting an event, to give viewers tangible reasons to support you.
Step 4: Monetize with Ads
Ads are a slower but steady income source. Twitch pays based on the number of people who watch ads during your stream, similar to YouTube. Revenue ranges from $3.50 to $5 per thousand views. Although it might seem modest, ad earnings accumulate over time, especially with a growing viewer base.
Turning gaming into an income stream is more achievable than ever, especially with platforms designed to support creators. With consistency and creativity, you can transform your gaming sessions into a reliable source of income.
Thank you for engaging with us! Please adhere to our comment policies, which aim to create a positive and constructive environment for discussing marketing topics. We welcome your valuable contributions, but we ask that you respect others' opinions and refrain from any offensive or inappropriate language. All comments are subject to review before publication. We look forward to your thoughts and insights on marketing strategies and innovations!