How to Make Money Streaming Video Games (8 Strategies) 

Apart from being a hobby, streaming your favorite video games can also earn you money. YouTube Gaming, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming offer different ways for gamers to monetize their streams. In this article, we’ll look at eight unique strategies through which you can make money streaming video games. 

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Why Monetization Matters in Video Game Streaming

Streaming video games is fun, but you need something that can sustain it in the long term. With content monetization, you can generate income while enjoying yourself. Monetization lets you:  

• Acquire funds to purchase high-quality equipment, such as cameras, PCs, and microphones. 
• Focus more on video game streaming without worrying about your finances.
• Gift your community with interactive perks and giveaways.
• Make a full-time career from your passion for video game streaming.  
• Create multiple income streams beyond viewership revenue. 

The next section will outline different strategies you can apply to experience these benefits. 

Strategies to Make Money Streaming Video Games

There exist different ways to generate income via streaming video games. This section will outline the top eight strategies, including the following: 

Strategy 1. Platform Monetization Programs

To make money from streaming video games, you can use monetization programs offered by platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. Twitch, a top destination for streaming games, allows you to monetize content through affiliate and partner programs. 

If you have at least 25 followers, more than 4 hours of stream, stream on four different days, and three viewers on average, the Twitch affiliate program lets you earn through subscriptions, bits, and game sales. On the other hand, the Twitch partner program allows larger creators to unlock more subscription perks and a higher ad revenue share. 

Regarding YouTube monetization, its partner programs enable video game streamers to earn money through channel memberships, AdSense revenue, YouTube Premium shares, and super chats and stickers. Gamers streaming on Facebook can earn via fan subscriptions, stars (virtual currency bought and sold by fans), and in-stream ads. 

Strategy 2. Donations and Viewer Tips

This is one of the easiest methods for earning money by streaming video games, as it doesn’t require any special platform approvals or additional work. You’ll just need to directly engage your fans during the live streams and ask them to support you through tips and donations. You can receive donations via PayPal, crypto, or Streamlabs & StreamElements. On the other hand, crypto donations are effective if you’re dealing with a global audience.

Strategy 3. Subscriptions and Membership Models

You can also use subscription and membership models from Patreon, YouTube, and Twitch to monetize your video game content. Here’s how you can do it:

• Twitch subscriptions: This platform offers various tier models, allowing viewers to subscribe to your content. In exchange, you can offer them perks like subscriber badges and custom emotes. Some subscription tiers also support ad-free viewing and exclusive chat privileges. 
• YouTube channel memberships: Once you create a membership plan on YouTube, you can offer perks like members-only community posts and behind-the-scenes videos. You can also ask members to pay if they wish to receive early access to your gaming content.  
• Patreon and third-party subscriptions: If seeking independence from platforms like YouTube or Twitch, you can use Patreon or Ko-fi to access multi-tier subscription models. For example, you can offer exclusive perks like 1-on-1 gaming sessions or private Discord servers. You can also offer exclusive video-on-demand (VOD) services or guides.

When creating subscription and membership plans, you should not only consider premium but also basic users. 

Strategy 4. Advertising Revenue

Although they aren’t an instant source of income like subscriptions and donations, ads are a good long-term revenue generator. As your audience size grows, so will your advertising revenue. Some common types of ads that you can enroll in as a video game streamer include:

• Pre-roll ads: These ads play before someone joins your stream. 
• Mid-roll ads: Are mostly played during stream breaks.  
• Banner ads: These advertisements are displayed on-screen alongside your gameplay. 

Note: Avoid including too many ads in your stream, as this can lead to frequent interruptions and drive viewers away.

Strategy 5. Affiliate Marketing

This strategy allows you to receive a commission whenever people purchase products directly through the links you attach in your streams. Some common gaming affiliates that you can earn commission from include:

• Streaming gear: You can provide affiliate links to microphones, webcams, or capture cards used during video game streaming. 
• Amazon associates: You can promote headsets, keyboards, or chairs. 
• Gaming platforms: Sites like Epic Games Store and Green Man Gaming have referral programs for gamers. 

One common technique for affiliate marketing during live streams is attaching an affiliate link in the video description section. You can also include a “recommended gear” section within your Twitch panels. Another option is to create product review streams and include your affiliate links there.  

Strategy 6. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

Once you have gained a significant audience, you can leverage it to your advantage by negotiating with brands to sponsor their products on your platform. You can engage in brand deals such as game, product, or lifestyle sponsorships. If efficiently done, an average streamer with about 10k followers can earn between $500 and $2,000 per sponsored gaming session.

Strategy 7. Merchandise Sales

To boost your income stream, consider going the extra mile by creating branded merchandise and selling it to your target audience. This not only generates revenue but also enhances your brand’s visibility. Some elaborate merchandise ideas that you can apply include:

• Gaming gear:  You can brand and sell gaming-related items like mousepads or water bottles with your name.  
• Clothing: You can print t-shirts, hats, or hoodies with your brand logo and name.  
• Digital goods: You can create wallpapers or overlays and distribute them digitally to earn income.

Common platforms you can use to design and sell your merchandise include Shopify, Teespring, and Streamlabs.   

Strategy 8. Esports and Tournament Participation

If you believe in your gaming skills, you can also engage in tournaments and competitions to earn extra income. This will also help boost your audience size and potential future subscribers. Some common Esports titles that you can participate in include:

• Call of Duty
• League of Legends
• Valorant
• Fortnite 

Moreover, you can engage in smaller niche games that offer cash prizes during competitions. When you win a tournament, you’ll not only showcase your credibility but also attract sponsorships, which may further accelerate your earning potential. 

Conclusion

Learning different monetization strategies ensures you reap maximum benefits from your video game streaming hobby. Some of the quickest ways to make money streaming games include donations and affiliate links. Subscriptions and ads are also vital for long-term benefits. Using a high-quality camera is essential if you want to create better video streams.  

FAQs

1. What is the fastest way to make money streaming video games?

Asking for donations and using affiliate links are some of the fastest methods for earning income from streaming video games. This is because these methods don’t require any platform approval. 

2. How much can beginner streamers expect to earn? 

The average value for beginners ranges from $10 to $500. You’ll mostly earn that through donations and subscriptions. Your earning potential will significantly improve as you continue to grow.

3. Which streaming platform pays the most? 

If you’re looking for better ad revenue, YouTube offers the highest in the market. Twitch is the best option if you seek to earn through community-driven earnings, such as subscriptions and Bits. On the other hand, if you plan to earn via fan subscriptions, Facebook Gaming is the best option. 

4. Can streaming video games become a full-time career? 

You can achieve that through consistent streaming and applying the different monetization strategies discussed in this article. You can also boost your earnings through community growth.