Twitch Expands Monetization Tools for Streamers

Twitch Announces Major Updates for 2025

Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, released a comprehensive open letter on Thursday detailing the platform’s roadmap for 2025. This includes planned features, improvements to the mobile user experience, and a noteworthy revision to its monetization policies.

Expanded Monetization Opportunities

A key announcement from Clancy is that Twitch is broadening access to subscriptions and Bits – the virtual currency used to support streamers – to a significantly larger pool of creators. This change applies to “most” creators, irrespective of their follower count.

This adjustment is designed to foster a more equitable monetization environment on Twitch. It will empower a wider spectrum of content creators to generate income as they build and engage with their communities. Previously, access to subscriptions and Bits was limited to Twitch Affiliates and Partners who met specific eligibility requirements.

These prior requirements included a minimum of 50 followers, an average of three concurrent viewers during streams, and a minimum of eight hours of accumulated streaming time weekly.

Furthermore, a new functionality will be implemented, allowing all streamers to utilize their earnings for purchases directly within the Twitch ecosystem, though specific details remain forthcoming.

Enhanced Collaboration and Brand Partnerships

Beyond monetization, Clancy outlined additional initiatives planned for Twitch in 2025. One such initiative focuses on providing streamers with increased revenue-generating opportunities through collaborative efforts.

The introduction of “Shared Hype Trains” will enable streamers participating in “Stream Together” or “Shared Chat” sessions to collectively participate in a Hype Train. This allows viewers to demonstrate support for their preferred creators. Management of Shared Chat sessions will also be streamlined through the mobile application.

Twitch is also simplifying the process for creators to express interest in brand collaborations. Simultaneously, a new tool will be launched to assist brands in discovering emerging channels for potential partnerships.

The platform intends to expand its promotional capabilities, exploring options that allow streamers to offer discounts and promotions during special events.

Improvements to the Viewing Experience

Regarding the mobile viewing experience, Twitch will soon support both landscape and vertical video formats. A new feature enabling viewers to react to specific stream moments using Bits is also in development.

Additionally, viewers will soon have the ability to create custom Power-ups. These are visual effects that can be deployed during streams, such as adding borders to messages or displaying larger emotes.

Updates to Clips and Content Storage

Updates are also planned for Clips, aiming to streamline the editing process and introduce a new feature for real-time moment highlighting. Automated tools to identify key stream moments will also be implemented.

These updates arrive following Twitch’s recent announcement regarding changes to its content storage policy. Effective April 19, the platform will limit the storage of highlights and uploaded content to a maximum of 100 hours, impacting the amount of content users can retain on their channels.