10 Things Every New Twitch Affiliate Needs to Know

9 August 2025

So, you’ve made it – you’re officially a Twitch Affiliate! First of all, congrats! You’ve crossed that first milestone on your Twitch journey, and now you’re stepping into a whole new level of streaming. But let’s be real – this is just the beginning. You’re probably wondering, “What happens now?” or “What should I focus on next?” Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 10 things every new Twitch Affiliate needs to know to make the most of this opportunity. Whether you’re here to turn this into a career or just make your hobby a bit more rewarding, let’s break it all down. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Understand What Being a Twitch Affiliate Really Means

Becoming a Twitch Affiliate is like getting your first badge of honor in the streaming world. But don’t confuse it with being a Partner – they’re two very different things. As an Affiliate, you can start monetizing your channel with subscriptions, Bits, and game sales. This is your stepping stone to greater things.

Think of it like leveling up in a game – you’ve unlocked new features, but there’s still a bigger boss to beat. Take the time to understand what perks you have and how to use them. Learning the ins and outs of Affiliate features will give you a major advantage.

2. Set Up Your Subscription Tiers

One of the coolest perks of being an Affiliate is the ability to offer subscriptions. You’ve got three tiers to play with: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Each tier represents different pricing levels, and you can customize the perks for each one.

Think about what you can offer that’ll make people want to subscribe. Custom emotes? Behind-the-scenes access? Exclusive shoutouts? Put yourself in your viewers' shoes and ask: “What would I pay for?” Make sure your perks match your personality and style.

3. Create Killer Custom Emotes

Let’s be real – everyone loves emotes. They’re like the lifeblood of Twitch chat. As a Twitch Affiliate, you get the chance to upload custom emotes for your subscribers. The better your emotes, the more likely people are to sub just to use them in chats.

Here’s a tip: make emotes that reflect your channel’s vibe. Are you funny? Goofy? Competitive? Create designs that resonate with your brand. And if you’re not the best artist, don’t sweat it – hire a designer or use platforms like Fiverr to bring your ideas to life.

4. Familiarize Yourself with Twitch's Rules

I know, I know – reading rules isn’t exactly exciting. But being a Twitch Affiliate comes with some responsibilities, and you need to play by the book. Twitch has strict guidelines on things like copyright, harassment, and conduct. If you break the rules, you risk losing your Affiliate status.

One key rule to remember: As an Affiliate, you’re not allowed to stream on other platforms while simultaneously streaming to Twitch. The 24-hour exclusivity rule means your content must remain exclusive to Twitch for the first 24 hours after you stream.

Don’t get caught off guard – know the rules so you can avoid unnecessary drama.

5. Learn How to Promote Your Channel Without Coming Across as Spammy

Spamming your link all over social media isn’t the move, trust me. Instead, find creative ways to promote your channel. Build a community on platforms like Twitter or Discord. Share highlights, funny clips, or memorable moments from your streams to grab attention.

Use YouTube to your advantage, too! Uploading stream highlights or tutorials on topics like "How to Win in [Insert Game]" can bring in an entirely new audience. The idea is to create value for others, not just scream, “Hey, watch me!”

6. Stay Consistent with Your Streaming Schedule

Let me ask you something: would you watch a TV show that aired randomly without warning? Probably not, right? The same logic applies to Twitch.

People are more likely to stick around and come back when they know your schedule. Pick days and times that work for you and stick to them like glue. Even if it’s just one or two days a week, consistency is key. Plus, it helps you stay accountable and makes streaming feel less chaotic.

7. Engage with Your Viewers Like They're Your Friends

Honestly, the best part of Twitch isn’t the games – it’s the community. The people who show up to your streams? They’re your ride-or-die crew. Treat them like VIPs.

Ask them questions, shout out their names, laugh at their jokes – you get the idea. The more you make people feel seen and appreciated, the more likely they’ll stick around and support you. Think of your Twitch channel as a hangout spot, not a one-way broadcast.

8. Track Your Metrics, but Don’t Obsess Over Them

Yes, metrics matter. Viewer count, subscriptions, watch time – they all play a role in your growth. But here’s the thing: don’t let those numbers define your worth as a streamer.

Instead of obsessing over how many people are watching, focus on improving your content. Keep an eye on trends, though. Are certain games or times performing better? Use that data to fine-tune your strategy.

Pro-tip: Celebrate small wins. Got 5 subs this month? Amazing. 10 viewers in chat? Heck yeah. Celebrate the progress, no matter how big or small.

9. Experiment With Monetization, but Keep It Authentic

Sure, you can make money as an Affiliate – but don’t turn your entire stream into a sales pitch. No one wants to watch someone beg for Bits or subs every five minutes. Instead, find creative and authentic ways to incorporate monetization.

For example, try setting fun goals like, “If we hit 10 subs today, I’ll wear this goofy hat for the rest of the stream.” Make it fun, not forced. People will support you because they like you, not because you guilt them into it.

10. Stay Passionate and Have Fun

At the end of the day, Twitch is all about having fun. Sure, being an Affiliate opens up new opportunities, but don’t let it suck the joy out of streaming. Stay passionate about what you’re doing, whether that’s gaming, chatting with your audience, or showcasing unique talents.

Burnout is real, so take breaks when you need them. Remember why you started streaming in the first place. When you’re having a blast, your viewers will feel it, and they’ll have fun right alongside you.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Twitch Affiliate is a big achievement, but it’s also just the start of your journey. There’s so much you can do now – from customizing your channel to building a loyal community. Take it one step at a time, stay authentic, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

Oh, and give yourself some credit. You worked hard to get here, and that deserves a big ol’ pat on the back.