How Much Do You Make Off Gift Subs on Twitch as a Streamer?

If you’re a Twitch streamer or considering becoming one, the idea of earning through gift subscriptions might have crossed your mind. Gift subs are one of the most generous ways your community can support you, but how much do you actually make from them? Let’s break it down step by step so you know what to expect.

What Are Gift Subs?

Before diving into the numbers, let’s clarify what gift subs are. On Twitch, a subscription (sub) allows viewers to support their favorite streamers on a monthly basis. Subscribers get perks like ad-free viewing, custom emotes, and subscriber-only chat access. Gift subs are simply subscriptions purchased by one viewer and given to another—usually as a kind gesture or as part of community engagement during a stream.

Gift subs come in three tiers:

• Tier 1: $4.99/month
• Tier 2: $9.99/month
• Tier 3: $24.99/month

Each tier grants progressively better perks, but Tier 1 is by far the most common.

How Much Does Twitch Take?

Twitch splits subscription revenue with streamers. The default split for most affiliates and smaller partners is 50/50, meaning for a Tier 1 sub priced at $4.99, you’ll make roughly $2.50 per subscription. For Tier 2 and Tier 3 subs, the split is applied to the higher price points, so you’d earn $5.00 and $12.50 respectively.

However, some streamers, especially larger partners, negotiate better splits, such as 70/30. In that case, you’d earn $3.50 from a Tier 1 sub instead of $2.50.

Here’s a quick table to summarize the potential earnings:

Tier	Price (USD)	50/50 Split	70/30 Split
Tier 1	$4.99	$2.50	$3.50
Tier 2	$9.99	$5.00	$7.00
Tier 3	$24.99	$12.50	$17.50

The Impact of Gift Subs on Income

Gift subs can significantly boost your earnings, especially during special events like subathons, milestones, or holiday streams. Loyal viewers often gift subs to encourage community growth and to reward new viewers who might be hesitant to subscribe on their own.

Let’s say you’re an affiliate with a 50/50 split, and a viewer gifts 20 Tier 1 subs during your stream. Here’s the math:

• 20 Tier 1 Gift Subs x $2.50 (your share) = $50.00

That’s a solid chunk of income from just one act of generosity! If this happens consistently, you can quickly see how gift subs become a reliable revenue stream.

Fees and Taxes

Keep in mind that Twitch’s cut isn’t the only thing reducing your take-home pay. Payment processors also deduct transaction fees before your earnings are deposited. Additionally, depending on your country, you’ll need to report this income and pay taxes on it. For example, in the United States, streamers are considered self-employed, so you’re responsible for both income tax and self-employment tax.

Factors That Influence Your Gift Sub Revenue

Not every streamer earns the same amount from gift subs. Here are some factors that can affect your income:

1. Community Size and Engagement A larger, more engaged community is more likely to generate gift subs. Streamers who actively interact with their viewers and foster a positive, welcoming atmosphere often see higher levels of support.
2. Special Events Running a subathon or celebrating milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, or follower goals can encourage viewers to gift subs. Adding incentives, such as giveaways or exclusive content, can further boost this.
3. Stream Frequency The more you stream, the more opportunities viewers have to support you. Consistency is key.
4. Regional Audience Your audience’s location can also play a role. Viewers in countries with lower average incomes may find subs less affordable, while audiences in wealthier regions might be more willing to gift subs.

Maximizing Gift Sub Revenue

If you want to increase your income from gift subs, here are a few tips:

• Engage with Your Community: Acknowledge and thank viewers who gift subs. Shouting them out or creating special alerts can encourage others to do the same.
• Create a Sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Highlight the perks of being a subscriber, such as exclusive emotes or access to private Discord channels.
• Set Goals and Milestones: For example, “If we hit 50 gift subs today, I’ll do a 12-hour stream!” These incentives can motivate your community to contribute.
• Leverage Subathons: These marathon-style streams often involve real-time sub counters and milestones, which can drive gift sub numbers through the roof.

Real-Life Examples

Let’s look at a hypothetical scenario. Imagine you’re a mid-sized streamer averaging 100 concurrent viewers. During a subathon, your community gifts 200 Tier 1 subs:

• 200 Gift Subs x $2.50 (your share) = $500.00

Now, suppose this happens three times a year. That’s $1,500 annually from gift subs alone, not counting regular subscriptions, bits, donations, or ad revenue.

Gift subs are a powerful way for Twitch streamers to earn money while building a stronger community. While the revenue from gift subs can vary depending on your size, engagement, and split agreement with Twitch, it’s clear that they can make a significant impact on your earnings.

If you’re serious about streaming, focus on creating a welcoming and entertaining environment that encourages viewers to support you. With consistency and effort, gift subs could become a major part of your Twitch income.

What do you think? Have gift subs played a big role in your Twitch journey? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!