Yes, You Can Get Paid to Play Video Games. Here’s How

When I was growing up in the ‘90s, I never would have imagined I could get paid to play video games.

If I’d known that it would one day be possible to pad my income by letting strangers watch me game, right now you’d be enjoying a Rocky-style montage of me training to be the best gamer in the world.

My gaming brethren, the video game platform Twitch can validate our geekiness… and help us make money with it.

4 Ways to Get Paid to Play Video Games

While success and earnings vary, the truly dedicated have proven that video game streaming can be a lucrative full-time job. You can even gain the exposure required to go pro and compete in eSports tournaments in front of millions of viewers for millions of dollars.

Or it could just be a fun way to make a little extra cash on the side.

Here’s how you can make money playing video games and streaming them in this free gaming community.

1. Ask for Donations

As soon as you sign up to stream (it’s free), you can add a donation button to your channel, which allows viewers to throw cash your way.

Donations can be anything from $1 to even thousands of dollars in one fell swoop. While the latter case isn’t the norm, some Twitch streamers have received large donations on their channels. (Remember: While they’re called “donations,” the IRS will still want its share.)’=

2. Collect “Bits”

In October 2016, Twitch announced a tipping system called “Cheering,” through which viewers can gift their favorite streamers online currency called Bits.

Viewers can earn five to 100 Bits (100 Bits are worth $1.40) by watching 30-second ads. They can also purchase Bits outright via the Amazon payment system.

When a viewer likes something you did in your game, they can type “cheerxx” into the chat bar on your channel, where “xx” is the number of Bits they want to gift. For example, if someone types “cheer1000,” you’ll receive 1,000 Bits, which are worth $10.

3. Collect Subscribers

Leveling up requires a bit more work, but it packs a bigger payoff. Once you’ve amassed a steady following — at least 500 regular viewers — you can apply to be a Twitch Partner at no cost. Becoming a partner is key to earning more revenue on Twitch.

One of its benefits is the illustrious “Subscribe” button. Subscribers are people who really like you and want you to succeed. For each subscriber you gain, Twitch will pay you about $2.50 per month.

You don’t even have to be the best at the games you stream. If you are entertaining and market yourself on social media, you can gain valuable ground in the streaming world.

Try setting up a YouTube account where potential followers can get to know you before they commit to subscribing to your channel. Posting highlight reels from your streams will entice them to visit your channel on Twitch. Think of it as investing in a trailer so people will want to watch the whole film.

The most successful Twitch streamers interact with their viewers, display their gratitude for donations and are expressive. Humor and quirkiness will set you apart from the crowd.

4. Earn Ad Revenue

Nobody likes ads, but they do make the World Wide Web go ‘round.

If you’ve registered as a Twitch Partner and started gaining subscribers, you’ll also start earning ad revenue. Your channel will bring in about $250 per 100 subscribers per month.

How to Get Started on Twitch

Kristi Simpson has been gaming since she was 14 months old and has the picture to prove it. She is also a world traveler and plans her trips based on where she wants to eat.

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