A new rumor claims Twitch is considering monetization changes for their partnership program.
The new report (via Bloomberg) claims Twitch is considering monetization changes, with the top streamers set to receive the biggest impact. Having seen Twitch rapidly grow since their full acquisition in 2014, Amazon continually seeks to optimize its revenue production.
There are several alterations being considered. First is an incentivization for the use of additional ads. More significantly is a change in share of subscription revenue allotted to the most popular accounts.
Some of the top Twitch Partners currently receive a 70% share of their subscriptions – the potential change will have that reduced to 50%. The source stated a partner tier system was also in consideration. This system would structured in a way where streamers must meet certain qualifications for certain levels.
Many top Twitch personalities have voiced concern over news that Twitch is considering monetization changes. Pokimane, a Twitch Partner with over 9 million subscribers, had this to say:
imo twitch should just implement ads that don’t directly interfere with a stream (sidebar, picture in picture, underlay, etc).
i understand advertisers are essential to make a platform profitable, but intervening with the viewer’s experience isn’t how they should go about it
One positive that could be included is end of platform exclusivity. This means that Twitch partners could fully utilize other streaming platforms such as YouTube and potentially grow their audience by a large amount.
While the rumor that Twitch is considering monetization changes could come into effect as early as this summer, the source has stated that none of partnership alterations are final. In fact, they could be scrapped entirely.
Whether implemented or not, backlash towards Twitch only grows having been effected in the past by bannings like the one with DrDisrespect, and a high volume of top executives and regular staff leaving.
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