First of all let's figure out what opportunities are shared between Partners and Affiliates.
- Both Affiliates and Partners can add their own unique first through third level emotes, the number of slots for them will grow along with the number of their paid subscribers. However, there is a threshold for companions: 5 level-1 emotes, as well as 1 second-level and one third-level Emote. In total, a companion can add no more than 7 emotes, even if the number of his paid subscribers is huge. This restriction does NOT apply to partners and they can freely roam by adding even a hundred smiles.Both Affiliates and Partners can add their own unique first through third level emotes, the number of slots for them will grow along with the number of their paid subscribers. However, there is a threshold for companions: 5 level-1 emotes, as well as 1 second-level and one third-level Emote. In total, a companion can add no more than 7 emotes, even if the number of his paid subscribers is huge. This restriction does NOT apply to partners and they can freely roam by adding even a hundred smiles.
- Streamers of both statuses can add subscriber badges (same as subs’ icons in the chat). Until recently, an Affiliate could add sub badges up to one year (for 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of subscription). It used to be a ceiling, even if the streamers had subs whose streaks had exceeded one year. But in the summer of 2021 Twitch revised this feature and now both Partners and Affiliates can make unique graphics for old-timers (1.5 years, 2 years, 2.5 years, etc.), and in August subscriber badges will become available to experienced subscribers who’s stayed loyal to a stream for up to 9 and 10 years.
- Both Affiliates and Partners can generate ad revenue. But alas, not every region can provide good sums for advertising. In the CIS, these figures are negligible and one cannot count on this item of income.
- Monthly withdrawals are available for both categories of streamers. Though it’s true that Partners will have to wait 10 to 15 days longer for their funds. The system checks your funds every calendar month and if in 30 days the amount of income exceeds $100, they are sent to the streamers’ payment account. For Partners, this transfer is free, but Affiliates MUST pay for the SWIFT transfer ($22), the amount is withdrawn directly from your Twitch account and no additional payments are required. If $100 was sent, only $78 will go through after the deduction for the SWIFT transfer.
And here is a list of key differences and benefits that only partners have.
- Standard distribution of income from subscriptions between streamers and the platform is 50/50, but some partners can claim up to 70% in their favor.
- Twitch Partners are NOT allowed to stream on other platforms.
- Partners get a checkmark next to their nickname.
- Some Partners can get a placement on the Twitch homepage at the agreed time, which gives a huge boost to the audience.
- Twitch partners have access to exclusive online and offline events, where you can not only get accessible information firsthand, but also make useful contacts.
As you can see, the Partner Program brings not only benefits, but also imposes restrictions on streamers. Some deliberately choose not to join the Twitch Partner Program in order to retain the ability to host multistreams or produce unique online content on other platforms (that is, for example, prohibited by Twitch rules). At the same time, almost all the main features are available for both types of creators. No matter what anyone says, the Partner program does not provide any real exclusive benefits. A checkmark next to your stream will not bring you an increase in audience. To aim at the partner program or not is solely your decision. But don't miss out on the opportunities that the Affiliate Program opens up for you. Do not postpone creating your stream community until you receive the desired Twitch checkmark, because this way you risk reducing the growth rate of your streams. We will let you know how to use the Affiliate Program’s benefits to their maximum in the next article.
