How to become a Twitch Affiliate without followers?

Many beginners often wonder: How to become a Twitch Affiliate if you don't have any followers yet? It may sound difficult, but Twitch's requirements are actually easier than you think. As long as you have a reasonable development plan and consistently implement it, the opportunity to become a Twitch Affiliate from zero is completely possible.

In this article, Hidemium will guide you through each specific, easy-to-apply step, helping you quickly qualify for the program Twitch Affiliate.

1. Conditions to become Twitch Affiliate

Before we get into specific tips, it’s important to understand the basic requirements Twitch has for its Affiliate Program. These requirements are designed to encourage you to broadcast regularly and build engagement – even if your initial viewership is low.

To qualify to become a Twitch Affiliate, you need to complete criteria within 30 days:

• There is at least 50 follower

• Live in Minimum 7 different days

• Total livestream duration reached from 8 hours and up

• On average each stream has 3 or more simultaneous viewers

Once you meet all four criteria, Twitch will send you an invitation via Creator Dashboard or email to officially join the program. From there, you just need to complete a few simple steps such as signing an Affiliate agreement, declaring tax information, and setting up a payment method - and you can start earning income from this platform.

>>> Learn more: Affiliate on TikTok without 1,000 followers

2. What if I don't have followers yet?

Starting from scratch can be daunting, but it’s possible to become a Twitch Affiliate even with zero followers. The key is to approach each of Twitch’s requirements in small, simple, actionable steps – creating a solid foundation for long-term growth.

2.1. Just stream for yourself first

In the beginning, it’s completely normal to have no viewers. Consider this a time to practice. You can test your microphone, lighting, frame composition, etc. At the same time, practice playing games while chatting to get used to maintaining interaction, even when there is no audience. Even if no one is watching, each stream still counts towards the total 8 hours and 7 days of broadcast time – the requirement to achieve Affiliate.

2.2. Invite friends or relatives to watch

You don’t need dozens of followers right away. Just invite a few people you know to watch for a few minutes while you’re streaming – this will help increase your average view count, which is an important criterion for Twitch Affiliate approval. You should also join support communities for newbies on Discord or Reddit to connect with and learn from those who have gone before you.

2.3. Always keep the conversation going, even when no one is watching

Get into the habit of talking like you have a live audience. Describing your actions, reacting to games, sharing your emotions… will make your content come alive. When people randomly drop by your stream, if they see you’re quiet, they’ll leave right away. On the other hand, if they sense your personality in your voice and the way you interact, they’ll likely stay – maybe even follow you.

2.4. Use short clips to attract new viewers

Turn on VOD saving and use Twitch’s clipping tool to cut out interesting moments from your stream. Then, upload them to TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts. A great video can go viral and bring new viewers back to your Twitch channel.

2.5. Choose a less competitive category

If you stream in a popular category like “Just Chatting” or a hot game, your chances of getting noticed are slim. Instead, choose niche games or less competitive categories – this will help your stream appear in search results and reach viewers first.

2.6. Create attractive and specific titles

The title of your stream is the first thing that grabs viewers’ attention. Don’t go with something vague like “Light Streaming,” instead, make it clear and catchy, like: “Solo Hardcore Mode No Armor – How Long Can You Survive?” A good title will pique curiosity and help you stand out from the hundreds of other streams.

The early stages are when you need attention and consistency. Even if you’re starting out alone, following these steps will help you build a solid channel and get you closer to your goal of becoming a Twitch Affiliate.

>>> Learn more: Top Affiliate Marketing Tools to Boost Conversions

3. Schedule your streams wisely to attract viewers

One important but often overlooked factor when wanting to become a Twitch Affiliate is regularity. Building a reasonable streaming schedule will not only help you meet Twitch's requirements, but also create a habit for viewers to come back to watch. Even if your channel is not well known, planning carefully will increase your chances of getting noticed.

3.1. Prioritize less competitive time slots

Broadcasting during peak hours can easily get lost in the crowd of popular streamers. Instead, try streaming early in the morning, late at night, or midweek when there are fewer live channels. This will help your channel stand out in smaller categories.

3.2. Keep a fixed schedule for viewers to remember

Even if you don’t have a large following yet, it’s important to maintain a consistent streaming schedule. It will help you build a habit of streaming and make it easier for potential viewers to tune in. Pick a few specific times of the week that you can stick to consistently – for example, stream three times a week. When viewers know exactly when you’re going to be streaming, they’ll be more likely to come back.

3.3. Prepare content before broadcasting

Don’t stream without a plan. Decide what you want your stream to be about: will you be playing a story game, taking on a new challenge, doing a Q&A, or covering a song? Having a clear theme will help you feel more confident on the air and keep your viewers engaged.

3.4. Take advantage of countdown and reminder features

Twitch lets you schedule your broadcasts in advance – don’t overlook this feature. You can also create simple notifications or countdowns on Instagram Stories, Discord, or Twitter. Even if you have a small following, these reminders can help you increase engagement significantly.

3.5. Balance between duration and energy

Streaming for longer doesn’t necessarily mean better. When you’re starting out, focus on quality over quantity. A 2-hour high-energy stream is always better than 5 hours of silence and disconnection. Choose a length that you can maintain excitement for – this is important for keeping your audience engaged and motivated.

>>> Learn more: Top 10 Affiliate Marketing Affiliate Advertising Strategies

4. Take advantage of social networks to attract viewers to the stream channel

Twitch isn’t an easy platform to reach, especially if you’re a new streamer. Most viewers discover streamers through other platforms before they visit Twitch, so social media is a powerful tool to help you engage your audience and build your personal brand – before, during, and after your stream.

4.1. Repurpose content to post short videos

Don’t let your “big” moments get buried on Twitch. Cut them into short vertical videos and share them regularly on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels. These are great platforms for reaching new audiences with short, viral content. With just a few posts per week, you can expand your reach and engage people who might not have heard of you before.

4.2. Maintain interaction even when not livestreaming

You don’t need to stream every day to keep your audience engaged. Post behind-the-scenes stories, share your thoughts, or ask small questions between streams. Maintaining a social media presence keeps your channel memorable and increases your chances of being subscribed to over time.

4.3. Optimize hashtags and keywords when posting

When sharing content on Twitter, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, be sure to use hashtags related to the topic you’re streaming. For example, if you play a specific game, include the game name and trending hashtags about that game. On YouTube Shorts, include keywords like “Twitch moments” or “funny streamer” in your title and description to increase your chances of appearing in search results.

4.4. Actively participate in the community

Don’t just post without interacting. Comment on other people’s content, join gaming discussion groups, or contribute ideas on Reddit. Being friendly, funny, or helpful will make people curious and more inclined to tune in to your stream.

4.5. Attach Twitch links everywhere possible

Make sure your audience can easily find your Twitch channel. Link to it in your social media bio, use Linktree if necessary, and don’t forget to mention your Twitch channel in the captions of your new content. If someone likes your video, they shouldn’t have to go through the trouble of finding your stream.

4.6. Consider creating your own community on Discord

A Discord server, even a small one, can help you connect with your audience. You can announce your streaming schedule, share highlights, and chat with viewers outside of your live hours. This helps build a sense of community, which is important for keeping viewers coming back and following you long-term.

>>> Learn more: Unlocking Explosive Affiliate Marketing Success: Conquer Challenges, Maximize Earnings with Hidemium

5. The Easy Way to Get Your First 50 Followers on Twitch

To become Twitch Affiliate, you need to meet certain conditions – including First 50 followers. If you're starting from zero, don't worry. With the right approach, you can reach this milestone without advertising or a built-in audience.

Below is 6 Simple Ways to Increase Your Twitch Followerseffective and natural:

Invite friends and relatives to follow the channel

Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family, or colleagues to follow your channel. Even if they don’t watch your live stream regularly, these initial follows will help your channel look more professional and “lively” to newcomers.

Gently remind viewers to click follow

Many viewers enjoy your content but forget to follow if you don’t remind them. Use a gentle, friendly call to action like:
👉 “If you are having fun watching this stream, don't forget to follow to support me!”

Set small goals and celebrate when you achieve them

Display follower target right on the screen with text like:
🎯 “Goal: 15/50 followers”.

When someone clicks follow, show joy or turn on the thank you effect. Viewers will feel like they are contributing to your growth journey, making them more likely to stick around.

Create a reward or make a joke

Make the act of following a fun experience by offering small rewards or funny reactions. For example, every time you reach 10 followers, you can do a viewer-suggested challenge. These fun moments will make viewers want to be a part of your channel.

Collaborate with other new streamers

Partnering with streamers who have similar viewership is a great way to grow your audience. You can raid each other, host joint streams, or simply recommend each other’s channels. It’s a win-win strategy and helps you reach new viewers organically.

Join the Twitch community to connect

Join streamer communities like Discord groups, forums, and Twitch-related subreddits. Be proactive about sharing your experiences, supporting others, and avoiding spam. Being friendly and trustworthy will make people more willing to follow your channel.

>>> Learn more: 5 Effective Affiliate Tips That You Don't Know

6. Conclusion

Becoming a Twitch Affiliate even if you don’t have a large following is entirely possible, as long as you have a clear strategy. Start by completing the basic requirements, building a consistent streaming routine, and leveraging social media to get your first views.

Once you’ve achieved Affiliate status, you should invest time in learning how Twitch works and continually improving the quality of your content. As long as you maintain a consistent schedule and learn from each broadcast, the results will come soon.

Wishing you success in your journey with Twitch!

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much money can Twitch Affiliate make?

Affiliates can earn income from subscriptions, Bits, and advertising. Newbies typically earn around $50–$300/month, depending on viewership, broadcast frequency, and audience engagement.

1. How to become a Twitch Affiliate?

You need to complete 4 conditions within 30 days: reach at least 50 followers, stream for a total of 8 hours, broadcast on at least 7 different days, and have an average of 3 or more viewers per session.

1. Is it possible to make $1,000 a month on Twitch?

It is possible, but it takes time and persistence. To get to this level, you need a steady viewership, lots of subscribers, and possibly expanded revenue streams through sponsorships or donations.

1. Is it hard to become a Twitch Affiliate?

Without a plan, it’s harder, but still doable. Many streamers have achieved Affiliate within the first month thanks to consistent broadcasting and knowing how to use social media to attract viewers.

1. Can Twitch Revoke Affiliate Status?

Yes. Twitch may revoke your Affiliate status if you're inactive for a long period of time or violate its terms of service. However, a short break or a few months of inactivity usually won't have much of an impact.

1. How much of the revenue does Twitch keep?

Twitch keeps about 50% of the revenue from Affiliate channel subscriptions. For example, for each $4.99 subscription, you'll get about $2.50, with Twitch taking the rest.

1. How does Twitch pay newbies?

Once you become an Affiliate and complete the registration process, you will be paid monthly if you reach the minimum threshold of $100. You can choose to receive your payment via PayPal or bank transfer.

1. Does Twitch Pay Daily?

No. Twitch only pays on a monthly basis, usually around the 15th of each month if you've reached the $100 minimum in that pay period.