Twitch has updated its ad revenue system to stem criticism of streamer payouts following an alleged change to its partnership system. The new version increases the money earned from advertising and opens it up to more streamers.
The model and structure of Twitch has been the subject of much debate over the years. In particular, many comparisons have been drawn between the monetization policy of Amazon’s own platform and other platforms such as YouTube.
When changes to revenue splits were first rumored for 2022, they were met with backlash from both viewers and major content creators.
However, Twitch has announced that they will continue to evolve their incentive program through an increased ad payout – with no changes to subscriptions.
A June 14 blog post detailed how the platform plans to expand the Opt-in Ads Incentive (AIP) program to include more creators and give some streamers a 150%+ salary increase, when they play certain ads.
“If they stream a certain number of hours at a certain ad density that month, they will receive a predetermined payout. Let the ads manager manage the ads and at the end of the month you get paid,” Twitch said, describing how the AIP works.
Instead of a flat fee for every 1,000 ad views, streamers now receive 55% of the revenue for each ad served on their streams.
While the AIP is still only available to select streamers, Twitch affiliates will soon be able to join the program – starting in August it will be expanded to include qualified affiliates.
Affiliates can remove pre-roll ads from their stream – a very controversial facility – if they agree to show three minutes of ads per hour. You also get an increase in payouts.
🌟 Tomorrow the Ads Incentive Program will be available for more partners – 55% higher ad revenue split will be paid for all offers!
👀 Partners, we have something for you soon too…
📚 Learn more: https://t.co/CNXRQTuoBW
– Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) June 14, 2022
Not all streamers liked the new ad revenue deal. Smaller broadcasters claim The ads are still having a negative impact on their streams without a big payout.
Others have suggested Switch to a pop-up advertising model instead of overtaking the current. However, no changes to how ads are displayed have been announced.