Streamers are abandoning Twitch by the boatloads after the company announced massive price hike in member subscriptions.
Twitch, once the undisputed king of live streaming platforms, has seen significant changes over the years, particularly in its subscription pricing model. What started as a relatively affordable way to your favorite content creators has now ballooned into a costly commitment. Just a few years ago, a Twitch subscription cost as little as AUD$6.99 per month. However, recent hikes have pushed this price up to AUD$11.99 per month, an increase of over 70%. This sharp rise in subscription costs has left many questioning whether Twitch is still worth the investment, especially when compared to other entertainment options.
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To put this into perspective, a single subscription to one Twitch channel now costs more than a monthly Disney+ hip, which is priced at around AUD$8.99 (AUD$13.99 for ). While Disney+ offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, a Twitch subscription grants access to ad-free viewing, emotes, and other perks on just one channel. For those who subscribe to multiple streamers, the cost can easily exceed AUD$100 per month, making it a significant financial burden for many fans.
Adding to the frustration of Twitch s is the platform’s recent decisions regarding revenue splits for content creators. Historically, top-tier streamers could negotiate a 90/10 split, meaning they would keep 90% of the subscription revenue. However, this has been scaled back, with even the most successful streamers now only receiving a 70/30 split. For the majority of Twitch s, the revenue split is even less favorable, with a 50/50 share being the norm. Twitch partners fare slightly better, typically receiving a 60/40 split, but this is still a far cry from what many creators once enjoyed.
The comparison becomes even starker when considering Twitch’s competitor, Kick.com. On Kick, subscriptions are priced at a much more affordable AUD$7.40 per month. More importantly, streamers on Kick receive a generous 95/5 revenue split, meaning they keep 95% of the subscription revenue. This has made Kick an increasingly attractive option for both content creators and viewers. Over the past year, the platform has seen significant growth, with several high-profile streamers making the switch from Twitch to Kick. Notable names include Amouranth, Adin Ross, and most recently Nickmercs, all of whom have cited better financial and a more creator-friendly environment as reasons for their move.
These changes raise serious concerns about Twitch’s future. . The recent price hikes make it more difficult for smaller streamers to generate income, as many viewers will be unwilling to spend AUD$12 per month to lesser-known creators. Instead, they are likely to trim down their subscriptions, focusing only on a few favorite streamers. This trend could lead to a significant drop in revenue for smaller channels, making it even harder for new talent to gain traction on the platform.
Moreover, with Kick offering better financial incentives and a less saturated market, it’s becoming an increasingly viable alternative for both viewers and streamers. The lower subscription cost on Kick means fans can more creators without breaking the bank, while the 95/5 revenue split ensures that streamers receive a fairer share of the money they generate. As a result, Kick is not only attracting established streamers but also providing a more accessible platform for new creators to build their audience.
The recent subscription price hikes on Twitch could very well spell the end for the platform as we know it. As the cost of ing streamers on Twitch continues to rise, viewers are likely to migrate to more affordable alternatives like Kick, where they can get more value for their money. For content creators, the combination of higher subscription prices and less favorable revenue splits makes Twitch a less attractive option, especially when compared to the opportunities available on other platforms. If these trends continue, it’s not hard to imagine a future where Twitch is no longer the go-to platform for live streaming.