Kick is a popular streaming service that launched as an alternative to Twitch. The platform is almost identical to its rival and allows creators to share their passions and interests through live video. But here’s the catch: Kick’s rules and regulations are extremely lax compared to platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
From gambling and nudity to the occasional real-life crime, Kick really has it all. The platform brands itself as a “space where creators can freely express themselves without the fear of censorship.” In reality, it’s the new wild west of the internet. Imagine if 4Chan and OnlyFans had a baby in a casino—that’s Kick in a nutshell.
There are thousands of amazing new content creators making their break on this platform every day. One reason for that: Kick’s revenue split and diverse earning options make streaming more profitable than ever.
How much do Kick’s top streamers earn?
With contract deals worth hundreds of millions for streamers like xQc, and a 95:5 revenue split for streamers, the question on everyone’s mind is: How much money are the top streamers really making?
Some of the biggest Kick deals of all time are larger than professional athletes. Creators like Adin Ross and BruceDropEmOff generated over $150m collectively.
On top of the deals, streamers of this size always have multiple sources of revenue. From merch to selling products, or even offering courses to their fans. Because of this, we cannot accurately determine the exact earnings of these top streamers—but we can make an informed estimate.
But beware: During a recent conversation on the podcast BS w/ Jake Paul, Adin Ross talked about the rumors regarding his $100m dollars with Kick. He said that numbers were exaggerated, and his arrangement with Kick is more tailored, based on an hourly rate.
While it may seem like these deals are common for all streamers, they are actually only available to the elite few. But if they’re making millions of dollars a year, how much can you expect to earn on Kick?
How much does the average Kick streamer earn?
There’s no straightforward answer to this question as the exact earnings vary from case to case. Streaming giant Trainwreckstv took to social media to show how much someone with 3,500 subs on Kick is making. Based on his numbers, a creator made a staggering $16,047 in only 10 days.
Do we believe him? Absolutely not. Could it have been a really good 10 days for the creator? Maybe. Trainwreckstv is certainly not the most reliable character and has exaggerated numbers before. But one thing is for certain: Smaller content creators are earning enough to support themselves off of streaming on Kick.
How to make money as a Kick streamer
Kick operates on a 95:5 revenue split, favoring creators significantly. Twitch’s average split is 70:30, which is reduced to 50:50 after $100,000 are earned. Creators of all sizes benefit from this uncapped sharing model.
The streaming platform offers content creators different ways to monetize their streaming and make a living. The 95:5 revenue split applies for all earnings made through subscriptions and donations.
1. Subscriptions
The most common way to earn money on Kick is through viewer subscriptions. To attract new subs, streamers can offer exclusive sub badges.
Unlike Twitch, there are no tiered subscribers, but that doesn’t stop content creators like Amouranth from promoting other paid services to her subscribers. Leveraging her already paying subscribers, she’s able to promote and sell other services or products more easily to her community.
2. Donations
If you’re watching a Kick stream, you can support the content creator and drop a personal tip. Often, these tips are accompanied by a message that is then read aloud by the streamer, making viewers feel seen.
Few streamers juice viewers’ tips like xQc does, receiving single donations as big as $10,000. These tips, transferred straight to the streamer and can add up quickly—especially with a dedicated fanbase eager to support their favorite content creator.
3. Merchandise sales
Another popular way how to make money on Kick is selling exclusive merchandise. Streamers like Ninja sell branded merch like headbands or sweaters. Setting up a store and offering exclusive products to fans can generate significant revenue. This is clearly only attractive to streamers who already have gathered a community around their personal brand.
4. Sponsorships and brand deals
Popular streamers often get sponsorships because brands see their influence and reach. With tens of thousands of subscribers, companies see opportunities to market their products to streamer’s audiences.
Streamers can promote products, wear branded merchandise, or host sponsored segments during their broadcasts. As an example, streamer Cr1TiKaL collaborated with Gamer Supps to create a unique flavor and promote the product in his live streams.
6. Events and tournaments
Taking part in or hosting events can be highly rewarding, both financially and to gain subscribers. A streamer like Tfue for example will be paid to compete in sponsored tournaments, and can even take home an additional prize if he’s able to win.
While community events may not bring in as much money, they can boost your channel by attracting new subscribers and connecting with like-minded individuals.
7. Affiliate commissions
As you might know, Slots & Casinos is one of the biggest categories on Kick. Creators that have a significant number of viewers can be eligible to get affiliate deals with Stake. Kick’s mother company signs exclusive contracts with streamers to play slots and other casino games during their streams. If you want to make the big bucks on Kick, this might be an income stream with the highest potential for you.
Applying for the Kick Creator Incentive Program
If you’re experiencing success and gaining traction with your streams, consider applying for the Kick Creator Incentive Program (KCIP). Once approved, you’ll become part of the “Kick Elite”, receive more promotions on the site, and have the opportunity to earn extra cash from your streams. Here’s a rough idea of the requirements Kick is looking for:
- Maintain an average of at least 100 live viewers per stream over the past month
- Stream for a total of 50 hours in the past month
- Stream on at least 15 different days in the past month
- Have at least 25 active subscribers in the past month
- Interact with at least 500 different people in your chat over the past month
- Upload at least 3 VODs in the past month
- Have at least 1500 followers
You can keep track of how you’re doing in your Kick dashboard under the Achievements section. That being said, meeting these requirements doesn’t automatically get you into KCIP—but it makes you eligible to apply.
Earning money on Kick sounds easier than it is
Making money on Kick involves more than just switching on your camera and starting to stream. It takes dedication, consistency and strategic planning. With Kick’s favorable 95:5 revenue split, creators have a better chance to earn a living compared to other platforms—but it’s still just a chance.
Kick’s emphasis on supporting creators’ financial growth has definitely attracted attention in the streaming community. The site’s lenient guidelines and fair revenue-sharing approach are what attract viewers and content creators.
Whether it’s through donations, subscriptions, sponsorships, or merchandise sales, there are always opportunities to make money on Kick. Remember to be consistent and engage with your audience, and hopefully, you can turn your streaming passion into a profitable career one day. Happy streaming!