Spotify, Melon, YouTube - these are some revolutionary platforms that have allowed music to be so accessible across the globe. But from an artist standpoint, these platforms provide a sustainable income to only the most popular artists in the world. According to Spotify’s official figures, only 3 percent of artists generated more than $1,000 last year in the streaming service.

This is where Twitch steps in. Traditionally aimed towards video game streamers, the streaming platform has been recently deemed as a new, possibly more attractive, avenue of income for musicians. In Twitch, even the less famous artists can make a living by amassing a sturdy fanbase. Donations and the interactive chat system allow such musicians to gain a sustained income off the patronage of fans. According to Tracy Patrick Chan, Twitch’s head of music, amongst musicians who are capable of earning $50,000 a year on the platform, their median viewership is only 183. On the other hand, it may take 5 million to 10 million streams to generate the same income from other platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Of course, this model does have its drawbacks. Streaming for hours can be heavily labor-intensive, especially considering that the longest streams tend to generate the most money. Nevertheless, it is hard to deny that Twitch is opening up more opportunities for less popular musicians. It is not only superstars who can be successful now.

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