It’s no secret that Twitch and YouTube content creators can make a lot of money once they gain a large following. When the platform got hacked in October 2021, the earnings of top Twitch streamers leaked along with the site’s source code. While many creators denied the accuracy of the numbers, others have confirmed that their leaked incomes were somewhat on point. And for some people, knowing that much of their newfound wealth comes from viewers can be uncomfortable.
At the end of last year, Pokimane limited follower donations to five dollars and has said that, for her at least, Twitch subscriptions are unnecessary. Instead, people should use the money to treat themselves, donate to charity, or take care of bills. At the time, Pokimane’s statement was surprising and many people assumed it to be a publicity stunt because, for some, it’s difficult to imagine anyone willingly turning off an influx of cash.
Sykkuno, another top earner on Twitch, has echoed Pokimane’s sentiments. In a recent livestream, he expressed that he would rather rely on sponsorships than viewer subscriptions and donations. “It’s kind of weird,” Sykkuno explained. “Because you earn eight dollars, and then you get taxed on it. You give it to me, and I earn like two bucks…I just made up numbers obviously… You sub to me and then a bunch, a billion more cuts happen and I get like a dollar or two. And it just feels kind of awkward.” The best way to support his stream, said Sykkuno, is to just show up and support his sponsors, and that would help him “feel less strange about it.” The link to the clip can be found below.
It is unfortunate that such a large percentage of viewer donations doesn’t make it to the content creator they’re trying to support, and it’s understandable that some streamers feel uncomfortable accepting money from people who likely earn much less than they do. On the other hand, other content creators like Invadervie have chastised their viewers for not subscribing and called them cheapskates. In April 2020, the Twitch streamer found herself in hot water when she said that people who don’t have five dollars to subscribe should stop watching and get a job. Considering that this was right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and many people had lost their employment, this statement came across as incredibly tone deaf.
Either way, while some followers may respect Sykkuno’s wishes and treat themselves to an extra cup of coffee every month rather than give money to his channel, others will probably continue to subscribe. Pokimane thinks that people donate to big streamers because they want their attention. But for many viewers, donating or subscribing is simply a way to say thank you. Favorite content creators become an important part of some people’s lives and provide a distraction from everyday stress, and so giving a few bucks in return is their way of treating themselves.
Source: Twitch
