Subscription Tier Comparison Calculator

About the Subscription Tier Comparison Calculator

Not all subscriptions are created equal. Twitch takes 50%, YouTube takes 30%, Kick takes only 5%, and Patreon takes 5-12% depending on your plan. For the same number of supporters paying the same price, your take-home varies dramatically across platforms.

This calculator compares subscription revenue across the four major platforms side by side. Enter one subscriber count and see what that same number of supporters would earn you on each platform. The results may surprise you — the difference between Twitch and Kick for 1,000 subs is over $28,000 per year.

Understanding these differences helps you make strategic decisions about where to focus your community building and whether multi-platform approaches make financial sense.

Use the estimate as a starting point, then compare it with your actual channel metrics as you collect them.

When This Page Helps

Platform choice directly affects your income. This side-by-side comparison removes the guesswork and shows the real dollar impact of each platform's revenue split. Use it to evaluate platform switches or multi-platform strategies.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter the number of subscribers to compare across platforms.
2. Review the monthly and annual earnings on each platform.
3. Compare the per-subscriber earnings and total revenue.
4. Factor in audience size differences when making platform decisions.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Kick pays almost double Twitch per sub — but has a smaller viewer base.
• YouTube's 70% split is better than Twitch and includes VOD revenue.
• Patreon works well as a supplement — offer exclusive content tiers beyond streaming.
• Consider the total ecosystem: subs + ads + donations + sponsorships, not just sub revenue.
• Multi-platform approaches require careful community management to avoid fragmentation.

The Platform Revenue Landscape

The streaming platform market has become increasingly competitive, driving better terms for creators. Kick's 95/5 split forced Twitch to improve some partner deals. YouTube's consistent 70/30 split provides a stable middle ground. This competition benefits creators who strategically evaluate and leverage multiple platforms.

Beyond the Sub Split

Sub revenue is important but not the whole picture. Twitch's ad revenue program, YouTube's VOD monetization, Kick's tip system, and Patreon's tiered content model all contribute to total creator income. Evaluate platforms holistically, not just on sub splits.

Future Trends

Platform economics are shifting toward creators. The emergence of Kick forced industry-wide competition. Expect continued improvements in creator compensation as platforms compete for talent. Diversifying across platforms reduces your dependency on any single platform's terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is Twitch's split the worst?

  Twitch's 50/50 split is a legacy from its dominant market position. Twitch was able to command this rate because it had the largest streaming audience. Competitive pressure from Kick and YouTube is slowly pushing Twitch to improve terms for top creators.

• Should I switch from Twitch to Kick for the better split?

  Only if you can bring your audience with you. Earning 95% of zero is still zero. Calculate your expected Kick audience (often 30-50% of Twitch), multiply by Kick's rate, and compare to your current Twitch total. Sometimes fewer subs at a better rate still pays less.

• Does Patreon compete with Twitch subs?

  They can complement each other. Use Twitch subs for emotes and live perks, and Patreon for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access, or community participation. Many successful creators use both without cannibalizing either.

• What about payment processing fees?

  Each platform handles payment processing differently. Twitch and YouTube include it in their cut. Patreon charges it on top of their commission. Kick's fees are included in their 5% cut. The calculations above use each platform's standard creator payout rates.

• Can I negotiate a better Twitch split?

  Some top Twitch partners have negotiated 60/40 or 70/30 splits, but Twitch has been moving toward standardizing the 50/50 split. Most affiliates and smaller partners cannot negotiate. Exclusive or higher-tier deals are invitation-only.

• Which platform is best overall for gaming creators?

  There's no single best platform. Twitch has the largest live gaming audience. YouTube has the best discoverability and VOD monetization. Kick has the best sub split. The best strategy depends on your content type, audience, and goals.