Twitch declares war on YouTube with new Affiliate Program
YouTube is still a great video platform, but it has a big problem lately -- advertisers are pulling their ads. Why? Because it was discovered that these ads were being displayed on potentially offensive videos, which could hurt their brands. Not to mention, it was discovered Google was blocking some LGBT content through its "Restricted Mode" parental-blocking -- something it has since rectified. There was even a bug which caused many YouTube creators to accidentally hemorrhage subscribers -- also since fixed.
Because of all of these things, some YouTube creators have become frustrated with Google -- even making videos stating as much. The hashtag #youtubeisoverparty even trended on Twitter. Recently, PewDiePie -- the king of YouTube -- began leveraging Twitch for a new show. Seemingly trying to capitalize on YouTube's misfortune, Twitch -- which is owned by Amazon -- announces an all-new Affiliate Program. Who will be eligible to take advantage? The company says "non-partnered qualifying creators."
"At launch this month, Twitch will invite creators to join the program who fit the criteria, based on time spent streaming, viewership, and followers. The first monetization tool available to Affiliates is Cheering with Bits, to be followed by additional tools in the coming months. Cheering is a fun, interactive way for viewers to support creators and celebrate the moments they love with the community by using animated emotes called Bits directly in chat. The program has seen success in its current phase with over 1 billion Bits used to Cheer since launch," says Twitch.
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The company further says that it "will further develop both its Affiliate and Partner programs to better support creators at all stages of their development. Affiliates will eventually have access to revenue programs such as Subscriptions, Game Commerce, and Advertising. Whereas with Partners, specific features are under development that are designed for nurturing the larger communities they manage. Partners will also get a new Verified Chat Badge on the same day the Affiliate Program launches."
Whether or not this will lead to some popular YouTube creators jumping ship entirely remains to be seen. Even the aforementioned PewDiePie Twitch show is in addition to his YouTube channel -- he has not defected entirely. Competition is a good thing, however, so it is nice to see Google being challenged.
Do you think this new Twitch Affiliate Program will give YouTube a run for its money? Tell me in the comments below.