Intro
When comparing streaming platforms, earnings per viewer hour (EPVH) is one of the most accurate ways to measure real monetization efficiency.
Instead of asking:
“How much do I earn per view?”
A better question is:
“How much does each viewer earn me for every hour they watch?”
This metric accounts for:
- Ads actually shown
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Tips, donations, and virtual gifts
- Viewer engagement and retention
Below is a clear, platform-by-platform breakdown of Twitch vs its main competitors, using realistic creator ranges rather than hype numbers.
What Is Earnings Per Viewer Hour?
Earnings Per Viewer Hour = Total revenue ÷ Total hours watched
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Example:
- 100 viewers watching for 1 hour = 100 viewer hours
- If you earn $10 during that hour
- EPVH = $0.10
This makes it easier to compare platforms fairly — regardless of viewer count.
Twitch: Strong Community, Consistent EPVH
Twitch monetizes best through subscriptions, Bits, and donations, with ads playing a secondary role.
Typical Twitch Earnings Per Viewer Hour
- Small channels: $0.01 – $0.05
- Mid-sized channels: $0.04 – $0.15
- Large channels: $0.10 – $0.30+
Why Twitch Performs Well
- Strong sub culture (Tier 1–3 + Prime)
- Chat-driven monetization (Bits, donos)
- Long average watch sessions
- Loyal communities
Twitch Weakness
- Ads are low-impact
- Little monetization after the stream ends
Twitch shines when viewers stay longer and support monthly.
YouTube Gaming: Higher Ceiling, Better Longevity
YouTube combines live monetization with evergreen VOD income, which boosts EPVH over time.
Typical YouTube EPVH
- Small channels: $0.02 – $0.10
- Mid-sized channels: $0.08 – $0.25
- Large channels: $0.15 – $0.40+
Why YouTube Often Wins
- Ads monetize nearly every view
- Higher ad RPM than Twitch
- VODs continue earning long after the live stream
- Super Chats can spike revenue on big streams
YouTube Weakness
- Live community support is weaker
- Requires editing and SEO to fully unlock value
For creators who clip, edit, and publish highlights, YouTube often delivers the highest EPVH long-term.
TikTok Live: Volatile but Explosive EPVH
TikTok Live monetizes primarily through viewer gifts, not ads.
Typical TikTok Live EPVH
- Low engagement streams: $0.01 – $0.05
- Average streams: $0.05 – $0.30
- High-engagement / viral streams: $0.50 – $2.00+
Why TikTok EPVH Can Be Massive
- Gift culture encourages rapid tipping
- Viral discovery drives sudden audience spikes
- Short sessions still monetize heavily
TikTok Weakness
- Highly inconsistent income
- Platform takes a large cut
- Little long-term monetization after the stream
TikTok Live has the highest EPVH potential, but also the most risk.
Facebook Gaming: Lower EPVH, Better Discovery
Facebook Gaming relies on ads, Stars, and subscriptions, but viewer monetization is weaker.
Typical Facebook Gaming EPVH
- Small channels: $0.01 – $0.04
- Mid-sized channels: $0.03 – $0.08
- Large channels: $0.06 – $0.15
Strengths
- Strong algorithmic discovery
- Easier early growth
- Good reach in LATAM and SEA markets
Weaknesses
- Lower ad CPM
- Weaker tipping culture
- Less gaming-centric monetization
Facebook Gaming can grow viewers faster — but earns less per viewer hour.
Kick: High Revenue Share, Low Ad Impact
Kick offers a 95/5 subscription revenue split, which changes EPVH dynamics.
Typical Kick EPVH
- Small channels: $0.02 – $0.06
- Mid-sized channels: $0.05 – $0.20
- Large channels: $0.15 – $0.40+
Why Kick Can Compete
- Extremely creator-friendly sub split
- Fewer ads (less interruption)
- Loyal early-adopter communities
Kick Weakness
- Smaller audience base
- Limited ad infrastructure
- Less discoverability
For creators with a strong community, Kick can rival Twitch and YouTube EPVH.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Typical Earnings Per Viewer Hour (Mid-Sized Channels)
- TikTok Live: $0.05 – $0.30 (spiky)
- YouTube Gaming: $0.08 – $0.25
- Twitch: $0.04 – $0.15
- Kick: $0.05 – $0.20
- Facebook Gaming: $0.03 – $0.08
Why EPVH Matters More Than Viewer Count
Two examples:
Streamer A
- 50 viewers
- EPVH: $0.25
- Earns ~$12.50/hour
Streamer B
- 200 viewers
- EPVH: $0.05
- Earns ~$10/hour
Smaller audience — more money.
This is why some mid-sized Twitch or YouTube creators out-earn much larger channels elsewhere.
What Increases Earnings Per Viewer Hour?
Across all platforms:
- Longer watch time
- Strong subscription/membership incentives
- Visible donation/gift triggers
- Clear monetization calls-to-action
- Community loyalty
Platform matters — but engagement matters more.
Best Platform by Creator Type
- Live community builders: Twitch, Kick
- Long-term income seekers: YouTube
- Personality-driven viral creators: TikTok Live
- Reach-first growth: Facebook Gaming
The highest earners usually combine platforms.
Final Answer: Earnings Per Viewer Hour Comparison
- TikTok Live has the highest upside EPVH — but extreme volatility
- YouTube delivers the strongest long-term EPVH
- Twitch offers reliable, community-driven EPVH
- Kick competes strongly with better revenue splits
- Facebook Gaming trails in EPVH but helps discovery
For serious creators, the goal isn’t choosing one platform — it’s maximizing earnings per viewer hour across all of them.
That’s where real profitability lives.
