Twitch Opens Monetization to All Streamers Globally — Bits, Subs & Channel Points Without Affiliate Status
Twitch has announced a major platform shift: starting May 13, 2026, Bits, subscriptions, emotes, badges, and Channel Points are being made available to all eligible streamers globally — with no Affiliate or Partner status required to enable them. The announcement, written by VP of Monetization Mike Minton, also introduces Spendable Balance and significantly lowered Affiliate qualification criteria.
Tools Unlocked
5
Bits, Subs, Emotes, Badges, Channel Points
Who Gets Access
All
No Affiliate required
Rollout
Global
Starting May 13, 2026
New Follower Req.
25
Down from 50 for Affiliate
What Changed: Tools Now Open to All Streamers
Previously, Bits, subscriptions, custom emotes, loyalty badges, and Channel Points were gated behind Affiliate or Partner status. Twitch is removing that gate. Any eligible streamer — including those who have never qualified for Affiliate — can now enable these tools directly from their Creator Dashboard.
Payouts still require Affiliate or Partner status and the $50 minimum threshold. But streamers can now start building community momentum and receiving viewer support from day one.
Official statement from Mike Minton, VP of Monetization at Twitch:
“We've built a robust set of tools to help streamers build a community and get support from their viewers. These tools have historically been gated to Affiliates and Partners, but beginning today, we're giving all streamers access to some of our best monetization and community building tools... we know streaming takes time, energy, and effort, and we want to ensure you've got the tools you'll need to be successful from day 1.”Read the full post on Twitch Blog
Spendable Balance — Spend Earnings Before Payout
Alongside the global monetization rollout, Twitch has introduced Spendable Balance — a feature that lets streamers use their Twitch account balance to purchase Bits or gift subs before they reach the $50 minimum payout threshold. Streamers can support other channels or gift subs to their own community using money they have already earned.
- Unlock your balance before the $50 minimum payout threshold
- Use it to buy Bits or gift subs to your own or another community
- Opt in at checkout — you decide whether to use it
- Automatically paid out as cash when $50 threshold is reached
- Currently US only — global rollout planned for later in 2026
New Affiliate Requirements — Easier to Qualify
Twitch is also updating its Affiliate qualification criteria in early June 2026, making the program significantly more accessible for part-time and new streamers.
| Requirement | Old | New |
|---|---|---|
| Hours streamed | 8 hours | 4 hours |
| Different streaming days | 7 days | 4 days |
| Viewership | Avg. 3 CCV | Min. 3 CCV on 4 days |
| Followers required | 50 followers | 25 followers |
Streamers who hit these milestones will automatically receive an email and a Creator Dashboard notification to begin Affiliate onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all Twitch streamers now use Bits and subs?
Yes. Starting May 13, 2026, Twitch is rolling out Bits, subscriptions, emotes, badges, and Channel Points to all eligible streamers globally — no Affiliate or Partner status required to enable these tools.
Do you still need to be a Twitch Affiliate to get paid?
Yes. You need Affiliate or Partner status to receive a cash payout. However, all streamers can now enable monetization tools. Non-Affiliate streamers can use Spendable Balance to spend their earnings on Bits or gift subs before hitting the $50 payout threshold.
What is Twitch Spendable Balance?
Spendable Balance lets streamers use their Twitch account balance to purchase Bits and gift subs before reaching the $50 minimum payout threshold. It is currently available in the US, with a global rollout planned later in 2026.
What are the new Twitch Affiliate requirements in 2026?
As of June 2026, the updated Affiliate criteria are: stream for 4 hours (down from 8), stream on 4 different days (down from 7), reach 3 CCV on those 4 days (removed the average CCV requirement), and have 25 followers (down from 50).
When does the global monetization rollout happen?
The global rollout began May 13, 2026, and is being deployed over the course of one week. Eligible streamers can onboard directly through their Creator Dashboard.
What is the difference between the old and new Twitch Affiliate criteria?
The old criteria required 8 hours streamed, 7 different days, an average 3 CCV, and 50 followers. The new criteria require 4 hours streamed, 4 different days, 3 CCV on each of those 4 days, and 25 followers — making Affiliate significantly more accessible.
Where can I enable these new monetization tools?
You can enable Bits, subs, emotes, badges, and Channel Points through your Twitch Creator Dashboard. Spendable Balance enrollment is also available there for US-based streamers.