Live streaming involves broadcasting a performance or presentation over the internet in real time via live video. Unlike pre-recorded videos, live streams are unedited and broadcast instantly, making them an authentic and uncensored form of content. A key feature of live streaming is the interactive chat room, which allows creators to engage directly with their audience during the broadcast.
Monetizing live streams, such as those on TikTok, presents a valuable opportunity to diversify revenue streams. The process is simpler than it may seem—requiring no special equipment or travel. With just a consistent effort and genuine engagement with viewers, creators can reach a wide audience from the comfort of their own space.
While success may not be immediate, dedication and authentic interaction with fans can lead to sustainable earnings over time.
Apps Like TikTok to Earn Money
YouTube
Yes, you can monetize live streams using the YouTube app, but it’s important to note that it won’t be easy and likely won’t happen immediately. To earn money through AdSense and Super Chat, you must first monetize your channel. Super Chat allows fans to send you digital tips during your live streams.
To qualify for monetization, your channel must meet YouTube’s requirements: at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time. Additionally, you’ll need to create and link an AdSense account to your YouTube channel.
If your channel is already monetized, you may already be earning AdSense revenue from your videos. The same applies to live streams—you can monetize them with ads. If you’re in a supported country, you can also enable Super Chat to receive donations from fans during your broadcast, in addition to your AdSense earnings.
In recent years, organic reach on Facebook has significantly declined, with only about 4% of a page’s followers now seeing its posts. However, Facebook appears to be shifting its focus toward video and live streaming—likely in an effort to compete with platforms like YouTube and Periscope.
Similar to YouTube, Facebook allows creators to monetize their videos through in-stream ads. The key difference is ad placement: Facebook inserts ads mid-video, while YouTube typically shows them at the beginning (unless the video is lengthy). To qualify for Facebook’s monetization program, your page must meet specific criteria, including 10,000+ followers and 30,000+ video views in the past 60 days.
For those looking to monetize Facebook Live streams immediately, a simple option is to add a virtual tip box (via PayPal) in the video description or first comment. Create a tip link using paypal.me, and be sure to actively promote it to your viewers during broadcasts.
Bigo Live
Bigo Live, a platform with over 400 million users, offers both entertainment and social connection through live streaming. Beyond serving as a space to combat boredom and meet new people, it also provides broadcasters with opportunities to monetize their talents.
Bigo Live rewards broadcasters with monthly commissions based on factors like content quality, follower count, and broadcast duration. Successful streamers in many countries reportedly earn up to $5,000 per month through this system.
Another monetization method involves receiving virtual gifts from viewers, similar to TikTok Live. Popular broadcasters accumulate these gifts, which are converted into in-app currency called “beans.” The beans can then be exchanged for real money, with the current conversion rate being 210 beans = $1. Earnings are deposited directly into the broadcaster’s account.
Twitch
While Twitch remains best known as a gaming-focused live streaming platform, it has recently attracted growing numbers of musicians. This platform offers immediate monetization opportunities through virtual gifts called “Bits” – viewers can purchase and donate these during streams, with creators earning income once their accumulated Bits reach a $100 threshold.
As one of the largest streaming platforms, Twitch enables top streamers to generate substantial earnings. However, musicians should be prepared for significant competition when establishing their presence. Success requires persistence and resilience against potential challenges. For those considering live streaming as an income source, understanding Twitch’s ecosystem and monetization potential is valuable.
Some Tricks to Make Money with Live Streaming
Since advertising revenue powers much of the internet—including major platforms like Google and Facebook—content creators can leverage these monetization opportunities by streaming on the right networks. Many platforms offer advertising programs for live video streams, providing multiple ad formats:
- Pre-roll Ads: Play immediately when viewers click on your stream, requiring them to watch before accessing your content.
- Mid-roll Ads (Interstitials): Interrupt live streams by taking over most of the screen, while your broadcast continues in a smaller window.
- Banner/Overlay Ads: Appear as small cards or banners superimposed on your stream.
Platform-Specific Advertising Options:
- YouTube: Supports pre-roll, mid-roll, and banner/overlay ads.
- Facebook: Offers mid-roll ads (subject to viewership requirements).
- Twitch: Provides in-stream ads, banners, and native advertising.
While ad monetization is widely used, it remains a debated topic. Creators should aim to retain control over ad placements where possible. Note that some viewers may use ad blockers, potentially limiting revenue.shown. So using ads as the only way to monetize live streaming may not be the best idea.
