Better Transparency of 'Fees' in Affiliate/Partner Payouts
Twitch advertises a 50/50 revenue split for affiliates and partners - however, this is becoming increasingly untrue. The affiliate agreement outlines that certain costs or taxes are deducted before creators receive payouts, however these 'fees' are becoming more aggregious, whilst remaining perpetually unclear.
At present, a US viewer gifting 5 subs costs the viewer $29.95. As a UK streamer, I receive $10 of this support. Instead of the 50% promised ($14.98), $4 of this disappears to "Fees". These fees are described as 'certain costs' and 'taxes', however these are never specifically outlined or clearly broken down for the creator.
Example 2: A German viewer gifts 17 subs, costing them €84.83 ($90). This shows as $29 in the creators revenue chart. Instead of the 50% suggested (45$), this translates to a revenue share of 32%. 16$ has went missing to 'fees'.
In short, this means that on every sub or gifted sub transaction, there is a large portion of the affiliates 50% revenue split vanishing without explanation; an amount that appears more significant on larger transactions (20+ gifted, etc).
Transfer or conversion fees are to be expected BUT these should be clearly expressed on the creator's payout. Otherwise, how can we trust the validity of a fair breakdown? It is hard to encourage community members to support me, when over half of their contributions are disappearing into the void.
In summary, creators need to see exactly how much is being deducted from their payouts, ideally in their dashboard or payslip email. This breakdown needs full transparency on what deductions are being made from their half of the 50% revenue split and where these deductions are going.
Note 1: I am in the UK, which should be considered 0% tax withholding based on US tax treaties. I have filled out my onboarding, to the best of my ability, correctly.
Note 2: I have recently graduated to a 60/40 revenue split thanks to the new Twitch Plus scheme. Ironically, even with the improved rate, I still receive less than 50% of the revenue on Subs & Gifted Subs.
Note 3: When contacting Twitch Support directly, I have yet to receive anything that isn't automatic or disinterested. Copy/paste links from the FAQ. Disappointing aid from the only helpline I have access to.
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ZachBussey @ TOS.gg commented
Yes, please for the love of god... The lack of transparency is disturbing.
Zach || You'll love my Streaming Newsletter! https://tos.gg/