Gifting a subscription on Twitch is one of the most impactful ways to support a streamer you enjoy. Unlike donations or ad revenue, gifted subscriptions directly boost a creator’s monthly income while also welcoming new members into their community. But how much does it actually cost to gift a sub? And what are the different pricing tiers available? Understanding the full structure—pricing, benefits, and long-term value—is essential for viewers who want to contribute meaningfully and for streamers aiming to educate their audience.
Twitch offers three subscription tiers, each with increasing benefits for both the recipient and the channel. These tiers are consistent whether you're subscribing for yourself or gifting to someone else. The cost of a gifted sub aligns exactly with the standard subscription rates, but there are nuances in bulk gifting, regional pricing, and additional perks that can affect your decision.
Understanding Twitch Subscription Tiers
Twitch subscriptions come in three main levels: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Each tier increases in price and unlocks more benefits for the subscriber and the streamer. When you gift a sub, the recipient gains access to all the associated perks just as if they had subscribed themselves.
- Tier 1 ($4.99): Ad-free viewing (where available), emotes, and chat privileges.
- Tier 2 ($9.99): All Tier 1 benefits plus additional custom emotes and increased badge visibility.
- Tier 3 ($24.99): Includes everything from lower tiers with even more emotes and exclusive badge styles.
The streamer receives a cut of each subscription—typically 50% by default, though partners in the “Increased Revenue Share” program can earn up to 70%. This means a gifted Tier 1 sub earns the streamer $2.50, a Tier 2 brings $5.00, and a Tier 3 generates $12.50 per month in base revenue.
Pricing Options for Gifted Subscriptions
You can gift subscriptions individually or in bulk. Twitch allows users to purchase and distribute gifted subs in several ways:
- Single Gift: One subscription sent to a specific user.
- Bulk Gift (1–100 subs): Send multiple subs at once during a stream. Ideal for events like raids or milestone celebrations.
- Anon Gift: Give a sub without revealing your identity.
- Random Community Gift: Let Twitch randomly assign subs to eligible chatters.
The upfront cost depends on the tier and quantity. For example, gifting ten Tier 1 subs costs $49.90 before taxes. While this appears on your payment method immediately, the streamer receives recurring revenue over time—$2.50 per sub per month—as long as recipients maintain their subscription.
Regional Pricing Considerations
Twitch adjusts subscription prices based on geographic region to improve accessibility. For instance, a Tier 1 sub may cost €4.50 in Europe or ₽149 in Russia. However, when gifting, the price is charged in your local currency based on your account’s region—not the recipient’s. This means U.S. users gifting to viewers in Brazil still pay $4.99 per Tier 1 sub.
“Gifted subs are not just financial support—they signal trust and inclusion. A viewer receiving their first gift often becomes a loyal community member.” — Lena Reyes, Community Manager & Stream Consultant
Comparison of Subscription Tiers and Value
| Tier | Price (USD) | Streamer Earnings (Monthly) | Emotes Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $4.99 | $2.50 | 1–3 | Most common gift; ideal for growing viewer count |
| Tier 2 | $9.99 | $5.00 | 5–6 | Loyal fans wanting extra perks |
| Tier 3 | $24.99 | $12.50 | 7–10 | Top supporters or special recognition |
While Tier 3 subs offer the highest direct payout, Tier 1 gifts remain the most popular due to affordability and scalability. Many streamers encourage “sub trains,” where dozens of individual gifts are sent in quick succession, creating momentum and excitement in chat.
How to Gift a Subscription: Step-by-Step Guide
Gifting a sub is straightforward and can be done in seconds. Follow these steps during a live stream:
- Navigate to the streamer’s channel on Twitch.
- Click the Subscribe button below the video player.
- Select the desired tier (1, 2, or 3).
- Choose Gift a Subscription instead of subscribing for yourself.
- Enter the username of the recipient or select “Gift to a random viewer.”
- Complete the purchase using your preferred payment method.
If you're planning a larger gesture, click Gift Multiple Subs to send between 1 and 100 subscriptions at once. You’ll see a summary of the total cost before confirming. After gifting, the recipient receives a notification and gains immediate access to subscriber-only chat, emotes, and badges.
Real Example: How Gifted Subs Transformed a Small Channel
Jess, a part-time streamer with around 200 followers, consistently streamed indie games and art tutorials. Her average viewer count hovered around 15–20. One weekend, a returning viewer named Alex gifted 20 Tier 1 subs during a charity stream. The sudden influx triggered a sub alert frenzy, drawing attention from other viewers.
Several recipients—newcomers unfamiliar with Twitch subscriptions—decided to stay. Eight of them continued their free month and eventually subscribed independently. Over the next two months, Jess’s subscriber count grew from 12 to 47, and her monthly income from Twitch increased by over 250%.
More importantly, the tone of her community shifted. Viewers felt welcomed and valued. “That gift didn’t just help me financially,” Jess said later in a vlog. “It showed people that this space matters. It gave us legitimacy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gift a subscription to someone who already has one?
No. If a user is already subscribed—whether through a gift or self-sub—they cannot receive another active subscription. However, Twitch will let you know before completing the gift, so accidental duplicates are rare.
Do gifted subs auto-renew for the recipient?
No. A gifted subscription lasts one month. At the end of the period, the recipient must choose to renew it manually. Some streamers offer incentives like loyalty emotes to encourage renewal.
Can I get a refund on a gifted sub?
Twitch generally does not issue refunds for gifted subscriptions unless there was an error in processing. Once a gift is delivered, it’s considered final. Always double-check the recipient’s username before confirming.
Maximizing Impact: A Supporter’s Checklist
To make the most of your gifting experience, follow this actionable checklist:
- ✅ Verify the streamer is affiliated or partnered (so subs benefit them).
- ✅ Choose Tier 1 for broader community growth or Tier 3 for maximum individual support.
- ✅ Time your gift during a live stream for maximum visibility and engagement.
- ✅ Consider gifting to new or returning viewers to strengthen community bonds.
- ✅ Use bulk gifting during milestones (e.g., follower goals, charity events).
- ✅ Combine gifting with a positive message in chat to inspire others.
Conclusion: Fueling Communities One Gift at a Time
Gifting a subscription on Twitch goes beyond the dollar amount. It’s an investment in creators, a vote of confidence, and a way to uplift entire communities. Whether you spend $4.99 on a single Tier 1 gift or $249.90 on fifty subs, your contribution helps sustain independent content and fosters inclusive spaces where viewers feel seen and valued.
Now that you understand the pricing options, benefits, and ripple effects of gifted subs, consider how you can use this tool to support the creators you love. Even small gestures can spark lasting change. Ready to make a difference? Open a stream you care about, click that gift button, and become part of someone’s journey today.








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