X Launches New Affiliate Program to Compete in Streaming Wars

Social media platform X is now competing with Twitch and YouTube after the official launch of its Affiliate program, which signs content creators under non-exclusive contracts.

Since the introduction of Kick in 2023, competition in the broadcasting sector has gradually intensified.

Recently, creators have been considering multi-streaming across various platforms, prompting X to become a serious competitor in the streaming space.

On September 12, 2024, it was announced that X, previously known as Twitter, is collaborating with broadcasters like Esfand, who streamed OTK’s Top Streamer event on the platform.

X/Twitter Gaming appears to be collaborating with streamers pic.twitter.com/h8EFLuzQIM

— dexerto (@dexerto) September 12, 2024

A glance at X Gaming’s profile reveals a variety of broadcasters, including chess GM Hikaru Nakamura, Esfand, 100 Thieves’ Castro, and Fortnite professional MrSavage.

Currently, there are 31 streamers participating in X’s Affiliate program, with affiliated streamers identified by a red badge featuring a gaming controller image next to their usernames.

Details about the X affiliate program and the qualifications for streamers remain limited. Although many broadcasters have expanded their content onto this platform before, this development signifies a pivotal moment in the streaming landscape.

Notably, just days before this announcement, internet personality Dr Disrespect revealed his plans to broadcast on X. He mentioned that he “didn’t have a subscribe button” available on the site at that time… and as of September 12, it appears he has not yet received a shiny red button to join the ranks of the platform’s Affiliates.

X’s Affiliate program is reminiscent of Kick’s Creator program introduced in 2023, which allows eligible streamers to monetize content similarly to Twitch.

While various live streaming platforms have their versions of such models, the specific details of X’s Affiliate program — including how other streamers can participate — remain unclear.

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