The streaming platform landscape is undergoing a transformation as Kick, a rising contender, has entered the scene in 2022 and has recently gain a lot of traction. With attractive contracts, a better revenue split, and more flexibility, it is capturing the attention of streamers, challenging the dominance of Twitch. In this article, we explore the recent contract signings, revenue splits, platform policies, and take a look at previous platforms in a similar position.
xQc’s 100 million deal:
Kick made waves when it signed xQc to a whopping 100 million non-exclusive contract. This groundbreaking move has piqued the interest of other prominent streamers, including Amouranth, who is now looking for the same treatment.
Even YouTube’s Dr. Disrespect has come out and asked for a 50 million contract to be on Kick. Well-known figure, Asmongold, has supported Kick’s case and could be looking to jump platform as well. But what is appealing about Kick exactly?
Kick’s twitter image post announcing xQc’s deal
Revenue Split: Kick’s generosity vs. Twitch’s greed:
One key advantage Kick offers is its revenue split. While Twitch sticks to a controversial 50/50 split, competition stands out. Kick offers a ridiculously more favorable 95/5 split, heavily favoring streamers. This generous share of earnings gives content creators a significant boost. Recognizing the need to retain talent, Twitch presented a program for selected and qualifying creators with a 70/30.
However, the difference between Twitch and Kick remains substantial, making Kick an appealing alternative for those seeking better financial rewards, if they can take the hit of losing viewership when migrating.
Platform Policies: Kick’s flexibility vs. Twitch’s restrictions:
Kick distinguishes itself by embracing flexibility. It allows for wider types of content, including gambling streams, a controversial yet profitable category. This can be linked with Stake.com, a casino that has heavily invested on Kick at a time where Twitch is closing all doors on gambling sites. This has prompted some streamers to explore alternative platforms that allow them more “creative freedom”.
The Legacy of Mixer and Its Impact:
It’s worth mentioning Mixer, a once-promising streaming platform owned by Microsoft. Mixer aimed to challenge Twitch’s dominance by signing exclusive contracts with well-known streamers like Shroud and Ninja.
Despite these high-profile acquisitions, Mixer failed to gain enough traction and was ultimately shut down. Its story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in challenging Twitch’s market dominance. While Mixer failed, YouTube still persists, but on a lower scale. This rises the big question: can Kick make their mark and become an actual competitor or will it snuff out under Twitch’s shadow.
Conclusion:
The rise of Kick could signify a new chapter in the world of streaming platforms, offering streamers alternative paths to success. As the competition between Twitch and Kick heats up, the streaming community eagerly awaits the outcome, curious to see how these platforms will shape the future of live streaming.
