It seems that some Twitch partners are unhappy at the introduction of some new affiliate perks which further close the gap between the two tiers.

Essentially, Kotaku reports that some partners are unhappy that affiliates are being granted so much when the work they’ve had to put in is so much less.

“I can’t help but feel that streamers I know, who have been grinding for partnership for months, some years, who could not quite reach those partnership requirements, are rewarded with the same perks as ‘my mate Tony who streamed himself having some beers with the lads in the garden a few times,’” Twitch partner Lt Zonda said.

Fellow Twitch partner Flowdriver added: “I have no hate for affiliates, and I think it’s great they are getting paid earlier. What I’m saying is, I think things like sub badges should be a partner perk. It gives them something to work for. No hate.”

Others, however, have urged streamers not to turn on one another.

“In the end, no matter what your title is on Twitch, we are all content creators the moment the ‘start now’ button gets pushed,” Nightlyght, an affiliate, said. “Differences in opinion are fine but bashing on your Twitch family isn’t. Support each other.”

In it together

Arguably partners have little right to complain when the treatment of others has no impact on them, but increased competition and privilege among rival streamers does at least theoretically pose a threat to their follower and subscriber numbers, and in turn potential income. There are only so many viewers, after all.

Affiliates currently lack the ability to run ads, although this is coming soon. They also have more limited cheermote and subemote options, shorter VOD storage times and no stream delay option, and lack the same level of Twitch support access.

However, the gap is narrowing with the affiliate toolset having already expanded significantly. Also on the way for affiliates is increased access to custom badges and emotes, along with a faster payment process.

The entry barrier for affiliates is pretty low, too – 50 followers, an average of three viewers per stream and streaming eight hours across seven days within a one month period. For some partners who put in the hours before affiliates were even a thing, it has left a sour taste.