How to get sponsors as a small streamer

Can small streamers get sponsors?

Yes. Brands increasingly look for smaller channels with an engaged audience that fits their product, not just big numbers. A streamer with 30 regular viewers who all play one game can be a better fit for a peripheral brand than a huge variety channel.

What matters most is fit: a brand your audience already uses or would use, shown in a way that feels like part of your stream.

Where do small streamers find sponsors?

Twitch Affiliate and the Sponsorships tab

In 2026 Twitch lowered its Affiliate requirements to 25 followers, 4 hours streamed on 4 different days, and an average of 3 viewers. Twitch shows sponsorship offers from StreamElements in the Creator Dashboard's Sponsorships tab, for Partners and Affiliates. Invites are automatic, so you can't request one, but streaming consistently helps.

Sponsorship platforms

Tools like Streamlabs Sponsorships and inStreamly run campaigns, such as sponsored overlays, that you can join without pitching anyone.

Pitching brands yourself

This is where most small streamers land their first real deal. Start with smaller, niche brands your audience already uses: peripherals, energy drinks, indie game studios, software. Big brands rarely reply to small channels.

How do you pitch a sponsor?

Keep it short. A good first email has four parts:

Who you are, in one line, and why your audience fits their product.

Your numbers: two or three headline stats, with a link to your full media kit.

A specific idea: what you'd actually do for them, tied to something they're launching.

One clear next step, like a quick call.

Link your media kit instead of attaching a file. If you don't hear back, follow up once after about a week.

What do sponsors want to see?

Before replying, a brand will want your media kit: your average viewers, hours watched, growth, audience and past work. Have it ready before you send your first pitch, and give brands an easy way to reach you, like a contact form on your page.

Read our guide on how to make a streamer media kit.

Disclosure: what are the rules?

Use Twitch's Branded Content setting on any stream with sponsored content. Twitch requires it, and it labels your stream "Includes Paid Promotion".

Say it out loud too. The FTC says not to rely on a platform's tool alone, and in a live stream to repeat the disclosure from time to time.

Use clear words like "ad" or "sponsored". "Collab", "thanks" or "spon" on their own aren't enough.

Disclose free products too, not just paid deals.

Rules vary by country, so check the ones where you live.

Common mistakes

Pitching only big brands.

Long emails, or attachments instead of a link.

Agreeing to long exclusivity without negotiating.

No payment terms in writing.

Missing deadlines or not reporting back after the stream.