Facebook Gaming has become an increasingly popular platform for live streaming gameplay in recent years. One of the main draws for content creators is the potential to monetize their streams and build an audience on Facebook. However, unlike other platforms like Twitch or YouTube, the revenue split that streamers receive on Facebook Gaming is not straightforward. In this article, we’ll break down how the revenue share works on Facebook Gaming and what cut streamers can expect to receive from various monetization methods.
Facebook Gaming Partner Program
The main way streamers can monetize their content on Facebook Gaming is through the Facebook Gaming Partner Program. This program allows eligible streamers to earn revenue from advertisements that play in their streams. To qualify for the program, streamers need:
- At least 10,000 followers
- At least 300,000 one-minute views in the last 60 days
- To stream at least 4 hours in the last 14 days
- Stream gaming content in line with Facebook’s content policies
If accepted into the program, streamers receive 55% of the ad revenue generated from their qualifying Facebook Gaming content. The remaining 45% goes to Facebook. This revenue share is fairly standard and comparable to other similar platforms.
One thing that makes Facebook Gaming unique is the Level Up program. Top-performing partners in the Facebook Gaming Partner Program can qualify for various Level Up tiers that offer a more favorable 70/30 revenue split in the creator’s favor.
Level Up Program Tiers
- Level Up 1 – 70% revenue share
- Level Up 2 – 70% revenue share + highlight opportunities
- Level Up 3 – 70% revenue share + highlight opportunities + early access new products and features
To reach Level Up status, partners must consistently deliver engaging content, grow their audience, and drive meaningful viewership metrics.
Stars
Another way streamers can generate revenue on Facebook Gaming is through Stars. Stars allow viewers to show support and tip streamers during a live stream. 1 Star is equal to 1 cent, and fans can purchase Stars in bundles from $1.99 up to $99.99.
When viewers use Stars to cheer streamers, the streamer keeps the full amount minus a small transaction fee. Facebook does not take a cut of Star revenue like they do with ads. This provides an opportunity for streamers to build a direct crowdfunding relationship with their biggest supporters.
Subscriptions
Facebook Gaming now offers channel subscriptions as well. Fans can subscribe to partnered streamers’ channels for a monthly fee, granting them access to certain perks like exclusive streams, subscriber badges in chat, etc.
The revenue split on subscriptions works the same as Stars. Creators keep 100% of their subscription revenue minus a small transaction fee. No percentage goes back to Facebook.
Creator Monetization Fund
Facebook has also set up a $10 million Creator Monetization Fund to support partners in the Facebook Gaming Partner Program. Qualifying creators can apply to receive one-time payments between $200 and $10,000 to help jumpstart their streaming career.
This functions similarly to YouTube’s Creator Fund, providing grants to eligible gaming creators based on their content and audience growth potential. The grants do not need to be repaid, giving creators capital to reinvest in their channel.
Sponsorships & Brand Deals
As streamers grow their audience on Facebook Gaming, they may have opportunities to partner with brands for sponsorships, endorsements, or other deals. The revenue split on these types of deals depends on the specific arrangement between the creator and the brand.
Facebook does not take any cut of sponsorship revenue. However, streamers may need to pay income taxes, commission to a manager, or other expenses out of their total deal amount.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing programs allow streamers to earn commission by promoting certain products or services. For example, a streamer could include affiliate links to PC gaming accessories and receive a small percentage from any sales generated.
Again, Facebook does not take any revenue from affiliate programs. The streamer’s share depends on the commission structure of the specific affiliate program.
Selling Merchandise
Gaming streamers often sell branded merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and other items to fans. These physical products provide another way to monetize a loyal audience.
Revenue earned from merchandise sales belongs 100% to the creator. Facebook does not take any cut of merchandise revenue.
Donations
Direct donations from fans and viewers provide another revenue stream for gaming creators on Facebook. Fans can send one-time donations through Stars or other online services like PayPal.
As with other fan funding sources, creators keep 100% of any donations minus minor transaction fees. Facebook does not take any revenue percentage from direct donations.
Facebook Ad Revenue Share Recap
To summarize, here is the breakdown of Facebook’s revenue share from different monetization methods on Facebook Gaming:
- Facebook Gaming Partner Program: 45% Facebook, 55% streamer (70% for Level Up creators)
- Stars: Creator keeps 100% minus transaction fees
- Subscriptions: Creator keeps 100% minus transaction fees
- Sponsorships: 100% to creator
- Affiliate Marketing: 100% to creator
- Merchandise: 100% to creator
- Donations: 100% to creator
Facebook only takes a direct revenue cut from the ad income generated through the Gaming Partner Program. Other earning methods like Stars and subscriptions let creators keep most of the revenue.
How does Facebook Gaming’s revenue share compare?
Facebook Gaming offers a similar revenue split structure to other major platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Here’s how they compare:
YouTube
- YouTube Partner Program: 55% YouTube, 45% creator once monetization thresholds met
- YouTube Super Chat: Creator keeps 70% after transaction fees
- Channel Memberships: Creator keeps 70% after transaction fees
Twitch
- Twitch Partners: 50% Twitch, 50% creator once thresholds met
- Twitch Affiliates: 50% Twitch, 50% creator
- Bits Cheering: Creator keeps 1 cent per Bit cheered
- Subscriptions: Creator keeps 50% after transaction fees
The revenue splits are very similar across the major platforms. In some cases like Stars and channel memberships, Facebook lets creators keep a slightly higher percentage. But for the most part, the platforms take around a 50% cut of ad and subscription revenue.
Maximizing Facebook Gaming Revenue
While Facebook Gaming’s revenue split is competitive, creators still need to build a sizable audience to earn decent income. Here are some tips to maximize earnings on Facebook:
- Consistently stream engaging, high-quality content around a niche
- Leverage viral marketing techniques to attract new viewers and followers
- Interact with fans and build a loyal community on your page
- Offer exclusive perks through Stars and subscriptions to encourage support
- Partner with relevant brands that resonate with your target audience
- Promote affiliate links and merchandise seamlessly during streams
- Analyze metrics to identify what content performs best
The more viewership and support a streamer can drive on Facebook Gaming, the higher their revenue potential, even within the standard revenue share model. But creators need to put in significant work to build an audience and turn that reach into earnings.
Facebook Gaming vs. Other Platforms
While Facebook Gaming is still much smaller than Twitch and YouTube Gaming, it offers a few unique benefits:
- Higher percentage revenue share for some monetization features
- Level Up program rewards top partners with better split
- Easy integration with Facebook social graph and algorithms
- Potential to tap into built-in audience of billions of Facebook users
The platform certainly provides ample monetization tools and potential reach. But discoverability beyond a creator’s existing Facebook followers can be challenging. The platform’s focus is still more on casual, social gaming compared to hardcore eSports streams.
Twitch remains the leader for serious gaming content and has far more engagement on metrics like active viewership and chat engagement. But many creators find success broadcasting across multiple platforms to maximize their reach, so they aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points to keep in mind on Facebook Gaming’s revenue share model:
- Facebook takes a 45% cut of ad revenue from the Gaming Partner Program
- Top creators can qualify for the Level Up program for a 70/30 revenue share
- Creators keep 100% of Stars, Subscriptions, and other fan funding minus minor fees
- Revenue splits are similar to Twitch and YouTube Gaming
- Building a sizable audience is key to earning decent revenue
- Pros of Facebook include engaged built-in audience and favorable revenue splits
Facebook Gaming provides a solid opportunity for creators to build an audience and monetize gameplay content. But achieving sustainable earnings still requires driving significant viewership metrics.
Conclusion
Facebook Gaming aims to empower creators to turn their passion for gaming content into a business opportunity. While the revenue share model is competitive, establishing yourself as a top creator on the platform involves a lot of hard work. Creators need to leverage Facebook’s tools and algorithms to attract engaged followers who actively fund their channels through tips, stars, subscriptions, and other monetization features.
For casual streamers doing it as a side hobby, the revenue potential is rather limited. But for those able to build a large, loyal audience on Facebook, the platform provides multiple ways to generate income from content creation. Between ads, virtual gifts, and support from fans, streaming gameplay on Facebook can become a viable source of earnings for those who figure out the formula for standing out in a crowded ecosystem.