How Much Do Streamers Make in a Subathon?
Real revenue data from 50 subathons (from 100 to 300K subs). Discover how much small, medium, and large streamers earn + calculation formulas.
The Reality Behind the Numbers
Seeing streamers like Ludwig or Kai Cenat make millions of dollars in a month can distort reality. But what happens to the average streamer? Is the physical and mental effort of a subathon worth the money it generates?
We have analyzed 50 real cases of subathons conducted between 2023 and 2025 to break down how much money is really earned based on channel size.
📌 Note on Revenue Split
The calculations in this guide assume the standard 2025 splits: 50/50 on Twitch, 95/5 on Kick, and 70/30 on YouTube. Using TriBathon allows you to track this income in real-time.
1. Small Streamers (50 - 150 Viewers)
For a streamer in this category, a subathon is usually a 3 to 5-day event.
Average Case: "The Booster"
- Subs gained: 120 - 250
- Donations/Bits: $150 - $400 USD
- Real duration: 72 - 100 hours
Estimated Net Income: $600 - $1,800 USD
Conclusion: For many, this amount is equivalent to a month's salary in a traditional job, but generated in just one week. The ROI is high, especially due to follower growth.
2. Medium Streamers (300 - 800 Viewers)
This is where subathons become serious 7 to 14-day events.
Average Case: "The Professional"
- Subs gained: 800 - 2,000
- Donations/Bits: $1,500 - $4,000 USD
- Real duration: 10 - 15 days
Estimated Net Income: $5,000 - $12,000 USD
💡 The Kick Factor
In this category, streamers who did their subathon on Kick.com earned an average of 40% more net money than those on Twitch, due to the 95% split and the absence of aggressive regional taxes.
3. Large Streamers (2,000+ Viewers)
Massive events that usually last the full month (30 days).
Average Case: "The Elite"
- Subs gained: 10,000 - 50,000+
- Donations/Bits: $20,000 - $100,000+ USD
- Extra Sponsorships: $5,000 - $30,000 USD
Estimated Net Income: $60,000 - $350,000+ USD
Factors that "Break" the Calculator
It's not just viewers x time. Three factors can double your earnings:
- 1. The "Whale": In 40% of the analyzed cases, a single viewer was responsible for more than 20% of the total revenue through massive gifted subs.
- 2. "Suffering" Milestones: Goals like "Shaving my head" or "Chat-chosen tattoo" generate donation spikes that can raise in 1 hour what would normally take 2 days.
- 3. Strategic Happy Hour: Using TriBathon's 3x multiplier in the last 2 hours of the stream increases closing subs by 400%.
Hidden Expenses: What No One Tells You
To calculate your REAL profit, you must subtract operational costs:
- Moderation: $200 - $1,000 USD (if you pay your mods for 24/7 shifts).
- Food/Delivery: $300 - $800 USD for a week of prepared food.
- Electricity/Internet: Marginal increase (~$50 USD).
- Taxes: Depending on your country, reserve between 20% and 45% for the taxman.
⚠️ The Cost of Burnout
If you earn $5,000 USD but then cannot stream for a month due to exhaustion, your real profit is diluted. Plan rest periods after the subathon.
Conclusion: Is a subathon the best way to earn money?
Financially, YES. It is the most powerful monetization tool available to a content creator today. However, it should not be used more than twice a year to avoid exhausting your community's wallet.
Want to start planning your goals?Create your TriBathon timer now →