How to do a Twitch Subathon: Step-by-Step

Introduction

Doing a subathon on Twitch may seem complicated, but with the right tools and this step-by-step guide, you'll be ready to launch your first event in less than an hour.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to set up a complete subathon using TriBathon, the easiest and most reliable platform on the market.

Step 1: Subathon Planning

Before setting up the timer, you need to make strategic decisions:

1.1 Duration and Format

Decide on the subathon type:

• Mini-subathon (12-24h): Ideal for beginners
• Medium subathon (48-72h): For streamers with experience
• Unlimited subathon: Only for veterans with a large community

1.2 Date and Schedule

Choose a date where:

• You have no work/academic commitments
• Your audience is available (avoid important holidays)
• You have at least 1-2 weeks to promote the event

1.3 Time Settings

Our recommendation based on 500+ analyzed subathons:

• Tier 1 Sub: 2-3 minutes
• Tier 2 Sub: 5-7 minutes
• Tier 3 Sub: 12-15 minutes
• $1 USD donation: 30 seconds
• 100 bits: 1-2 minutes

Step 2: Setting up TriBathon

2.1 Create Account

1. Go to tribathon.live/register
2. Register with your email and create a password
3. Verify your email

2.2 Connect Twitch

1. In the dashboard, click "Connect Twitch"
2. Authorize the necessary permissions (event reading)
3. Confirm you see your username in the dashboard

2.3 Configure the Timer

In the TriBathon Configuration section:

1. Initial Time: Set how much time you'll start with (recommended: 10-30 minutes)
2. Time per Event:
   • Tier 1 Sub: 2 min
   • Tier 2 Sub: 5 min
   • Tier 3 Sub: 15 min
   • Gifted Subs: same value as corresponding tier
   • Bits: 1 sec per bit
   • Donations: 30 sec per $1 USD
3. Happy Hour (optional): Configure multipliers for specific times

Step 3: Configuring OBS

3.1 Add the Timer Widget

1. In TriBathon, go to "OBS Widget" and copy the widget URL
2. In OBS, add a new "Browser" source
3. Paste the widget URL
4. Set the size (recommended: 400x150px)
5. Position the timer where you prefer in your overlay

3.2 Customize the Timer

TriBathon allows you to customize:

• Text and background colors
• Font and size
• Animations when adding time

Step 4: Logistical Preparation

4.1 Technical Equipment

Make sure you have:

• ✅ Stable internet (backup with cellular hotspot)
• ✅ PC on 24/7 (set not to enter sleep mode)
• ✅ Camera and microphone with good battery/power
• ✅ Lights if streaming with a camera

4.2 Physical Space

• Comfortable and tidy streaming area
• Sleeping area visible on camera (if doing "sleep stream")
• Bathroom access without interrupting stream (or warn when going AFK)

4.3 Food and Supplies

• Snacks and drinks for several days
• Pre-made meals or delivery service
• Basic medicine (headache, etc.)

Step 5: Event Promotion

5.1 Advance Announcement (1-2 weeks before)

• Twitter/X post announcing date and time
• Twitch panel with countdown
• Discord announcement with details
• Mention the subathon in previous streams

5.2 Pre-Subathon Content

• Create teaser clips
• Explain the rules and timer configuration
• Share objectives and goals (e.g., "1000 subs goal")

Step 6: Launch Day

6.1 Pre-Stream Checklist

30 minutes before starting:

• ✅ Verify the timer works (do a test sub)
• ✅ Confirm moderators are online
• ✅ Check audio and video
• ✅ Update stream title with "SUBATHON"
• ✅ Setup Discord/Twitter notifications

6.2 First Minutes

Upon starting the stream:

1. Explain subathon rules clearly
2. Show how the timer works with examples
3. Thank moderators and community
4. Start the counter with the base time

Step 7: During the Subathon

7.1 Time Management

• Keep content varied (games, just chatting, IRL)
• Schedule "special events" every 6-12 hours
• Sleep when the timer is high (8+ hours left)

7.2 Interaction with Chat

• Thank EVERY sub and donation by name
• Create memorable moments (exaggerated reactions, celebrations)
• Read donations live

7.3 Timer Monitoring

TriBathon allows you to:

• See real-time analytics
• Adjust times on the fly (if something isn't working)
• Activate Happy Hour manually to boost momentum

Step 8: Finalization

8.1 Last Hours

When less than 2 hours remain:

• Announce that the end is near
• Do a "final push" to add time
• Prepare a memorable closing

8.2 Closing the Stream

• Thank the community profusely
• Share final stats (total subs, hours streamed)
• Announce when you'll return to regular streaming

Pro Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Starting with a timer too high

  If you start with 8+ hours, you eliminate the initial urgency that drives donations.

• ❌ Not having enough moderators

  Chat becomes chaotic in subathons. You need at least 3-4 mods in shifts.

• ❌ Not sleeping

  Many streamers try to stay awake and end up exhausted. Sleeping on stream is valid and expected.

• ❌ Timer without recovery

  If you use DIY tools, an internet outage can ruin the event. TriBathon has automatic recovery.

Conclusion

Doing a subathon on Twitch is more accessible than ever thanks to tools like TriBathon. With this step-by-step guide, you have everything you need to launch your first successful event.

Remember: the perfect subathon doesn't exist. There will be chaotic moments, unexpected bugs, and surprises. But that's part of the magic. The important thing is to enjoy the process with your community.

Ready to start? Create your free TriBathon account →