What you get with a free Twitch subscription
Twitch offers a free tier subscription that gives you a channel subscription without paying money. When you use your free subscription on a channel, you get the same perks as a paid subscriber at that channel's lowest tier — usually ad-free viewing on that channel, a custom emote, and access to subscriber-only chat. The streamer receives a portion of Twitch's revenue from your subscription, though the amount is smaller than what they get from paid subscriptions.
You receive one free subscription per month, and it resets on the same date each month. You can give it to any channel you choose, and you can change which channel gets it the next month. The free subscription does not carry over if you do not use it — if you do not assign it by the end of the month, it expires.
This is different from following a channel, which is free and has no limit. Following just notifies you when a streamer goes live. A subscription — even the free one — gives you the perks listed above and counts toward the streamer's subscriber count.
Key Takeaways
- Twitch gives you one free channel subscription per month that you can assign to any streamer, and it resets automatically each month.
- Your free subscription gives you the same perks as a paid subscription at that channel's lowest tier, including ad-free viewing and custom emotes on that channel only.
- The streamer gets paid a share of Twitch revenue when you use your free subscription, though less than they would from a paid subscription.
- Your free subscription does not roll over to the next month if you do not use it, so you must assign it before the month ends.
How to use your free monthly subscription
To find your free subscription, go to any channel and look for the Subscribe button. On desktop, it is usually near the top right of the channel page. Click it, and you will see subscription options. The free tier will be labeled as "Prime Gaming" if you have Amazon Prime, or "Free" if you do not. Select the free option and confirm.
Once you subscribe with your free tier, that channel is now your active subscription for the month. You will see the perks take effect when ready — you will stop seeing ads on that channel, and you can use their custom emotes in chat.
If you want to change which channel gets your free subscription next month, you do not have to do anything. When your subscription expires at the end of the month, you will have a new free subscription to assign. You can then give it to a different channel.
The difference between free subscriptions and Prime Gaming subscriptions
If you have an active Amazon Prime membership, you also get a free Tier 1 subscription through Prime Gaming (formerly Twitch Prime). This is separate from your regular monthly free subscription. Prime Gaming subscriptions renew every month automatically as long as your Prime membership stays active.
Both the free subscription and the Prime Gaming subscription give you the same perks on the channel you choose — ad-free viewing, custom emotes, and subscriber-only chat access. The main difference is that Prime Gaming renews automatically, while your regular free subscription expires at the end of each month and you must reassign it.
You can use both in the same month if you want. You could give your Prime Gaming subscription to one channel and your free monthly subscription to another channel, meaning two different streamers get paid from your subscriptions.
What streamers earn from free subscriptions
When you use a free subscription on a channel, Twitch splits the revenue with the streamer. The exact amount varies by region and Twitch's current revenue-sharing terms, but streamers typically receive less from free subscriptions than from paid ones. A paid Tier 1 subscription costs $4.99 per month, and the streamer gets a percentage of that. A free subscription generates revenue only from Twitch's own ad inventory, which is smaller.
Despite the lower payout, free subscriptions still matter to streamers. They count toward the channel's total subscriber count, which affects the channel's visibility on Twitch and can help the streamer reach partnership milestones. Many streamers encourage viewers to use their free subscription if they cannot afford a paid one.
Subscription tiers and what each one includes
Twitch channels typically offer three paid subscription tiers: Tier 1 at $4.99 per month, Tier 2 at $9.99 per month, and Tier 3 at $24.99 per month. Each tier includes more perks than the one below it. Your free subscription gives you the perks of Tier 1 — usually ad-free viewing, a custom emote, and subscriber-only chat — but only on the one channel you choose.
Paid subscriptions at higher tiers usually include more emotes, custom badges, and sometimes exclusive content or Discord access. The exact perks depend on what the individual streamer sets up. Your free subscription does not give you access to higher-tier perks, even if the channel offers them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my free subscription on multiple channels at once?
No. You have one free subscription per month, and it can only be active on one channel at a time. If you want to subscribe to multiple channels, you would need to pay for additional subscriptions or wait until next month to move your free one to a different channel.
What happens if I do not use my free subscription before the month ends?
Your free subscription expires and you lose it for that month. It does not roll over or stack. You will receive a new free subscription at the start of the next billing cycle, which resets on the same date each month.
Do I lose my free subscription if I unsubscribe from a channel?
Yes. If you unsubscribe from a channel, your free subscription to that channel ends when ready. You will then have your free subscription available to assign to a different channel, or you can wait until next month.
Can I gift my free subscription to someone else?
No. Your free subscription is tied to your account and can only be used by you on a channel of your choice. You cannot transfer it to another person. However, you can purchase gift subscriptions to give to other viewers if the channel offers them.
Does my free subscription work if I use an ad blocker?
Free subscriptions are supposed to give you ad-free viewing on that channel. If you use an ad blocker, you may not see ads anyway, but the subscription itself is separate from ad-blocking software. Twitch's terms of service prohibit ad blockers, though enforcement varies.