Setting Up Sponsorships as a Small Streamer

Sponsorships used to be reserved for streamers with hundreds of thousands of followers. Not anymore.

Today, brands are investing in small creators who build loyal, niche communities — and that means you. With the right approach, even a modestly sized channel can secure deals that bring income, visibility, and industry credibility. Whether you’re on Twitch, YouTube, or Kick, streamer partnership tips can help you take that next step.

This guide is your complete roadmap to landing small streamer sponsorships, from pitching to pricing, and building long-term brand relationships. Plus, we’ll break down what to avoid, how to get noticed even without a large following, and ways to add value to every partnership.

What Is a Stream Sponsorship?

A sponsorship is a partnership where a brand pays (or compensates) a streamer to promote their product or service. Compensation can be:

• Monetary (flat fee or per-conversion payment)
• In-kind (free products, early access)
• Affiliate-based (commission per sale)

Sponsorships can be short-term (a one-off campaign) or long-term (brand ambassadorship). Some sponsors may reach out to you directly — but for many small streamers, the best sponsorships are secured through proactive outreach.

Why Do Brands Sponsor Small Streamers?

• High engagement rates from smaller, more loyal communities
• Relatable personalities who can authentically talk about products
• Lower cost to test influencer marketing campaigns
• Easier collaboration with nimble creators

Real Talk: Brands want quality, not just quantity. Even a streamer with 50 average viewers can land meaningful sponsorships.

How to Get Stream Sponsors

Audit Your Channel

Before reaching out to sponsors, optimise your stream:

• Consistent branding (logo, overlays, colours)
• Defined content niche (e.g. cosy gaming, tech reviews, horror playthroughs)
• Clear About/Bio section
• Social media links + Discord server

Also review your on-screen experience.

• Is your content inviting?
• Do your overlays look polished?
• Is your stream title consistently branded?

These subtle cues make a big impression.

Build a Sponsorship Media Kit

Think of this as your streaming CV. Include:

• Short bio and niche summary
• Audience stats: average viewers, demographics, chat engagement
• Social media reach
• Notable achievements (Twitch Affiliate, milestones, charity events)
• Past sponsorship examples (if applicable)
• Contact details

Create it as a PDF or Notion page. Keep it visual and professional. Include screenshots from your stream, testimonials, or community quotes to boost credibility.

Identify Potential Sponsors

Ask yourself:

• What do I already use or love?
• What aligns with my audience?

Great categories for small streamer sponsorships:

• Energy drinks (e.g. Gamer Supps, GFuel)
• Hardware brands (e.g. Elgato, HyperX)
• Indie games or gaming services
• Stream overlays, art services, or design platforms
• VPNs, custom keyboards, productivity tools

Also check marketplaces like:

• PowerSpike
• Nexus
• Bounty Board (Twitch-integrated)
• HelloGamers

Use Google, Twitter, or browse Twitch/YouTube to see who’s sponsoring creators in your niche.

Craft the Perfect Pitch

Example DM/Email Script:

Subject: Partnership Opportunity with [Your Stream Name]

Hey [Brand Name],

I’m a content creator in the [genre] space with an engaged community of [X] followers on Twitch and socials. I love your product and think it aligns well with my audience who are into [interest].

I’d love to explore how we could collaborate — whether that’s showcasing your brand on my streams, reviews, or integrating with community events.

Attached is my media kit. Thanks for your time!

Best,

[Your Name + Links]

Be concise. Be confident. Personalise every message. Highlight how you can provide value, not just exposure.

Follow Up

If you don’t hear back within 5–7 business days, send a friendly follow-up. Brands are busy — persistence pays off.

Types of Sponsorships for Small Streamers

1. Product-Only Deals

You get free gear in exchange for shoutouts or usage on stream.

• Low barrier entry
• Builds relationship
• Showcases authenticity

Often, the first form of sponsorship small streamers receive. A great way to start proving your value.

2. Affiliate Partnerships

You earn a cut per sale through your link or code.

• Passive income stream
• Performance-based
• Often a first step before paid deals

These programs often come with built-in dashboards to track performance and may offer perks like bonuses or tiered rewards.

3. Paid Sponsored Segments

You get paid a flat fee for:

• On-stream mentions
• Banner placements
• Social media promotion

Fees can range from £25 to £500+ depending on reach and deliverables. Always negotiate based on your value.

4. Long-Term Ambassadorships

Recurring agreements where you become a brand face.

• Steady income
• Deeper perks (early access, input on new products)
• Can lead to larger creator campaigns

You might also be featured in brand posts, videos, or even official ad campaigns.

Dos and Don’ts When Working with Sponsors

Do

• Be transparent with your audience
• Honour deliverables (mention times, banners, links)
• Track your performance (clicks, sales, views)
• Provide post-campaign feedback
• Be responsive and professional in communication

Don’t

• Promote things you don’t believe in
• Overload your stream with too many sponsors
• Hide affiliate relationships (FTC disclosure is mandatory)
• Miss deadlines or neglect deliverables

Keep your chat’s trust above all. If your viewers feel you’re only there to sell, they’ll disengage.

Making the Most of Sponsored Content

Create Hype

• Tease giveaways
• Run chat commands (!sponsor)
• Add timers or pinned comments

Integrate Naturally

• Use the product live
• Create context: “I use this mic every stream”
• Custom overlays or theme for sponsored days

Offer Value to Your Viewers

• Share exclusive discount codes
• Host sponsor-led Q&As or challenges
• Use overlays with promo countdowns

Post-Stream Promotion

• Highlight sponsor in clips, VODs, or TikToks
• Create a recap post showing results

Bonus: Sponsorship Deal Checklist

Before you accept:

• Are the deliverables clear?
• Are payment terms defined?
• Is there a usage clause for your likeness?
• Do you retain creative control?
• Is the contract time-limited?
• Are there exclusivity clauses that limit other deals?

Always read the fine print. If needed, consult a contract-savvy friend or legal resource.

Start Small, Build Smart

Whether you are a new streamer or a pro landing your first sponsorship may feel daunting, but remember: brands want real voices, not just reach. Your community, your values, and your energy are your assets.

Be intentional about your partnerships. Build relationships, not just transactions. As you grow, those early sponsors can become long-term allies who fuel your journey.

Don’t wait for brands to knock on your door. Take initiative, pitch confidently, deliver authentically, and always value your worth as a creator.