Twitch is officially adding a DJ category, following the launch of its DJ program to tackle a string of copyright hurdles for streamers, artists, and record labels.
On Thursday, the streaming platform will launch the new category, which will sit alongside Twitch's existing categories like Just Chatting, Fortnite, Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and more. Twitch already has a Music category, but DJ will be its own thing.
DJs within Twitch's DJ program have access to a catalogue of copyright-approved music to use in their livestreams — there's also a restricted artist list you can check. Plus, Twitch says it splits the cost of music rights with streaming DJs who monetise their streams (more on that below). Streamers in the DJ category will also have access to promo opportunities on the Twitch homepage as well as enabling sponsorship.
Twitch will mark the addition of the new DJ category with a 24-hour livestream on Aug. 8 beginning 8 a.m. BST / 3 a.m. ET, featuring performances by Zedd, Aluna, Sofi Tukker, BAYNK, Sam Feldt, and more, which you can join through the Twitch homepage.
"Today's DJ category launch is a major moment for Twitch, the music industry, and our creators," Twitch CEO Dan Clancy said in a statement. "There is something special in the way DJs on Twitch introduce music to their listeners. It’s personal and it’s community-oriented, so we've built a stable, long-term home where they can invest in building their brand and community."
Twitch announced its DJ program in June this year as a partnership with major labels including Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, and independent labels, and other rights holders. In a blog post, the company said the number of DJs on Twitch "has more than quadrupled" since 2020 and the pandemic lockdowns — drag shows also saw a rise on Twitch during this time.
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DJs streaming their sets online, whether on Twitch or other platforms, have a tough time keeping their sets intact; they often face bans, muted streams, and takedowns for using copyrighted music. With its DJ program crafted in partnership with labels, Twitch seems to be making things more official to ensure compensation for artists, help DJs keep their sets live, and avoid a plethora of silent streams sitting on its platform.
In June, Twitch detailed how it will be managing revenue between DJs, labels and artists, and itself as the hosting company. What's not detailed is exactly how big a cut the labels will take. Here's what appears on Twitch's blog:
When DJs use music created by others, it’s important that any revenue generated on Twitch also be shared with those musicians...
To cover the cost of the music used in DJ live-streams, we will set aside a portion of earnings generated by DJ channels to be paid to musicians via music companies that represent them. These costs will vary based on how a channel monetizes.
For most streamers, Twitch will be splitting these costs 50/50 with the streamer, although initially Twitch will absorb more of the cost. Twitch is covering the costs for DJs who aren’t yet monetizing. Non monetizing streamers will not be financially impacted.
Twitch also has a one-year subsidy for DJs wanting to monetise but easing into the platform — you can read more about this on Twitch's website.
How much do DJs actually make on Twitch? It's hard to get real numbers, but Twitch streamer and YouTuber Nick Spinelli detailed a few earnings for the top earners from 2019 to 2021, drawing from the leak site TwitchPayouts — and it ranges from $70,000 to $400,000. Take that with a grain of salt, but that's quite the number.
