What is Kick Streaming? Your Questions Answered

Have you have heard of Kick, the new ‘creator-friendly’ streaming service? It doesn’t yet rival Twitch or YouTube Live in terms of viewers or channels, but it’s already becoming popular with streamers and gamers.

As experts in video game addiction, we’re always looking out for new platforms that people may start to use compulsively. This article explores the appeal of Kick and answer some frequently asked questions about the new streaming service.

Frequently asked questions about Kick

As Kick was only launched in 2022, many people in our community forum and parent support group are still unfamiliar with the new streaming service. So, here are some common questions and answers that we want to share with you.

What is Kick?

Kick is a relatively new streaming platform which is similar to Twitch, YouTube Live and Facebook Live. Creators can stream videos in real time. While viewers can subscribe to a creator’s channel, watch live streams and post comments.

What can you stream on Kick?

There are six main categories on Kick to make it easier for viewers to find what they want to watch:

• Games – The menu shows video games that are currently being streamed, from massively multiplayer online (MMO) games to esports tournaments.
• IRL – Content about everyday topics. Popular categories include just chatting, cooking, news, and travel and outdoors.
• Music – DJ sets, acoustic streams, live music, dance and more.
• Gambling – The most popular streams are slots and casinos. Other gambling content includes poker, sports betting and table games for viewers aged 18+.
• Creative – Covers a wide range of creative themes including makers and crafting, digital art, video production and graphic design.
• Alternative – This category has content that doesn’t fit elsewhere such as just sleeping, crypto and trading, sports and politics.

How much does Kick pay streamers?

Kick has one of the lowest (if not the lowest) revenue charges among streaming platforms. Creators receive 95 per cent of all subscriber income, while the platform retains just 5 per cent.

Kick plans to generate cash flow through advertising and is working on the basis that giving creators such a lucrative incentive will draw the best creators to Kick, which in turn will attract major advertisers.

How is Kick different than Twitch?

The main difference between Kick and Twitch is the 95/5 per cent subscriber revenue split that creators receive on Kick compared to the 50/50 per cent split offered by Twitch. Plus, 100% of all tips made on Kick, known as ‘Kicks’ are paid to streamers. Earnings can be withdrawn the same day so there’s no waiting for a monthly payout. And these earnings are based on hours watched and total viewers rather than a monthly subscriber count.

Kick has also pledged to make its terms of service as transparent as possible with clear rules on what is and is not acceptable. This includes strict guidelines around ethical gambling, a practice that was banned on Twitch in 2022.

How many users are on Kick?

Kick is becoming increasingly popular, but it still has a long way to go to match Twitch statistics. Here’s how the two platforms compared in July 2023:

Why stream on Kick?

Creators are streaming on Kick for several reasons. Firstly, they can potentially earn more money on Kick than most other streaming platforms due to the 95% creator / 5% Kick revenue split.

Secondly, as Twitch becomes increasingly saturated with channels and streamers, the odds of success are very low for new streamers. Choosing Kick gives them more chance to stand out and attract viewers.

Is Kick safe? Does it allow NSFW?

According to Kick’s community guidelines, the platform aims to be “fun and safe for all”. The guidelines outline what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Live streams, videos and comments that contain nudity, pornography or sexual activity are prohibited. However, this does not mean there is no mature or NSFW content on the streaming platform.

The guidelines state the activities and material that must be tagged as 18+. These include excessive profanities, graphic depictions of violence, 18+ rated video games, game nudity, smoking and drinking alcohol. Kick also bans hate speech, harassment, threats, bullying and racial slurs. However, as with other online platforms, sanctions against anti-social behavior are difficult to enforce.

Is gambling allowed on Kick?

Kick does not allow gambling between users, or sweepstakes or lotteries. But the streaming of gambling games is allowed, depending on the laws and regulations of the country where the viewer is located. Gambling streams are particularly prevalent on Kick because they were banned on Twitch in 2022 after some of its biggest streamers threatened to stop using the platform if it didn’t change its policy.

However, there have been certain Kick controversies and criticism around viewbotted gambling streams (when automated programs or bots are used to inflate the viewer numbers on a live stream). As a result, the platform has made an update in a bid to stop view count manipulation. [5]

Who owns Kick streaming?

Kick was set up by Bijan Tehrani and Ed Craven, who co-founded stake.com (an online crypto casino). Top streamer, Tyler ‘Trainwreckstv’ Niknam is a non-owner advisor. Despite having a huge following on Twitch, Trainwreckstv quit that platform in late 2022 because of the gambling ban.

Why is Kick in beta mode?

Kick has launched in beta mode because although the streaming service is live, it’s still being tested and there may be further tweaks to improve the user experience.

Need help?

If you or a loved one are struggling to limit the time you spend on Kick, Twitch, YouTube Live or other streaming services, expert help is available. You can read our tips about how to stop watching streaming platforms like Twitch and Kick.

Whether you want to stop gaming or watching gaming streams entirely, or bring it to manageable levels, we have a coaching program for you.

Take the first step today and apply for a Gameplan strategy call to see if you’re a good fit for our Respawn gamer programor Reclaim family program.

After the 12-week program, you’ll be free from gaming problems and pursuing your real-life goals – studying, earning money, exercising, getting out of the house, hanging out with friends and having a better attitude.