Kick.com is a new streaming platform that allows users to watch and broadcast live video games, chat with other viewers, and support their favorite streamers. It was launched in beta mode in February 2023 by Tyler ‘Trainwreck’ Niknam, a popular and controversial Twitch streamer who “wanted to create a more creator-friendly site with less restrictions and more incentives”.
Kick.com vs Twitch
Kick.com claims to offer several advantages over Twitch, such as higher quality streams, lower latency, better discoverability, more monetization options, and more community features. Some of the features that Kick.com boasts include:
- Console streaming capabilities that let users stream directly from their PlayStation or Xbox devices without needing a capture card or PC.
- A unique tipping system that allows viewers to send streamers cryptocurrency tokens called Kicks that can be exchanged for real money or used for various perks on the platform.
- A loyalty program that rewards viewers for watching streams and engaging with chat by giving them access to exclusive emotes, badges, and giveaways.
- A referral program that gives streamers a percentage of the revenue generated by their invited friends who sign up for Kick.com.
- A partnership program that offers streamers a higher share of subscription revenue than Twitch (70% vs 50%), as well as more creative freedom and control over their content.
- Kick.com is currently invite-only and requires users to have an existing Twitch account to sign up. However, the platform plans to open up to the public soon and expand its content offerings beyond gaming. According to Trainwreck, Kick.com aims to become “the ultimate destination for live entertainment”.
Kick.com and gambling
There are some rumors that this new streaming platform is owned by Stake.com, a crypto-gambling website that had a deal with Trainwreck. Kick.com has denied these rumors and said that Stake’s owner is only an investor in Kick.com.
However, there are some links between Kick and Stake.com, an online casino which is based in the Caribbean. Some Kick streamers also promote gambling sites such as ClassyBeef.
This questions whether Trainwreck’s intentions are clear and it adds to the already long list of this streamer’s controversies.
What is kick.com?
Kick.com is a new streaming platform that allows users to watch and broadcast live video games, chat with other viewers, and support their favorite streamers.
When was it launched?
It was launched in beta mode in February 2023 by Tyler ‘Trainwreck’ Niknam, a popular but controversial Twitch streamer who “wanted to create a more creator-friendly site with less restrictions and more incentives.”
