Twitch CEO Dan Clancy Bypasses Platform Fees by Tipping Streamer $100 Instead of Gifting Subs

Twitch CEO Dan Clancy recently made headlines after tipping content creator Heavenly $100 during a live broadcast, bypassing the platform’s subscription gifting feature. This decision emphasizes a growing debate over Twitch’s revenue model.

Event Overview

The incident took place on October 6, 2025, during a live stream with streamer Heavenly. When she requested 20 subscription gifts for her community, Clancy opted for a direct cash tip instead. He recognized that giving cash would allow her to retain the full amount, avoiding Twitch’s revenue cut from subscriptions.

Clancy’s Gesture Explained

• Clancy stated, “I’m going to do better than gifting you 20 subs.”
• He pulled out his wallet and handed her a $100 bill, ensuring she received the full amount.
• Heavenly humorously asked him to sign the bill, expressing she would not spend it.

Implications for Streamers

This moment has ignited discussions regarding Twitch’s subscription model. Currently, streamers receive only 50% of earnings from gifted subscriptions. In contrast, rival platform Kick boasts a more favorable revenue split of 95/5, allowing creators to maximize their earnings.

Community Reactions

Many in the streaming community see Clancy’s action as a significant acknowledgment of the benefits of direct tipping. The approach highlights concerns about how platforms can enhance support for creators while navigating profitability.

Conclusion

As the landscape of live streaming evolves, Clancy’s spontaneous tipping raises questions about Twitch’s commitment to its creators. Discussions about optimizing revenue models are becoming increasingly important in the competitive streaming environment.