Twitch, the popular Amazon-owned streaming platform, has announced a significant increase in its Tier 1 mobile subscription prices, set to take effect on October 1, 2024.
According to the announcement, the cost of Tier 1 and gift subscriptions made through the Twitch mobile app will rise to $7.99 per month from the previous $5.99.
This price hike will apply across more than 40 countries, sparking a wave of discontent among both streamers and subscribers.
Twitch Hikes Its Price Again
Notably, this increase only impacts Tier 1 subscriptions, leaving the costs of Tier 2 and Tier 3 subscriptions unchanged.
The price adjustment aligns with previous changes made in July 2024, when the platform raised the cost of desktop Tier 1 subscriptions from $4.99 to $5.99 per month in the United States.
While this earlier price change affected only desktop users, the upcoming hike exclusively targets mobile users.
One of the key reasons behind the higher cost for mobile subscriptions is the fees imposed by Apple and Google for in-app purchases.
Twitch clarified that the elevated prices are necessary to offset these charges while maintaining consistent payouts to streamers.
Despite the justification, the decision has led to a backlash within the Twitch community, with users voicing their frustrations on platforms like Reddit.
Some have criticized the app’s user interface, while others expressed confusion over why subscribing on a PC remains cheaper.
The controversy also comes on the heels of other recent changes at Twitch, including stricter rules for DJs streaming live content.
These adjustments have fueled growing concerns that smaller streamers may struggle to retain subscribers, especially in light of rising costs and ongoing user dissatisfaction.
As Twitch continues to evolve its monetization strategies, it remains to be seen how the platform will address the concerns of its community and adapt to the shifting dynamics of the streaming industry.
The price increase, coupled with recent layoffs and strategic shifts, signals a challenging period for the platform, one that could shape its future trajectory.
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