5 Proven Steps: The best way to do a giveaway on twitch (2026 Guide)
Why Most Twitch Giveaways Fail (And How to Fix Yours)
I have watched countless streamers burn money on expensive prizes. They buy a $60 game, hype it up, and get ten new followers.
Two days later? Those followers are gone. They were never there for you; they were there for the loot. It is a painful cycle that kills your motivation and drains your wallet.
You need a strategy that rewards loyalty, not just luck. The best way to do a giveaway on twitch focuses on retention first and prizes second. If you treat a giveaway as a magic growth button, you will fail. Treat it as a tool to spike engagement during a stream, and you win.
Key Takeaways:
- Engagement over Growth: Giveaways solidify existing communities better than they build new ones.
- Go Digital: Physical shipping costs eat your budget. Stick to codes and gift cards.
- Stay Legal: Never require a subscription to enter. That is illegal gambling in many jurisdictions.
Step 1: Choose the Right Tool for the Job
You have two main options: a live chat raffle or a third-party contest page (like Gleam). I have used both extensively.
Third-party pages are great for farming Twitter followers, but they are terrible for stream vibes. People click the link, enter, and leave. They don't watch the stream.
For actual Twitch growth, the best way to do a giveaway on twitch is using a cloud-based chat bot like Nightbot or StreamElements. It forces people to be in the chat right now to win.
[Link to: Setting Up StreamElements]
Step 2: The "Active Viewer" Method
Don't just let anyone enter. I learned this the hard way after a bot farm swept my giveaway in 2021.
Set a keyword entry requirement. Tell your chat: "Type !ticket to enter." This requires human interaction. It filters out the passive lurkers who aren't actually watching.
Pro Tip: Do not announce the exact time of the draw. Tease it. Say "We are drawing the winner sometime in the next hour." This keeps retention high as people stick around waiting for the moment. If you give a specific time, they will leave and come back at the last second.
Step 3: Pick Prizes That Fit Your Brand
I once gave away a generic Amazon gift card. It attracted everyone, including people who hated video games. The chat was toxic.
When I switched to giving away skins for the game I was playing, the quality of the viewer went up. You want viewers who care about your content.
Here is a breakdown of prize types and their impact:
| Prize Type | Cost | Viewer Quality | Hassle Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Skins/Currency | Low | High (Targeted) | Zero (Instant Delivery) |
| Steam Keys | Medium | Medium | Low (Copy/Paste) |
| Physical Merch | High | High | High (Shipping/Customs) |
| Cash/Amazon | Variable | Low (Greedy) | Low |
Step 4: Navigate the Legal Minefield
This is where streamers get banned. Twitch has very specific Terms of Service regarding promotions.
You strictly cannot ask for money for an entry. This means "Sub-Only" giveaways are generally prohibited because a subscription costs money. That turns your giveaway into a lottery, which requires a gambling license.
Finding the best way to do a giveaway on twitch means keeping it free. You can give subscribers bonus luck (if local laws permit), but there must always be a free way to enter.
[Link to: Twitch Community Guidelines]
FAQ: Common Giveaway Questions
What is the absolute best way to do a giveaway on twitch for small channels?
Run "flash giveaways" for game keys during your stream using a chatbot. It rewards the people currently watching and costs very little.
Can I require a follow to enter?
Yes. Most bots allow a "must be following" filter. However, be prepared for people to unfollow immediately after they lose.
How do I handle shipping for physical items?
Honestly? Don't. If you must, restrict the giveaway to your own country. International shipping involves customs forms and high fees that often cost more than the prize.
What if the winner doesn't respond?
Set a strict timer (e.g., 2 minutes). If they don't type in chat, reroll immediately. This creates hype and proves the winner is actually watching.
Is Gleam worth it for Twitch?
Only if your goal is to grow your Twitter or Discord. It does very little for your live average viewer count.
How often should I run giveaways?
Rarely. If you do them every stream, people will only watch you for the free stuff. Once a month is a healthy balance.
Can I give away my own merch?
Yes, this is excellent marketing. It turns a viewer into a walking billboard for your channel.
How do I prevent bots from entering?
Use a keyword that you change every time (e.g., "!pizza" instead of just "!enter"). Bots looking for generic entry commands will miss it.
Stop Buying Viewers, Start Building Fans
Giveaways are a double-edged sword. Used poorly, they attract leeches. Used correctly, they are a thank-you note to your community.
Focus on the experience. Make the draw exciting. hype up the chat. The prize is just the bait; your personality is the hook. Set up your bot, pick a digital prize, and run a test draw tonight. The best way to do a giveaway on twitch is to start small and keep it fun.