Kick — streaming platform

Key Facts

Kick was officially launched in 2023 by a team of developers aiming to offer the most convenient and profitable streaming tool. From the very beginning, the platform established itself as a free space for broadcasting a wide variety of formats, including 18+ content and gambling, which sets it apart from most competitors.

An important fact is that Kick actively attracts major streamers thanks to its unique 95/5 revenue distribution model, leaving most of the earnings to content creators.

Kick is ideal for both novice and professional streamers. Beginners can easily master the basic functionality and start streaming, while professional streamers can make the most of the platform's advanced features, including analytics, monetization, and integration with additional services.

How Kick differs from other streaming platforms

Comparison with Twitch and YouTube Live

Kick favorably differs from such giants as Twitch and YouTube Live in several key parameters: monetization conditions, content policy, interface convenience, and streamer support.

Main differences:

• Monetization. Kick offers a 95/5 model — 95% of the income goes to the content creator and only 5% is taken by Kick. This is a significant advantage compared to Twitch, where the standard ratio is 50/50, and YouTube Live, where part of the income also goes to commission. This approach makes Kick especially attractive for those who want to earn as efficiently as possible.
• Content policy. Kick has a much more loyal moderation system. The platform allows 18+ content, gambling, and other niche topics. Twitch and YouTube strictly regulate such materials, which limits the creative freedom of authors. Kick bets on freedom and trust in its users.
• Interface and functionality. Kick's interface is simple, intuitive, and easy to master. Setting up a stream takes minimal time, and channel management does not require technical knowledge. Compared to YouTube Live, which focuses on video content, and Twitch, whose interface is overloaded with many additional elements, Kick offers a lighter and more focused experience.
• Streamer support. Kick actively interacts with the community, quickly implements feedback, and strives for transparency. The platform is open to new features and adaptation to user needs, unlike the more formalized structures of Twitch and YouTube.

Kick gives creators more control, flexibility, and monetization opportunities compared to traditional platforms.

Why streamers switch to Kick

The main reasons why streamers prefer Kick to other platforms are the opportunity to significantly increase their income due to the improved monetization model. An additional advantage is the freedom to post content that is heavily restricted on other resources. This makes the Kick platform especially attractive for those who create niche content.

How to stream on Kick — step-by-step guide

Registration and channel creation on Kick

The first step is to register on the official Kick website. Go to the main page and click the 'Sign Up' button. Enter your email, create a strong password, and confirm account creation via the email link.

After logging into your Kick account, go to the profile settings section. Here you can set the channel name, description, upload a profile picture and banner. These elements are important for forming the first impression of your content. Also, don't forget to choose a topic and category — this will help viewers on Kick find your channel by interests.

Setting up OBS or other streaming software

To start broadcasting on Kick, you need streaming software. The most popular solution is OBS Studio — free, cross-platform software with flexible settings. Download the latest version of OBS from the official website and install it.

Then open OBS and go to Settings → Stream. In the dropdown menu, select 'Custom' in the 'Service' field. Here you need to enter the RTMP server and Stream Key, which can be found in your Kick account.

It is also recommended to set the stream quality in the 'Output' section. For stable video transmission on Kick, use a bitrate of 4500 to 6000 kbps at Full HD and 60 FPS. Make sure your internet meets these requirements.

How to connect a stream on Kick. RTMP server, stream key

In the control panel on the Kick website, open the 'Channel' or 'Stream Settings' section. Here you will find:

• RTMP server — the address to which your software will send the video stream.
• Stream Key — a unique stream key that ensures the security of the broadcast on Kick.

Copy both parameters and paste them into the appropriate fields in OBS. After saving the settings, you can click 'Start Streaming', and the broadcast will appear on Kick.

How to design a stream on Kick: avatar, banner, categories

The visual component plays a big role in attracting and retaining the audience. Make sure you have:

• Professional avatar — a clear image related to the channel's theme on Kick.
• Quality banner — a horizontal image decorating the top of the profile.
• Design — using scenes in OBS with overlays, alerts, chat, and donation information.
• Categories and tags — choose the right category (for example, 'Just Chatting' or 'Casino') and add tags reflecting the content of the stream on Kick.

Good design not only makes your channel more attractive but also helps Kick's algorithms more accurately recommend your content to other users.

Opportunities for streamers on Kick

Monetization — 95/5 model

Kick offers a unique and most profitable monetization model among all streaming platforms — 95% of the earnings go to the streamer. This approach allows you to feel the return from your content right from the start.

Donations, subscriptions, paid chats

Kick offers built-in support mechanisms: viewers can send donations, subscribe, and participate in closed chats with additional content. Some streamers create paid access levels where subscribers receive exclusive materials, access to giveaways, polls, or participation in online broadcasts.

Analytics and audience engagement. Chat, streamer panel, statistics tracking

Kick provides streamers with advanced analytics and audience engagement tools: detailed statistics on views, subscriptions, and chat activity. The streamer control panel allows you to conveniently conduct broadcasts and quickly interact with viewers. This helps to understand your audience, adapt content, and effectively build a promotion strategy on Kick.

Advantages of Kick as a platform

Loyal moderation and content freedom

Kick is characterized by minimal content restrictions, allowing streamers to create freely.

Easy start for beginners

Kick's intuitive interface and minimalist design allow even complete beginners to quickly get started and begin streaming.

High speed and stream stability

Kick provides stable and high-quality streaming, minimizing interruptions and lags, which improves the perception of content by viewers.

Support and feedback from the team

The support team promptly responds to user questions and suggestions, constantly improving Kick's functionality.

Disadvantages and pitfalls

Possible legal risks (gambling content)

Since Kick allows gambling content, streamers may face legal risks in countries with restrictions on such content.

Lack of mobile apps and functionality

Kick does not yet have well-developed mobile apps, which limits the capabilities of users who prefer mobile devices.

Still a limited audience

Currently, Kick's audience is relatively small, which may make it difficult to quickly grow and popularize a channel.

How to promote on Kick

Stream plan, regularity

Regular broadcasts on a clearly scheduled timetable help form a habit among Kick viewers and increase engagement. It is optimal to stream at the same hours several times a week so that the audience knows exactly when to expect content. Planning streams and sticking to the schedule increases trust and the number of regular viewers.

Raids, collaborations, promotion in social networks

Raids on Kick allow streamers to direct their audience to other authors' channels, thereby supporting the community and receiving reciprocal activity. Joint collaborations expand reach and introduce viewers to new channels. External promotion — for example, on Telegram, TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts — helps attract a new audience outside of Kick.

Ordering ads and boosting the channel

To accelerate channel growth, streamers can order promotion and channel boost services through specialized platforms such as Streamrise. You can order viewers, followers, chat bots, and other services that increase activity and help you get to the top on Kick. With the right approach, such tools provide rapid growth and consolidation of the channel in the rankings.

Kick for viewers — how to watch streams

Registration

To watch streams on Kick, a viewer needs to go through a simple registration procedure. Go to kick.com, click the 'Sign Up' button, enter your email, and create a password. After confirming registration via the email link, you will have access to all features, including subscriptions, chats, and notification settings.

Subscriptions and notifications

After creating an account on Kick, you can subscribe to your favorite streamers. To do this, open the desired channel and click the 'Follow' or 'Subscribe' button. Subscription allows you to receive notifications about the start of the stream, see channel activity, and participate in exclusive events. You can also set up push notifications via browser or email so you don't miss interesting streams.

Commenting and interacting with the streamer

During live broadcasts, viewers can actively participate in the channel's life through chat. You can ask questions, share emotions, react with stickers, and support the streamer with donations. Some authors have different chat access levels — open, subscribers only, or paid. Chatting is an important part of Kick, as it helps build a community and form a loyal audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kick free?

Yes, the platform is completely free. Some features (paid subscriptions or donations) are voluntary and not required for use.

Can you earn without a partnership?

Yes, monetization is available to all streamers. From the very first broadcasts, you can enable donations, receive support from viewers, and use external payment systems.

Are Russian streamers supported?

Yes, Russian-speaking users are actively supported by the platform. You can use Cyrillic and localized descriptions in chat and on the profile page.

Is there a mobile app?

Currently, mobile apps are under development. However, the web version is adapted for smartphones and tablets, allowing you to conveniently watch streams and use basic features even from mobile devices.

Conclusion

Kick offers great opportunities for streamers and viewers who value content freedom and favorable conditions. This is a next-generation platform focused on creative freedom, profitable monetization, and an active community.

Who should try Kick? Those who are just starting their streaming journey and those who want to leave platforms with strict restrictions. Kick is especially suitable for authors of non-standard or niche content, as well as for everyone who seeks maximum return on their efforts.

Given the current growth rate and interest from major authors, it is safe to predict that Kick will continue to develop and strengthen its position in the streaming field. The platform already offers competitive functionality, and in the future may take a leading position among streaming services.

Registration