What Are Twitch Drops and How Do They Work?

Twitch Drops are a reward system that allows viewers to earn in-game items simply by watching their favorite Twitch streams.

What Are Twitch Drops and How Do They Work?

Twitch Drops are a reward system that allows viewers to earn in-game items simply by watching their favorite Twitch streams. Game developers use this feature to engage audiences, increase game visibility, and reward dedicated players. When Drops are enabled for a game, viewers who watch participating streamers for a set amount of time can receive exclusive in-game rewards, ranging from cosmetic skins and weapons to experience boosts and special characters.

How Do Twitch Drops Work?

Twitch Drops function as an integration between Twitch and game developers. When a developer enables Drops for their game, streamers who play that game can opt-in to offer Drops to their viewers. Once enabled, viewers who link their Twitch accounts to the game’s account system can start earning rewards by watching eligible streams. Drops are typically time-based, meaning viewers must watch a stream for a specific duration to receive their reward.

Types of Twitch Drops

There are different types of Twitch Drops depending on how they are structured:

  • Campaign-Based Drops: Developers release Drops as part of limited-time promotions tied to events, new game launches, or updates. 
  • Time-Based Drops: Viewers earn rewards after watching a stream for a set period, such as 30 minutes or an hour.
  • Mission-Based Drops: Viewers must complete specific in-game challenges while watching eligible streams to unlock rewards.
  • Random Drops: Viewers have a chance to receive rewards at random intervals while watching participating streams.

Popular games like Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty, Valorant, and League of Legends frequently use Twitch Drops to drive engagement and player retention.

How Twitch Drops Benefit Streamers

For streamers, Twitch Drops serve as a powerful engagement tool. Benefits include:

  • Potential Sponsorship Opportunities: Developers often collaborate with streamers to promote new games or content updates via Drops. 
  • Increased Viewership: Drops attract more viewers who want to earn in-game rewards, leading to higher concurrent viewership.
  • Longer Watch Times: Since viewers must watch for a set duration to receive rewards, average watch time per stream increases.
  • Stronger Community Growth: Viewers are more likely to follow and interact with the streamer, leading to higher follower growth and engagement.

How Twitch Drops Benefit Viewers

Twitch Drops provide a direct incentive for viewers to watch streams. Benefits include:

  • Community Engagement: Viewers can participate in events, discussions, and giveaways tied to Drops campaigns. 
  • Exclusive Rewards: Drops often provide unique or early-access items not available elsewhere.
  • Free In-Game Content: Instead of purchasing items, viewers can earn them simply by watching streams.
  • Discovering New Streamers: Many viewers explore different channels offering Drops, leading them to discover new content creators.

How Twitch Drops Benefit Game Developers

Game developers invest heavily in Twitch Drops as part of their marketing strategy. Drops help developers by:

  • Boosting Game Visibility: Exclusive Drops encourage thousands of viewers to tune into Twitch streams, increasing exposure for the game.
  • Driving New Player Acquisition: Viewers watching Twitch streams for Drops often end up trying the game, expanding its player base.
  • Strengthening the Core Audience: Drops keep existing players engaged, encouraging them to return to the game regularly.
  • Supporting Streamer Ecosystems: Developers allocate significant budgets to Twitch Drops campaigns, indirectly funding content creators who promote their games.

A prime example is Fortnite, which experienced massive growth through exclusive Twitch Drops. Epic Games strategically launched Drops during major content releases, incentivizing players to watch streamers showcasing the latest skins, weapons, and events. This not only boosted viewership for streamers but also pushed Fortnite further into the gaming spotlight, attracting new players and keeping the game at the forefront of the industry.

How to Collect Twitch Drops

To claim Twitch Drops, follow these steps:

  • 1. Link Your Twitch and Game Accounts - Visit the game developer’s website and sign in to link your accounts.
  • 2. Find a Drop-Enabled Stream - Look for streamers playing the game with Drops enabled (more on this below).
  • 3. Watch the Stream - Tune in for the required amount of time to unlock the Drop.
  • 4. Claim Your Reward - Go to your Twitch Inventory (https://www.twitch.tv/drops/inventory) to claim the reward.
  • 5. Redeem in Game - Once claimed, rewards will typically appear in your linked game account.

How to Find Streams with Drops Enabled

To see which streams have Drops enabled:

  • 1. Use Twitch’s Drops Page - Visit the Twitch Drops campaign page to see all active Drop-enabled streams. 
  • 2. Use Twitch’s Browse Page - Navigate to the game’s category page on Twitch and look for streams with a “Drops Enabled” tag.
  • 3. Check the Game Developer’s Page - Many developers list Drop campaigns on their websites or social media.
  • 4. Look at the Stream Title - Many streamers mention “Drops Enabled” in their stream title for easy identification.

How to Enable Twitch Drops as a Streamer

If you’re a streamer and want to enable Drops for your channel:

  • 1. Engage Your Audience - Let viewers know Drops are available and encourage them to participate. 
  • 2. Check Developer Participation - Ensure the game you’re streaming has an active Twitch Drops campaign.
  • 3. Link Your Accounts – Connect your Twitch account to the game’s developer account through their website.
  • 4. Enable Drops in Twitch Settings – Go to your Twitch Creator Dashboard > Viewer Rewards > Drops, then toggle Drops to “Enabled.”
  • 5. Stream the Eligible Game – Start streaming under the correct game category while the campaign is active.

Final Thoughts

Twitch Drops are an excellent tool for streamers, viewers, and game developers alike. They help streamers boost their audience and engagement, give viewers a fun way to earn in-game rewards, and provide developers with a powerful promotional strategy.

As seen with games like Fortnite, Valorant, and Call of Duty, Drops can push a game into the spotlight, rallying viewers to watch streams and ultimately bringing in new players. Developers spend substantial resources behind these campaigns, ensuring their games and creators thrive in the competitive gaming space.
If you’re a gamer looking to take advantage of Twitch Drops, start by linking your accounts and finding an eligible stream today!

Author: Pavan Bhakta