YouTube today is taking on Twitch with the launch of a new program that will allow gamers to make money from their channels through the use of sponsorships. Like Twitch’s subscriptions, which offer fans access to custom emotes, special badges and other perks, YouTube’s sponsorships also include a similar set of perks, like custom badges, custom emoji in chat, and access to sponsors-only live chats, among other things.

Sponsorships were previously in beta testing on YouTube Gaming, but today they’re opening up broadly today to all creators. In addition, the feature will also now be tested in the main YouTube app, the company says.

Fans who want to sponsor their favorite creator will pay $4.99 (USD) per month, but that cost may vary in other regions. After becoming a sponsor, the fan then has the option to purchase digital goods directly from the gamer’s channel, and will receive a custom badge and custom emoji.

TechCrunch

YouTube has to do something many popular YouTubers are leaving platform because they are not making money.