On May 11th, YouTube will launch a beta version of Twitch’s paid subscription service, allowing users to gift channel memberships to selected creators taking part in the platform’s testing period.
Valkyrae, who will participate in the beta test, confirmed the news, and Lester Chen, YouTube’s global head of gaming creators, teased it.
Since last September, Valkyrae has been vocal about YouTube’s progress on this feature, with various tests beginning in February. Membership gifting appears to be ready for more widespread testing with more creators.
Sub gifting, like Twitch’s Prime Gaming free monthly subscription, was a feature that the platform had over YouTube when it came to livestreaming because it allowed users to support their favorite creators in another way. It allowed more generous viewers to gift subscriptions, allowing the streamer to earn more money while also benefiting other users in chat in increments of one to 100.
YouTube Memberships are $4.99 per month, similar to subs, with higher tiers available. Members can also get badges, emotes, and other exclusive content from a particular creator, such as exclusive VOD content and other goodies.
Unlike Twitch, YouTube Membership pays out 70% of all subscriptions, super chats, and other payments to its users, which could tempt some users to switch streaming platforms following recent reports about Twitch changes.
YouTube has not yet provided a detailed explanation of how membership gifting will work, but a beta test will begin on May 11th for select creators. In the near future, more information will be released.