Kick has emerged as a streaming platform capable of rivaling Twitch and YouTube. Not even Microsoft could challenge its throne with the now-defunct Mixer. But Kick, much to the surprise of many streaming fans, including myself, has managed to sign several high-profile streamers and expand its community.
Their most significant incentive is that streamers receive 95 percent of the income from subscribers on Kick, while a mere five percent goes to the platform. Streamers also receive 100 percent of the tips, which is an excellent deal, especially compared to Twitch’s 70 to 30 percent split.
There is controversy around its ownership. Kick seems to have strong ties to online casino Stake, but that hasn’t stopped popular streamers from joining, including one of my favorites. It’s one of the reasons why some wanted to join.
Here are the top 10 Twitch streamers that joined Kick.
12. Ice Poseidon
Ice Poseidon was permanently banned on Twitch in 2017 after being swatted on an airplane due to a false bomb threat but was looking for a way to return and managed to do so on Kick. In the past, he has drawn negative attention for promoting a controversial cryptocurrency but has managed to accrue more than 50,000 followers on Kick after his return.
11. Corinaakopf
Corinaakopf was the first female streamer to switch from Twitch to Kick. Twitch’s restrictions on gambling content were the main reason she decided to switch since most of her streams revolve around it. She has more than 80,000 followers.
10. WestCOL
WestCOL is the most famous Columbian streamer, with 1.3 million followers on Twitch. The streamer joined Kick in June of 2023 and has 253K followers. WestCOL is known for playing various games, but his most prominent streams come from his gambling and slots streams.
9. Buddha
Buddha is a prominent GTA roleplay streamer who joined Kick in February 2023. Buddha has 870K followers on Twitch and currently has 63K followers on Kick. He has collaborated with both xQc and Trainwreck. He streams on both platforms.
8. GMHikaru
Hikaru Nakamura, a renowned chess grandmaster, joined Kick in March 2023. As a streamer with a substantial following on Twitch, Kick signing him was a significant move. His contract is not exclusive, though. He streams on both platforms.
7. Roshtein
Roshtein is a popular online gambling streamer who moved to Kick after he was banned on Twitch. He skyrocketed in popularity after collaborating with Drake. With 116,099 followers and counting, he is one of the most followed streamers on Kick.
6. Destiny
Destiny is a popular streamer whose content revolves around political discussions, reactions, and drama. After receiving a permanent ban on Twitch in March 2022, he streamed on YouTube for a year before signing with Kick in March 2023. He also streams on Rumble.
5. Ac7ionman
Despite having almost 700,000 followers on Twitch, Ac7ionman signed with Kick in Feb. 2023. As someone who has faced financial difficulties, he has spoken fondly of his experience. Although he streams on both, he’s been shifting more and more towards Kick.
4. Trainwreck
Trainwreck was one of the first Twitch streamers to sign a deal with Kick, which isn’t all that surprising since he is also a co-owner, an advisor, and an official spokesperson. He has played a pivotal part in helping the platform grow but still streams on Twitch.
3. Adin Ross
After facing a series of bans on Twitch and becoming frustrated with the Amazon-owned platform, Adin Ross signed with Kick and became an investor. Given his popularity on Twitch, his signing has played an instrumental role in opening more doors for Kick and expanding its viewership.
2. Amouranth
After hinting at a move in March 2023, Amouranth signed with Kick on June 18—becoming one of the highest-profile stars to sign with the rising platform. The details of her contract with Kick haven’t been revealed, but it’s likely to be lucrative.
1. xQc
xQc signed a massive $100 million deal with Kick on June 16, 2023. It’s a non-exclusive contract set to last two years, but still one of the most significant deals in streaming history. As people who have covered streamers for years, we’ve never seen anything like it. The magnitude of his move is expected to provide a significant boost to Kick’s popularity and viewership.