Live database · Q1 2026 · Streams Charts

Where you stream
changes everything.

Six platforms, side by side. We re-verify monetization splits, bitrate caps, and eligibility every month. Static tables on other sites are already wrong.

IndependentMonthly verify

Last verified · 2026-05-14

Q1 ’26 · Hours-watched share · QoQ trajectory matters more than the snapshot

SOURCE · STREAMS CHARTS Q1 ’26

TikTok Live · 42%−11.92% QoQTwitch · 32%+4.46% QoQYouTube Live · 17%+1.20% QoQKick · 6%+9.10% QoQFacebook Live · 2%−2.40% QoQX Live · 1%+0.10% QoQ

Pick a platform

Twitch

Updated May 14 ’26 · 32% market share

Live data

Monetization-for-All (May ’26) + dual-format vertical + Rewind + March ’26 mobile disconnect buffer make Twitch the natural IRL default again.

Bitrate cap

6 Mbps · 1080p60

Vertical

Dual-format · 2026

Monetization

Sub + Bits + Ads

Payout split

50/50 → 70/30

For IRL streamers

9.4/ 10

Discovery — gets you seen7.2

Monetization — pays you8.2

IRL community fit9.4

Stability — no surprise ToS8.4

Eligibility · Monetization gate

VERIFIED · MAY 14 ’26

Affiliate at 50 followers / 8 hrs / 7 unique days

All six · One table

The cheatsheet.

Platform	Share	Bitrate	Vertical	Monetization	Split	IRL score	Updated
TikTok Live	42%	App-controlled	Native	Gifts + Subs	50/50	7.6/ 10	MAY 12 ’26
Twitch	32%	6 Mbps · 1080p60	Dual-format · 2026	Sub + Bits + Ads	50/50 → 70/30	9.4/ 10	MAY 14 ’26
YouTube Live	17%	8 Mbps · 1080p60	Yes	Super Chat + Ads + Members	55/45	8.6/ 10	MAY 09 ’26
Kick	6%	8 Mbps · 1080p60	Limited	Sub + Tip	95/5	8.2/ 10	MAY 06 ’26
Facebook Live	2%	4 Mbps · 1080p	Yes	Stars + Ads	55/45	6.0/ 10	MAY 04 ’26
X Live	1%	Variable	Yes	Subscription · ads	—	5.4/ 10	APR 28 ’26

Where you streamchanges everything.

Twitch

The cheatsheet.

Where you stream
changes everything.