A few months ago Twitch introduces "Cheering" emotes which allowed viewers to tip streamers using pre-paid "Bits." Now the company is introducing a new system which allows users to earn Bits without paying actual money.
Twitch Bits cost $1.4 per 100 Bits but, with the new system, they can be earned for watching sponsored videos or completing online surveys. A typical 30 seconds ad would net you 5 Bits (7 cents value) and Twitch promises that some offers will be worth to a hundred Bits.
The program is currently available in USA only and Twitch is putting a limit on the number of daily ad views in order to prevent people from gaming the system. Bits earned through the new system can be used to tip streamers on any channel with cheering enabled, regardless of the streamer's location.
Watching ads has gained momentum lately in mobile games as a reasonable way for gamers to get in-game content without tapping into their wallets. It still remains to be seen if people are willing to sit through video ads and online surveys in order to tip complete strangers.