The Rise of Kick: Understanding the Stake-Backed Streaming Giant in 2026
BERLIN, 10 February 2026 — In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entertainment, few platforms have disrupted the status quo as aggressively as Kick. Since its emergence as a direct challenger to Amazon-owned Twitch, the Australian-based service has leveraged a combination of massive creator contracts and a creator-friendly revenue model to secure a significant foothold in the global livestreaming market. As of early 2026, Kick continues to navigate a complex path defined by high-stakes gambling ties, regulatory scrutiny in its home country, and a “wild west” reputation for uncensored content.
Ownership and Corporate Structure
Kick is operated by Kick Streaming Pty Ltd, a legal entity headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. While the platform presents itself as an independent alternative to mainstream sites, its financial and operational foundations are deeply intertwined with the online gambling industry.
The Stake.com Connection
The platform is backed by the founders of Stake.com, a prominent cryptocurrency casino. The ownership structure is primarily controlled through Easygo Entertainment Pty Ltd. According to corporate filings, the ownership breakdown is as follows:
- Bijan Tehrani: Holds a majority beneficial interest (approximately 66.67%) through Easygo.
- Edward Craven: Co-founder and significant stakeholder.
This relationship has been a point of contention for critics, as Kick frequently promotes gambling content, providing a seamless pipeline between livestreaming entertainment and Stake’s betting services.
The 95/5 Revenue Model: A Disruptive Force
The primary engine behind Kick’s rapid growth is its aggressive “Creator Incentive Program.” Unlike Twitch, which traditionally took a 50% cut of subscription revenue (later adjusted for top-tier creators), Kick offers a 95/5 subscription split. This means streamers retain 95% of all subscription earnings, with the platform taking only 5%. Additionally, Kick does not take a cut of “tips” or donations made through third-party services.
Major Talent Acquisitions
To validate its platform, Kick has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to poach high-profile talent. Notable deals include:
- xQc: Signed a non-exclusive deal worth an estimated $100 million.
- Amouranth: Joined the platform to take advantage of more relaxed content guidelines.
- Ice Poseidon: A controversial figure who recently joined the Kick Creator Program (KPP), reporting significantly higher hourly earnings than on previous platforms.
Platform Statistics and Market Position (2025-2026)
While YouTube remained the most-watched streaming platform in 2025—accounting for nearly 50% of total hours watched globally—Kick has carved out a niche in the Gaming and “Just Chatting” (IRL) categories. Recent data indicates that while Kick’s total user base is smaller than Twitch’s, its “per-streamer” engagement in specific niches is highly competitive.
| Feature | Kick | Twitch | YouTube Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub Revenue Split | 95% to Creator | 50-70% to Creator | 70% to Creator |
| Primary Backing | Stake.com / Easygo | Amazon | Google (Alphabet) |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Australia | San Francisco, USA | San Bruno, USA |
| Launch Date | October 2022 (Beta) | June 2011 | August 2015 |
Regulatory Challenges and Controversies
Kick’s journey has not been without significant hurdles. Its “hands-off” approach to moderation has led to several high-profile incidents.
The Australian Social Media Ban
In late 2025, the Australian government expanded its social media regulations to include a ban for users under the age of 16 on several platforms, including Reddit and Kick. This move was prompted by concerns over children being exposed to “graphic and gratuitous” user-generated content, as well as the platform’s proximity to gambling advertisements.
Legal Incidents
The platform continues to struggle with the conduct of its IRL (In Real Life) streamers. Just this week, Kick streamer Clavicular faced two felony charges following an arrest in Arizona, highlighting the ongoing issues with creators pushing legal boundaries for “clout” and live viewership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who actually owns Kick?
Kick is owned by Kick Streaming Pty Ltd, which is wholly owned by Easygo Entertainment. The majority owner is Bijan Tehrani, with co-founder Ed Craven also holding a significant stake. Both are founders of the crypto-casino Stake.com.
Is Kick available in Germany?
Yes, Kick is accessible in Germany. However, like all streaming platforms, it must comply with the Interstate Treaty on Gambling (Glücksspielstaatsvertrag), which strictly regulates the broadcast of online casino content to German audiences.
How does Kick make money if they only take 5%?
Kick currently operates at a loss or thin margins regarding subscription revenue. Its business model relies on the massive capital from Stake.com and the strategic benefit of driving traffic to the founders’ other ventures, primarily crypto-gambling.
What is the Kick Creator Program (KPP)?
The KPP is a system where Kick pays streamers an hourly rate based on their viewership and engagement, regardless of how many subscriptions they sell. This provides a “base salary” for full-time creators that is not currently matched by Twitch or YouTube.