Introduction to Kick: A New Era of Live Streaming
Kick is a relatively new but rapidly growing live streaming platform that has taken the internet by storm. With a fresh approach to creator monetization and content freedom, Kick has positioned itself as a bold alternative to industry giants like Twitch. But many ask: Who owns Kick, and where did it come from? In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Kick’s ownership, origin, and rise in the competitive world of online streaming.
Who Owns Kick: The People and Companies Behind the Platform
Unlike many startups that begin in garages or as side projects, who owns kick launched with significant backing and strategic intent. The platform is primarily associated with Stake.com, one of the largest online crypto casinos in the world.
Stake.com is co-founded by Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, who are widely credited as the key financial and strategic backers behind Kick. Craven, an Australian entrepreneur, has openly supported Kick’s mission and is considered by many to be its de facto owner. While Stake does not publicly list ownership in Kick, the ties between the two platforms are strong and openly acknowledged.
The idea was to create a creator-first streaming platform with more generous revenue sharing, better user terms, and fewer content restrictions compared to traditional competitors like Twitch.
Where Did Kick Originate From?
Kick was officially launched in late 2022, emerging in response to growing dissatisfaction among streamers, particularly on Twitch. The catalyst for its rapid rise was Twitch’s decision to revise its revenue split from a 70/30 to a 50/50 model, which caused outrage among top content creators. Kick capitalized on this dissatisfaction by offering a 95/5 revenue split—with creators keeping 95% of their earnings.
Kick is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, where Stake.com is also based. Its emergence was not organic—it was a calculated move to disrupt the live streaming space. Leveraging the financial resources and infrastructure from Stake, Kick launched with high production value, influencer marketing, and fast feature rollouts.
Kick’s Business Model and Monetization Strategy
Unlike Twitch, which relies heavily on subscriptions and ads, Kick offers a unique monetization model that includes:
- 95/5 Creator Revenue Split
- 100% of Tips (Direct Donations) to Creators
- Non-Invasive Advertising
- Crypto Integration through Stake
who owns kick has strategically aligned with content creators by allowing them to earn significantly more than they would on other platforms. Additionally, creators are allowed to stream gambling content, a controversial but high-traffic niche that Twitch restricted in 2022.
Strategic Partnerships and Big-Name Streamers
Kick made headlines when it signed exclusive streaming deals with high-profile streamers, including:
- Adin Ross
- xQc (Felix Lengyel)
- Corinna Kopf
- Trainwreckstv (Tyler Niknam)
Trainwreckstv, who has been publicly critical of Twitch’s policies, became a prominent voice for Kick and played a pivotal role in recruiting top talent to the platform. These signings were not just marketing gimmicks—they were strategic plays to attract massive audiences, draw media attention, and legitimize Kick as a serious contender.
Technology and Platform Features
Kick was built with modern technology and offers several features designed to improve both user and creator experience:
- Ultra-low latency streaming
- Full HD 1080p support
- Chat moderation tools
- Creator dashboard with analytics
- Multi-streaming capabilities
The platform is constantly evolving, adding features such as mobile apps, VOD storage, and more personalization tools to keep pace with user demands and competitor platforms.
Regulatory Challenges and Controversies
Given its close ties to the gambling industry via Stake.com, Kick has faced scrutiny and regulatory concerns. Some critics argue that Kick’s origins in crypto gambling pose ethical and legal concerns. However, Kick has tried to maintain a distinction between its platform and Stake, positioning itself as an independent streaming service.
Additionally, Kick has faced challenges regarding content moderation, as it promotes more relaxed policies than Twitch. This freedom has attracted a wider range of content, but also increased pressure to manage NSFW content, hate speech, and illegal activity. Kick has responded by implementing moderation tools and guidelines, but it continues to walk a fine line between freedom and responsibility.
Kick vs. Twitch: A Comparison of Core Differences
| Feature | Kick | Twitch |
| Revenue Split | 95/5 | 50/50 |
| Crypto Integration | Yes (via Stake) | No |
| Content Restrictions | More lenient | Strict |
| Gambling Content | Allowed | Limited/Restricted |
| Key Streamers | xQc, Adin Ross | Pokimane, Ninja |
| Global Presence | Expanding rapidly | Established |
The stark contrast between the two platforms shows why many creators and viewers are beginning to migrate to Kick, particularly those looking for better pay and creative freedom.
The Future of Kick: What’s Next?
Kick has only just begun to tap into the massive potential of the live streaming market. With its aggressive marketing, strategic partnerships, and innovative revenue models, Kick is poised to keep growing—especially among younger audiences and those frustrated by legacy platforms.
Future developments include:
- Mobile app enhancements
- AI moderation systems
- Expansion into non-English markets
- More exclusive contracts
- Enhanced monetization for mid-tier creators
Kick’s ability to scale responsibly while maintaining its commitment to creators will determine whether it becomes a lasting competitor or a short-lived disruptor.
Conclusion
Kick is more than just another Twitch competitor—it’s a strategically backed, creator-focused streaming platform with bold ambitions and the infrastructure to execute them. Backed by Stake.com and driven by creators dissatisfied with existing platforms, Kick has quickly carved out a niche for itself. Its generous payouts, content flexibility, and strong leadership suggest that it’s here to stay and evolve.
