Periscope Increases ‘Super Hearts’ Payouts To Creators, Will Offer Holiday Bonuses

After launching ‘Super Hearts‘ in June, Periscope is announcing an update today for its first-ever monetization feature that seeks to put more money in the pockets of creators.

Super Hearts are virtual gifts that viewers can purchase and send to their favorite broadcasters during live streams. Creators can then cash out the animated Super Hearts — which accrue in users’ accounts in a different form of currency called ‘Stars’ — for actual money. (In order to exchange Stars for cash, streamers must be members of Periscope’s Super Broadcaster Program, which requires that they have a minimum star balance of 185,000, and an average of 50 live viewers and 75 replay viewers per broadcast).

Today, Periscope said that it will pay all earnings from the Super Broadcaster Program directly to creators — with the exception of a $1 administration fee per payout. Prior to this update, Periscope reportedly took a 30% cut of any Super Hearts earnings — as did the Apple and Google app stores — with creators pocketing the rest. (Despite Periscope’s reduced intake, Apple and Google will continue to take their 30% cut).

“The amount we keep is used to continue operating the Super Hearts feature and to cover the cost of monthly payment processing,” Periscope wrote in a blog post, noting that the change will go into effect today.

At the same time, in a further bid to appeal to creators, Periscope said it will offer holiday bonuses to broadcasters who reach a certain earnings threshold during the months of November and December. For instance, creators who amass more than one million Stars per month will receive $100, while those who earn more than three million Stars will be eligible to receive an addition $250 bonus — for a total of $350. If they meet the above quotas, creators will be able to earn the maximum bonus for both months.

Interested streamers can apply to join the Super Broadcaster Program right here.