If you’re eyeing Twitch as a side hustle, whether you aim to hit it big or just fund the hobby, it’s important to know what to expect early on.

We’ve all seen the click-bait. “How I got 1,000 followers in my first month!” “How to make money fast on Twitch!” or similar. But, for most of us, even after following the best advice to a T, the reality doesn’t quite live up to the hype. The truth is, Twitch is competitive, saturated, and–an all-around gigantic place.

But, there’s good news! You CAN make it, and you CAN make money! But it will take some work.

I took to Reddit last week to get straight to the source and learn what other streamers experienced in that first year and how the most successful streamers got where they are. I got over 200 responses (!) across the streamer spectrum, from those doing it “just for fun” to those who hit Partner within a few months.

Here are the most common and important insights on what new streamers can expect when it comes to building a community, reaching Affiliate and Partner, and ultimately making money.