CEO of livestreaming platform Kick, Eddie Craven, has confirmed that advertisements will be introduced to the livestreaming platform in the future, although no specific launch timeline has been set.
Speaking during an episode of Kick Talks on December 13, Craven acknowledged that while Kick has operated as an ad-free platform since launch, advertising will eventually be necessary to support its long-term business model.
Craven noted that Kick is currently operating at a loss and that ads are an inevitable part of building a sustainable streaming platform. However, he stressed that the company is committed to implementing advertising in a way that does not disrupt or diminish the viewing experience. According to him, the challenge lies in balancing monetization with user satisfaction, adding that Kick is “very conscious” of not overwhelming viewers with excessive or intrusive ads.
Since its debut, the Stake-backed platform has differentiated itself from competitors such as Twitch and YouTube by offering uninterrupted streams without pre-roll or mid-roll advertisements. This ad-free experience has been a major draw for both streamers and viewers, a fact Craven openly acknowledged, describing it as a “big” reason many users choose Kick.
Craven emphasized that Kick respects its existing user base and understands the value they place on uninterrupted livestreaming. While he encouraged users to enjoy the ad-free experience while it lasts, he reassured them that any future ad rollout would be carefully designed to preserve enjoyment and engagement.
The announcement comes amid growing criticism of rival platforms, particularly Twitch, over increasing ad loads. High-profile streamers such as xQc have warned that excessive advertising could drive viewers away, framing ads as a potential existential threat to established streaming services. Against this backdrop, Kick’s approach to advertising will be closely watched as it seeks to scale without alienating its audience.
