Game Changer: Twitch Implements Revolutionary Restriction for Blocked Users
Twitch's latest update empowers content creators with a powerful tool to effectively manage and deter banned users, enhancing the channel experience for all
Highlights
Twitch is introducing a new tool to prevent banned users from watching live streams, which has been well-received by streamers on social media.
The new feature will be available to all streamers starting in September and will immediately prevent banned users from viewing, while still allowing them to watch previous broadcasts. Twitch may also explore the option of extending this functionality to block logged-out users and is eager to receive user feedback on how to handle banned users moving forward.
Twitch will be introducing a new tool over the next few weeks that gives content creators the option to prevent banned users from watching live streams and participating in the chat. This feature will be gradually rolled out to all streamers by September. The announcement of this tool received positive feedback on social media, with many Twitch streamers viewing it as a necessary addition to the platform.
During TwitchCon Paris in July, Twitch unveiled a Snapchat-inspired feature that allows content creators to share stories for a duration of 24 hours on both desktop and mobile devices. These Twitch stories can include Clips, Highlights, or updates to notify users when their favorite content creators are going live. Additionally, Twitch has been working on enhancing existing features behind the scenes. While bans have traditionally been used as a method to address inappropriate behavior, banned users have still been able to watch live streams without the ability to chat. However, this will soon change.
Starting from September, all Twitch channels will have the option to activate a feature that prevents users who have been banned from watching their live streams. Twitch Partner Lowco confirmed that this feature will be immediately effective, ensuring that banned users cannot access any stream regardless of the game or content being broadcasted. However, banned users will still be able to watch past broadcasts through Clips and videos-on-demand (VODs).
During the August 16 episode of Twitch Patch Notes, Trevor Fisher, Twitch's Sr. Product Manager of Community Health, mentioned that IP bans may not be fully implemented due to complications involved. Twitch is actively seeking user feedback to explore additional methods for creators to manage banned users, including when they are logged out. The response to this update has been mostly positive on social media, with much appreciation for the new option compared to the recent Twitch Partner Plus program. While some users expressed curiosity about the delayed introduction of tools for handling banned users, others remain hopeful that more tools will be introduced in the future.
Twitch, despite its rival Kick adding some additional features, continues to dominate as the leading streaming service for content creators worldwide. It remains to be seen whether the competition will enhance their capabilities to handle banned users in light of Twitch's recent updates.
