The xQc Controversy Unveiled: Inside the World of Reaction Content

Highlights

Accusations of "content stealing" have been directed towards xQc, a well-known Twitch and Kick streamer, due to his habit of watching YouTube videos without offering substantial commentary or value. This has led to widespread criticism and dissatisfaction among viewers.

Popular streamers including xQc, SSSniperwolf, and Jacksfilms have faced criticism from fellow content creators for earning money from reusing videos without offering their own distinctive viewpoints or analysis.

The ongoing discussion on react content underscores the ambiguous aspects of fair use legislation and the necessity for more explicit guidelines, ensuring the safeguarding of original creators while enabling the creation of innovative and captivating content.

xQc, a prominent Twitch and Kick streamer, is facing backlash for his recent streams where he interacted with his chat while watching YouTube videos. This is not the first time the Canadian streamer has been involved in controversial matters, and it is likely not the last. However, being one of the largest streamers worldwide, xQc is subjected to intense scrutiny over his actions and words.

Given the immense following these popular Twitch and Kick streamers have, some argue that they carry a responsibility to uphold ethical standards. This is due to the substantial influence they possess over their sizable audiences, both during live streams and on social media platforms like Twitter.

xQc is Singled Out By Other YouTubers

Streamers and video creators have long been discussing the issue, but its significance has increased with xQc's massive follower count. Recently, there was also a conflict between Jacksfilms and SSSniperwolf, with Jacksfilms accusing SSSniperwolf of profiting from existing content with minimal commentary. While SSSniperwolf used to focus on gaming videos, she has now shifted towards creating TikTok compilations and reacting to them.

Although xQc's situation doesn't revolve around TikTok videos as much, he faces similar criticism. On July 24, xQc uploaded a video on his YouTube channel titled "The Kennedy Assassination | xQc Reacts to LeMMiNO," in which he featured another creator's entire video about the shooting of John F. Kennedy. This led YouTubers like Bub Games to express their discomfort, as they felt xQc was profiting from someone else's content without offering any valuable input. On July 28, Bub Games tweeted, "LeMMiNO invests months in research, scripting, and editing a video, only for reaction streamers to reupload it in its entirety without providing any input."

Australian Twitch streamer DarkViperAU persistently criticized xQc on Twitter. He expressed his disapproval through a series of extensive tweets, accusing xQc of "stealing content" by playing the video on his stream and repurposing it for his YouTube channel. DarkViperAU's argument revolved around the idea that not only does the original video potentially receive fewer interactions, but the individual who reuploads it is monopolizing the limited views for themselves.

React Content is a Recurring Problem

The full-time Twitch and Kick streamer defended himself by stating "I'm sharing a [video] that I enjoy with my audience. That's all." He also highlighted that individuals have the ability to claim his YouTube videos and distribute the earnings, which "happens frequently." Other content creators argue for the implementation of a feature that enables claiming all monetization on a YouTube video, an option currently exclusive to music companies.

In a later livestream, xQc aggravated the situation by leaving a YouTube video by Neo Explains playing while he temporarily left the room. He returned after approximately ten minutes, much to the disappointment of Neo Explains who believed that xQc was mocking his video by deliberately choosing not to react to it. xQc proceeded to make sarcastic remarks about the video, suggesting that he needed to thoroughly inspect the construction materials used in the city's buildings in order to provide a satisfactory reaction.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time xQc has engaged in such behavior, as he has previously streamed content such as MasterChef, The Dark Knight, and Breaking Bad. Interestingly, Pokimane received a ban for streaming Avatar: The Last Airbender in 2022, while xQc did not face any penalties or DMCA strikes from Twitch for his actions. It should be mentioned that the staff at Kick directly approached xQc's page to request him to refrain from streaming The Dark Knight as it violated their policies.

However, some people hold the belief that when a popular streamer shares a video with their audience, it can provide exposure for the original creator. However, there are others who argue that some creators would actually prefer their original video to receive the views.

There are certain YouTube channels like Daily Dose Of Internet and Jubilee that are open to people reacting to their content, as long as they include their own commentary and have obtained permission. Unfortunately, not all streamers take the time to provide insightful comments, credit the original creators, or seek permission to use the footage.

The Debate of What Content Is Transformative

The controversy surrounding streaming such content brings attention to a significant problem that, regrettably, encompasses numerous ambiguous legal areas. Ludwig, a renowned YouTuber, discussed this matter in a video on his Mogul Mail channel, shedding light on the distinction between genuine reaction content and using stolen content to pass it off as a reaction video.

For some individuals, as long as the reactions and commentary provided by the person watching the content are distinctive enough, there should be no concern. For instance, YouTube videos titled "Real Lawyer Reacts to Suits" are generally accepted because the lawyer offers a unique perspective to contribute.

Fair use laws in the US allow individuals to determine if a video is transformative. One crucial aspect of these laws is considering the "amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole." Consequently, those who showcase an entire show or YouTube video might be violating fair use laws, whereas using clips may be more acceptable.

Determining what qualifies as transformative work has always been challenging. As video platforms like Kick and Twitch evolve, clashes between creators and the content they view are likely to increase. To address ongoing debates, it is possible that YouTube and other companies will strive to clarify guidelines and provide original content creators with viable options moving forward.