Twitch Backtracks on Controversial Guidelines - Here's What You Need to Know
Twitch addresses concerns from content creators regarding guideline changes in a recent statement The streaming service aims to clarify upcoming updates and alleviate any potential issues for its community
Twitch recently faced backlash over its announcement of upcoming changes to their advertising guidelines, which would have gone into effect in July 2023. The proposed changes would have limited the types of overlays streamers could use for advertising purposes, including a ban on burned-in ads, as well as restricting the size of ad overlays to a mere 3% of screen space. This received negative feedback from users, who were already frustrated with the ongoing revenue split between Twitch and streamers. Popular streamer Asmongold even called for a boycott of Twitch and threatened to remove his channel and OTK's content from the platform if the policies were implemented. In response to the outcry, Twitch issued a statement on social media, but the reception to the statement was mixed as many users continued to criticize Twitch's policymaking.
Twitch issued an apology on social media three hours after revealing its policies. The statement acknowledged that the new policy's language was overly broad in scope and missed the mark. However, the apology fell short of a full public rescinding of the policy changes, which was met with dissatisfaction from most content creators and users on social media. While Twitch assured streamers that it would not limit their ability to take sponsorships and earn revenue, some streamers expressed their frustration and openly considered leaving the platform for another. It remains unclear when Twitch will release a revision to the policy or fully rescind it due to the backlash. Despite this, some content creators advised their colleagues to keep alternative methods to streaming and content creation open, including short-form content on sites like TikTok and YouTube.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Twitch after their recent policy changes, which have been met with widespread disapproval. As the popularity of platforms like Kick and Rumble continue to rise, it's uncertain how Twitch's choices will impact their overall success in the long run.
