Twitch streamers will soon have the option to block users not only from posting in their stream’s chat channel but also from watching the stream altogether. This feature is expected to roll out in September.
Twitch streamer Lowco discovered these new options and shared the information on Twitter. The feature will be available to all Twitch users in September and is designed to provide streamers with additional tools to manage their communities and combat trolls.
Currently, this feature does not prevent banned users from watching VODs (Video On Demand) or clips of the stream. However, there is a possibility that Twitch may expand this functionality in the future, allowing content creators to have more control over who can access their content.
This update comes in response to concerns raised by both streamers and viewers about maintaining a positive and inclusive environment on Twitch. The recent introduction of Hype Chat, which allows users to pin messages to a streamer’s chat channel for a fee, raised concerns about potential abuse by trolls and chat hoppers. Twitch is working to strike a balance between viewer autonomy and content creator agency to foster a sustainable and enjoyable community for all.
