The Twitch PR team probably had a tough day at work today.
After making an already unpopular ad policy change that received massive backlash from streamers, both big and small, Twitch is now saying it was a mistake. They admit that the guidelines update had “overly broad” and poorly worded policy language. But, many fans (including me) aren’t buying it.
When you implement changes that restrict all “burned-in” third-party ads and limit the size of brand logos to three percent of the screen, it’s hard to believe that the problem lies in the language used to announce the changes. However, Twitch claims that it’s not trying to prevent streamers from getting third-party sponsors for their broadcasts; it’s only targeting third-party ad networks. Yeah, right.
If that’s true, it’s somewhat similar to the policy of YouTube, Twitch’s main competitor. However, YouTube has been lenient in enforcing this policy, which makes Twitch look bad in comparison. Twitch keeps making mistakes and hurting its own reputation, while it has the option to avoid self-inflicted wounds.
Throughout the years, Twitch’s handling of gambling, the struggle to regulate sexually suggestive content, and streamers leaving for other platforms have tarnished its reputation. Upsetting creators only adds to these issues and may drive them and their loyal fans to YouTube or other controversial platforms like Kick.
Related: Who owns Kick.com? Fledgling Twitch streaming rival responds to Stake rumors
While it may not be the end of the world for Amazon if Kick grows with its use of Amazon’s services, losing popular streamers and viewers to YouTube, owned by Google, wouldn’t be ideal. However, Twitch is taking that risk if it continues to make mistakes and approve “overly broad” policy changes.