SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: The world of streaming has been abuzz with controversy over recent months, with Twitch finding itself in hot water more than once. The Amazon-owned platform has faced criticism for its various plans and changes to the site, which have left streamers feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future.
One of the most recent and incendiary issues has been Twitch's announcement of its plans to alter branded content. The move could restrict streamers to using just 3% of the screen for on-screen adverts, which led to an uproar in the community. Many streamers threatened to leave the site altogether, frustrated by the strict limitations being imposed upon them.
'Shoutout to that other website for the boost'
After the backlash, Twitch has now apologized and promised to revisit the drawing board. This move has come as a relief to many of the site's streamers, who were beginning to lose faith in their platform. However, some have already made the decision to switch to other streaming sites such as Kick. Kick thanked Twitch for sending a record number of new users to their site.
“We just doubled our all time 24h signup record,” Kick tweeted on June 7, attaching a purple heart to represent Twitch. “Shoutout to that other website for the boost.”
In response to the Twitch drama, Kick has been looking for ways to bring Twitch streamers to their platform. Twitch has now implemented a $25 cancellation fee for partnership deals, which they have offered to pay streamers. Third-largest stakeholder Trainwreck has been working to verify many streamers and provide them with sub buttons if they join.
Twitch institutes termination fee
A $25 termination fee has been added to the terms and conditions of Twitch's Affiliate agreement since its most recent update.
“A maintenance fee will be deducted from your remaining balance if you or we terminate this Agreement. Your Twitch channel's Program Fees or $25, whichever is less, will be deducted from your monthly maintenance payment," the agreement reads.
This change has been causing frustration among Twitch users and those who watch streamers on the site. Further, it is primarily seen as another example of how they don't support their content creators.
Kick responded quickly to the news. On Twitter, they announced that they would "cover the $25 fee for any customer who wants to break their contract and move to Kick."