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Our top do’s and don’ts to be your best self when streaming and viewing.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes manners go out the window on the internet? The old golden rule “Treat others the way you want to be treated” can be easily overlooked (or outright forgotten) behind the anonymity of a computer screen. But just because you’re not face to face with someone in real life doesn’t mean there aren’t etiquette (or netiquette) rules to follow when viewing or streaming on Twitch. What online behaviors should you embrace — and which should you avoid? Read on, friends.
Our List Of Do’s…
Do cultivate genuine relationships with other streamers.
A big reason you’re likely on Twitch is to share information, knowledge, and passion for a game or topic, whether as a streamer or viewer. Lean into that authenticity and network with others who share similar interests: check out their streams, engage in their chats, and support their work both on Twitch and social media.
Do outline your rules clearly on your page.
If you’re a streamer yourself, it’s ideal to give your audience an idea of what they can expect when tuning in. If you have set rules for your chat (i.e. no self promoting, no hashtagging, no backseating) put them front and center so viewers know what behavior will and won’t be tolerated.
Do read and respect the rules others outline on their pages.
Other streamers might run their channels differently than you do — and that’s ok! Honor the environment your colleagues want to cultivate on their streams by reading and observing their channel’s rules for engagement.
Do listen to chat moderators.
If you’ve ever moderated your own chat or moderated on someone else’s behalf, you know how challenging it can be. Make the mod’s life easier by following their requests and keeping a close eye on messages directly from them.
Do suggest cross promotion in an authentic way.
Planning cross promotional content — like co-hosting a stream or doing giveaways — is great for mutually reaching new viewers and expanding audience sizes for all. But before suggesting a collaboration, make sure you give the relationship and concept time to develop naturally — rather than suggesting a partnership when you very first meet.
Do give credit where credit is due.
Gathering inspiration from other streamers is an invaluable aspect of the Twitch community. After all, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. But if your stream is exhilarated by other people’s ideas, be sure to credit them for concepts you’ve incorporated into your own channel by calling them out in real time and tagging them.
Our List of Don’ts…
Don’t self promote in the chat.
This one is a must-have on any Twitch chat etiquette list. While it may seem innocent enough to say “oh hey I’m a streamer too” or “I’m about to go live,” using someone else’s stream as a place to talk about your own work is a definite no-no.
Don’t complain about ads.
We know it, and you know it: ads can be annoying at times. But they are also a key component to content creators making money on Twitch. Support the ability to monetize streams by just letting the ads come and go without complaints.
Don’t give unwarranted tips.
Also known as backseating, chiming into the chat with suggestions no one asked for at best annoying and at worst aggressive. Let the person streaming find their own way and have fun on the journey — and save your suggestions for your own time in the spotlight.
Don’t mention viewer counts.
Many streamers intentionally turn the viewer count off when they’re live. This is because for better or worse, they don’t want the anxiety of knowing how high or low that number is in real time. Allow this “ignorance is bliss” attitude by keeping quiet on how many people are tuned in.
Don’t have cross convos in the chat.
Say you ‘ran into’ an old friend in someone else’s chat — or made a new connection you want to talk to. That’s great! But move your convo from the host’s chat and into DMs on your own profiles rather than clogging up the conversation on someone else’s channel.
Don’t mention an issue if other people already have.
If you’re a streamer, we bet you know when something goes wrong on your channel. Whether it’s an audio glitch, a slow internet speed, or a technical game snag, the problem is acutely felt by the streamer, because the pressure is on to resolve it in real time ASAP. If you notice an issue and someone else has already pointed it out, just sit back and give the host space to fix it.
When you’re on Twitch as a streamer or audience member, remember above all that there are real people behind the cameras — with very real feelings. By putting yourself in their shoes you’ll not only improve your own streaming skills, but you’ll also strengthen your ties to the streaming community at large.
Cheers,
The Pretzel Team
