Following a reaction that caused streamers to abandon the platform, Twitch is scrapping its own new advertising regulations.
The Amazon-owned livestreaming service had previously stated that it would limit the number and type of adverts used by Twitch streamers.
This would have significantly curtailed the manner in which streamers earn money on the network.
Twitch has dropped this policy after some creators threatened to boycott the platform and several relocated.
Despite Twitch’s remark, several streamers claim that not all of the new rules have been reversed.
The new rules were dubbed “bad for you and bad for Twitch” in a tweet that received 13.4 million views.
“Sponsorships are critical to streamers’ growth and ability to earn income,” the statement stated. “We will not restrict your ability to enter into direct relationships with sponsors; you will retain ownership and control of your sponsorship business.”
“We want to collaborate with our community to create the best Twitch experience possible, and in order to do so, we need to be clear about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.” We appreciate your input and assistance in making this change.”
It comes just one day after Twitch apologized for the “confusion” caused by the new rules and pledged to revise them.
However, following the original update, UK broadcaster Marco, often known as Stallion, told BBC News that he would still be quitting Twitch.
“This was the push I needed to get off this platform,” he explained.
“This has been on my mind for the last two years… the problem with Twitch is that it has virtually no discoverability – it’s one of those platforms where if you’re not already at the top, you’re not going to be.”
“I understand that it’s a business, but it seems like no thought has been given to the people who use the platform… it just feels like it’s all about the money now and nothing to do with us.”
The new restrictions would have prohibited streamers from embedding adverts, whether video, audio, or otherwise, directly into their streams, and would have limited the size of any logos to 3% of the screen area.
Streamers frequently embed adverts so that they are always visible.
Twitch typically gives them 50% of the money collected from their subscribers, while some of the more popular broadcasters earn a 70-30 “revenue split.” However, the platform earns no cash from advertisements or donations.
In comparison, YouTubers receive 70% of the revenue from their membership subscriptions. However, YouTube takes a 30% share of fan donations.
‘I’m terrified.’
The new limits were also a source of concern for charity events such as Games Done Quick, which claimed in June that it had earned $2.2 million for Doctors Without Borders, because it depends largely on logos that take up most of the screen.
Which of the new rules will now be rewritten is unknown, but the harm has been done, according to some.
“There’s no consideration for the people on the platform, whether they rely on it for a living or not,” Stallion added.
“This is a move I should have made years ago, but I’ve been too afraid to make because it’s my full-time job.”
“Long term, this is going to be the best thing for me.”
