Twitch Fans Can Now Pay to Pin Messages With New Hype Chat Feature

John Lopez, Tech Times 22 June 2023, 02:06 pm

Twitch, the popular live streaming platform, has recently introduced a new feature called Hype Chat, allowing viewers to pay to have their messages pinned at the top of the chat window.

This new addition aims to provide a way for viewer messages to stand out in an often crowded chat while also allowing streamers to earn more money.

A Closer Look at the New Twitch Feature

As reported by Eurogamer.net, the feature is currently available only to Twitch Partners, who are the streamers with the highest numbers of viewers and subscribers, but Twitch plans to expand its availability in the future.

Using Hype Chat, viewers can buy message pins for $1 to $500, with streamers able to set a minimum price of up to $100. The amount spent determines the duration, character count, and graphics of the pin.

A New Way to Interact With Viewers

While the introduction of Hype Chat presents an exciting opportunity for viewers to interact with their favorite streamers, there are concerns about potential abuse and safety.

In response to these concerns, Twitch has integrated Hype Chat with existing chat safety features.

Viewers will be prohibited from using banned words or phrases, and messages from timed-out or banned users will be automatically removed.

The platform also employs AutoMod scanning to identify and filter inappropriate content. Additionally, both streamers and moderators can unpin Hype Chat messages if necessary.

Concerns Raised

One aspect that has raised criticism is that streamers cannot opt out of Hype Chat if they do not desire to use the feature. Twitch aims to provide consistent monetization features to all streamers, even if some may prefer not to utilize Hype Chat.

This decision comes in the wake of the recent controversy surrounding Twitch's monetization policies.

Gizmodo reports that the introduction of the Partner Plus program, which offers a higher revenue split, has been met with mixed reactions, as only a small percentage of streamers meet the eligibility criteria.

Hype Chat operates under the same revenue split as the recently introduced Partner Plus program, with streamers receiving 70 percent of the amount viewers spend on Hype Chats, while Twitch retains a 30 percent cut.

The introduction of Hype Chat aims to generate more revenue for both streamers and Twitch itself, aligning with the platform's goal of supporting content creators.

This new feature brings Twitch in line with YouTube, which offers a similar feature called SuperChat. Hype Chat will complement existing monetization features on Twitch, such as Bits, Subs, and Gift Subs.

In Other News

We recently reported that Microsoft has chosen to raise the prices of its Xbox Series X and Xbox Game Pass in some areas. This is in response to the company's desire to change prices to "reflect the competitive conditions" of the market.

Microsoft's move to hike rates will take effect in August, except for a few areas.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.