Popular Hot Tub streamer on Twitch, Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa, who averages 10k viewers per stream was reportedly demonetized by Twitch. As per a Tweet by Amouranth herself, Twitch has removed the ability to run ads and earn ad revenue on her channel.
For streamers on Twitch, ad revenue is a big portion of their monthly income alongside revenues from other sources like subscriptions, promotions, etc. Losing a big source of income and being locked out of the ability to monetize such a big crowd through ads might spell trouble for her and other “Hot Tub” streamers alike.
Yesterday Amouranth tweeted out saying,
Yesterday I was informed that Twitch has Indefinitely Suspended Advertising on my channel. Twitch didn’t reach out in any way whatsoever. I had to initiate the conversation after noticing, without any prior warning, all the ads revenue had disappeared from my Channel Analytics
She said that this is an “ALARMING” precedent set by Twitch to target only specific channels and demonize them for content that “may not ostensibly break community guidelines or Terms of service.” Speaking further she said
This leaves open-ended the question of where the line is drawn. Many people complain about ToS being “unclear” but at least there’s something to go by. There is no known policy for what results in a streamer being put on this blacklist. With characteristic opacity, The only thing twitch made clear is that it is unclear whether or when my account can be reinstated.
Previously Twitch staff member, djWHEAT has said that there’s nothing inherently wrong with hot tub streams and Twitch isn’t looking to shut them down anytime soon. For those looking to block hot tub streams clicking the “Not interested” button would suffice and they won’t be seeing any more hot tub streams on the home page.
While Twitch had made their stance clear on such streams, demonetizing Amouranth’s channel suddenly without any communication or warnings suggests a sudden change of stand. The company may be willing to implement stricter action against such suggestive content and streams now after facing backlash from fans and media.
