How do you feel about Twitch's current Just Chatting "hot tub meta"?

[vatstep]

I had been considering making this thread for a while, but finally decided to do so after xQcOW (the current top streamer on the platform by some metrics) tweeted this today:

https://twitter.com/xQc/status/1384097608684109828

(Edit: Just to clarify, I don't care what xQc thinks and am not suggesting his opinion should be considered on this issue; I just used his tweet as an example of the building uproar from some of the most popular Twitch personalities and their supporters regarding this subject)

For those unfamiliar, here's a recent Kotaku article that explains it pretty well: https://kotaku.com/twitchs-hot-tub-meta-has-sparked-off-yet-another-debate-1846600932

Twitch trends come and go, but one thing remains constant: the endless debate around what women should be allowed to wear on the platform. Now it comes in a summery new flavor: hot tub streams. Recently, streamers have declared these broadcasts the new "meta," outraging the usual suspects—but also leading some female streamers to voice skepticism as well.

Hot tub streams are not entirely new—they came into vogue for a time last year, as well—but they really began to take off in March. The formula is simple: Streamers, clad in bathing suits, sit in hot tubs and chat with viewers. Some use full-blown, poolside hot tubs, but others who can't afford or don't have access to that level of luxury use a different kind of full-blown tub: the inflatable variety. Others parody hot tub streams with green screens and other things that are not actually hot tubs.

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Kotaku reached out to Twitch about the rules surrounding hot tub streams, and a Twitch spokesperson pointed to the company's policies around sexually suggestive content—and, more specifically, an exception for swimwear in the nudity and attire policy.

"Swimwear is permitted as long as it completely covers the genitals, and those who present as women must also cover their nipples," reads the policy. "Full coverage of buttocks is not required, but camera focus around them is still subject to our sexually suggestive content policy. Coverage must be fully opaque, even when wet. Sheer or partially see-through swimwear or other clothing does not constitute coverage."

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There's a portion of the community that is strongly against these streams, claiming that they're taking advantage of the platform and that it's not what Twitch is intended to be used for. People are allowed to voice their opinion of course, but as you can probably imagine much of that criticism comes in the form of harassment; if you join one of these streams and view the chat for a few minutes, you'll see a lot of derogatory and disrespectful things said. I'm sure someone will say "there's your first mistake, reading Twitch chat" but on a Just Chatting stream, that's kind of the point.

Personally, I don't have an issue with it. These streams aren't breaking the TOS. Women should be able to wear what they want and do what they want without being insulted and told that they belong on a porn site. And I'm sure Twitch doesn't mind the extra exposure, traffic, and revenue.

If you think there's no place on Twitch for these kinds of streams, where do you draw the line? Should Twitch be gaming only, with no IRL-focused streams at all? There's no nudity allowed, so it's not like it can be considered sexual content.

Mods, I think this thread belongs here since Twitch is primarily considered a gaming platform, but please move to EtcetEra if deemed more appropriate.

 

[Mik317]

get that money

 

[Slayven]

get that money

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.

 

[Salarians]

who cares also fuck xqc

 

[Platy]

There is a twitch channel dicated 24/7 of showing SHRIMPs in an aquarium.
And you will be instabanned if you mention that you like to eat shrimp

The rules are "bathwear when appropriate" so they are not breaking any rules =P
Why bother ?

 

[Kurita]

If people are willing to tune in, whatevs

 

[Meg Cherry]

Make the content people want to see. It's absurd, but so are Twitch's moderation standards.

 

[Okabe]

It's always been the hot tub meta though. This is nothing new for years now

 

[Kinthey]

I dislike that it's always about pretending that it's something it actually isn't and going through loopholes (I guess that's the "meta"?). Like hey, this channel is just about yoga or whatever. I'd prefer it if everything was just more straightforward about it.

 

[Cactuar]

As long as we eventually end up here I'm OK with it...

 

[Deleted member 5491]

twitch decided years ago to go from gaming only to streaming all kinds of stuff in general.
If it is allowed per their terms and people watch it and people wanna do it, where is the problem?
I know I wouldn't watch them and I know there might even a problem with minors spending way too much money, which needs
to be worked on but it doesn't make the streamers I watch less watchable or actually steals people watching them or even yorself.

And that this homophobic asshole of xqc, who just lost 2 million bot followers is now screaming around
and pointing at them. Well... AHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[Nabs]

If you click on one of them, your front page turns into a softcore cam site. It's weird. I do wonder how twitch will handle the onlyfans soliciting via messages/emails to followers. Twitch moderation is bottom tier, so this whole situation has been entertaining to say the least.

I'm always interested in seeing how creators can game the system. So keep at it until Twitch has to do something publicly.

 

[SoulsHunt]

If people are willing to watch a girl sleep and pay for her to sleep more, what do you want to add. Twitch is just a mess

 

[Mifec]

No one ought have an issue with it. Streams can be designated 18+ anyone. If people found an easy way to sell their stream and make money by being in a pool/hot tub/bath on stream then more power to them and I hope they can make a lot by doing it.

 

[Mahaveer RaGOATnatan]

get that money

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But sanctity of da vidya gaems?!

Its not my thing but if viewers are willing to pay them can't knock the hustle.

 

[Spinosaurus]

Good for them. Get that money.

 

[Transistor]

As long as it's clearly labeled and whatnot, why do people care?

 

[jdmc13]

I don't have a problem with it. If anything, it exposes a flaw in Twitch's non-gaming channels by having everything fall under "Just Chatting". This just exposes that the category needs to be split. Have like "Hot Tubs", "Cooking", "Clothing Try-Ons", "Hiking", "Dancing", "Singing", etc.

 

[AlexBasch]

So XQC yelling like a fucking idiot when he's losing at games is top tier Twitch content? Nah, let that people get that money.

 

[Nintendo]

I don't care but Twitch should have an option to tweak the recommended channels list and implement better content filtering.

 

[Kyra]

I respect the hustle. I do feel like there needs to be some more categories or something though.

 

[Uhyve]

What streamers do to make money is none of my business. That's between them and Twitch.

 

[Moara]

who cares

 

[Ferrio]

I don't fucking care, I can ignore it and it doesn't affect the streamers I watch.

 

[BlackheartVinyl]

Treating Twitch as anything but absurd really misses the point. Go for it.

 

[fallingedge]

Secure the bag.

If there is an audience for it and people are willing to pay, maximize those gains.

 

[Dice]

I don't care but Twitch should have an option to tweak the recommended channels list and implement better content filtering.

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Probably this. if it's mostly chicks batting their eyes and talking to thirsty fans, I don't wanna see it. But I 100% don't mind if others do and girls get their money (and guys too??). I'd be surprised if any company wants to pass up the chance to make extra scratch off this, so I doubt it's going away.

 

[KDC720]

I feel like it's basically the nature of the beast when it comes to being a streamer/content creator. You always have to be chasing the trends for the most part, whether that is dumb thumbnails, playing Among Us, or streaming in a hot tub.

 

[Twister]

If xQc hates it this much then I love it

 

[TheAbsolution]

get that money

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First post nails it.

 

[Truno]

I go on twitch every now and then to watch a few content creators I enjoy and have never encountered any 'hot tub' streamers. Don't see why people really care, especially high profile, multi-millionaire streamers who are doing their own thing

 

[Nintendo]

I don't have a problem with it. If anything, it exposes a flaw in Twitch's non-gaming channels by having everything fall under "Just Chatting". This just exposes that the category needs to be split. Have like "Hot Tubs", "Cooking", "Clothing Try-Ons", "Hiking", "Dancing", "Singing", etc.

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They do have several "IRL" categories like music, food, art, outdoors,..etc. but most streamers just use Just Chatting.

 

[GuitarGuruu]

I personally really don't think it belongs on Twitch, it's crossing the border between a camgirl site at times with these I saw Armoranth the other day for the first time doing this and was like wtf is Twitch turning into?

 

[Musubi]

Its fine with me. Go get that money.

 

[maximumzero]

I will never understand Twitch; I feel like such a geriatric.

 

[rochellepaws]

They're clearly popular so great for the streamers and those that enjoy that kind of thing.

But I'm a bit sus of the motivation behind those who want to ban something so harmless when they could just ignore it.

 

[Starlatine]

I don't like it, that's why i don't watch it.

And that's where all my relevance to it starts and end.

 

[Ubik]

I can't remember the last time I visited the front page of Twitch and someone was actually playing a game. It's always some just chatting thing about something other than video games or really bad music. I would take a hot tub stream on front page over any of those things to be honest.

 

[Border]

Don't care about the hot tubs right now. I just hope that one day the trend becomes a tub full of chocolate pudding. Custard would be acceptable too I suppose.

 

[plastic love]

get that money

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^

Always reminds me of those that mock modern art by saying "I could have done that!"
But you didn't, though?

 

[EagleClaw]

I understand if twitch, or even streamers, want to broaden the audience or content.
They are big in gaming, and real life things are also a thing on there.

Kinda like youtube is big in real life things, but there is also gaming.

Wouldn't be content for me, but i have nothing against it.

 

[KillLaCam]

Just chatting has always been trash

 

[Kingpin Rogers]

I'm probably not gonna watch it for long but I don't care in the slightest it's happening. 99% of the categories on Twitch don't interest me, I'm used to it.

 

[Crossing Eden]

Who is hurt by this in anyway shape or form?

 

[NeonCarbon]

I dislike it, just bending the rules, and doesn't give a great impression to people I know who don't watch twitch much.

I do like the variety IRL steams though, like cooking, coding etc.

 

[Zuko]

Who cares? Like just let people do their thing. They aren't hurting anyone and if you don't like it, keep scrolling.

 

[Coolluck]

I'm of two minds I guess? I can see why some parents would have a problem with it but also, there's loads of content you probably don't want your child to see. Do a better job moderating what they're allowed to view. Also, it's so tame compared to so much of the internet. Don't be a prude.

 

[Xbox Live Mike]

Maybe I'm getting old but I voted "This content doesn't belong on Twitch". I think as long as it's not marketed toward kids it should be ok but I feel Twitch has a hard time controlling the content and messaging on the platform; sometimes taking to long to act.

 

[gogosox82]

if it gets views who cares. they aren't breaking any rules.

 

[atomsk eater]

If they're following the TOS then *shrug*. There's always people complaining about what women do or wear on the platform even when they're well within guidelines, and when there are thousands of other channels they can be watching if they dislike that particular content so much.