Twitch’s Creator Crackdown

CREATOR NEWSLETTER

Issue #290 | Nov. 14, 2024

If there’s one thing that Kai Cenat’s recent subathon has made clear, it’s that he is the top streamer on the internet right now. Earlier this week, he broke the record for most subs ever on Twitch and was recently nominated for five Streamer Awards, an award show that recognizes the top content creators in the industry. His subathon was more than just another online event, it was a cultural moment that cemented Twitch as a powerful place to build audiences.

But just as more small and mid-level creators are leaning into Twitch, hoping to replicate Cenat’s success, a wave of demonetization has hit the platform. This month, Twitch introduced a new classification label specifically for streams focused on “politics and sensitive social issues.”

The update requires creators to mark content that delves into subjects like civic engagement or civil rights, and restricts ad monetization on those videos. “It’s our version of the Adpocalypse,” said Austin MacNamara, a Twitch streamer in New Orleans who has seen his earnings plummet since the policy change. MacNamara said that he used to make up to $180 per stream, but since the restrictions went into place, he is now making around 50 cents.

Twitch’s decision to institute these monetization restrictions significantly harms creators who discuss anything that could be perceived as political, right at a time when interest in livestreaming is growing. During his subathon, Cenat said that Kick, a controversial competitor to Twitch, offered him $60 million to switch platforms. He prayed to God and ultimately declined the offer. 

But if Twitch continues the aggressive crackdowns on up and coming creators, a growing number of creators will be looking elsewhere.

– Taylor Lorenz, Passionfruit Contributor

PLATFORMS

Will President Trump Save TikTok?

The long and confusing road to a potential TikTok ban. 

By Lon Harris, Passionfruit Contributor

Donald Trump and Tiktok logo

→ READ THE FULL STORY

Clear Out the Moment Warehouse Before Black Friday

Psst…right before Black Friday is a low key awesome way to scoop professional gear at a discount, so this week we’d like to direct your attention to deeply discounted cameras, drones, accessories, and everything else in the Moment Warehouse. Use code Holiday25 for 25% off your whole order over $250.

Shop the Moment Warehouse

IN THE BIZ

PLATFORMS

Spotify Is Making a Major Play for Video Podcasts With the Spotify Partner Program and New Video Features

Spotify is coming for YouTube’s video podcast crown.

By John-Michael Bond, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

spotify for creators - featured image showcasing the new clip upload feature

TIPS & TRICKS

How to not get demonetized on YouTube

How Not to Get Demonetized on YouTube

Here’s how to protect your channel from YouTube’s content cops.

By merritt k, Passionfruit Contributor

READ THE FULL STORY →

JOB BOARD

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

For Passionfruit’s “Reactorverse” podcast, a friend of the show, Kristian Harloff, sits down to chat about his decade-plus career working on YouTube for companies and himself. ▶️

Kristian co-founded the Movie Trivia Schmoedown, became a main host for Collider, and navigated a handful of solo endeavors that have led him to his current status as an independent creator. 👀

Copyright © 2024 Passionfruit, All rights reserved.

You are receiving this email because you signed up to get the latest tips, tricks,
and trends in the creator economy from Passionfruit.

Have an idea for our next big story or want to get featured? Email us at tips@passionfru.it

Don’t want to hear from us anymore?
Click here to unsubscribe 

To view in your browser click here 

Content for Creators.

News, tips, and tricks delivered to your inbox twice a week.

Newsletter Signup

Latest Newsletters

  • Fake News: Influencers Didn’t Kill Journalism. Wall Street Did. 

    Fake News: Influencers Didn’t Kill Journalism. Wall Street Did. 

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #208 | February 1, 2024 Two weeks ago, the 30-year-old music news and review site Pitchfork was folded unceremoniously into GQ, gutting its staff. Conde Nast, the parent company of GQ, which acquired the venerated music site in 2015 — had its chief content officer Anna Wintour announce the layoffs during a…

    By

    Drew Grant

  • Even the Top 4% of Creators Want a Union

    Even the Top 4% of Creators Want a Union

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #207 | January 30, 2024 Tomorrow morning, creator commerce platform Kajabi is releasing a new study examining 2,000+ high-earning creators across the world who make over $100,000 per year. The study covers some of the various “strategies, behaviors, mindsets, and demographics” that set six-figure-earning creators apart from the rest of the crowd.…

    By

    Grace Stanley

  • Do We Need a Reverse Adpocalypse?

    Do We Need a Reverse Adpocalypse?

    CREATOR NEWSLETTER Issue #206 | January 25, 2024 Deja-tube: no, it’s not the weird feeling one gets while watching Doja Cat’s “Demons” video. It’s the uncanny sensation after seeing a YouTube ad in clear, flagrant defiance of the platform’s policies show up on one channel and suddenly seeing it everywhere.  Whether it’s fleshlights, celebrity AI-generated…

    By

    Drew Grant