The Twitch platform is not a perfect ecosystem, by any means. While a lot of attention is spent on Twitch streamers, particularly regarding streamers' relationship with Twitch itself, Twitch users also struggle with a variety of problems. Whether it's dealing with inappropriate content from a streamer, harassment, or appealing an unfair ban from Twitch, users have struggled with the platform and often feel voiceless in their criticism. Twitch is working to respond, however, with reworks of two key user-facing features -- reporting and appeals.Starting next week, Twitch will be updating its website with a new reporting process for Twitch users. The new reporting functionality will have significantly more depth than the prior system and will be useable in more ways, whether it's for reporting live content, clips, VODs, or otherwise. Reporting menus will allow Twitch users to find exactly what the issue is, ensuring that the report gets to the right people at Twitch and allows for users to explain problems in detail. The new feature will roll out to users over the next several months, so it may not show up for users for some time yet.The second major change coming to Twitch is a new portal for appeals. Accounts that may have been suspended for reasons Twitch users think are incorrect or overly severe now have a way to properly share their perspectives. Not only is the process streamlined and more transparent, providing updates regarding Twitch ban and appeal statuses, but it's become more efficient so that Twitch employees can respond to appeals faster.
Twitch describes the new changes coming to its platform as necessary to help ensure that interactions with Twitch employees are "as frictionless as possible." Twitch explains that it wants everyone on the platform to have a safe experience, and as such, wants to enforce its Community Guidelines consistently and fairly. The two changes are in service of that goal.
As substantial and necessary as these two features updates are for Twitch, they are just a part of the platform's continued effort to improve for streamers, users, and employees. While Twitch isn't announcing any future plans at this time, it does confirm that it's going to continue exploring new ways to be transparent and informative with regard to enforcement. Expect updates on that as Twitch is ready to share.
Obviously, these updates won't provide any major changes to the Twitch platform that users will interact with on a regular basis. But having these features available, a more robust reporting system, and a simpler and more transparent platform for appeals, when users need them is key to building trust and confidence going forward. It is a step in the right direction for Twitch.