Twitch Response To VTuber Tag

Twitch responded to concerns about non-virtual streamers utilizing the ‘VTuber’ tag by stating that they would handle the issue “later this year.” 

Twitch is a treasure trove of content. The purple streaming network has something for everyone, from globetrotting IRL streams to game programs with celebrity guests and more. The VTuber community has also taken up residence on the site in a big way, creating supportive groups and amassing a massive following. VTubers are streamers who represent themselves with virtual, anime-style avatars. This is made possible by motion tracking technology, which allows broadcasters to engage with their viewers in a unique way.

Some VTubers were alarmed earlier this month when they discovered that non-virtual streamers were utilizing the VTuber tag on Twitch. Tags on the platform help users to find content that they especially want to watch — however in this case, viewers looking for VTubers were confronted with massive streamers like xQc and Amouranth, who broadcasted with both the VTuber and ASMR tags.

Marina, an English VTuber, took matters into her own hands and notified Twitch about the situation. 

The site’s answer, however, was not quite what she had hoped for. In response to her concerns, a Twitch administrator stated that while the company recognizes the need of proper tagging, they “do not feel Twitch should be the judge of Creators’ personal or creative identity.” 

The admin wrote, “We typically only enforce the misuse of tags when it is associated with other behavior that violates our Community Guidelines, such as hateful conduct or harassment.”

Marina took to Twitter to share a screenshot of the interaction, adding, “‘Later this year’ is unacceptable. We need action NOW.” 

Marina and the community have received support from a slew of other VTubers and fans, although other large streamers remain unconcerned with the situation. xQc and Sodapoppin, for example, both disregarded the indignation over the usage of VTuber tags, with xQc saying, “The reality is, nobody should give a f**k. If you’re mad, you are the only person who cares.”