What You Can't Say On Twitch! Terms Of Service Explained!

Unless you enjoy the occasional forced holiday also known as a Twitch ban its important to learn the dos and don'ts of the streaming platform and which topics, statements, and words you should best avoid.
Today we walk you through what you can't say on Twitch! and explain the Twitch Terms of Service!
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What does Twitch define as offensive speech?
According to the Twitch Terms of Service Offensive speech is defined by words and conversations that promote or encourage discrimination.
Harassment or violent speech is based on the following:
- ethnicity or race
- religious beliefs
- gender
- gender identity
Other bannable offenses include abuse against people due to their medical conditions, disabilities, physical characteristics, age, or veteran status.
Simply put, any slurs that could be perceived as an attack on a particular group are a definite no go. Depending on the severity it could result in a temporary ban or in some cases a permanent ban from the platform.
🕘Timestamps:
0:00 Video Start!
0:15 - Introduction
0:37 - Knowing the Rules of Twitch
0:49 - What does Twitch define as offensive speech?
1:27 - Do these rules apply to people on voice coms?
2:00 - Can I swear on Twitch?
2:30 - How to ban words on Twitch chat?
3:30 - Can I be banned on Twitch for jokes about threats, doxxing, or scams?
4:00 - Can I be banned for trolling in-game on Twitch?
4:50 - Brand building and swearing on Twitch
5:40 - Can I be banned on Twitch for my discord server?
How to Ban Certain Words In Twitch Chat
Step 1: From your channel settings, click “Moderation” on the menu on the left-hand side.
Step 2: Select “Blocked Terms and Phrases.”
Step 3: Set up words and phrases which will automatically be blocked in chat. Make sure to include similar and misspellings of the words as well.
Your mods will also be able to easily ban words using Twitch’s Mod View.
Additionally, you can customize a Twitch chatbot to help moderate your chat. Taking these steps upfront can prevent a lot of spammy trolling which will ensure that you and your community continue to have a good time.
The style of this video is similar to Alpha Gaming and Gaming Careers in parts. A large influence on this series has come from content creators like Wild4games and Nutty.
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#twitch #ToS #bans

[@StreamScheme]

I'm not actually a twitch staff member it was a joke, but seriously George you're doing great, keep it up! Timestamps, guides, and more in the description and below! If you want to join our tiny but growing community check out our other content: bit.ly/JoinTheStreamScheme 🕘Timestamps: 0:15 - Introduction 0:37 - Knowing the Rules of Twitch 0:49 - What does Twitch define as offensive speech? 1:27 - Do these rules apply to people on voice coms? 2:00 - Can I swear on Twitch? 2:30 - How to ban words on Twitch chat? 3:30 - Can I be banned on Twitch for jokes about threats, doxxing, or scams? 4:00 - Can I be banned for trolling in-game on Twitch? 4:50 - Brand building and swearing on Twitch 5:40 - Can I be banned on Twitch for my discord server?

[@jojileonhart]

Thank you

[@glindiesel2916]

Thanks

[@lughtube5596]

This guy: If you’re a Minecraft stream you might want to think about whether you’re going to swear TommyInnit: FUUUUCCKKKKK!

[@StreamScheme]

Always outliers but I also forgot kids love hearing people swear, I was thinking more from the demographics and how to talk to keep them sort’ve thing.

[@lughtube5596]

@@StreamScheme yeah, obviously these things aren’t cut and clean. I wanna make it clear that I wasn’t criticising your points at all. This video was very useful for me. TommyInnit just popped into my head as you said that and I thought it was pretty funny is all

[@cryptic2694]

@@StreamScheme fortnite is worse

[@Xm_gamerX]

@@StreamScheme twitch has a do not ban list that if you get there you well never get banned so the problem is that people think swar words are banned, and its not 100% correct cus the do not ban list people can basically do anything, they go whitout any consequences , HELL there is that bathtub streamer girl who does s*x ERP on twitch and only gets 1 week suspension..... :/

[@JDogee]

Did anyone else read fuuuucckkkk in Tommy’s voice XD

[@BWork]

I don't know what I got myself into, binge watching these videos when I should be asleep lol

[@StreamScheme]

Hahaha they'll still be here tomorrow, and a new video will be out as well!

[@BWork]

@@StreamScheme you're right lol

[@BWork]

@The Unknown Narwhal I'm so glad I'm not the only one lol

[@featherman209]

Ya are a Minecraft player cause i feel same

[@mcmadness8384]

Same

[@TuckOfIron]

"I'm an Australian, so..." Me: He drops the C bomb as a term of endearment. I love this man.

[@treather2902]

LOL

[@star_shot]

im australian can confirm

[@Pa1nt.]

@@star_shot same

[@OMGkawaiiAngel-chan]

I personally am in Tassie and not Aussie so the word isn't used as often, but yes, it's a nice word to use on people, it's like buddy!

[@star_shot]

@@OMGkawaiiAngel-chan can completely agree

[@souleaterevans4589]

Don't forget that you can set certain words & phrases to "public" or "private" visibility. Public just means the mods you select can also see the word when viewing your banned phrases list. A private word/phrase is convenient if you have something personal you don't want in chat (name, phrase, etc.), but that you don't want to disclose to every person you mod as something that affects you.

[@Narzioth]

Great point on being careful about what other people are saying on your stream. I hadn't considered that before.

[@StreamScheme]

It's easy to forget!

[@TSMSnation]

You'll get punished for it either way

[@HeyItsProphecy]

1:27 - I honestly never once thought about this and it's so obvious. Thank you for the reminder! You absolutely do need to be careful who you add into voice coms while streaming.

[@lazulimazee]

This is extremely helpful for when I make a twitch account, recently I deleted mine because I reread the ToS and found I'm too young to be on there. So when I am old enough and need an actual human translating the sometimes confusing ToS I know where to check back. :D

[@StreamScheme]

Glad it helped!

[@oscarg421]

Best of luck to all you fellow streamers.😎 I thought I’d say this in case any of us needed to hear this. You will all do great! I myself barely get 2-3 viewers right now and even then I’m just happy making content that can hopefully make others happy 😊 From some streamer to another, Good luck and stay posted 😁👍

[@greyskull314]

Definitely appreciated 💪💯

[@Hemuset]

Aw appreciate it :) yeah I just like helping people relax, and cheer up. Best of luck to you too!

[@JustSomeDudeManBro]

Best of luck to you my fellow streamer

[@malevolentseth]

I have been doing a fair amount of research on streaming on twitch, and I have found out that I can stop that, and just watch all of your videos. All your videos are informative and extremely easy to follow, for once I am not getting bored watching someone explain something. Thank you for the amazing videos!

[@gsmith020]

Good info, didn’t search but always enjoy watching your videos when they pop up

[@jameswright5627]

Hey friend, great video, everyone needs to watch this whether they are a streamer or viewer. Please keep up the fabulous work. We need more of this type of content on all platforms.

[@briana3536]

As someone brand new to learning about streaming this is really valuable. Thank you for taking the time to make it! Who wants to put all this work in to get slapped with a ban because you can’t watch your mouth?

[@StreamScheme]

Glad it helped! Working hard to make resources for every situation that streamers might need help with! Good luck!

[@SRGT007]

Thank you so much for this amazing content! Greatly helped!💪🏼

[@RussellODingus]

Subscribed because you are so helpful. Thanks for helping me get started!

[@M4XD4B0ZZ]

Wow not only is the video really good but you actually provide extremely helpful comments here. Highly appreciated!

[@StreamScheme]

Glad it helped! good luck!

[@79Rambo]

Omg ty! Ive been so confused about the do's and dont's and the terms of service

[@avramnovorra]

I dont know if ill ever break into streaming, but i sure as hell find this extremely useful... thank you for uploading this🤙🤙

[@MsChronicChronicles]

Great to find your stream

[@juixe3338]

Very professional You’ll see me here again

[@StreamScheme]

Glad it helped! Let me know if you want videos on particular topics!

[@juixe3338]

Stream Scheme I would be interested in sub badges since I’m close to being affiliated

[@StreamScheme]

@@juixe3338 I have a video on creating your own emotes coming out soon, it's close but leave me with Sub Badges, that's a tougher one!

[@toprogress]

Thank you for this video! I learnt a few things I didn't know.

[@deadman3092]

These have helped me so much on twitch thank you so much I'm glad I found these

[@gabrieldixon1993]

Huge appreciation for this vid, love the depth to ur vids keep it up!

[@StreamScheme]

Glad you like them! :)

[@WardW81]

Early to streaming myself 😅 thank you for straightening this out my friend

[@Matt_Drifts]

You have helped me improve my own content so much scheme your awesome bro 😎

[@CasualGamerNoob]

Thank you I've been learning a lot from you! 🙏

[@MissAnarchyk]

Thx! I find your videos very helpful

[@george.blasingame]

Thanks! Glad you noticed.

[@kiksgaming2685]

This helped a lot! Thanks!

[@piperdiab2872]

This is amazing this will help so much!

[@gaijoquasesao5837]

Good job mate! Thank you!

[@onlygreenvods9642]

great content always!

[@bignickreacts]

Starting new as a twitch streamer is completely different to being a youtuber. I've learnt that 🤣 but getting advice from other youtubers I have to say your the best for advice you cover everything. Many thanks 😁✌️

[@Samantha-jj9pc]

I’m not sure if you have covered this, but what about super basics for starting to stream? Like screen placement, loading screen, emojis for subs etc. I could use some help! 😊

[@g2mn239]

Great Video Once Again, I am definetly going to check out all your videos. Keep up the great content. Very Helpful.

[@StreamScheme]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Jackandfn]

This helped I watched this well thanks for the help

[@Yummeosbada]

Stupid that other people saying something on stream makes you responsible for it. Basically makes game chat too risky

[@StreamScheme]

It absolutely makes game chat too risky, whether its a stupid rule or not sadly it's just how it has to go!

[@M4XD4B0ZZ]

@@StreamScheme how about a stranger (opponent in a game) screams all the bad words in voice chat?

[@StreamScheme]

@@M4XD4B0ZZ Twitch says turn off voice chat so it doesn't happen.

[@M4XD4B0ZZ]

@@StreamScheme thanks for the fast reply, appreciate it

[@Luka1180]

@@StreamScheme It's unacceptable, especially on a professional level. Twitch should be ashamed of themselves.

[@elf_prince_aefion]

Hi, I'm also from Australia, watching your stuff is pretty helpful, I'll be streaming for charity some time so yeah I'll check out your other vids! :D

[@thomaswilson2552]

I stream told my mate about what that can and can't say thay didnt believe me and thay said the n bomb and I got suspended for 2 weeks and this video backs me up really helpful vid man keep it up

[@StreamScheme]

It's a shame he didn't believe or trust you, not much of a "mate"

[@StardustBlazer]

Helpful video indeed and there's quite a lot of people who barely can talk without using the *"F bomb or most profanity"* without stuttering like a mad man.

[@rutystewart]

Love these videos - so helpful

[@StreamScheme]

I’m glad! :)

[@christinaapha]

Thank you so much! You’re a life saver!

[@StreamScheme]

Happy to help!

[@SUPESKI]

I normally watch these on Sunday to play catch up with what I’m doing wrong but slowly and surely I’m growing this past month. Up to 11 followers 🔥🔥 love the videos.

[@321mzzz123]

0:44 that "shh" was the worst thing I saw this day other than that, thank you for your explanation! this is helpful

[@AshTheDuke]

thanks for this

[@x_d3bug_x]

This is a good video. Every streamer should watch this .

[@Ultimater20]

This is very helpful cuz I want to stream and thanks to this, I can be careful with my words and I'll tell my friends to don't say the bannable words so that I don't get banned

[@JohnnyBeane]

Great advice! I don't swear on my streams but others do. Some people don't like it but it seems most of my audience doesn't mind it.

[@JohnnyBeane]

@Tech Junior Yeah it seems like no biggie. I play GTA on Twitch and the swearing within the game it self is crazy!! LOL!!!

[@desmondtraudt5053]

this was helpful

[@MothaAlienz]

Thank you 😊🙌💕✨

[@smaugbr]

Thanks again, pal! ^_^

[@sahajpatel9003]

Thank you!

[@StreamScheme]

Hope it helps!

[@hdawgchills6491]

Great video, this is mostly common sense but its good to have this!

[@StreamScheme]

Glad I could help!

[@jmowinchestergamer4life158]

I am not a Facebook fan, I'm always watching what I say on stream and I don't like to offend anyone and I like to keep to twitch's guidelines thanks for the tips Eljay it is also awesome that it's an aussie helping me be a better streamer/content creator Thank You !!!

[@MichaelPorcayo]

Yeeees I've been looking for something like this

[@StreamScheme]

Hope it helped!

[@zu3167]

this ^^^^ is an extremely important and helpful video

[@StreamScheme]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck streaming!

[@marleyman5914]

I just started streaming so this is gonna be helpful

[@Fazushi]

This video is an absolute necessity

[@StreamScheme]

[@evanverbinnen362]

Yea

[@blackplatypus3995]

That’s so true

[@jdmking4776]

@@StreamScheme Can you be banned for playing a somewhat offensive game? I want to stream pokemon Clover but I'm worried it will get me banned. It doesn't have anything nudity related but, it does have some offensive content.

[@StreamScheme]

@@jdmking4776 Yes if a game breaks Twitch Terms of service you can be banned, I'd recommend reviewing how intense the content in the game is and if it breaks any particular rules.

[@Got_Trix]

Very nice

[@tretv6190]

This is very helpful Getting someone banned that I didn’t know

[@JaxAnime]

Another great tip... ALWAYS Check the links or recommendations your viewers send you in before showing it on stream (speaking out of personal experience here that got me suspended for 2 weeks) - though it actually helped me grow because a lot of other streamers from the german anime twitch community kept mentioning me BUT did I really wanted to be known as the H-tai guy among the streamer community? - nope?! xD Gladly nothing to bad came out of that screw up but please double check everything your viewers send you in before displaying it on stream!

[@kristinasgalaxy956]

Thank you so much for all of your videos. I'm a little girl who dreams of becoming a minecraft streamer. Your videos will be very helpful for not just me, but many other people to follow their dream.

[@vesuvius115]

I play with random of up to 30 people or more it's a bit difficult to handle people on what they say. But I try to moderate it all. I wish they added a mute all feature to games like SCP SL, the game I mainly stream

[@Scorpxs_Side]

I’m an unpopular twitch streamer and this helped me a lot, thanks 😊

[@blunttlynxx1973]

What’s ur twitch handle. Let’s change that

[@samuraikirby]

You got twitch too what is it?

[@Scorpxs_Side]

@@samuraikirby its wildestmelody

[@khederkhedro5838]

My baby cat Aisha was watching you so attentively that I think the next time I need to check whether my behavior is in line with Twitch streaming guidelines I should talk to her. D:

[@lookoutbehindu0]

man i watch one this mans videos and now im addicted idk what to do anymore

[@StreamScheme]

Come watch me stream as well ;) Nah, I am really glad you are liking the videos, I appreciate it! Hope they help!

[@lookoutbehindu0]

@@StreamScheme what games you stream?

[@StreamScheme]

@@lookoutbehindu0 All sorts, I'm a variety streamer but often I start most nights with some just chatting and then move into something else. Doing Phasmaphobia tonight, just finished a challenge mode Pokemon Ruby run, every Saturday is either community night with jackbox or Sweaty Saturday where I play dark souls and such. Jumping into some more stuff next week that should be chill as well.

[@lookoutbehindu0]

@@StreamScheme that sounds great what’s your stream name so I can drop a follow rq

[@StreamScheme]

@@lookoutbehindu0 eljayem_ and it's also in the description of the video if you want to click a link, I go live in an hour and twenty minutes from now.

[@jdnosensei8370]

seen you were apart of the drip squad

[@kingdrewxi3135]

I have a potty mouth thank you for making this haha

[@mekuzito1854]

Question. What if I am playing an online multiplayer game and the people say words such as the n-word?

[@GuruGriffinsky]

I'm being harassed by someone who's making entire videos on his twitch channel about me But he didn't break any of those rules except giving out information that I do not want out there what do I do?

[@StreamScheme]

You can report them for doxxing you and releasing information on Twitch to Twitch. If you are in serious harm or danger, you can also contact them asking to stop and if they refuse, keep that for record, and take that to Twitch as well as the authorities to ask for help. Otherwise you just have to do your best to move on and stay safe.

[@Asiandiskool]

twitch really likes to go overboard with their rules. I.e. gamechat on your stream that you have no control over and your discord server that isnt even owned by twitch. They need to chill tf out with their overreaching

[@JJtoob]

Most of the time they won’t do anything about it. They only step in if for whatever reason the incident goes viral (or someone manually reports it) because then they’ll be forced to take a stance. They do this with a lot of stuff they don’t normally enforce just so you don’t complain on the rare occasion they actually have to enforce a rule. This is part of what leads into them being inconsistent at moderating, because they likely couldn’t possibly moderate everything happening on their site.

[@aprilzoe_4494]

They really do lmaooo bruh I joked in my friends chat ( I’m a mod) I put my Rick is hard I even spelled d!ck wrong lol. Mind you I’m a mod and I’m a girl when I tried to appeal they said It was unsolicited sexual advances so in other words ima SO to twitch now lmao

[@Gaming_Jassiee]

Hi there! I am a small streamer on twitch and wanted to ask if you have any tips por me? Ps. I have watched most of your video's 🙈

[@jonathanbarry958]

good video, i thought you were theoatrix at first lol

[@The_Matrix_I_Am]

If it is set to public will I be able to see it? and will it show up on my stream if I have a widget on?

[@MysticNinjaSoul]

I have to agree with you on the doxxing. Person got my info from my discord during a heating argument, and then got my real name from my Instagram and then started making usernames with my information and saying it in my chat. The instagram one I didnt know that when it merged with FB it put your real name in your bio. I told Twitch, they did nothing.

[@StreamScheme]

Good to be safe, I also think avoiding arguments goes a long way in general to avoid trolls or awful people.

[@MysticNinjaSoul]

@@StreamScheme yeah that is true, it started on discord before i was live for the night, and they started doxxing me after.

[@Weirdomanification]

Daaang, I hate it when people dox me over a heating argument. I say I prefer wood stoves, they mention that they prefer gas, and it all goes downhill from there.

[@StreamScheme]

@@Weirdomanification hahahahaha

[@MysticNinjaSoul]

Lol damn autocorrect it was supposed to be heated not heating

[@snowhitechristmas]

Is there any other streaming platform besides KZbin and Twitch?

[@icyhot8474]

I got banned while I was play a game and running twitch on the background. Can you explain why they ban me even though I did not type anything on there?

[@anastazievondrkova1791]

amazinggg

[@Eyezik16]

Hit the sub button because you help a lot and put in a lot of effort! Keep it up!

[@George-tm8hs]

0:33 thanks mate

[@wxzle]

This would have been nice to know

[@lolol4269]

What happened?

[@mateotellez3639]

What if your in a public game and someone in the enemy team says a word that could get you in trouble. Will it still count?

[@channelunknown5060]

I can’t stream at all, as my video won’t play, but audio works really well. I have no clue why, but I have a good computer (built in 2016 DIY, and done well). How do I fix the video?

[@exodizer6376]

4:37 I have two more tips Before I get to that tho THERE IS A STUPID FLY IN THE ROOM THAT I NEED TO KILL FIRST

[@jennifercoolidgeislife6760]

Is my keyblade replica bannable ?Someone said can have anything perceived as a weapon

[@ashdoddofficial]

Hey man, wondering how convert unique viewers into people who stick around? I don't get a chance to talk to them because I don't know they're there until they leave, how can I capture their attention? I recently got affiliate and am trying to grow more

[@angelomc6632]

keep talking as if you always have an audience. If you always assume or see that you have nobody watching then it will show, and then actual viewers who pop in will see that you arent talking and then leave. This channel has a bunch of other helpful videos about that! So dig around :)

[@Elle50510]

What if you’re streaming, and someone else joins you and they are also streaming, says a slur or something against TOS, would you also be banned for it or would only the other person be banned?

[@evab0beva]

i’m not completely sure, but i think they’ll look it over and the other person would eventually get banned or suspended. you might get suspended for a bit but if you act immediately and get them out of the VC, you should be in the clear. i’m not an expert but if they ban your for someone else’s stream language, that shouldn’t be fair especially if it was out of character for them. this is just what i think, i’m not 100% sure though.

[@eminempreg]

Tbh I doubt I'd ever get suspended or banned cuz I'm a pretty wholesome person (I know wow thank you for the applause) but tbh it's good to know just incase. I have a habit of accidentally going into TedTalk mode on serious topics that get me heated and I dont wanna break the rules during a small rant

[@StreamScheme]

Probably for the best to be informed either way!

[@Timithos]

Wholesome people are definitely being banned these days.

[@Krakyy]

A wholesome person wouldnt call themselved wholesome...

[@inkmuste]

does it count as a threat if the context isnt bad like "follow or ill throw a pie to your face" (also in a slightly sarcastic tone)

[@AyeWXRLD]

I wanna know how to set up buts cuz I’m almost to that point and how they work

[@memoriaIized]

My mate was streaming and I didn't know and got killed in a game and popped of saying the f bomb and the c word and now he doesn't let me go in voice chat with him

[@StreamScheme]

While those won't get someone banned, a lot of people refrain from swearing to avoid isolating audiences.

[@PurpleRhino-hk3xk]

What's the policy/policies on talking about drugs? I understand you're not allowed to do any drugs on stream unless its legal.

[@StreamScheme]

That is a tricky question, Terms of service uses the term "Self-Destructive Behaviour" when referencing drugs. It says that any action that could endanger your life or others is against terms of service. This includes excessive drinking, and drug taking. Which could really mean that encouraging illegal drug use, or admitting to illegal drug use could be in trouble. Some streamers who live in countries or states where marijuana is legal do smoke on stream, however they need to write and make it very clear they are in a legal state or it could lead to a ban from staff members who are unsure. With all of this in mind, I'd say it is all about your phrasing and how you paint drugs. If you are encouraging them, you will most likely be in trouble. If you are discussing how to quit, and it is clearly a help stream then I'd say you're fine. Better safe than sorry on these topics with Twitch.

[@__yt9081]

Does KZbin allow More then twitch ? I just recently switched from KZbin to Twitch.

[@noam15A]

Can you say banned words in foreign languages?

[@FodoFragancias]

F***ing great advise ! 😂😂😂😂

[@StreamScheme]

Hahaha there isn't much other than "Don't be a douche" for this video

[@FodoFragancias]

@@StreamScheme true that !!! I Forgot to ask you bro , how about , people that drinks and smoke in streams , is it something that can get you banned ?

[@GameOverAFK1]

What if you delete the video before you end stream do still get in trouble for saying wrong word or phrase

[@Jaypeemedia]

What about stuff like "that scene" in Last of Us 2 or stuff drawn genitals when people play Jackbox Party Pack? I had a friend playing who kept drawing stuff like "bellend Barry" which while we all thought it was highly amusing.. I couldn't figure out if it was against ToS.. I do have the stream set to "mature audiences" but still

[@taniawilson8825]

I would like to know as well

[@scottwoods2390]

What’’s you thoughts on this Steam

[@har1sfnbr34]

Does deleting stream avoid getting ban bc my friend is dumb and he said nbomb

[@jacquegusto4038]

Will you get penalized if youre in a game lobby and someone youre not associated with says something bannable?