Twitch’s Controversial ‘Boost’ Feature Lets Viewers Pay To Spotlight Streamers

Pay per view?

Streaming service Twitch is under fire from streamers and viewers after unveiling a new “Boost” program that will allow members of the public to pay real money to ensure the streamers they love get a hit spotlight on the front page of Twitch.

Here’s how it works: If a viewer watches a streamer and chooses to do so, they can purchase a ‘Boost’ which will then highlight the streamer in question, which will give them a front page promotion for another Twitch user. Boosts will only be available for purchase during specific 10-minute windows, during which viewers can purchase as many Boosts as they want. All the money spent on Boost goes directly to the Twitch platform.

“We think this is a great way to show our support,” said Jacob Rosok, Twitch Project Manager, (as transcribed by VGC). “We have heard directly from the creators that it is difficult to get their name known. It is difficult to try to use different forms of social media to develop their channels, and we hope that [this will be] a more direct way for a viewer to help a creator do this. It’s no secret that viewers are there to support their creators, and we believe paying to help a creator grow their community will be worth it for their followers.

However, not all Twitch users see the bright side with a lot to take To social media To quickly the voice their concerns more the new regime. The upheaval comes from the potential exploitation of the system, with viewers worried that wealthy streamers would simply have their friends stock up on proxy Boosts – strafing self-promotion and creating an environment that critics describe as “Pay.” -to-Win ”. Some users also disagree with what they see as blatant monetization by Twitch, with viewers claiming the system will simply allow richer streamers to get even richer, rather than promoting those struggling to build up. an educational audience.

The “Boost” functionality is currently tested on site via selected channels.