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How to Add a !Lurk Command on Twitch

The !lurk command is one of the most commonly used commands on Twitch. And surprisingly, it is an extremely easy command to add to your stream. 

How to Add a !Lurk Command on Twitch

  1. Open up your streaming software and then open up the bot that you are using. For example, open Cloudbot if you are using Streamlabs.
  2. Make sure your bot is enabled and is properly modded on your channel. If it is not, go to your chat and type /mod followed by your bot i.e. /mod Streamlabs or /mod Nightbot and then click ENTER.
  3. Go back to your bot and click on the “Commands” tab and then click on the “Add Command” button if on Streamlabs. For Nightbot you would click “Commands” > “Custom” > “Add Command”.
  4. In the “Command “ section type in !lurk and then type in what you want the response to be.
  5. Make any other changes you need such as who can use the command and how often. 
  6. Now click “Confirm” and it will save and will be ready to use by those in your chat. 

If you still need some help I have provided images below of me setting up the !lurk command on my stream using Streamlabs Prime.

As you may already know I use Streamlabs Prime because I find it to be the easiest streaming software to use. If you want to learn more about Streamlabs Prime you can check it out here.

Here are images to help walk you through the process of setting up a !lurk command.

Open up your streaming software and then open up the bot that you are using. For example, open Cloudbot if you are using Streamlabs.

Open Cloudbot

Make sure your bot is enabled and is properly modded on your channel. If it is not, go to your chat and type /mod followed by your bot i.e. /mod Streamlabs or /mod Nightbot and then click ENTER.

Mod Your Bot

Go back to your bot and click on the “Commands” tab and then click on the “Add Command” button if on Streamlabs. For Nightbot you would click “Commands” > “Custom” > “Add Command”.

Commands and Add Command

In the “Command “ section type in !lurk and then type in what you want the response to be.

Command and Response

Make any other changes you need such as who can use the command and how often. 

Now click “Confirm” and it will save and will be ready to use by those in your chat. 

Who Can Reply

Like I already mentioned, images above are from Streamlabs Prime, but the process of adding a !lurk command using other streaming softwares is very similar. 

Another cool thing about using Streamlabs is that they have templates that you can choose from which are just preset commands that are already customized for you.

Template

All you have to do is select them and it will fill in everything else such as the response. Pretty cool and super easy. 

So we’ve gone over how to add a !lurk command, but now let’s discuss the reasons why you might want to add a !lurk command to your stream. 

What is the Purpose of a !Lurk Command?

A !lurk command is a command used by viewers in the chat to let the streamer know that although they are present in the stream, they will not be chatting or otherwise engaging with the stream. They will just be lurking. This is a way to show support without being active on the stream.  

Some people see that you go live and still want to support you, but they may not be able to actively engage with the channel at the moment. And so they drop a !lurk in the chat to let you know they are there supporting, they just can’t be active at the moment. 

Even though most streamers would prefer that a user is active in the stream either through subs, donations or even just chatting, lurkers are still great and still contribute to a stream. 

As you know the number of viewers a stream has plays a major role in how well that stream will rank through Twitch’s algorithm. In fact, number of viewers is often the number one ranking factor and so streams with more viewers tend to rank higher.

So although lurkers may not be actively participating in a stream, them lurking in the shadows (so to speak) still is a major benefit to your stream. Especially if you are a small streamer. 

And with this being said, don’t call out people who are lurking in your stream. There are ways to see who is watching you while you stream, but I suggest not talking to those people unless they try talking to you. 

Calling out people who just want to sit back and watch your stream is bad streamer etiquette and could actually cause these people to leave your channel. 

Just don’t put people on the spot and let the lurkers lurk in peace!

Ideas of What Your !Lurk Response Should Be

If you are unsure of what to put for your response to the !lurk command, here are some ideas:

  • “I’m getting lurked on over here” (my lurk response by the way)
  • (Your Name) FeelsBadMan (Username of Viewer who typed the command) is now lurking, they will be missed! (This is the Cloudbot default !lurk command).
  • “I see you (Username of viewer who typed in the command)”.

It’s also a good idea to incorporate your brand, or any inside jokes your stream has into the response as a way to build the bond between you and your community. 

Creative responses to your commands are great, but I wouldn’t beat yourself up over trying to have the ultimate response. There are more important things to worry about in my opinion.  

Are Lurkers Good For Streamers?

Lurkers are good for streams and streamers because although they are not actively participating they still count as a viewer on the channel. And the more viewers a stream has the higher they will rank in Twitch’s algorithm. 

Not to mention the fact that some lurkers are actually subs or are major contributors to the stream, they just don’t like to participate all the time. 

I am a lurker in a few channels that I am subbed to. I really like the channel and so I want to support the streamer, but I just don’t have the time to be chatting it up all the time. So I put up the !lurk command to make my presence known and then listen to the stream in the background. 

Lurkers serve their purpose on Twitch and anyone who stops in on a stream even just to say hi is being supportive. To the lurkers out there, we salute you !

If you want a better understanding of what it means to be a lurker on Twitch then you can check out my page here.

As always, if you have any questions or just want to hang with me, stop by my Twitch channel here and say what’s up!



For even more streaming tips and how-to content check out my Youtube channel here. And if you want to check out my streams then stop by my Twitch channel here.

Also, if you are feeling generous, I would really appreciate it if you followed my Twitch channel, you can do so by clicking here. I am trying to grow so that way I can better help you all. I am also up to helping you answer any streaming questions that you may have so feel free to stop by. I really appreciate you all !

And for even more tips, tricks and how tos subscribe to my Youtube channel here. I post two videos a week to help you with your streams. 

What is Lurking on Twitch? Is it ok to be a Lurker? – Streamers Playbook

Thursday 8th of July 2021

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👋 Hey There, I'm Eric!

Since 2018, I've been making streams come true.

I like gaming, streaming and watching other people stream. I created this website to help streamers, viewers, and gamers answer questions they have regarding live streaming, gaming, and PCs. I am a Twitch affiliate and currently stream on Twitch 3 days a week. I also have a Youtube channel where I make videos about streaming. I hope you find my content helpful. Feel free to stop by one of my streams to say hi.