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Twitch Rules | 18 Things You Can And Can’t Do On Twitch

On Twitch there are a ton of rules that streamers must abide by in order to use the platform. It can be confusing to keep track and so I have created a list of things that you can and can not do while using Twitch. I hope it helps!

Can You Stream Anime On Twitch

Streaming anime on Twitch is not allowed unless you own the copyright to the anime or have been given permission from those who own the copyright to stream the anime. However you are allowed to stream certain anime and watch it with your viewers via Twitch Watch Parties.

There is even an anime tag on Twitch that streamers who focus on anime can use.

But I realized when scrolling through channels that had the anime tag that these channels were focused more on drawing anime and cosplay than actual anime shows.

Discussing, drawing and anime cos plays are all fine, but streaming anime outside of Twitch Watch Parties will probably get you suspended and you may get hit with a DMCA claim.

Anime Tag

If you want to know more about what Twitch watch parties are and how to use them then check out this article here.

Can You Kiss On Twitch

Twitch does not have any specific rules regarding kissing, but they do state in their community guidelines that, “Sexually suggestive content is prohibited on Twitch…Evaluations on the sexual suggestiveness of a behavior or activity…are instead based on the overall surrounding framing and context.” 

As you can see it really depends on the framing and context of the kissing. A simple smooch with your significant other is fine, but if you are making out on stream then Twitch may have reason to suspend you.

But as you know, many of the rules on Twitch are arbitrary and come down to how Twitch views any infraction of their rules. So if they feel your kiss has gone too far, then they may choose to punish you regardless of your intentions.

You can read more about Twitch’s sexual conduct policy here.

Can You Stream Knives On Twitch

Twitch does not mention knives specifically in their community guidelines, but they do state that they have “zero-tolerance [for] use of weapons to physically threaten, intimidate, harm, or kill others.” Displaying and safely using a knife is ok. Using a knife to threaten or harm others is not ok.

Twitch has no clear policy regarding knife use on a stream, but from what I have read and seen on the platform it seems like showing knives is ok, but using them to harm or threaten others is not ok and will get you in trouble.

I did reach out to Twitch to ask them to clarify their knife policy and they said, “Unfortunately, we cannot provide a preemptive evaluation of whether the content described is appropriate to broadcast on our services.”

They then pointed me to their community guidelines and said, “Our general rule of thumb is, if you’re unsure if something is appropriate, please err on the side of caution.”

Can You Stream Fishing On Twitch

You are allowed to stream fishing on Twitch. In fact Twitch has a special tag just for fishing that you can add to your fishing stream to make it easier for people to find your stream.

Channels With Fishing Tag

Can You Stream Guns On Twitch

Twitch does not mention guns specifically in their community guidelines, but they do state that they have “zero-tolerance [for] use of weapons to physically threaten, intimidate, harm, or kill others.” Gun use on Twitch is a gray area and one that Twitch has not clarified.

From my research it appears as though things such as cleaning a gun, gun safety, and occasionally using a gun at the range is ok as long as the gun is legal for you to own and to use.

However, hunting, threatening others or even harming yourself or others with a gun is not ok and will get you immediately suspended from the platform.

I read as well that Twitch discourages streamers from making guns the main focus of their streams.

Again, Twitch does not have any clear rules regarding gun use on stream and so I would recommend that if you do choose to stream guns on your stream that you are safe, smart and responsible.

I did reach out to Twitch to ask them to clarify their gun policy and they said, “Unfortunately, we cannot provide a preemptive evaluation of whether the content described is appropriate to broadcast on our services.”

They then pointed me to their community guidelines and said, “Our general rule of thumb is, if you’re unsure if something is appropriate, please err on the side of caution.”

Can You Eat On Twitch

Eating on stream is absolutely allowed. Many streamers stream for so long that they must eat on stream so they don’t starve. On top of streamers eating while they game, Twitch has recently added a “social eating” category where people specifically stream themselves eating.

If your stream is dedicated to social eating then you will want to add the social eating tag so that way users will know how to find you. Check out the video below if you want to know how to add tags on Twitch.

Eating on Twitch is not against Twitch’s Terms of Service, but if you are concerned that eating on Twitch may be perceived as rude or gross then you may want to turn off your camera while you stream or just eat very neatly on stream.

Can You Stream Shirtless On Twitch

Streamers are NOT allowed to stream shirtless on Twitch; however, Twitch does make exceptions for streamers who are streaming at beaches, festivals, concerts, body painting or who are swimming. Regarding these events, Twitch states that, “Those who present as women must…cover their nipples.”

Basically, you can stream shirtless on Twitch when it is appropriate for you to be shirtless such as swimming or at the beach, but if you present as a woman then you must have your nipples covered.

You can read more regarding Twitch’s clothing policy here.

Can You Read Books On Twitch

You are not allowed to read books on Twitch. Similar to music, many books are copyrighted and unless you own the copyright to the book, or are given permission from the owner of the copyright to read the book on stream, you are breaking the law and may receive a DMCA takedown.

You can obviously discuss books on stream, but if you are reading books word for word on stream then you may be punished by Twitch and may have legal action taken against you by those who own the copyright to the book.

Can You Stream Tattooing On Twitch

Tattooing another person and getting a tattoo yourself are both permitted on Twitch. Twitch even has a tattooing tag that you can add to your stream if you want to stream tattooing on your channel.

Channels With Tattooing Tag

Can You React To Youtube Videos On Twitch

Streamers are allowed to react to Youtube videos on Twitch as long as their reactions are “transformative” and their reaction “adds new expression or meaning to the original material.” In the US, reacting to Youtube videos on Twitch would typically fall under the “Fair Use Doctrine.”

What this means is that as long as Twitch users are contributing to the video in a major way by offering unique critiques or reactions throughout the video then they should be protected against copyright claims.

Now with that being said, Youtubers could potentially come after people who watch their videos on stream if they felt they were “stealing” their copyright material (in this case their videos).

However most Youtubers choose not to do this since reaction videos give their channels exposure and often drive more people to their Youtube channels.

Can You Play Youtube Videos On Twitch

Technically, unless you are providing commentary or otherwise “adding new meaning or expression” to the Youtube video, you are not allowed to play Youtube videos on Twitch without permission from the creator. However, most Youtubers will not file a DMCA claim because of the exposure it gives their channel.

Like I already mentioned, Twitch streamers do not own the rights to these Youtube videos and so playing them without permission from the content creators is illegal and could potentially lead to a DMCA claim being filed against them.

But with that being said, I am not aware of any Youtubers who have come after any streamers for watching their videos on their streams because it gives their channel exposure and it would be a very bad look for the Youtuber.

Can You Talk About Politics On Twitch

Talking about politics is allowed on Twitch. Many streamers base their entire stream on discussing politics and there is even an entire category dedicated to political discussion on Twitch. However, many streamers choose to avoid political discussion to avoid any controversy or contention.

Politics Category

You can check out the politics category here if you are curious.

Can You Stream TV Shows On Twitch

You can only watch TV shows with viewers through a Twitch Watch Party. If you watch shows with your viewers outside of a Twitch Watch Party on streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and others you risk being suspended on Twitch and receiving a DMCA claim.

Twitch states that: “Examples of content you should not share on Twitch without permission from the copyright owners or unless otherwise permitted by law include: Movies, television shows, or sports matches.”

Unless Netflix or Hulu have given you the right to stream certain shows or movies it is best to stay away and not risk losing your Twitch account.

However if you do want to watch shows with your viewers then Twitch Watch Parties are your best bet. You can learn more about them here.

Can You Wear A Mask On Twitch

You are allowed to wear a mask on Twitch. In fact, many streamers will wear masks or other costumes on stream to try and build a unique streaming persona to entertain their viewers.

Dr. Disrespect was one of the most famous costumed streamers on Twitch before he was banned. Another unique Twitch streamer who routinely wears a costume is Ben Jammins.

Not only do streamers wear masks to try and build a unique persona on stream, they also may choose to wear a mask if they don’t feel comfortable revealing their identity on Twitch.

Can You Talk About Religion On Twitch

You are allowed to discuss religion on Twitch. There are currently no rules regarding preaching or discussing religion on Twitch. In fact, Twitch has recently added tags such as Christian, Muslim and Buddhist to make it easier to find such religious streams.

Twitch Religious Tags

Many streamers choose not to allow religious discussions on their streams to avoid contention that these type of discussions may cause, but talking about religion is not banned on Twitch.

Can You Stream Hulu On Twitch

You are not allowed to stream Hulu on Twitch. Twitch states that: “Examples of content you should not share on Twitch without permission from the copyright owners or unless otherwise permitted by law include: Movies, television shows, or sports matches.”

Although Hulu may not own the copyright to many of the shows on their platform, they have been licensed to use these shows, movies, etc.

If you watch Hulu on your stream you will mostly likely be suspended and be given a strike over DMCA claims. And as you know, 3 DMCA strikes and you are out.

Can You Stream Hunting On Twitch

Twitch does not explicitly state in their community guidelines whether hunting is allowed or not allowed. They state that: “Content that exclusively focuses on extreme or gratuitous gore and violence is prohibited.” But given that there are no hunting streams it is safe to assume it is prohibited.

This doesn’t mean you can’t do a stream where you discuss hunting, but it sounds like the actual act of going out and hunting animals is prohibited.

I did reach out to Twitch to ask them to clarify their knife policy and they said, “Unfortunately, we cannot provide a preemptive evaluation of whether the content described is appropriate to broadcast on our services.”

They then pointed me to their community guidelines and said, “Our general rule of thumb is, if you’re unsure if something is appropriate, please err on the side of caution.”

Can You Stream Live Sports On Twitch

You can stream live sports on Twitch granted that the live sport you are streaming is not subject to licensing restrictions. For example, streaming things like the NFL or NBA would be prohibited, but streaming you playing pickup basketball with your friends would not be.

Twitch has an entire category dedicated to sports that you can see here. They have everything from college basketball games, local sports being played with friends and even sports analysis.

Sports Category

For more regarding Twitch’s stance on live streaming sports you can check out their article here.

If you want to know Twitch’s rules regarding drinking, smoking or cursing then click on the links provided.

Also, I made a list of games that are banned on Twitch that you can check out here.



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.

Sources

https://www.twitch.tv/creatorcamp/en/setting-up-your-stream/sidecasting-sports-on-twitch/

https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2020/04/07/update-to-our-nudity-and-attire-policy/

https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/legal/community-guidelines/sexualcontent/

https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/legal/community-guidelines/20170228/

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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.