Kick Implements New Guidelines After Streamers “Maliciously” Misuse Verification Status

Streaming platform Kick has recently implemented a series of strict modifications to its verification process aimed at preventing users from utilizing their verification checkmarks “maliciously.”

On September 16, Kick streamer Saphnir expressed her concerns about being contacted by a verified user who asked if they could become her “streamer friend.”

Upon inspecting the user’s account, Saphnir discovered that there were no VODs, clips, or even a subscription button that would indicate the user was actively engaged on the platform.

“It would be wonderful to cease the issuance of verification marks to those who haven’t fulfilled the requirements,” she stated. “While many of us are working hard and dedicating time to earn those verification marks.”

Hey @KickStreaming, it would be wonderful to cease the issuance of verification marks to those that haven’t met the requirements. I’ve had one person DM me already asking to be a ‘streamer friend’ only to find out that they are verified with no panels, vods, clips and/or sub button.…

— Saphnir 👑🐉 (@Saphnir) September 16, 2024

In the comments, many users recounted similar experiences with users messaging them, with some reporting that verified accounts were impersonating actual streamers.

The following day, Eddie Craven, a co-founder of Kick, addressed these concerns and explained how the platform would be cracking down on users who had been misusing the verification status they acquired when the site was first launched.

According to Ed, over the past two years since Kick’s inception, the verification criteria have become significantly more stringent.

“Initially, the verification process was more lenient, which means there are now several verified accounts that no longer comply with the current standards. While it’s crucial to respect the previous guidelines and allow some accounts to be ‘grandfathered’ in, we believe that those who have become inactive or misuse their verification status should now be held accountable to the updated requirements,” he stated.

Over the past two years, our verification requirements have become significantly stricter. Initially, the process was more lenient, which means that there are now a number of verified accounts that no longer meet the current standards. While it’s important to honour the previous…

— Eddie (@StakeEddie) September 17, 2024

Moreover, the Kick executive mentioned that the feedback provided by Saphnir and others would lead to an acceleration of these policy updates, and the platform would undertake cleanups to maintain the integrity of the verification process.

The initiative to strengthen verification policies follows shortly after the platform announced a significant redesign and various performance improvements.

However, it remains uncertain if these enhancements will be sufficient to persuade prominent figures like Felix ‘xQc’ Lengyel to remain on the platform, especially after he expressed being “unsure” about continuing once his $70 million contract concludes.

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