Twitch Faces Backlash Over Confusion About Payout Threshold

Recent events have prompted allegations against Twitch, accusing the streaming platform of misleading its users regarding payout thresholds for streamers. On November 15, journalist Zach Bussey revealed that a Twitch Help article had been altered to reflect a new payout start at $100, double the previous limit of $50.

This controversial update was swiftly addressed by the official Twitch Support account on X, asserting that the change was unintentional. They stated, “We’ve been cleaning up and updating a lot of our articles recently, and this one has been accidentally reverted to a previous version.” They further clarified, “The payout threshold has not changed, apologies for any confusion. We will fix this in the article shortly.”

I’m deleting this post re: $100 Payout, as Twitch says they accidentally reverted to a previous version. I’m glad to hear this was a mistake. But, for the record, I don’t fully trust the defense, as I have copies of every change they’ve ever made. This text was all new. pic.twitter.com/6FcDpe5gdW

– Zach Bussey (@zachbussey) November 15, 2024

Despite Twitch’s assurances, Bussey expressed skepticism regarding their explanation. In a follow-up tweet, he noted: “I don’t fully trust the defense, as I have copies of every change they’ve ever made. This text was all new.”

And as for receipts: 1. 3 Hours ago. 2. 7 Days ago. 3. 2 Years ago (right after they announced $50 payouts.) 4. 3 Years ago (This is how it looked in the years before the $50 announcement.) pic.twitter.com/yyeeP4aXhu

– Zach Bussey (@zachbussey) November 15, 2024

Bussey highlighted multiple screenshots taken at different times, suggesting that the article had undergone significant rewrites. He pointed out changes both in wording and formatting over the past three years, raising concerns about transparency and trust in Twitch’s communication.

Critics of Twitch have echoed Bussey’s sentiments. User Dan Saltman accused the platform of disadvantaging new streamers by possibly surreptitiously increasing the minimum payout threshold to $100. In a critical take, he remarked:

Breaking: Ok, I have to post this before everything gets deleted. This shit is insane. I can’t even believe how incompetent @djclancy999 is at this point. This is hysterical shit1: @zachbussey posts that Twitch has raised the minimum payout threshold to $100… pic.twitter.com/hRs8J4qsoe

– Dan Saltman (@dancantstream) November 15, 2024

Saltman elaborated, suggesting that Twitch might have intended to quietly enforce the higher payout threshold but backtracked upon facing public scrutiny. He criticized the response, categorizing it as an insincere excuse and calling into question Twitch CEO Daniel Clancy’s credibility.

As of now, neither Twitch nor Clancy has provided further statements addressing these allegations. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

For more details, you can follow the original article.