Twitch offers streamers several tools to moderate their channels and block or ban unwanted users. Here is a guide on how to effectively ban and block disruptive viewers across the Twitch platform.
Table of Contents
Why Ban or Block Viewers on Twitch
As a streamer, you may encounter viewers who:
- Spam or flood the chat
- Post abusive, offensive or inappropriate content
- Personally attack or harass you or other viewers
- Share dangerous links or illegal content
- Disrupt the chat or your gaming experience
Banning or blocking such users quickly helps foster a positive environment for the rest of your community. It shows viewers you do not tolerate toxicity on your channel.
Difference Between Banning and Blocking on Twitch
Banning removes a user’s ability to participate in chat. They can no longer chat or interact with your channel.
Blocking severs all interaction between you and the user. They can no longer:
- View or comment on your streams
- Follow, subscribe or cheer for your channel
- See your online status or activity
- Direct message you
Blocking is more restrictive than banning.
How to Ban Someone on Twitch
As a streamer or moderator, you can ban viewers directly in chat:
- Click on the username in chat to open their profile
- Click the Ban button
- Confirm the ban
Alternatively, use the chat command:
/ban [username]Banned users cannot participate in chat but can still view your stream (until new viewing ban features roll out).
To unban a user, go to your channel ban list and revoke their ban.
How to Block Someone on Twitch
You can block viewers in chat or via their message threads:
In Chat
- Click their username
- Click the Block button
In Messages
- Open their message thread
- Click the More Options (⋮) icon
- Select Block User
To view your block list, go to Settings > Security and Privacy.
Blocked users cannot interact with you or your channel in any way.
How to Prevent Banned Users From Viewing Your Streams
Twitch now allows streamers to prevent banned users from viewing their streams:
- Go to your Creator Dashboard
- Click Settings > Moderation
- Toggle Stop banned users from viewing my stream
This will automatically block banned users from viewing your live streams.
Tips for Effective Bans and Blocks
- Ban or block users at the first sign of toxicity. Don’t wait for them to cross the line.
- Set AutoMod to strict levels to automatically filter inappropriate chat
- Appoint trusted moderators to help with banning and blocking
- Use Twitch’s suspension and reporting tools for severe cases of harassment, threats or illegal behavior
Banning and blocking early and often fosters a healthy community and protects your peace of mind as a streamer. Stand firm against toxicity to make Twitch safer for everyone.
