Twitch reverts “artistic nudity” rule, but topless meta still prevails

For primarily a gaming-centered streaming platform, Twitch runs into sexual content predicaments a bit too much. After rolling back its artistic nudity policy, the platform is now in a tough spot as artists feel left out, and OnlyFans models push the boundaries. 

Since Twitch has reverted its policy that allowed artists to stream the artistic procedure behind nude figures, content creators are finding new ways to “express their sexuality” or challenge Twitch’s new rules against nudity. Topless with censor bars meta is stirring controversy as viewers call out Twitch to take solid action.

To bring you up to speed, streamer Morgpie was banned on Twitch after going live topless. Even though her private regions were covered, the camera angle gave the illusion of nudity, earning her a ban from Twitch. On December 13, Twitch came up with clear guidelines on nudity and sexual content, allowing artistic freedom. 

The guidelines implied that the topless meta was harmless as long as the content creators didn’t indulge in sexual activities. Along with that, it allowed artistic nudity, whatever that means. However, content creators abused the new guidelines, posting overly sexual art. 

The art category saw a massive spike in viewership, peaking at almost 100k concurrent viewers after the update. The streamed content was a mix of soft porn and art. As a result, Twitch rolled back the update. 

“We are rolling back the artistic nudity changes. Moving forward, depictions of real or fictional nudity won’t be allowed on Twitch, regardless of the medium.” Twitch said. 

Topless meta is still hot on Twitch

However, the 180 didn’t do much for the content on Twitch. Streamers are still going live topless, or at least they appear topless. Streamers have found a way to skirt the guidelines by going live with their private regions covered and then censored with black bars. The whole strategy gives the illusion of nudity, but the streamers are dressed underneath. 

Nudity is banned on Twitch, and new rules further strengthen the point, but this is a unique situation. Now, the art community is upset at Twitch for a blanket rule that puts OnlyFans models and artists under the same umbrella. 

The backlash has been intense, but the streamers aren’t technically naked, which puts Twitch in a difficult position. How the platform tackles this unique problem that became more prominent following the policy changes remains to be seen.