Twitch is making more changes to combat viewbotting
Livestreaming platform Twitch is introducing new updates to combat, or at the very least better limit, viewbotting. But it remains to be seen whether any of these new changes will be more effective than those that have come before.
Viewbotting is a serious issue across the streaming industry, with streamers using fake bot accounts to inflate their viewership numbers. This leads to false levels of popularity, which can increase discoverability for the streamers taking advantage of it, as well as the potential for increased advertising payouts. Bad actors can also use bots to target streamers, which can negatively affect smaller streamers without recourse.
Twitch has admitted the problem exists, but CEO Dan Clancy has stated it is significantly difficult to get rid of it entirely. The platform is now introducing more new changes towards this effort, but it’s unclear how much it will really help Twitch in its fight against viewbotting.
Twitch changes how clip views count to curb viewbotting
Livestreaming platform Twitch announced that it would update its method for counting clip views to reflect more organic engagement, with a goal in mind of filtering out bots and bot activity to bring more consistent metrics across platforms.
The main objective of this new change is to fix a technical issue that was potentially inflating clip view counts, include clip views from stories in total clip view numbers, and thus make view counts more consistent and accurately representative of fan engagement across all supported platforms. Twitch states these updates may lead to streamers experiencing lower view counts, at least initially, but that the changes will benefit everyone in the long run.
The new changes also include improved clip analytics, which are the framework for other upcoming analytics features. Twitch says that the update will filter out viewbotting better, as the problem has become a huge issue that plagues not only Twitch, but also other streaming platforms
including Kick.
Image credit: Twitch
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy has previously referred to the issue as a cat-and-mouse game because of how
difficult it is to catch
those organizing viewbotting activities and to take any meaningful action against them. That’s not to say Twitch hasn’t been doing anything, as the platform introduced other updates earlier in July with those changes being intended to help catch bots more effectively. The changes reportedly went into effect in August, and the effect was instantly visible.
Many top Twitch streamers, including
Zach “Asmongold” Hoyt
and John “Tectone” Robertson, noticed a significant drop in their viewership in August after the platform began a crackdown on viewbotting. Viewers speculated as to just how many streamers were viewbotting and who else would be affected by the crackdown as it continued. These latest changes may see yet more streamers affected.
Welcome Bonus – 25 SC and 25K GC signup bonus
Welcome Bonus 2026
T&Cs apply, 18+
Feature image credit: Twitch
Khizar Mundia
About Khizar Mundia
Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.
View full profile
Read Also
Twitch
Sykkuno returns to streaming after cheating controversy
Khizar Mundia
Twitch streamer Sykkuno stepped away from streaming and the internet following cheating accusations levied against him earlier this year, but he has now returned and also discussed the situation in his comeback broadcast. Sykkuno became famous with his Among Us content, but the streamer continued to expand and then became known for his Valorant collaborations — he even streamed alongside many top creators, such as Disguised Toast and Corpse Husband. ...
Twitch
Twitch announces AI stream summaries at TwitchCon
Conn Mc Gillion
At TwitchCon 2026 in Rotterdam, Twitch has announced a new AI stream summary feature, which has already started to turn heads. This let viewers catch up on what they missed through the AI summary, before they jump into the live stream. This is one of the key features that was announced on May 30th at the Twitch Convention Opening Ceremony, hosted by Twitch CEO Dan Clancy and Mary Kish. The ...
Twitch
iShowSpeed explains the preparation behind his IRL streaming setup
Khizar Mundia
Darren “iShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. has revealed how he prepares for his massive IRL tours, sharing the details that go into making his streaming setup perfect. iShowSpeed is arguably the most popular IRL streamer in the world — and not for nothing. The YouTuber has visited several countries, interacted with his international fans, and livestreamed it all to his viewers. This is a great way to exchange cultures and has boosted ...
Twitch
Twitch cracks down on alleged viewbotting with new viewer caps
Khizar Mundia
After Twitch CEO Dan Clancy announced the platform was going to implement viewership caps on creators caught viewbotting, viewers have started speculating that several streamers have been affected as the system has apparently started rolling out. Viewbotting is a universal problem that all livestreaming platforms are plagued by. Platforms such as Kick and Twitch try to introduce new elements to restrict the abuse as much as possible, but it's is ...
News
UPDATED: iShowSpeed releases 2026 World Cup song after being spotted filming in Miami
Ben Boland
After days of speculation online, Darren “iShowSpeed” Watkins Jr has just released his song for the 2026 World Cup. Entitled "World Cup (Champions)", the 4-minute, 58-second track was released on YouTube on 1 June, garnering 510,000 views within 120 minutes. iShowSpeed is one of the most recognizable streamers on the planet, and rumours began swirling that he was preparing to release a song for the 2026 World Cup after a ...
Twitch
Destiny unbanned on Twitch after 4 years, re-suspended within minutes
Khizar Mundia
Steven “Destiny” Bonnell II’s Twitch channel was unexpectedly unbanned after roughly four years, but the livestreaming platform reinstated the indefinite ban within minutes. Destiny was the recipient of one of the most infamous permanent bans in the history of Twitch. The political streamer is known for not mincing words, with his opinions getting him in trouble several times. Even Twitch banned him multiple times before ultimately suspending his channel permanently ...
Kick
DeshaeFrost leaves Twitch for exclusive Kick deal
Fariha Bhatti
Popular variety streamer DeshaeFrost has announced his move to Kick, where he aims to become “one of the biggest streamers” on the platform. DeshaeFrost is not a new name in entertainment. In fact, many of his fans know him from when he was just 16-year old opening comedy shows for comedians like Faizon Love, Tony Roberts, Tiffany Haddish, and more. But his career took a sharp turn in 2022 when ...