Twitch Response to Vtuber Tag Exploit Criticized as “Unacceptable”.

Vtuber speak out after Twitch addressed concerns from non-virtual streamers with its “Vtuber” tag, claiming they would address the matter “later this year.”

Twitch is a haven for all types of content. From global IRL streams to celebrity guest game shows and more, the purple streaming platform has something for everyone.

The Vtuber community has also taken up residence on the site in a big way, fostering supported communities while garnering a shocking viewership.

Vtubers refer to streamers who use anime-style virtual avatars to represent themselves. This is achieved through motion tracking technology, which allows streamers to interact with their audience in unique ways.

Ironmouse is one of the most popular vtubers on Twitch, recently breaking records with her 31-day subathon earlier this month and becoming the most subscribed Twitch streamer alongside Ninja.

Earlier this month, some vtubers expressed their concerns after noticing non-virtual streamers using the vtuber tag on Twitch.

Tags on the site allow users to search for content they specifically want to watch – but in this case, viewers searching for Vtuber encountered huge streamers like xQc and Amouranth, which support both the Vtuber and ASMR used tags in their broadcasts.

Twitch has a major issue with the ASMR streamer using the wrong tags. Seriously, Amouranth and many other people use the vtuber tag and it is misleading and disrespectful to actual vtubers who want to grow on twitch pic.twitter.com/cPmSTvPJuL

— ⚫ ​​GreyT 💙 | Vtuber (@GreyT_vt) April 17, 2022

Twitch reaction to vtuber tag drama sparks outrage

An English vtuber, Marina, took matters into her own hands and contacted Twitch regarding the matter.

However, the website’s response wasn’t exactly what it was hoping for. A Twitch admin responded to her concerns, saying that while the company understands the need for proper labeling, “doesn’t believe Twitch should judge the personal or creative identity of creators.”

“We typically only enforce tag abuse when it is associated with other behavior that violates our Community Guidelines, such as: B. hateful behavior or harassment,” the administrator wrote.

Marina posted a screenshot of the exchange on Twitter, saying that “‘Later this year’ is not acceptable. We must act NOW.”

UPDATE: Twitch has responded.

“Our goal is to share more about the tag feature with you later this year.”

Later this year is not acceptable. We must act NOW. pic.twitter.com/ooZNJIv9xd

— Marina | Fansly Bow | ENVtuber (@MarinaBooUwU) April 22, 2022

A slew of other Vtubers and fans have spoken out for Marina and the Vtuber community – but several major streamers aren’t really concerned about the ordeal.

Notably, xQc and Sodapoppin both dismissed the outrage over the use of vtuber tags, with xQc saying, “The reality is that nobody should give af*ck. When you’re angry, you’re the only person who cares.”