block streams on game directories

How to Hide Unwanted Streams on Twitch: Stop Seeing Streams You Don't Want in Directories and Recommendations

Tired of the same streamers you have no interest in popping up again and again while browsing game directories or the Just Chatting section on Twitch? Whether it's a particular playstyle, personality, or you just want a fresher feed, Twitch makes it easy to clean up your recommendations with a simple native feature.

This quick guide shows you exactly how to block streams from appearing in your personalized recommendations. It only takes a few clicks and works great for logged-in users on desktop or mobile. The method remains fully effective in 2026 and helps the algorithm learn exactly what you want to see.

Step 1: Log Into Your Twitch Account

Make sure you're signed in to your Twitch account. This feature relies on your personalized recommendation system, so it won't work if you're browsing as a guest.

Step 2: Navigate to Browse and Set Sorting to Recommended For You

Click on the Browse tab at the top of Twitch. Select the game category or section you're interested in (like a specific game or Just Chatting). Then, make sure the sort option is set to "Recommended For You." This is where your personalized stream suggestions appear.

Step 3: Mark a Stream as Not Interested

Find the channel or live stream you want to remove from your feed. Hover over the thumbnail and click the three vertical dots in the corner. Select Not Interested from the menu.

As soon as you do this, that stream (and often similar content) will be hidden from your recommended views in directories. It's permanent until you change it.

How to Undo and Restore a Stream to Your Recommendations

Changed your mind? Head over to your Twitch settings. You can visit https://www.twitch.tv/settings/recommendations directly or go through your profile icon > Settings > Content Preferences (or look for the Channel Feedback section). There you'll see a list of your feedback and can remove any entries to bring streams back into your recommendations.

Tips for Mobile Apps and Additional Options

The process is nearly identical on the Twitch mobile apps for iOS and Android. Look for the three dots on stream cards while browsing categories.

Pro Tip: This is different from fully blocking a user (which you can do from their channel page). Full blocking prevents all interaction and is even stronger for truly unwanted channels. You can also mark entire categories as not interested if a whole game genre isn't your thing.

If you want even more control over your feed (hiding entire categories, tags, or reruns), check out popular browser extensions like "Unwanted Twitch."

These small tweaks can make your Twitch experience much more enjoyable and tailored to what you actually want to watch. Got questions or your own tips? Drop them in the comments below!

How to check for copyright strikes made against your channel!

How to Check for Copyright Strikes on Your Twitch Channel (Updated 2026 Guide)

Nothing kills a streaming momentum faster than waking up to a surprise channel suspension. Twitch has made it easier than ever to stay on top of potential DMCA trouble by showing your copyright strike status right in the Creator Dashboard. Whether you're a full-time streamer protecting years of hard work or just starting out, knowing exactly where to look can save your channel from an unexpected ban.

Twitch treats copyright strikes seriously. Under their policy, most creators who rack up three strikes face permanent channel termination. The good news? You no longer have to guess where you stand. Here's the exact, current way to check your status, plus fresh tips to help you avoid trouble altogether.

Step 1: Log In and Head to Your Creator Dashboard

Make sure you're signed into your Twitch account. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner, then select Creator Dashboard from the dropdown menu. This is your command center for everything related to your channel's health and content.

Step 2: Navigate to Content and Video Producer

In the left sidebar of your Creator Dashboard, click Content. From the options that appear, select Video Producer. This section not only manages your past broadcasts and clips but also displays important copyright information.

Pro tip: Make your browser window wide enough so the right-hand panel fully expands. This is where the magic happens.

Step 3: Check Your Copyright Claims Manager Panel

On the right side of the Video Producer page, you'll see a dedicated panel called the Copyright Claims Manager (sometimes labeled simply as copyright strikes). If your channel has any active strikes, it will clearly list them with details like the claimant, affected VOD or clip, and the date.

No strikes? The panel will still appear but will show zero active claims. This transparency is a huge improvement Twitch rolled out a few years back, and it remains the fastest way to stay informed in 2026.

Don't Forget Your Twitch Inbox Notifications

Twitch also sends direct DMCA notifications straight to your inbox whenever a claim is filed. Click the notification bell icon (top right, next to your profile picture) and look for any messages labeled as copyright or DMCA alerts.

These alerts give you early warning and often include next steps, such as reviewing or unpublishing affected content.

Why This Matters: Understanding Strikes and Consequences

A single copyright strike usually means a specific VOD, clip, or live segment was flagged and may be muted or removed. Rack up three, and your entire channel is at risk of permanent deletion with no appeal in most cases. The system is designed to protect rights holders while giving creators clear visibility so they can fix issues before it's too late.

Twitch also offers helpful tools like the Music Reporting Tool (under Content) and automatic Copyrighted Audio Warnings during streams. These features help you catch problems in real time without waiting for a formal strike.

Practical Tips to Avoid Copyright Strikes in 2026

• Use royalty-free or DMCA-safe music: Stick to Twitch's Soundtrack library or verified royalty-free tracks. Never assume "background music" is safe.
• Separate your audio tracks: In OBS or Streamlabs, put music on its own track so you can mute it in VODs without affecting the rest of your content.
• Review and delete risky clips: Viewer-generated clips are a common strike source. Regularly check your Clips section and remove anything with unlicensed music or footage.
• Enable audio warnings: Turn on Copyrighted Audio Detection in your stream settings for live alerts.
• Act fast on notifications: Address claims immediately by unpublishing the flagged VOD or clip.

One smart habit many successful streamers share: Check your Copyright Claims Manager at least once a week. It takes less than a minute and gives you total peace of mind.

Need More Details?

For the complete official policy, including how strikes are issued and what happens after three, head straight to Twitch's help center:

DMCA & Copyright FAQs on Twitch

Stay proactive, keep your content clean, and focus on what matters most, building an amazing community without worrying about hidden strikes. Your channel will thank you for it.

How to reverse permitted terms?

How to Remove a Permitted Term from Twitch AutoMod: Your Quick and Updated Guide

Ever added a term or phrase to your permitted list on Twitch thinking it would make things smoother, only to realize later it’s letting stuff slip through that really shouldn’t? It’s a common tweak every streamer runs into. Permitted terms are those handy exceptions that tell AutoMod to stand down and let specific words or phrases through without flagging them. They’re great for inside jokes, slang, or usernames that keep getting caught unfairly. But as your channel grows or your rules evolve, knowing how to clean up that list keeps your chat feeling safe, fun, and exactly the way you want it.

Good news: removing a permitted term takes just a few clicks in your Creator Dashboard. Here’s the straightforward, current way to do it in 2026, plus some extra tips to help you manage moderation like a pro.

Step-by-Step: How to Delete a Permitted Term on Twitch

1. Head to Your Creator Dashboard
   Log into your Twitch account and go straight to the Creator Dashboard. This is your go-to spot for everything stream-related.
2. Navigate to Moderation Settings
   Click on Settings in the menu, then select Moderation. You’ll land in the AutoMod controls area where all your filtering options live.
3. Open the Permitted Terms List
   Scroll down to find the section labeled “Permitted terms and phrases.” Click it to expand and see every active entry you’ve added.
4. Remove the Term
   Locate the one you want to revert, then click the delete icon or button right next to it. It’s gone instantly-no extra confirmation steps needed in most cases.

Here’s exactly what the Permitted Terms and Phrases section looks like in your dashboard.

Why You Might Want to Revert a Permitted Term (and When It Makes Sense)

Permitted terms are powerful, but they’re not set-it-and-forget-it. You might remove one because:

• A term that once felt harmless is now being abused in chat.
• Your community guidelines have shifted or you’re running a different type of stream.
• AutoMod has gotten smarter and no longer needs that exception.
• You’re simply doing a quick spring cleaning to keep everything tight and relevant.

Regularly reviewing this list (and your blocked terms too) is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of moderation headaches.

Pro Tips to Level Up Your AutoMod Game

• Keep lists lean and specific: Use full phrases instead of single words whenever possible to avoid over-permissioning common terms.
• Review every few months: Pop into your Moderation settings regularly....your channel and audience evolve, and so should your rules.
• Test changes live: After removing a term, ask a trusted friend or use an alt account to check how chat behaves.
• Pair with other tools: Permitted terms work best alongside smart blocked terms, chat rules, and active human moderators.
• Adjust sensitivity levels: While you’re in the same section, tweak your overall AutoMod shield levels for even better coverage.

Taking a few minutes to manage your permitted terms pays off big time. It shows your viewers you care about keeping the chat welcoming and drama-free, which keeps them coming back stream after stream. If the dashboard layout ever shifts slightly (Twitch does update things), the steps above still point you in the right direction.

Have you had to clean up your permitted list lately? Drop your experiences or questions in the comments! I’m always happy to help fellow streamers fine-tune their setup.