How to prevent hate raids, trolls using available tools from Twitch!

Shield Your Twitch Chat: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Crushing Hate Raids, Trolls, and Spam

Imagine this. You are deep in the zone, laughing with your loyal viewers, cracking jokes, and building that perfect community vibe. Then bam. Your chat explodes with hateful spam, slurs, and coordinated attacks from bot accounts. It is the nightmare every streamer dreads. A hate raid or troll invasion can derail your entire stream in seconds.

The good news is Twitch has given creators more powerful built in tools than ever before to fight back. I have taken the best of the classic moderation strategies, verified them against the latest 2026 dashboard features, and added fresh insights including Shield Mode, phone verification, and smarter proactive defenses. Whether you are a new streamer or a seasoned pro, these steps will help you lock down your chat, protect your community, and keep the good vibes flowing.

1. Build a Bulletproof Blocked Terms List with Wildcards

Start by creating your own custom ban list of problematic words, phrases, and patterns. This is one of the fastest ways to stop trolls before they even get a foothold.

Head to your Creator Dashboard, click Settings on the left, then Moderation. Scroll down to AutoMod Controls and look for Blocked Terms and Phrases. Here you can add anything you never want to see in chat.

Pro tip: Use the wildcard asterisk * to catch variations. For example, *aaa*bbb*ccc* will block anything that contains that sequence no matter what comes before or after. You can also block spaces with patterns like * aaa * to catch sneaky attempts with extra spaces.

Do not forget to add your real name, address, phone number, and other personal info with wildcards. Set them to private. This stops doxxing attempts cold. Review and expand this list regularly based on what you see in your streams.

2. Activate Followers Only Mode to Stop Instant Spam

One of the simplest and most effective defenses is switching your chat to followers only mode. This means only people who have followed you for a set amount of time can type in chat. It instantly blocks brand new accounts and most raid bots.

You can enable it right from the chat settings cogwheel or use the command followers followed by a time such as followers 30m. In the dashboard under Moderation you will also find the full controls. Set the timeframe anywhere from minutes to months depending on how strict you want to be.

Watch your activity feed for sudden follow spikes with suspicious names. If you spot trouble, flip to subscribers only or emote only mode instantly. This gives you breathing room while you handle the situation.

3. Crank AutoMod to Maximum for Hands Off Filtering

AutoMod is your always on safety net. It holds suspicious messages for review instead of letting them hit the public chat. Set it to the strictest levels across all categories including the newer sexual harassment filter added in recent years.

Review held messages quickly in the Moderation Queue. You can approve good ones or let the bad ones stay blocked. Combine this with your blocked terms list for maximum coverage.

4. Require Verified Email and Phone Before Anyone Can Chat

Go to Dashboard then Settings then Moderation and find the Channel Privileges section. Turn on email verification or go even further with phone verification which was added specifically to fight bots and raids.

You can make verification required for all chatters, first time chatters, or accounts under a certain age in hours, days, or weeks. This single setting stops the vast majority of throwaway bot accounts in their tracks.

5. Add a Non Mod Chat Delay So Mods Can Stay Ahead

Give your moderators and bots a few seconds head start by enabling non mod chat delay. Set it to six seconds the maximum so problematic messages appear delayed for regular viewers but not for you or your team.

Find this in Dashboard then Settings then Moderation under Chat Options. It is a lifesaver during fast moving raids.

The New Must Have: Shield Mode for Instant Lockdown

Twitch introduced Shield Mode a few years back and it has become the ultimate panic button for hate raids. One click or the shield command instantly applies a preset bundle of protections: followers only chat, email and phone verification, emote only mode, blocked hyperlinks, and more.

You and your mods can activate it from the channel page, Stream Manager, or Mod View. Customize your Shield settings once then flip it on the moment trouble hits. When the storm passes, deactivate it just as easily and return to normal.

Extra Smart Moves That Make a Huge Difference

• Use the command uniquechat to stop duplicate spam messages. Turn it off later with uniquechatoff.
• Set up hotkeys in your streaming software to instantly disable follower alerts, clear the chat with the clear command, or trigger a stream marker when a raid starts.
• During any incident, drop a stream marker so you can review the VOD later, note usernames and phrases, and add them to your blocked list.
• Keep your VODs unpublished by default. Go to Dashboard then Settings then Stream then VOD Settings and turn off Always Publish VODs. This gives you time to review and delete anything problematic before it goes public.
• Check for and delete any malicious clips created during the chaos. You can also disable clip creation entirely in Stream settings if needed.

Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Stay Consistent, Stay Safe

Hate raids and trolls thrive on chaos and reaction. By layering these tools blocked terms, verification requirements, AutoMod, followers only mode, chat delays, and Shield Mode you create multiple barriers that make your channel far less attractive to attackers.

Take a few minutes today to set everything up and test it. Build a quick panic button with hotkeys or a Stream Deck if you can. Most importantly, communicate with your community. Let them know you take safety seriously and that your chat is a welcoming space because of these protections.

You have worked hard to grow your channel. Do not let a few bad actors ruin the experience for the amazing people who show up to support you. With these updated strategies you can stream confidently knowing you are ready for whatever comes your way.

Stay safe out there and keep creating the content you love.

Stream Summary from one of the biggest channels on Twitch - Asmongold

So recently one of the biggest channels on Twitch shared their stream summary page.  Asmongold was showing how much viewer traffic he received during his first final fantasy stream session.  It shows something very interesting that most people will never be aware of because normally the big streamers would never show these stats to the public.

Any how here is the screenshot of the stats for that day!

If you see the note I added to the screenshot in red, over 1.15 million views possibly came from external which is 3rd party embedding. That is almost 50% of total views from 3rd party embedding which is enormous.  You can see from the screenshot that they didn't include the external section that is under the "Channel" views on the stat page.

• How to get twitch viewers - guides on everything you need to get your channel going and also has info on embedding, which as you can see is something that benefits even the biggest channels on Twitch.

How to block random channel gift subs

Tired of Random Gifted Subs Showing Up for Channels You Never Watch?

If you're a regular Twitch viewer, you've probably experienced this at least once: a notification pops up out of nowhere saying someone gifted you a sub to a channel you've never followed, never visited, and have zero interest in. It feels random, a little intrusive, and it clutters your inbox with stuff that doesn't matter to you.

The good news? Twitch built in a simple, official setting years ago that lets you stop this completely. It's still working perfectly in 2026, and it takes less than a minute to enable. Once it's on, you'll only receive gifted subs and memberships from channels you actually follow. No more surprise notifications from strangers.

Why Gifted Subs Happen in the First Place

Streamers and big gifting events often hand out subs to random viewers in the chat to boost engagement or celebrate milestones. It's generous, but it can backfire when those random gifts land in your notifications for channels you don't care about. The setting we're about to turn on quietly blocks those while still letting you enjoy gifts from the streamers you actually support.

How to Block Gifted Subs on Channels You Don't Follow (Desktop)

Follow these four quick steps on your computer or laptop:

Step 1: Log into your Twitch account and click your profile picture in the top right corner. A small menu will appear.

Step 2: Select "Settings" from that menu.

Step 3: In the Settings page, click the tab labeled "Security and Privacy."

Step 4: Scroll down until you see the section called "Block Receiving Gifts on Channels You Don't Follow." Flip the toggle to On.

That's it. Twitch will instantly apply the change, and future gifts from unfollowed channels will be blocked automatically.

Does This Work on the Twitch Mobile Apps?

Absolutely. The process is almost identical on both Android and iOS:

• Tap your profile icon (bottom right on mobile).
• Go to Account Settings.
• Tap Security and Privacy.
• Scroll to the same "Block Receiving Gifts on Channels You Don't Follow" option and enable it.

The setting syncs across all your devices, so one change covers everything.

What You Should Know After Turning It On

This setting only affects channels you don't follow. If a friend or a streamer you already follow gifts you a sub, you'll still receive it normally. You can always turn the toggle off later if your preferences change.

Pro tip: While you're in the Security and Privacy tab, take a quick look at the other privacy options. Many viewers also enable two-factor authentication and adjust whisper settings for extra peace of mind.

Why This Small Change Makes a Big Difference

Turning on this feature keeps your notifications clean, reduces inbox clutter, and makes your Twitch experience feel more personal and intentional. No more random distractions from channels that don't interest you. You'll focus on the creators you actually enjoy and support.

If you've been dealing with unwanted gifted subs for a while, give this a try right now. It really does make a noticeable difference.

Have questions about the setting, or did it work differently on your account? Drop a comment below and I'll help sort it out.

Can mods make other mods

Can Twitch Mods Make Other Users Mods?

If you are a Twitch streamer trying to build a solid moderation team for your growing channel, this question probably comes up early. Can your existing mods promote other viewers to moderator status too? It is a totally reasonable ask. You want to delegate without losing control, especially when chats start moving fast.

The short answer used to be a firm no. But Twitch made a smart update in December 2025 that changes the game for bigger communities. Here is the full picture, straight from the latest official rules.

Regular Moderators Still Cannot Add New Mods

Everyday moderators, the ones with the standard green sword badge, do not have permission to make anyone else a moderator. They are fantastic at handling chat, timing out troublemakers, and keeping the vibe positive, but assigning new mod powers is not on their list.

This design choice makes total sense. It keeps the ultimate responsibility with you, the streamer, so you can trust exactly who gets those elevated privileges.

The New Lead Moderator Role Changes Everything

Here is the exciting update. Twitch introduced the Lead Moderator role in late 2025. Lead mods get everything a regular mod has plus some serious extra authority, including the ability to add or remove regular moderators from your team.

They can manage the entire mod roster directly through the Roles Manager in your Creator Dashboard. It is a huge help for larger channels where one person cannot possibly handle every mod request.

Important note: Only you, the channel owner (broadcaster), can appoint someone as a Lead Moderator. Regular mods still cannot touch that level of power.

How to Actually Make Someone a Moderator on Twitch

You have two easy ways to grant mod status:

• In chat (fastest method): Type /mod username right in your stream chat. Replace “username” with the actual Twitch handle. Want to remove them later? Just type /unmod username.
• Through the Creator Dashboard (best for managing a bigger team): Head to your dashboard, click Community in the left menu, then open the Roles Manager. From there you can search users, assign regular mods, promote trusted ones to Lead Moderator, and adjust permissions all in one clean interface.

Lead Moderators use the same dashboard tools to handle regular mod additions and removals once you have given them that elevated role.

Why This Matters for Your Channel

Building a reliable mod team is one of the smartest moves you can make as a streamer. Good mods keep your community welcoming, protect your energy during long streams, and let you focus on creating great content instead of babysitting chat.

The Lead Moderator feature is especially useful once you hit consistent viewer numbers or run multiple streams a week. It lets you scale safely without handing over full control. Just remember: with great power comes the need for great trust. Choose your Lead Mods carefully. Look for people who already show good judgment, communicate well with you, and understand your community vibe.

Pro Tips for Managing Your Mod Team

• Start small. Test regular mods first before promoting anyone to Lead Moderator.
• Have clear expectations. Share your channel rules and moderation style with everyone on the team.
• Use Twitch built-in tools. The Roles Manager shows exactly what each role can do, so there are no surprises.
• Stay in the loop. Even with Lead Mods helping, check in regularly so you always know who has what permissions.

Bottom line? Regular mods cannot promote others, but Lead Moderators can. That one change makes managing a healthy Twitch community a whole lot easier. If you are ready to level up your team, head into your Creator Dashboard and start building that support system today. Your chat and your sanity will thank you.

how much money do streamers make per sub

How Much Do Twitch, Kick, and Other Platform Streamers Actually Make Per Sub in 2026?

Imagine a loyal fan smashing that subscribe button, pumped to support your stream with exclusive emotes, ad-free viewing, and that warm feeling of being part of the squad. But here’s the real question every creator and viewer wonders: exactly how much of that money actually hits your wallet?

The streaming world has changed a lot since the early days of simple 50/50 splits. Twitch raised prices and introduced better tiers for top performers, while Kick shook things up with one of the most creator-friendly models out there. And plenty of streamers are now mixing in YouTube, Rumble, Locals, or Patreon to maximize every dollar. Whether you’re grinding on one platform or building across several, knowing the real numbers helps you build smarter and earn more.

Twitch Subscription Earnings in 2026: The Full Breakdown

Twitch now uses local pricing, so the exact cost depends on where your viewers live. In the US on desktop, the current standard tiers look like this:

• Tier 1: $5.99 per month – still the go-to for most fans
• Tier 2: $9.99 per month – bigger perks for dedicated supporters
• Tier 3: $24.99 per month – the premium tier for your biggest whales

Your take-home depends on your Partner status and the Partner Plus program. Here’s the real math for a standard US Tier 1 sub:

• Standard split (50/50 – most Affiliates and entry-level Partners): You keep roughly $3.00
• Partner Plus Level 1 (60/40): About $3.59 lands in your pocket
• Partner Plus Level 2 (70/30): Around $4.19 per sub

Higher tiers scale up the same way. A Tier 3 sub at the standard split puts about $12.50 in your hands. These figures come before taxes, processing fees, and any regional currency adjustments.

How to Unlock Higher Splits on Twitch

Twitch’s Partner Plus program rewards consistent sub growth with a simple points system based only on paid recurring subs:

• Level 1 (60/40): 100 points for three straight months
• Level 2 (70/30): 300 points for three straight months

Points add up fast: one per Tier 1, two per Tier 2, and six per Tier 3. Plenty of mid-tier streamers are hitting these milestones and watching their monthly payouts jump noticeably.

Prime Gaming Subs and Other Variables on Twitch

Amazon Prime members still get one free sub token monthly, but Twitch shifted to fixed country-specific payouts in 2024 to keep the program healthy. In the US, a Prime sub now pays you about $2.25 (down from the old $2.50). Rates vary wildly by country, which is why some creators nudge fans toward paid subs. The good news? Prime subs still help you rack up Partner Plus points.

Other factors that swing your actual earnings include first-month discounts (often 20% off for new subs), gifted sub bundles, currency differences, and of course taxes. Most streamers report a blended average of $2.80 to $3.80 per sub after everything settles.

What About Kick? The 95/5 Revenue Split That Changes Everything

While Twitch rewards top performers with better splits, Kick went all-in on keeping things simple and creator-friendly from the start. In 2026, Kick still offers its famous flat 95/5 subscription split across the board—no complicated tiers to unlock, no waiting for Partner status.

Here’s how the math works on Kick:

• Standard subscription: $4.99 per month (local pricing applies)
• Streamer keeps 95%: Roughly $4.75 per sub

That’s nearly double what most Twitch creators earn on a standard Tier 1 sub. Kick keeps things straightforward with one main subscription level, though higher-value options exist in some cases. No separate Tier 2 or 3 structure like Twitch, which means every sub delivers maximum value to you right away.

Many streamers who moved (or simulcast) to Kick cite this 95/5 split as the biggest reason. With 500 subs, you’re looking at around $2,375 monthly before taxes on Kick versus roughly $1,500 on standard Twitch. For creators focused purely on sub revenue, the difference is massive.

Real-World Earnings Comparison: Twitch vs. Kick

Let’s make it concrete. Here’s what 1,000 subs actually pay out:

• Twitch (standard 50/50): About $3,000
• Twitch (top Partner Plus 70/30): About $4,190
• Kick (95/5): About $4,750

Of course, audience size, retention, and platform discovery play huge roles too. Twitch still has far more viewers overall, but Kick’s model makes every sub worth significantly more.

Want to Run the Exact Numbers Yourself? Try This Free Calculator

Figuring out real earnings gets tricky when you factor in local pricing across dozens of countries. That’s exactly why I built the Twitch & Kick Subscription Calculators – two powerful, interactive tools updated for 2026 pricing.

The page includes:

• Viewer Mode (Budget to Subs): Enter how much you want to spend and see exactly how many subs you can gift on each platform, plus what the streamer actually earns.
• Streamer Mode (Subs to Earnings): Input your sub counts by tier and region, and get a weighted earnings breakdown for both Twitch (50/70%) and Kick (95%).

It handles local pricing automatically, shows beautiful comparison charts, and even lets advanced users tweak the data themselves. Whether you’re planning your next subathon or just curious how a big gift sub actually pays out, these calculators cut through the confusion and give you crystal-clear numbers.

How Other Platforms Stack Up: YouTube, Rumble, Locals, and Patreon

Smart creators rarely put all their eggs in one basket. Many run memberships or subscriptions on YouTube, Rumble, Locals, or Patreon alongside (or instead of) live-streaming platforms. Here’s the latest 2026 breakdown on what you actually keep per dollar your fans spend:

• YouTube Channel Memberships: You keep 70% – YouTube takes a flat 30%. Tiers usually range from $2.99 to $9.99 a month, with perks like badges, emojis, and members-only content. It’s a great option if your audience already lives on YouTube.
• Rumble: One of the most creator-friendly platforms overall. While ad revenue is often around 60% to the creator, subscriptions and tipping features are highly competitive and frequently offer much stronger splits – sometimes up to 100% during promotions. Rumble puts the emphasis on letting creators retain the lion’s share.
• Locals: Built purely for independent creators, Locals takes just a 10% platform fee on subscriptions. That means you keep 90% before standard payment processing. It’s a favorite for communities who want full control and minimal platform cuts.
• Patreon: The classic membership platform now uses a standard 10% fee for new creators (older accounts may still have 5–8%). Add payment processing of roughly 3%, and most creators keep about 87% of what fans pay. It shines for tiered, recurring support with tons of built-in tools for exclusive content.

These options let you diversify and often earn more per supporter than standard Twitch splits. The key is matching the platform to where your biggest fans already hang out.

Final Thoughts: Which Platform Wins for Sub Revenue?

Twitch still dominates in audience size and features, but Kick’s straightforward 95/5 split makes it incredibly attractive for creators who want more money per supporter. Many smart streamers now split their time or simulcast to capture the best of both worlds. Throw in YouTube memberships, Rumble’s strong payouts, Locals’ low fees, or Patreon’s loyal fanbase, and you’ve got real flexibility to build the income stream that works for you.

At the end of the day, subs are more than just income—they’re your community saying “I believe in what you’re doing.” Understanding exactly how much you keep on Twitch, Kick, or any other platform helps you make better decisions, set realistic goals, and build a streaming career that actually pays the bills.

Drop your current sub count in the comments (or plug it into the calculator) and let’s talk real numbers. The more we share, the smarter we all get.

Can mods ban other mods

Can Twitch Mods Ban Other Mods? The Definitive Answer for Streamers in 2026

Picture this. Your Twitch chat is full of energy, but suddenly one moderator starts stepping out of line. Whether you are a fellow mod or the streamer, you might wonder if one moderator can ban another to keep order. This question comes up often in growing channels. Knowing the exact rules can prevent a lot of unnecessary drama.

The short answer is no. Regular moderators cannot ban, timeout, or remove other moderators. Only the broadcaster or Lead Moderators have that authority. This setup keeps the power structure clear and prevents conflicts between moderators.

Twitch Moderator Hierarchy: Who Holds What Power?

Twitch has refined its role system to give streamers more flexible tools. Here is how it stands in 2026:

• Broadcaster (you): Complete control. You can add and remove any roles, ban anyone, and adjust every setting.
• Lead Moderator: A powerful role added in late 2025. Lead moderators can manage the full mod team, assign VIPs, access advanced settings, and perform all regular moderation duties.
• Regular Moderator: Perfect for daily chat control. They can ban viewers, issue timeouts, delete messages, and handle unban requests, but they cannot take action against other staff.

How to Ban Regular Users as a Mod or Broadcaster

Mods may not police each other, but they have strong tools for everyday issues. Here are the simplest methods:

1. Click the users name in chat to open their profile popup, then select the ban button.
2. Use the chat command: /ban [username] [optional reason]

The reason is optional, but adding one makes it easier to review your moderation logs later.

What to Do When a Moderator Needs to Be Removed or Banned

If one of your moderators is causing problems, first remove their moderator status using the /unmod command or through the Creator Dashboard under Roles Manager. After they are no longer a mod, you or a Lead Moderator can ban them normally.

This careful approach keeps things professional and protects team spirit.

Best Practices for Building a Rock Solid Mod Team

Excellent moderation depends more on people and clear expectations than on permissions. Here are practical tips that successful streamers follow:

• Select moderators who truly understand and fit your channels atmosphere. Trust matters more than typing speed.
• Provide new moderators with clear guidelines and set up a private group chat or Discord for the team.
• Check moderation logs often to give helpful feedback and spot patterns early.
• Promote your most dependable moderators to Lead Moderator as your channel grows to share the responsibility.
• Start with timeouts for minor issues. A short pause often solves the problem without a permanent ban.

In the end, a smoothly managed mod team makes streaming more enjoyable for everyone. When you understand these rules and treat your moderators as trusted partners, you build a friendly community that viewers want to return to again and again.

Have you experienced moderator challenges or want advice about using Lead Moderators? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. I am happy to help.

Can mods give vip to people

Ever wondered if your Twitch mods can hand out those coveted VIP badges to your most loyal viewers? It is a question that comes up constantly in streaming communities. Especially when you are trying to reward regulars without juggling every little detail yourself.

The short answer is no. Only the broadcaster, that is you as the streamer, can assign the VIP role on your channel. Moderators have tons of useful tools for keeping chat healthy, but granting VIP status is not one of them. It keeps things simple and puts the final say squarely in the hands of the channel owner.

If you are ready to give someone VIP on your own stream, it could not be easier. Just type this command right in your chat:

/vip username

Swap out username for the actual Twitch handle of the person you want to honor. Hit enter, and they will instantly get the special VIP badge next to their name.

How to Add VIPs Through the Creator Dashboard

Prefer a more visual way to manage roles? Head over to the Roles Manager in your dashboard. It is clean, straightforward, and perfect for reviewing your entire community at once. Here is exactly how to do it:

1. Log into your Creator Dashboard.
2. Click on the Community section to expand the menu.
3. Select Roles Manager.
4. Hit the Add New button, type in the username, choose the VIP role, and confirm.

You will also see exactly how many VIP slots you have available right there in the interface. It is a handy reminder of how much your community is growing.

How to Unlock More VIP Slots on Twitch

Streamers do not start with unlimited VIP badges. That would dilute their special feel. You begin by completing the Build a Community achievement: hit 50 followers and have at least five unique chatters active in one stream session. That unlocks your first 10 VIP slots right away.

From there, the number scales up naturally as your streams get more interactive. The more unique people chatting during your broadcasts, the more slots you earn, up to a generous maximum of 100 total. It is Twitch way of rewarding streamers who truly build an engaged, lively audience rather than just chasing numbers.

Pro tip: keep encouraging chat participation with questions, polls, and shoutouts. Every milestone you hit feels like a win for your whole community.

What Benefits Do VIPs Actually Get?

VIP status is not just a pretty badge. It gives your most dedicated supporters real perks that make them feel valued and keep them coming back. Here is what they receive:

• A distinctive VIP badge next to their name that stands out in chat and shows everyone they are part of your inner circle.
• The ability to post links even when you have links only mode turned on for the rest of the audience.
• Complete immunity to rate limits, slow mode, subscribers only chat, and followers only chat. VIPs can always participate freely.

One important note: a user cannot be both a VIP and a moderator at the same time. Twitch keeps those roles separate so each one stays meaningful.

Quick Tips for Using VIPs Effectively

Choose your VIPs thoughtfully. Look for viewers who show up regularly, keep the chat positive, and help new people feel welcome. A well placed VIP badge can turn casual fans into lifelong supporters.

Need to remove the role later? Just type /unvip username in chat or head back to the Roles Manager and revoke it there.

Bottom line: VIPs are one of the easiest and most powerful ways to show appreciation without spending a dime. Use them well, and you will watch your community grow stronger with every stream.