Is Twitch’s new Knock feature a threat to vtubers?

Twitch has added a new Knock feature that lets creators easily collaborate, but vtubers are enraged for what they’re calling a malicious and unnecessary feature.

Like other streaming platforms, Twitch continues to roll out new features that make streaming and collaborating easier for creators. While most features are announced beforehand to ensure streamers know what to expect, the Amazon-owned platform likes to do stealth drops now and then. Such is the case with the new Knock feature that lets creators collaborate with the touch of a button. While the feature initially looks convenient, the vtuber community is outraged by the potential danger it can cause to their anonymity.

Here’s whether the new Twitch Knock feature is actually a threat to vtubers.

Why are vtubers mad about Twitch’s Knock feature?

Vtubers are mad about Twitch’s new Knock feature because using it automatically turns on the streamer’s webcam.

The general implementation of the knock feature seems like it was hastily put together. Because of how it’s placed, streamers can accidentally send a Knock invite to others when interacting with followed channels.

Accidentally using the feature is annoying enough, but that’s only part of why the vtuber community is enraged. Any creator who uses this feature has their webcam automatically turned on when Twitch has all the required permissions. Add to this the fact that the feature’s default settings let anyone send a collaboration request to streamers, and things can get overwhelming quickly.

Many streamers who usually have their webcams turned on when streaming aren’t too worried about this feature. However, vtubers use anime-like digital avatars instead of their faces to retain a sense of privacy and anonymity. The avatars ensure the creators can reveal their faces when they’re comfortable. Since the Knock feature threatens that said anonymity, it’s understandable why so many vtubers are asking Twitch to remove it entirely.

How to turn off the Knock feature on Twitch

Streamers can turn off the new Knock feature on Twitch by only allowing those set as favorites to send collaboration requests.

Streamers can follow the steps below to ensure they don’t get collaboration requests from random individuals.

1. Open the Twitch Creator dashboard
2. Go to stream manager
3. Look for the Collaborations heading and interact with the permissions option under it
4. Ensure Channels I follow, Partners, and Affiliates are all unchecked

Following these steps will only allow those added to Favorites to send collaboration invites. Vtubers have nothing to worry about as long as the streamer doesn’t add anyone to the favorites section. This method can also ensure that only select individuals added to the Twitch favorites section can send Knock invites.