The way Twitch has suspended and banned some users has caused questions about how its regulations and guidelines are applied. There are activities and reason that a Twitch user might engage in that might genuinely get them banned from the platform. These activities include promoting acts of violence, using language that is considered offensive, displaying graphic or controversial content, spamming, selling the accounts of users, engaging in behavior aimed at cheating the reward system of Twitch, and impersonation. Twitch has outlined its Terms of Service on its website but enforcement of these terms usually vary.

Why has my Twitch account been banned?

It is common to get banned on a streaming platform for behavior done outside such platforms. For instance, you might get banned from Twitch if perhaps you have carried out an activity that is considered harmful to the environment. This has nothing to do with the platform itself, but some other users might be offended by this behavior and report it. However, Twitch has also controversially banned users for one or two incidences. A user has been banned for self-depreciation. Some other activities aside from the ones mentioned above that might result in a ban include:

Evading a suspension. Engaging in behavior is seen as self-destructive. Threatening someone with or without violence. Sharing one’s private information without consent. Sexual content. Cheating in games.

What Can I Do To Recover My Account?

If you believe there was no valid reason for you to receive a ban from Twitch, you might submit an appeal. You could also file a request asking that your account be unbanned. To send an appeal, follow these steps:

Log in to the banned accountClick “Category” and select “Account/Log In Issues”. In the sub-category, select “Suspension”. Clearly explain why you think your ban might have been an error.

Endeavor to select both the right category and sub-category. Not doing this might delay the response from the Twitch team or worse, no response at all. After submitting your request, an auto-generated response will show that your appeal has been seen and acknowledged. Twitch will review your statement and a notification will be sent when a decision has been taken. The Twitch support team is relatively responsive but sometimes, streamers might get no response on time. You’ll have to wait till there has been a response.

What activities am I restricted from if my account has been banned? 

You won’t be able to watch streams on the platform. You would not be able to broadcast streams. Your chatting privileges would be restricted. You would not be able to create a new account. You would be prevented from appearing in the stream of other Twitch users.

Getting banned from it’s channel

You might also be banned from a Twitch channel for one reason or another.

Reasons why you were banned from A Twitch Channel

Twitch has given streamers full autonomy over other Twitch users with access to their channels. You should however ensure that you adhere to the guidelines that guard how followers behave on the channel. Streamers can ban users who have been found to post material that might be considered offensive. The streamers are also allowed to make up and enforce their own rules. There have been cases where streamers have banned their followers for no particular reason. You can always appeal your ban. However, this can only be directed at the streamer and if a way to do it was given. It is still up to the streamer to approve or deny the lifting of your restriction.

Conclusion

Just like most platforms, Twitch has its rules and regulations. These help to make the platform usable by all and create an enabling environment to express oneself freely. These rules and guidelines are used to keep out users who might have nefarious motives. However, even those with no negative motives at all might get banned or suspended from the platform for unknown reasons. Make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions to know how to conduct yourself on the platform. Nevertheless, if you get banned, some steps could be taken to reverse this case.

What happens if I get banned from a Twitch channel?You won’t be able to see the streamer that banned you. You’ll also be unable to access chat on the channel you were banned. Is it legal to use a VPN to work around a chat ban?Although it is not illegal to use a VPN to get around a channel ban, there is a risk of incurring a harsher ban if you are caught. Is there a difference between a ban and a suspension?Suspensions are handed out for minor infractions -such as using offensive language and it lasts for a short period. Bans are permanent and are given for more serious violations. Can I appeal a suspension?Yes, you can. Suspensions and bans can both be appealed.  

You won’t be able to see the streamer that banned you. You’ll also be unable to access chat on the channel you were banned.

Although it is not illegal to use a VPN to get around a channel ban, there is a risk of incurring a harsher ban if you are caught.

Suspensions are handed out for minor infractions -such as using offensive language and it lasts for a short period. Bans are permanent and are given for more serious violations.

Yes, you can. Suspensions and bans can both be appealed.