The Knock button is a new feature on Twitch that makes it easier for streamers to collaborate with each other. With the help of this recent update to the Drop Ins feature, creators can now ask other streamers who are currently active to collaborate live. The goal is to encourage more community-driven and impromptu interactions on the platform.
The goal is to collaborate more
With much excitement, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy introduced the Drop In feature, describing it as a tool that may greatly simplify the process of setting up collaborations. The tool is seems easy to use: Users can see a Knock icon next to the names of streamers who are available for collaborations.
A request is made by clicking the Knock button, and, if approved, the two streamers can immediately join each other’s streams. Clancy emphasized that streamers who rely on collaboration to succeed will find this feature especially helpful.
Concerns of streamers
Not every streamer is happy with the new feature, though. Social media users are worried about potential misuse of the Knock button, as many have voiced their concerns. VTuber Shylilly was among the first to express her disapproval, pushing for an opt-out option and describing the feature as “unwanted.”
A lot of streamers fear the feature being used for harassment, akin to how Twitch’s Raid feature was previously utilized for “hate raids” against minority creators.
One streamer remarked, “This is going to get heavily abused unless there is moderation involved,” emphasizing the potential for the Knock button to cause unwanted drama.
Additionally, at the time of its release, streamers do not have the option to opt out of the feature. Streamers can only pause Knocks for one hour or for one stream.
A divided community
Despite the backlash, some streamers have welcomed the Knock feature. Popular Twitch streamer SweeetTails defended the feature, saying, “I actually love this idea. The fact I can knock on smaller streamers’ doors to say hi and meet some new people is amazing.” She also criticized the negative reactions from other streamers, urging them to appreciate Twitch’s efforts to introduce new features.
Image courtesy: Twitch