Drinking Beer On Twitch: What's The Verdict?

Drinking alcohol while streaming on Twitch is a popular activity for many streamers and their viewers. However, it is important to note that Twitch has guidelines and rules regarding alcohol consumption during live streams. Firstly, streamers must be of legal drinking age in their respective countries to consume alcohol on stream. While drinking a beer or two is generally permitted, excessive drinking or drinking to the point of harming oneself is against Twitch's terms and conditions and can result in temporary or permanent bans. Streamers are advised to set their streams for mature audiences and refrain from encouraging underage drinking. Additionally, drinking for donations or incentives is not recommended as it may be perceived as harmful conduct by Twitch mods.

Drinking age

Twitch's rules regarding alcohol are based on national legislation. If you are of legal drinking age in your country, you can drink during a live stream. For example, in the US, you must be 21, whereas in Italy, the drinking age is 16.

If you plan on drinking during a stream, it is a good idea to set your stream for a mature audience only. This is especially important as Twitch is popular with minors, and it is difficult to avoid younger viewers from joining your stream.

It is also important to note that drinking for donations or incentives is not recommended. While it is not against the rules, different Twitch moderators may perceive "harmful conduct" differently, and you may risk a temporary or permanent ban.

Twitch specifically states that dangerous consumption of alcohol is against their terms and conditions. This means that enjoying a beer or two is fine, but drinking excessively could result in a ban. You must also not harm yourself while drinking on stream. This includes vomiting, passing out, or drinking dangerously, such as necking a bottle in 30 seconds.

Drinking games

• Drink every time you die in a game, or choose another in-game event. You can also keep count using a chatbot.
• Incorporate a wheel spinner to add variety. Spin the wheel periodically to change the drink or the reason for drinking.
• Drink at timed intervals.

If you plan to include drinking games in your Twitch stream, it is recommended that you set your stream for a mature audience to prevent influencing underage viewers.

Sponsored streams

If you have been a streamer for a while and have gained a loyal following, you may be given the opportunity to run sponsored streams. Being sponsored by a company or interested entities can be a lucrative move, but it may come with certain conditions.

Whether you can drink during a sponsored stream depends on the brand you are working with. If the brand is happy for you to drink, then you are free to do so. However, if they are not, it is best to respect their wishes. You may want to ask them directly about this before agreeing to the sponsorship. Most sponsors will provide a means of communication that you can use to clarify any concerns.

It is important to remember that drinking is not allowed to be incentivised in any way. This includes drinking for rewards, donations, or subscriptions. While Twitch's rules on this are somewhat inconsistently enforced, it is best to avoid the risk of suspension or a ban.

Drinking games are allowed, as long as they do not involve any kind of monetary exchange. Games such as drinking every time you die in a game, or spinning a wheel to determine when and what you drink, are popular with viewers.

Remember to always drink responsibly and be mindful of your country's drinking laws. As long as you are not harming your health, you are within your rights to drink during a stream.

Drinking for donations

Twitch's alcohol policy is based on national legislation, so the legal drinking age must be adhered to. In the US, for example, you need to be 21, while in Italy, the drinking age is 16.

If you are drinking on a Twitch stream, it is recommended that you set your stream for a mature audience only. It is also important to remember that drinking for donations may result in you acting in a way that is against Twitch's guidelines, such as inappropriate speech, intimidation, discrimination, denigration, objectification, harassment, and nudity. You might also be more likely to perform dangerous stunts that could result in a ban.

Twitch also prohibits drinking for money, such as 'donate $10 and I'll do a shot'. However, some users have suggested loopholes, such as taking a shot for every donation without explicitly stating that this is what you are doing. But this is risky, as it could still result in a ban if reported and acted upon.

If you are drinking on a Twitch stream, it is important to know your limits and stay safe.

Self-harm

Drinking alcohol during a Twitch stream is allowed, as long as you are of legal drinking age in your country. However, Twitch has strict guidelines that must be followed to avoid being banned. Here are some key points to consider regarding drinking on Twitch and protecting yourself from self-harm:

• Age restriction: The legal drinking age varies by country. In the US, for example, the minimum age is 21, while in some countries, such as Italy, the drinking age is as low as 16. It is crucial to be aware of and abide by the legal drinking age in your specific location.
• Mature audience: It is recommended to set your stream for mature audiences only. This helps ensure that minors do not have access to content that includes alcohol consumption. As Twitch is popular with underage users, taking this precaution is essential to discourage underage drinking and comply with Twitch's alcohol policy.
• Responsible drinking: Twitch prohibits excessive drinking that may lead to self-harm. This includes drinking to the point of vomiting, passing out, or losing motor skills. Drink responsibly, and be mindful of your limits to ensure you don't endanger yourself or engage in harmful conduct.
• No incentives: Drinking for rewards or donations is strongly discouraged and may lead to a ban. While opinions vary among Twitch mods, it is better to avoid hosting events where drinking is incentivized to prevent any potential issues.
• No promotion of alcohol: While drinking is allowed, actively promoting alcohol brands or products is not recommended, especially if you aim to become a Twitch partner.
• No drinking and driving: Do not drink and then drive or engage in any activity that may cause harm to yourself or others due to impaired judgment or motor skills.
• Health considerations: Be mindful of your health and well-being. Alcohol consumption can have negative effects on your health, particularly when consumed in excess. Always drink responsibly and prioritize your health and safety.
• Inhibitions and behaviour: Alcohol lowers inhibitions, which may lead to unintended behaviour that violates Twitch guidelines, such as inappropriate speech, intimidation, discrimination, or harassment. Be mindful of your conduct to avoid inadvertently breaking the rules and facing the consequences.

In summary, while drinking on Twitch is permitted for those of legal age, it is crucial to prioritize responsible drinking and adhere to Twitch's community guidelines. By setting your stream for mature audiences, drinking in moderation, and avoiding incentives or promotions, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and your viewers while minimizing the risk of self-harm or other harmful consequences.

Frequently asked questions