Twitch responds to backlash following release of Ninja & Pokimane advertisements

Popular streaming platform Twitch have finally responded to widespread criticism, after rolling out an advertisement for streamer Imane ‘Pokimane’s’ Anys’s Pro Bowl event across their site in late January.

Twitch released a statement on the matter in a Tweet on January 28, announcing that they will no longer run advertisements promoting on-site events or other streamers across the platform.

“We removed the most recent ad early Friday and will avoid running advertisements in the future for on-site events and/or creators that potentially drive your viewers to other Twitch channels,” the statement read.

Twitch’s response follows widespread backlash following the advertisement of Pokimane’s ‘Pro Bowl’ event on January 25.

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Pokimane herself responded to the ensuing criticism by stating that all creators on the platform should be happy for the exposure brought about by the ad, claiming that it meant “the whole industry for streamers is doing well.”

Pokimane’s sentiments echoed that of popular streamer Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins, who likewise saw backlash after Twitch rolled out ads promoting his New Year’s Eve event on December 31, 2018.

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However, other creators on the site feared that such advertisements would draw viewers away from their channels, with the likes of Dr Disrespect and Sam ‘Strippin’ Thorne calling out the promos in scathing Tweets shortly thereafter.

“I thought people were pretty vocal recently about their displeasure of other broadcasters being advertised on their channels,” Strippin wrote. “So why the fuck are my viewers seeing Pokimane ads, Twitch?”

It looks like Twitch has taken direct action in light of these complaints, much to the relief of their userbase.