Twitch Launches Hype Chat, Allowing Viewers to Purchase Pinned Messages

Twitch

Twitch has launched Hype Chat, enabling viewers to purchase messages that are pinned to the top of a streamer's chat for prices ranging from $1 to $500. The length of time messages are pinned, the number of characters allowed, and the message design all depend on the viewer's payment amount. Hype Chat messages are also equipped with safety features: they cannot contain banned words or phrases, and messages from users who are timed out or banned will be immediately removed from the queue. Hype Chat messages are automatically scanned by AutoMod, which means that viewers are unable to complete their Hype Chat purchase if the message is flagged.

Similar to the announcement of Partner Plus last week, there is a 70/30 split between streamers and the platform. Initially, Hype Chat will only be available for Twitch Partners.

Streamers with fast-moving chats are expected to benefit from this update, as viewers are more likely to pay to have their messages highlighted and stand out in high chat activity. Hype Chat is now added to other direct-to-audience monetization tools like Bits, Subs, and Gift Subs.