A Thorough Guide To Being a Twitch Moderator
by S4B0T4G3FIRE | August 14, 2018, 8:00 AM EDT
Before We Begin!
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Now, let’s get into the Moderator Guide!
Introduction
I have not yet found thorough advice for aspiring Twitch Moderators, so I created a guide! It covers a lot of the less obvious responsibilities that I never see discussed. Though unnecessary to practice all of the responsibilities listed in this guide, it is good to understand the behaviors and skills required to improve as a Twitch Moderator and to help grow a streamer’s channel.
Not all of the rules and responsibilities listed will apply to larger chats where chat interactions between viewers and streamers are less personal, so choose the ones that will be useful to you!
DURING THE STREAM
1. RESPECT everyone
Even on the Internet, you are dealing with real human beings. Though they made be rude at times and fail to show an appropriate level of respect to others, you must lead by example.
2. GREET all newcomers
People love attention. Understand that newcomers may feel ignored and leave the chat if they are not acknowledged shortly after making an effort to say “hello.”
3. Display POSITIVITY
Positivity reduces stress. Awkwardly complaining and sharing your negative thoughts and feelings will only worsen the days of those around you. Maintain a positive outlook in even the most unpromising situations. If you need to eliminate frustrations or sadness, speak to someone in private.
4. Make the streamer LOOK good
Streaming is a competitive business. Since the streamer trusts you to represent the stream, you should “sell” him/her to the best of your ability.
5. AVOID spamming
It is not your fault if the chat resembles a Mod wall; the ratio of active Mods to active chat members is out of your control. However, you can avoid spamming by sending fewer, longer messages instead of more, shorter messages. Until some other Mods leave the chat, the fewer times your sword shows up in the chat, the better.
6. Keep the discussion GOING
Conversations have a tendency to become stagnant. Bring up random topics, any of which can spark a new conversation to keep the chat flowing. If possible, try to get some lurkers involved as well.
7. Handle rude people PROPERLY
More specifically, “kill them with kindness” to show that they are failing to get the better of you. Once they are dealt with, discourage chat members from discussing the situation. Rude people want to be the center of attention, so do not give them any additional attention. They are not worth it.
8. KNOW the commands
At the very least, familiarize yourself with basic commands essential to any chat experience. If you can, study some more complex ones as well because you will likely need to explain to chat members on how to use them.
9. REMIND the streamer to utilize social media
If you notice the streamer failed to make an announcement before going live, bring it up to him/her. Even if his/her social media following is not very large, doing so provides opportunities for even just one new person to discover the channel.
10. REMEMBER people
Remember chat members after their first visits to the stream. It will make them feel important, thus inclining them to return to the channel again.
11. Do NOT try to impress people
If people are impressed by how much you contribute, then so be it, but there is no need to show off. Being a Mod is nothing to brag about. Possessing the role simply means you are trusted, and trust is quite simple to earn with time.
12. Play STUPID when appropriate
Many times, chat members will miss important information about the stream. Even if you already know the information discussed, ask the streamer about it, so he/she will briefly mention it again. This is a seamless way to get the streamer to repeat himself/herself for chat members who were unaware that they missed information.
13. Do NOT force yourself to be fake
It can be daunting to constantly spam “hello” alongside cringeworthy emotes; doing so may also come across as robotic and insincere to some people. Be sure to share your unique personality, characteristics, and interests.
14. Do NOT blame yourself for slow days
The occurrence of a less successful broadcast does not mean you failed to fulfill your role. All streamers, no matter how popular they are, experience slow days.
15. Keep your Direct Messages open at ALL times
Considering how a Mod is technically an “authority figure” in the chat, you will be confronted with questions and concerns in your Direct Messages. These sometimes lead to long conversations that will distract you from the stream, so be prepared to multitask.
16. Do NOT treat this role as a full-time job
The channel is not yours. The streamer is earning all the money, fame, and success, so do not lose sleep over trying to help him/her.
17. SUBSCRIBE to the channel
Unless you will not mind being the only Mod in the chat not subscribed to the channel, you should consider purchasing a subscription. Otherwise, be prepared for chat members to constantly bring up your lack of a subscriber badge. If you cannot afford to subscribe, a gifted subscription to the channel can easily resolve this situation.
18. Do NOT ban chat members for fun
Though chat members see when people are banned, they may not be able to distinguish a real ban from a pretend ban. If they see too many unnecessary bans, they will question whether you are abusing your power.
19. Do NOT excessively utilize inside jokes
New chat members may think you are making fun of them, or they may feel left out because they do not understand the channel’s inside jokes.
BEHIND THE SCENES
1. LEARN how to fulfill your role as a Mod
If you wish to be an effective Mod, learn how to be one. This is a mostly self-taught role, though good Mods and tutorials (and this guide) will assist you if you are willing to learn.
2. Do not be afraid to HESITATE as a new Mod
It is highly acceptable for you to be hesitant about creating commands and banning people at first. If you are unsure whether something needs to be completed, ask the streamer or the channel’s other Mods. It is possible that everything is already taken care of, which will make your role very simple.
3. Do not make yourself OVERLY accessible
Though it is okay to volunteer to do more than moderate the chat, do not willingly make yourself overly accessible. Doing so will greatly reduce the perceived importance of the work you are doing since the work will be expected from you.
4. Ask REGULARLY for negative feedback from the streamer
Also known as constructive criticism, negative feedback from the streamer is the best way for you to improve as a Mod. You are not perfect, and a little adjusting here and there will go a long way.
5. Understand that your help is always APPRECIATED
Regardless of how much work you do for the channel, understand that the effort is greatly appreciated. This statement should serve as a reminder to you when you are not receiving many thanks or much attention for your efforts.
6. ENCOURAGE other Mods
It is important for new Mods to know how to fulfill their roles properly. Do more than just welcome them to the team. Help them learn to interact effectively with commands and chat members.
7. ATTEND the streams of chat members
Attending chat members’ streams is a great way to network. It strengthens the relationships with those members, ensuring that they will return to your streamer’s channel in the future.
8. EXPAND to other platforms
If the streamer has social media where his/her followers can interact with one another, such as a Discord server, you should continue to welcome new members to those platforms. This will encourage them to become more involved in the community outside of the stream.
9. Expect NOTHING in return
Moderating is not a job. Your only rewards are the trust you gain from the streamer, the compliments you receive from others, and your experiences.
Additionally, be mindful of the following:
1. Do not be afraid to DECLINE the role in other channels
If other streamers like what they see you doing as a Mod, it is possible that they will ask you to replicate your efforts for their channels. Do not feel pressured into accepting these offers.
2. Take BREAKS from the stream
Even if your responsibilities as a Mod are minimal, it can be easy to become tired of them. Take frequent breaks, so the role remains fresh and exciting.
3. Do NOT rely on the chat to make the stream enjoyable
Enjoy the content first and foremost, so you will not be miserable when the chat discussions become dull.
4. Do NOT force yourself to continue being a Mod
If you are no longer enjoying being a Mod, there is no shame or letdown in deciding to discontinue your role. Perhaps wait to see if the motivation returns, but do not force yourself to continue; otherwise, you will feel trapped.
Like this article? Perhaps you will like some of my others!
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I hope this guide helps you, and I look forward to reading your opinions and answering any questions you may have. You can also find me on social media on Twitch, Twitter, and Reddit.
