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If you’ve ever tried to type a message in all caps on Twitch and noticed that it either didn’t go through or was modified, you’re not alone. Twitch has a unique approach to chat moderation, and preventing all-caps messages is part of that strategy. The platform’s anti-spam features, combined with custom moderation by streamers, often restrict messages that contain excessive capital letters. While it’s understandable that some viewers may want to use all caps for emphasis, too much of it can be distracting or disruptive to the chat experience.
Here’s why Twitch restricts all-caps messages, how the system works, and what you can do if your all-caps messages keep getting blocked.
Why Does Twitch Restrict All-Caps Messages?
The main reason Twitch limits the use of all-caps messages is to combat spam and maintain a more respectful, inclusive chat environment. Messages in all caps often come across as “shouting,” which can disrupt the flow of conversation. Additionally, spam bots and trolls frequently use all-caps messages to grab attention or spam offensive comments, so Twitch aims to reduce this disruptive behavior by automatically filtering excessive capitalization.
Twitch uses a combination of AutoMod, Nightbot, and other third-party moderation bots to manage chat behavior, including caps lock restrictions. While some streamers allow a more relaxed chat environment, others keep tight restrictions on caps and may customize settings based on their community’s needs.
How to Bypass All-Caps Restrictions
If you still want to emphasize a message without triggering the caps lock filter, here are some options to try:
1. Limit the Number of Capital Letters
– Twitch bots usually only block messages with excessive capitalization. Instead of typing the entire message in all caps, consider only capitalizing a few key words to get your point across. For instance, instead of typing “THAT WAS AMAZING,” try “That was AMAZING.” This maintains the emphasis without going overboard.
2. Use Emotes and Symbols for Emphasis
– Twitch is known for its huge library of emotes that can help emphasize reactions or excitement without needing all caps. Instead of typing in all caps, use emotes like PogChamp, Kappa, or FeelsGoodMan to express your emotions visually. Many streamers even have custom emotes that can add emphasis in a more community-oriented way.
3. Check with the Streamer’s Moderation Settings
– Some streamers may have more lenient moderation settings that allow all caps if used sparingly. If you’re unsure, look at the channel rules or ask a moderator. In some cases, streamers may disable the caps restriction entirely, allowing more freedom for viewers to use caps without risking a timeout.
How to Fix All-Caps Blocking if You’re a Streamer
If you’re a streamer and want to adjust your all-caps moderation settings, you can do so with the following steps:
1. Access Moderation Settings: Go to your Creator Dashboard on Twitch. From there, select Settings, then Moderation.
2. Adjust AutoMod Levels: Lowering AutoMod levels can reduce caps restrictions, especially if you have a supportive and respectful community. However, keep in mind that this may also open up more spam in your chat.
3. Use Custom Bots: You can also adjust settings on bots like Nightbot, StreamElements, or Moobot. Many of these bots allow you to set caps thresholds, where only messages that contain more than, say, 70% capitalization get flagged.
4. Communicate Chat Rules: If you allow all caps but want to avoid spam, communicate your chat rules to your community. Clear guidelines help create an enjoyable experience for everyone without excessive restrictions.
Twitch’s all-caps restriction is designed to keep chat welcoming and spam-free, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add emphasis in other ways. By limiting capitalization, using emotes, and understanding moderation tools, you can work within Twitch’s guidelines while still engaging energetically with the community.