Kick
Kick is a live streaming platform that allows streamers to broadcast content in real time and engage directly with their audiences. Similar to platforms like Twitch and YouTube, Kick enables viewers to subscribe to their favorite creators to stay up to date on new content.
The platform has a minimum age requirement of 13 and requires users under 18 to obtain parental permission before participating on the platform. Compared to other streaming services, Kick is known for its relatively lenient content moderation policies, encouraging users to “freely express themselves while respecting others.” However, this relaxed approach has raised concerns, as instances of inappropriate content have reportedly been broadcasted.
Launched in October 2022, Kick is still a newer platform and is expected to implement stronger safeguards as it evolves. Users can be removed from chatrooms or penalized for violating community guidelines, showing excessive violence, remaining inactive, or exhibiting repeated disruptive behavior. Disciplinary actions range from temporary suspensions to permanent bans. While users may appeal temporary and permanent suspensions, bans deemed permanent cannot be appealed.
Twitch
Twitch is a live streaming platform where users can broadcast their own content or watch others stream in real time, with active participation through a live chat feature. While it is especially popular among gamers who stream themselves playing video games, Twitch also hosts a wide variety of other content. This includes “just chatting” streams, reaction videos, IRL (in real life) content where streamers share aspects of their daily lives, creative endeavors, and even streams of people sleeping.
Users may be suspended or banned from Twitch for violating the platform’s Terms of Service or Community Guidelines. Common violations include hate speech, copyright infringement, or promoting violence. If a user believes a suspension or termination was made in error, they can submit an appeal through Twitch’s designated portal. Appeals must include relevant details and a justification for reconsideration. Users are eligible to appeal suspensions or warnings that were issued within the past six months.
YouTube
Launched in February 2005, YouTube is one of the most longstanding and widely used content platforms across all categories. It allows users to watch, upload, and create videos, subscribe to creators, stream music, produce short films, and broadcast live. With its vast range of content, YouTube offers something for virtually everyone.
Through the YouTube Partner Program, eligible creators who have at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 public watch hours or 10 million shorts views in the past 90 days, can earn revenue. Monetization options include advertising, merchandise sales, affiliate links, and brand partnerships.
YouTube may suspend or terminate a user’s channel for violating community guidelines, especially for repeated offenses. For instance, accumulating three strikes within a 90-day period can result in termination. Typically, first-time violations receive a warning, which does not have lasting consequences. If a user believes a strike or termination was issued in error, they can appeal through YouTube Studio or a provided appeal form, explaining their case. If the appeal is denied, they may reapply to the YouTube Partner Program after approximately 90 days.
TikTok
TikTok is currently one of the most popular social media and streaming platforms. Known for its highly personalized algorithm, the app curates content based on each user’s interactions. Users can create videos ranging from a few seconds up to ten minutes, using in-app editing tools to trim clips, sound effects, text boxes, and more.
The For You Page serves as an explore page, allowing users to discover content that aligns with their interests. Features like duets and stitches enable users to engage with other creators’ content by creating side-by-side or integrated video responses. Users have the option to disable these features to prevent others from interacting with their content in this way.
For TikTok livestreaming, users with at least 1,000 followers can host lives and can invite up to eight others to join a live session. During live broadcasts, viewers can interact through comments and send virtual gifts, which range in value from $0.01 to $500. These gifts can be converted into real money, but TikTok retains 50% of the commission.
Users may be banned for violating age requirements, engaging in harmful or deceptive behavior, impersonating others, or breaching the platform’s Terms of Service. When banned, users receive a notification banner on the app and can log in to submit an appeal. They also have the option to download their personal data before TikTok deletes it.
Roblox
Roblox is a platform that allows users to take part in gaming, which is referred to as “experiences,” on the app. The games range from role-playing to simulations and adventure. Users are able to freely interact via voice chat, text chat, and throughout actions taken in games. In each “experience,” users can interact with other users in the same experience while they remain in it.
Roblox does not directly provide a built-in live feature, yet many users use the other mentioned platforms, such as YouTube and Twitch, to share their Roblox experiences on live streams. Roblox bans users who violate community standards, terms of use, or developer guidelines. Examples of actions that will result in a ban are inappropriate content, hacking, scamming, bullying, impersonation and violating any essential terms.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about legal rules regarding social media and content production, do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced business attorneys at EPGD Business Law in Miami, Florida. Call us at (786) 837-6787 or email us to schedule a consultation.
