Host Mode FAQ

We’re thrilled with the feedback we’ve gotten on Host Mode! A number of questions that have come up over the last 24 hours, and we’d like to take some time to answer them. We’ve also added this video on how Host Mode works. Check it out!

How do I activate host mode?

Type /host channelname into your chat. For example, to share the Twitch Weekly show, you would type: /host twitch

How do I deactivate host mode?

Type /unhost into your chat.

Can I participate in chat in my own channel if I’m in host mode?

Yep! Your chat room doesn’t change at all while you’re in host mode. The same moderators and chat will be on your channel page.

How often can I host another channel?

You can transition to another channel using the /host command up to three total hosts in a given 30 minute period.

Can my audience hear me when I’m hosting?

No. While in host mode, your audio and video will be offline. You can continue to interact with your community via chat.

How does Host Mode work if sub-only chat is turned on?

Chat settings are not affected in any way while in Host Mode.

Can my editors control Host Mode?

Yes, editors can manage Host Mode on your channel. Mods, however, cannot manage Host Mode

Which users can use the host mode feature?

Host mode is available to every channel on Twitch.

How do my users know when I’m hosting another channel?

When you begin hosting another channel, your player and panels drop down and are replaced by a new player showing the selected broadcaster’s stream.

Can I schedule Host Mode?

No. You cannot schedule Host Mode or queue up channels to host. However, we imagine some of you will build bots with editor status that can change host mode for you.

What does host mode look like on other platforms?

Host mode is only available on the website today.

Does host mode change what viewers see on my embedded live streams?

No, activating host mode does not affect what viewers see on any embedded version of your stream.

Who gets credit for viewers when I activate host mode?

The hosted channel gets full credit for all viewers while you’re in host mode. Your channel will display a button to follow the hosted channel as well.

How does advertising work when in host mode?

Viewers of the hosted channel will see advertising from that channel while you’re in host mode, exactly as if they were on that channel’s page directly.

Who gets ad revenue from commercials shown in the hosted channel?

If your channel is hosted and you’re a Twitch Partner, you continue to receive 100% of your advertising revenue share under your normal terms. The hosting channel — if a Twitch Partner — does not receive ad revenue while in host mode.

What if I have ads turned off and I want to host a channel? Will the hosted channel’s ads be shown?

Yes, the hosted channel’s ads will always be shown and the hosted channel will receive their normal share of advertising revenue from commercials.

How can viewers interact with the hosted channel?

Viewers can follow, subscribe (if promoted channel is a Twitch Partner), and navigate to the hosted channel from the hosting channel’s page. Viewers continue to be able to use their subscriptions to the chat room of the channel in host mode, however.

Will pre-rolls be shown to users during the transition to host mode?

You may see a pre-roll during the transition to host mode.

Can moderators from a hosted channel mod in the hosting channel while they are being hosted?

Nope. The chat remains as the chat of the host channel. The rules for that chat don’t change.

How many channels can I host?

You can host one channel at a time, and up to three total in a given 30 minute period.

How long does host mode last?

You remain in host mode until you enter /unhost in chat.

What happens if the hosted channel goes offline while it’s being hosted?

Your player will be offline, but your channel will be in host mode.

What Are the Rules For Host Mode?

Treat your fellow streamers with respect. If you use host mode for the purposes of harassing other streamers, there will be consequences up to and including the indefinite suspension of your account.