Free inactive usernames after a time period.
We’re reviewing this. Curious how long you think would be ok.
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Ponyo_Plays commented
Would love an update on this! So many great usernames are taken by accounts made a decade ago. Curious if the team has made any decisions on this yet?
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MrGhostFace___ commented
I tried to change my name so it has no underscores and guess what, NO ONE has that name but I cant have it LOL What a joke. No other website has these weird username policies.
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scarlatta_in_the_hall commented
It's a shame that I can't get back an older username of mine! In the policies it only says that the username will be available again in 6 months and it's pure lies! I'm affiliate and it's been said to me today in the help chat that my older username will never ever be available again for anyone. That's not what was informed to me in the namechanging menu. If that information was clear I wouldn't ever changed my username.
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Katrinaleeanne commented
It is interesting that this original post was published May 2015 here and there are still no updates. It has been 9 years since an Admin responded that they were reviewing the post yet we have no action or further response. I wonder what is the best way to address the issue given the 9 year no response period.
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Reidie_ commented
Can there be an update on this please?
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VoidTransmits commented
Would be nice to have platform parity but this is the only platform I cant use my normal name on (est. 2018)
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TheLazyGamerGod commented
it has been almost 9 years and there are account that made their last stream 6 yrs ago and they are still keeping the same name even after not even using twitch after 6 whole years
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Gennousake_ commented
TWITCH WAKE UP ON THIS REQUEST ALREADY. IT ALMOST BEEN 10 YEARS.
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ScurraJinn commented
can we speed this up? why is this from 2015 and still nothing is being done? names being used mostly by bot spammers that make accounts to then raid other streamers with new made accounts ruining the activity and viewer average. ive seen streams that have been Bot raided 4 times in 10 hrs all of those hundreds of accounts were made and wasted.
we need a system to rid these unused inactive accounts ASAP we needed this since twitch became twitch. -
Lobotomini commented
1. Defined inactivity period:
a) 6 months minimum – 1 year
b) Account activity tiers: Inactive (no login after creation – scalpers/scraper), moderately active (occasional login), highly active (regular login/broadcasting).
c) Factor in chat interactions, content creation, etc. for more nuanced approach.2. Transparent communication:
a) Announce upcoming username pool releases with specific dates.
b) Multiple notifications: Email, in-platform messaging, website banners to warn inactive users.
c) Appeal/backup option: Allow users to flag accounts for preservation up to additional 1 year (e.g., due to illness, hiatus).3. Gradual recycling process:
a) Recycle usernames in batches based on inactivity level or date starting with Justin.TV usernames.
b) Consider offering first access to users impacted by username changes or facing harassment.4. Preventing malicious takeover:
a) Captcha & 2FA verification: Implement safeguards to prevent bots or malicious actors like username scrapers and scalpers.
b) Empower users to report suspicious activity related to username changes.5. Addressing ethical concerns:
a) Data anonymization: Ensure complete deletion of associated personal data before username release.
b) Community feedback: Regularly gather feedback and adapt the policy based on user needs and evolving online culture.Additional considerations:
a) Impact on content creators with established brands: Offer alternative solutions for those whose identity is heavily tied to their username.
b) Addressing impersonation risks: Implement measures to protect users from being impersonated with recycled usernames. -
Jongamebeer commented
5 years seems like a good middle ground for what was recommended in the comments. 5 years could be the default, then people could set it higher or lower in their own settings if they so please.
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WeylandsHere commented
Is there ANY movement on this at all? Like, come on, the original idea was posted almost 9 years ago.
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Aklav commented
Good morning, 2024!
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ItsTothy commented
We need this yesterday
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Celoov commented
It's a dilemma. While freeing up unused usernames is appealing, I wouldn't want to lose mine, even if I leave Twitch for, say, 10 years—it's a part of me. One idea is a PARTNER ONLY benefit: allowing partners a one-time name transfer from inactive accounts after 5 years of inactivity. Twitch would send warning emails to the account owner, and if there's no response, the name transfers to the partner.
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King_James_979 commented
2 years no activity
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fishboots1810 commented
8 Years and nothing? Get it together twitch. Your support is absolute trash.
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Still_Vill commented
Planned for 7+ years? Does anyone actually read this at twitch? Do these suggestions do anything? This whole user voice thing seems dead
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JenIsOnline commented
Bumping this!
2 years COMPLETE inactivity seems fair
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Vultmog commented
I think a year would be suitable. Clicking an email once a year isn't too much to ask, especially with 3/4 emails warning a few weeks before.