Watch Streaks are intended to reward viewer loyalty, but they can unintentionally discourage streamers from going live.

Streamers should have the option to mark individual broadcasts as not counting toward Watch Streaks, without resetting or otherwise affecting existing viewer streaks.

For example, I regularly stream as a DJ on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Recently, I skipped a Saturday stream because I was tired. The following Sunday, I wanted to make up for it with an extra broadcast.

However, several loyal viewers have built up significant Watch Streaks. Since they wouldn't necessarily expect a Sunday stream, I decided not to go live rather than risk breaking their streaks.

The result:
- Less streaming enjoyment for the creator.
- Less content for viewers who would have enjoyed the extra broadcast.
- Fewer opportunities for discovery, new followers, raids, subscriptions and revenue.
- Less engagement and watch time for Twitch.

This is particularly problematic for DJs, since Watch Streak Recovery is not available for streams in the DJ category.

Suggested solution:

1. Allow streamers to mark individual broadcasts as excluded from Watch Streaks, preferably before going live.
2. Excluded broadcasts should neither increase nor reset existing streaks.
3. Optionally, allow streamers to disable Watch Streaks for their channel entirely without erasing existing streaks.

This would preserve the benefits of Watch Streaks while giving creators the freedom to schedule spontaneous streams, afterparties, special events and make-up broadcasts.

A feature designed to encourage engagement should never discourage creators from streaming.