Twitch, a popular platform for live streaming, is where millions of people go to watch their favourite gamers, artists and influencers. Chat allows viewers to communicate with other viewers and streamers in real time. The chat can become overwhelming at times, especially when peak hours are in effect. This article will show you how to pause Twitch chat so that you can focus on the stream or keep up with the conversation.
Why you may need to pause Twitch chat
You may want to pause Twitch chat for several reasons:
1. Focusing on the Stream
The chat can be incredibly fast paced when there are thousands watching the stream. It can be difficult to focus on content and follow the conversation when there are thousands of viewers watching a stream. You can focus on the stream by pausing the chat.
2. Catching up with the Conversation
You might miss an important question or message in a fast-moving conversation. You can read what you missed by pausing the chat.
3. Moderators of Chat
Moderators may have to pause the stream to deal with issues like inappropriate behavior, spam or enforce chat rules.
4. Reduce Screen Clutter
The constant flow of chat messages may be too distracting for some viewers. You can maintain a clean screen by pausing the chat while you watch your favorite streamer.
How to pause Twitch chat
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. This section explores different ways to manage and pause the Twitch chat while you are watching a stream.
1. Scroll Up Method
Scrolling up a little bit using the mouse wheel or scroll bar at the right of the chat window is the easiest and most direct way to pause Twitch Chat. You can read the chat at your convenience by freezing it in place. Scroll down to the bottom of the page or click on the “Resume Chat button” that appears.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- No need for additional extensions or tools
Cons:
- Scrolling down can unpause the video.
- It is not ideal for long breaks
2. Twitch’s built-in pause feature
Twitch includes a feature that lets you pause the chat. Follow these steps to use this feature:
- Click and drag your mouse to the chat window.
- To open the chat settings, click the gear icon at the bottom right corner.
- Click on “Pause chat” to freeze the conversation.
Click “Resume Chat”, in the chat settings, to resume the chat.
Pros:
- Official Twitch feature
- Easy access
Cons:
- Not available on mobile devices
- Clicking outside the chat window can unpause it.
3. Browser Extensions
You can pause Twitch chat using several browser extensions, including BetterTTV and FrankerFaceZ. These extensions provide additional customization and features to enhance your Twitch experience. Follow these steps to pause chat when using these extensions:
- Install the browser extension you prefer (BetterTTV, FrankerFaceZ).
- Hover your mouse over a Twitch chat window.
- Click on the newly-added icon (either a BTTV or FFZ icon) at the bottom right corner to access the extension settings.
- Select the “Pause Chat option”
Disable the chat to resume the conversation
In the Extension Settings, you can find a “Pause Chat”.
Pros:
- Customization and additional features
- You can pause the chat for a longer period of time
Cons:
- Installation of a browser extension from a third party is required
- Some devices and browsers may not support the feature
4. Popout Chat
You can also pause Twitch Chat by using the popout feature. This method opens the chat in another browser window that can be resized or positioned to your liking. Follow these steps to pause the chat when using popout chat:
- Click and drag your mouse to the chat window.
- To open the chat settings, click the gear icon at the bottom right corner.
- Click on “Popout Chat”, to open the chat window in a different browser.
- To pause the chat, scroll up slightly in the newly opened chat window.
Scroll down or click on the “Resume Chat Button” to resume the chat.
Pros:
- Multitasking is easier with a separate chat window
- Compatible with most browsers and devices
Cons:
- Additional screen space is required
- Scrolling down can unpause the video.
How to Manage Twitch Chat
There are several other ways to manage Twitch chat in addition to pausing it.
1. Use chat filters
Twitch lets you filter chat messages by keywords or phrases. This allows you to focus on the most relevant messages while avoiding unwanted content. Click “Filters” in the Chat Settings to set up filters. You can then add phrases or words to your filter list.
2. Slow Mode
The “Slow Mode”, which limits the number of messages users can send in chat, can be enabled by streamers. This will help to prevent spam, and the chat will be easier to follow. Slow Mode can be enabled by a streamer. Type “/slow “seconds”” in the chat.
3. Mode Emote Only
The Emote-only Mode restricts the chat to only emotes. This can help reduce chat clutter and make it more visually appealing. Type “/emoteonly in chat” to enable Emote Only Mode for streamers.
4. Subscribers only or Followers Only Mode
Streamers may restrict chat participation only to subscribers or followers. This can make the chat room more manageable. Type “/followers (duration)” in chat to enable Followers-Only Mode. “[duration] is the minimum time that a user has been following the channel before they can chat. Type “/subscribers in chat to enable Subscribers Only Mode.
Conclusion:
Pausing Twitch Chat can enhance your streaming experience. It allows you to concentrate on the content of the stream, read missed messages or better moderate chat. You can select the method that suits your preferences and needs. Enjoy streaming!
