Twitch blocks most links automatically, but you can still share them if you format them right

Twitch's automated system catches links in chat and hides them from other viewers by default. This happens because the platform wants to prevent scams, malware, and phishing — but it also means legitimate links you want to share get caught in the filter. You cannot turn off this filter entirely, but you can make your link visible by breaking it up in ways the filter does not recognize, or by using Twitch's built-in sharing tools.

The method you choose depends on what you are sharing and who you are sharing it with. If you are a streamer sharing your own content, you have more options than a regular viewer. If you are trying to share a link in chat, the simplest approach is to remove the "https://" part or replace it with text that breaks the pattern the filter looks for.

Key Takeaways

  • Removing "https://" or "www." from the beginning of a link often makes it visible in chat without triggering the filter.
  • Replacing characters — like writing "dot" instead of "." or spacing out the URL — can help, though readability suffers.
  • Streamers can add links to their channel panels, about section, and stream title without triggering the chat filter.
  • Links to whitelisted sites like YouTube, Twitter, and Discord are less likely to be hidden than links to unknown domains.
  • If your link is still hidden, ask a moderator to check the filter settings — some channels have stricter rules than others.

Removing the protocol from your link

The easiest method is to delete "https://" or "http://" from the start of your URL. Type the link as "example.com/page" instead of "https://example.com/page". Most people will still recognize it as a link, and the filter is less likely to catch it.

This works because Twitch's filter looks for the full URL pattern, including the protocol at the beginning. Removing that part breaks the pattern enough to slip past the automated check. The link will not be clickable in chat, but viewers can copy and paste it into their browser, or they can usually figure out what you meant.

Breaking up the domain with spacing or text substitution

If removing the protocol does not work, you can insert spaces or replace punctuation with words. Write "example . com" with spaces around the period, or write "example dot com" instead. You can also write "twitch (dot) tv" or "youtube (dot) com".

This method is less elegant and harder for viewers to use, but it works when other approaches fail. The downside is that the link becomes unclickable and requires more effort from the person reading it. Use this only when the simpler methods do not work, or when you are sharing a link that the filter is particularly aggressive about blocking.

Using channel panels and the about section instead of chat

If you are the streamer, you do not need to share links in chat at all. You can add them to your channel panels — the boxes below your video player that viewers see on your main channel page. Go to your Creator Dashboard, select "Panels" under the channel name, and add a new panel with a link and description. These links are not subject to the chat filter.

You can also add links to your channel's About section, which appears on your channel page and in search results. Links in these places are permanent and visible to everyone, so they work better for things like your Discord server, donation page, or website than for temporary announcements.

Checking whether a site is whitelisted

Twitch maintains a whitelist of trusted domains — sites like YouTube, Twitter, Discord, and Reddit. Links to these sites are much less likely to be hidden by the filter. If you are sharing a link to one of these platforms, try pasting it normally first. If it gets hidden, the channel's moderators may have added extra restrictions, but the link itself is not on Twitch's blocked list.

If you are sharing a link to a smaller or less-known site, the filter is more likely to catch it. This does not mean the site is dangerous — it just means Twitch has not verified it. In that case, use one of the formatting tricks above, or ask the streamer to add it to their channel panels so you can share it that way.

What happens when a link is hidden

When Twitch hides a link, only you and the moderators can see it in chat. Other viewers see a message saying the link was blocked. The link is not deleted — it is just invisible to the general audience. If you are a regular viewer and your link keeps getting hidden, ask a moderator to check the channel's filter settings. Some streamers set their filters to "strict" mode, which catches more links.

If you are a streamer and your own links are getting hidden, check your moderation settings in the Creator Dashboard under "Moderation" and then "Blocked Terms". You may have accidentally added a word or phrase that matches your link, or your filter level may be too high. You can adjust these settings at any time.

Why Twitch filters links in the first place

Twitch blocks links to protect viewers from phishing sites, malware, and scams. Scammers often pose as streamers or use chat to trick people into clicking dangerous links. The filter catches many of these before they reach the audience, but it also catches legitimate links by mistake.

This is a trade-off: the filter keeps some people safe, but it also makes it harder for streamers and viewers to share real content. Understanding how the filter works helps you share what you need to share without frustrating your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my link hidden even though I removed the https?

The domain itself might be on Twitch's blocked list, or your channel's moderators may have added extra filters. Ask a moderator to check the channel settings. You can also try replacing the period with "(dot)" or spacing out the URL to see if a different format works.

Can I get a link removed from Twitch's blocked list?

If your site was blocked by mistake, you can report it to Twitch through their support page. Go to help.twitch.tv, search for "report a problem", and describe the link and why it should not be blocked. Twitch reviews these reports, but the process can take time.

Do all streamers have the same link filter?

No. Each streamer can adjust their own moderation settings, including how strict the link filter is. One channel might allow a link that another channel blocks. If a link works in one chat but not another, the difference is usually the channel's moderation settings, not Twitch's main filter.

Is it safe to click a link that made it through the filter?

Twitch's filter is not a security may provide — it just catches obvious threats. A link that passes the filter could still be unsafe. Before clicking any link in chat, check the URL carefully and make sure it matches what the person said they were sharing. If something looks wrong, do not click it.

Can I share a shortened link like bit.ly or tinyurl?

Shortened links sometimes work better because they are shorter and do not contain the full domain. Try pasting a shortened version first. If that does not work, use the formatting tricks above. Keep in mind that shortened links hide the real destination, so viewers have to trust you before clicking.