In a livestream, it’s not just the picture that counts – but also what happens in the chat. Comments, questions and feedback from viewers are a valuable part of every broadcast. But what happens when negative comments or so-called trolls get involved?
Dealing with trolls in live chat should be well thought out and planned – especially if you regularly hold livestream events or interactive formats.
1. corporate events usually less affected
Our experience at Stream1 shows: In the B2B sector and in internal formats (e.g. employee communication, customer events), disruptions caused by trolls are rare. Here, the participants are specifically invited and there is usually a professional tone.
2. two chat models: open chat vs. moderated question area
Open end-to-end chat
- All users can write at the same time
- Other participants can answer directly
- The organizer (i.e. your company) can have an active say
- Strong interactivity – similar to Twitch
This form is ideal for increasing the attractiveness and interaction in the livestream. However, it requires good moderation.
Moderated question window
- Participants write questions that are not directly visible to everyone
- Questions are checked internally and released if necessary
- Critical or inappropriate content can be filtered out
This option is ideal for critical or sensitive topics in particular. This allows you to retain control of the chat and avoid escalations.
3. dealing with disruptive comments in the open chat
If a troll makes itself known in an open chat, the following measures will help:
- Reference to netiquette: Make it clear that respectful interaction is desired
- Warning individual users: Sometimes a hint is enough
- Blocking individual users or IP addresses: Clear boundaries can be drawn in the event of repeated misconduct
You can act consistently here to ensure the quality of your livestream.
4. communication and preparation are the key
The best solution is always good preparation:
- Consider in advance which form of interaction suits the event
- Plan who will moderate the chat or filter questions
- Set clear rules for the tone of voice and communicate them
An actively used chat or question area can not only avoid disruptions, but also increase the success of your livestream.
Conclusion:
The right way to deal with trolls and negative comments in the livestream depends on the event format, the target audience and the technology used. With well thought-out chat management and clear communication, you can ensure a positive, productive atmosphere during your livestream events.