Pokimane Departs Twitch After a Decade on the Platform

Creation, Streaming

CONTEUDO:

Imane Anys, globally recognized as Pokimane, has officially ended her ten-year tenure on Twitch. The streamer, who ranks among the platform’s most influential figures, confirmed she has transitioned to YouTube following initial speculation regarding her future in content creation.

The departure marks a significant shift for both the creator and the Amazon-owned streaming service. Addressing her departure on X, Anys reflected on her history with the site, stating, “twitch has been my home for a decade. but it’s time to say thank you for all the memories and love during my League, Fortnite, & Among us days.”

A Legacy of Influence

Anys leaves behind a substantial footprint. With 9.3 million followers, she holds the position of the tenth most-followed user on Twitch. Her rise to stardom was particularly notable as she became one of the first women of color to achieve massive success in a gaming landscape historically dominated by men. During a 2021 leak of creator payout data, she was identified as the highest-earning female streamer on the service.

Twitch acknowledged the exit through its official X account, telling the creator, “We’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and what’s ahead in the future. You’ll always have a home on Twitch, Poki.”

The Changing Landscape of Streaming

The exodus of top-tier talent comes as Twitch navigates a period of internal instability. The platform has faced significant challenges, including:

• Workforce Reductions: The company laid off 500 employees in 2024, representing 35% of its total staff.
• Market Exits: Twitch recently ceased operations in South Korea, a critical region for the global esports industry.
• Creator Relations: The platform has faced ongoing criticism regarding inconsistent payout structures and revenue-sharing models.

While competitors like Kick have aggressively courted top streamers with revenue splits as high as 95%, Anys has previously distanced herself from such platforms. In June, she stated that shifting to Kick would conflict with her personal “morals and ethics,” particularly citing the platform’s approach to content moderation and gambling.

As the streaming industry observes a broader trend of high-profile creators—including MatPat and Tom Scott—stepping away from their long-term projects, the industry remains in a state of flux. While Anys has not detailed her specific future plans, her exit serves as a major turning point for a platform currently struggling to maintain its market dominance.