An ambitious but problematic platform
Launched in 2022 to compete with giants like Twitch, Kick has positioned itself with two strong arguments. To begin with, exceptional remuneration: 95% of the revenue generated goes to the creators, compared to 50% among the competition But above all, more flexible moderationwhich attracts influencers seeking editorial freedom, sometimes excluded from other platforms.
For example in France, Mediapart explains that the “Jeanpormanove” channel has become the most followed on Kick, with 160,000 subscribers and 15,000 spectators live each evening. His concepts, such as “Question for a Golmon” or “Numbers and Illiterates”, depict humiliations against two regular participants. JP, a former soldier, is subjected to violent acts such as strangulation or throwing paint. Coudoux, a disabled man under guardianship, is frequently hit and insulted. This particularly shocking content attracts an active community, which increases donations and problematic comments in the chat.
Naruto, one of the channel’s hosts, defends these videos by saying that “people are watching for the atypical reactions of JP and Coudoux.” But according to Sophie Prétot, professor of private law cited by Mediapart, even with apparent consent, these acts could be classified as criminal offensesin particular because of attacks on human dignity.
Moderation pointed out
Kick says it has set up a moderation team available 24 hours a day, but in the facts, the abuses of the “Jeanpormanove” channel were only sanctioned very briefly. After a suspension of a few days at the beginning of December, the videos were put back online, and the channel resumed its usual activities.
This flexibility is not isolated: Kick has also been criticized for its links to gambling. Founded by the creators of the Stake site, banned in many countries, the platform allowed the distribution of online casino content in France for nearly 18 months, before banning it under pressure from the authorities.
Towards a change of direction?
For Mediapart, these abuses of course raise questions about the responsibility of the platforms. Bastien Louessard, digital media specialist, explains to Mediapart that Kick will probably need to evolve : “Platforms often start as a wild west before polishing themselves to please advertisers. »
Have you ever been on this platform? Or are you regular Twitch customers? If yes, for what types of content?
