Lurker
Someone who regularly watches, reads, or follows an online community without posting or chatting much.
“I’ve been a lurker in this stream for months, but this is my first message.”
Lurker is usually neutral in streaming spaces and can describe quiet supporters who still contribute views.
The term dates to early bulletin boards, forums, and mailing lists, where silent readers were said to lurk.
lurking
Watching or reading without participating.
silent viewer
A plain-language equivalent.
de-lurk
To speak after being quiet for a long time.
Is lurking bad?
No. Most communities have many more readers than active posters.
Do lurkers count as viewers?
Yes, if they are actively connected under the platform's counting rules.