[6] To represent changes in the industry within the previous few years, three new award categories were introduced: Virtual Reality and 360° Video, Live, and Feature Film.

In honor of Christina Grimmie, who was shot and killed outside of a concert venue earlier in the year, a medley of her songs was played throughout the show.

[17] Winners of the categories were selected by the Streamys Blue Ribbon Panel except for the Audience Choice awards which were put to a public vote.

Writing for Teen Vogue, Brianna Wiest called the show "filled with amazing guests, emotional tributes, and some seriously well-deserved winners.

"[20] Wiest also positively viewed the tribute to Christina Grimmie writing "It seems everyone is holding true to their word of making sure she isn't forgotten, and she deserves nothing less" and highlighting Shane Dawson's speech during the ceremony.

[21] Mikey Glazer of TheWrap described Jon Cozart's musical sketch satirizing social networks as a "comedy highlight of the night".

"[22] YouTuber Hazel Hayes criticized the lack of female nominees in a tweet saying "A few people pointed out that there are no women nominated for best director at the Streamys.