a_c_a_c, a cheap a_n_i_v clone

A simple, lightweight Twitch chatbot that learns from chat messages and generates responses using a Markov chain algorithm—similar to BinyotBot and a_n_i_v.

If you enjoy a_c_a_c, consider leaving a ⭐ on the repository to show your support!

Tip

Want a_c_a_c to join your Twitch chat?

I'm currently hosting an instance of the bot and can add your Twitch channel upon request.

To request a_c_a_c in your channel, simply open an issue using the Hosting Request template and provide the required information. Once submitted, I’ll take care of the rest and the bot should join your chat shortly after.

Features

• Reads and learns from chat messages in real-time
• Stores chat history of received and sent messages
• Generates responses using a Markov chain model
• Ignores parrots (users who repeatedly copy the bot’s messages)
• Configurable message frequency to prevent spam
• Lightweight and easy to set up (Docker or binary, no database needed)
• Sometimes generates funny responses

Getting Started

Requirements

• Golang 1.22
• A Twitch account with an OAuth token

Configuration

The bot can be configured using a .env file or via environment variables.

In addition, channels are managed via a configuration file to allow better customization of behaviour in different channels.

Env Variables

Here's a table with all the environment variables required to run this properly:

ENV Variable	Description	Example
ENV	Environment where the software is being executed from. Anything outside of "production" will not send any real messages.	"dev" / "production"
BASE_PATH	Path where the recieved/sent messages will be stored to. Files are stored as channel.txt and channel-sent.txt.	"./"
COUNTDOWN	Number of messages to read from chat before sending a message.	0
IGNORE_PARROTS	Flag to ignore users who copy the last bot's messages. Prevent learning from the bot's own gibberish.	"true"/"false"
TWITCH_USER	Username of the account which this bot operates under.	"a_c_a_c"
TWITCH_OAUTH_STRING	Your account's oauth string to authenticate with twitch chat.	"oauth:123123123123123"
PROHIBITED_STRINGS	Comma separated list of strings that will not be sent by the bot. Use this to filter out links, user mentions, etc.	"https://,twitch.tv,@"
PROHIBITED_MESSAGES	Comma separated list of messages that will not be sent by the bot. Use this to filter out full messages that should not be sent.	"acac"
CHANNEL_CONFIG	Path to channels configuration file. See Channel Configuration File section bellow.	"./channels.yaml"

Channel Configuration File

The configuration file defines how a_c_a_c behaves across different Twitch channels. It includes a global list of bot usernames to ignore . This prevents the bot from mimicking repetitive, bot-like behavior and ensures cleaner, more human-like interactions.

Each channel entry can specify its own settings, such as message frequency, whether to respond to bits, and additional bots to ignore. Any omitted settings will fall back to sensible defaults—for example, frequency defaults to the value of the COUNTDOWN environment variable, and allow_bits defaults to false.

See also: Example config file

bots:
  - "nightbot"
  - "streamerelements"

channels:
  - name: my_favorite_streamer
    frequency: 200
    allow_bits: true
    extra_bots:
      - "mod_helper"
      - "my_favorite_moderation_bot"
  - name: "streamer_two"

Usage

CLI

Download and run the binary from the release tab:

./acac

Docker

The bot is available as a Docker image:

docker run -v /your/local/path:/data -e BASE_PATH="/data" ghcr.io/notarock/a_c_a_c:latest

Make sure to mount BASE_PATH as a volume.

Disclaimer

This bot is intended for entertainment purposes. Use it responsibly and adhere to Twitch’s Terms of Service.

It learns from the chatroom. As a result, I am not responsible for whatever it says. Everyone in chat is

Warning

Before adding this bot to any channel, get the streamer's permission.
The bot generates gibberish about 50% of the time, and people will figure out that it's not human sooner than you think.
This will likely get you banned in most cases.
No, really—don't add this to someone's channel without their consent.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! 🚀

• Feature requests & bug reports → Open an issue.
• Code contributions → Fork, create a branch, and submit a PR.
• Want a_c_a_c in your chat? → Use the Hosting Request issue template.

License

MIT License