The Hot Tub Streams meme refers to a significant era in Twitch history where creators began broadcasting from inflatable pools within the 'Just Chatting' category. This sparked massive debate over platform guidelines, leading Twitch to eventually create a dedicated 'Pools, Hot Tubs, and Beaches' category in May 2021. The meme typically highlights the absurdity of the content, the reactions of moderators, or the contrast between traditional gaming and the new 'pool' meta. It serves as a commentary on the evolving landscape of live streaming and the constant battle between creators and platform policies.