diff --git a/tlapbot/__init__.py b/tlapbot/__init__.py
index 5ba8b11..20d0995 100644
--- a/tlapbot/__init__.py
+++ b/tlapbot/__init__.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ from tlapbot.owncast_helpers import is_stream_live, give_points_to_chat
 def create_app(test_config=None):
     app = Flask(__name__, instance_relative_config=True)
     app.config.from_object('tlapbot.default_config')
-    app.config.from_object('tlapbot.config')
+    app.config.from_pyfile('config.py')
 
     # ensure the instance folder exists
     try: