TwitchCon Reveals New Tools for Streamers
TwitchCon San Diego 2024 just wrapped up, and it was packed with big announcements that streamers and content creators will want to keep an eye on. From updates to the Twitch mobile app to new moderation tools, Twitch revealed some exciting changes that could impact your streaming experience. Let’s break down the highlights.
Twitch Mobile App Gets Major Upgrades
With 70% of new viewers finding Twitch through the mobile app, it’s no surprise that Twitch is doubling down on improving the mobile experience.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Easier Navigation: You can now open your followed channels with a swipe, and sorting your Following list is simpler.
- Picture-in-Picture Prioritization: The stream you’re watching will stay in focus while you browse for more content.
- Autoplay Control: You’ll soon have the option to turn off autoplay if it’s not your thing.
Coming in October, you’ll also see:
- Thumbnails on followed channels.
- Easier access to followed categories.
- Resume VODs from recently watched streams.
Expect even more updates in the coming months, like the ability to filter by specific categories.
Clips: Easier to Find, Share, and Create
Twitch is making it simpler to capture and share those epic moments from your stream.
Over the next few months, they’ll roll out:
- Clip Carousel: After each stream, you’ll see a carousel of the best clips, ready to be shared on social media.
- Search & Filter: Find clips by title, creator, or date.
- Mobile Portrait Clips: Create vertical clips directly from the mobile app.
- Clip Notifications: Get alerts when someone makes a clip of your stream so you can share it immediately.
These updates aim to make clips more accessible and shareable, helping you showcase your best moments.
Shared Chat: A New Way to Collaborate
Twitch is making it easier for communities to come together with Shared Chat, a new feature in the Stream Together toolkit. Up to 6 creators can combine their chats when streaming together, allowing their audiences to interact in one unified chat.
Here’s how it works:
- Merged Chats: Messages from all participating channels will appear in one chat.
- Moderation Tools: Mods can oversee all messages across channels, with the ability to issue timeouts and bans.
- Safety Features: Users banned from any channel in the collab can’t send messages during the Shared Chat session.
Shared Chat will be available next week, with plans to expand its use for IRL streaming and Discord collaborations in the future.
Enhanced Broadcasting: 2K Resolution and Dual-Format Streaming
Twitch is stepping up its broadcast quality game. Starting in 2025, streamers using Enhanced Broadcasting will be able to stream in 1440p (2K) resolution. This will roll out in select regions first, with more to follow.
Additionally, Twitch will introduce dual-format streaming, allowing you to stream in both vertical and landscape modes simultaneously. This means viewers will get the best experience, whether they’re watching on mobile or desktop.
New Monetization Feature: Tap to React
Twitch is working on a new feature that will allow viewers to react to moments on stream with a single tap. Whether it’s a laugh, a heart, or another sentiment, viewers can rally the community to join in.
This feature is designed to work seamlessly on mobile, but it will be available on desktop as well. It’s similar to Hype Train, where each contribution builds momentum and adds to the celebration.
Changes to Strikes and Enforcement
Twitch is adjusting its approach to strikes and enforcement to make things clearer and less harsh for minor infractions.
Here’s what you can expect:
- More Transparency: For violations in Chat, you’ll now receive the exact excerpt where the violation occurred. Eventually, Twitch will also provide clips for infractions during live streams or VODs.
- Expiring Strikes: Starting in 2025, strikes will expire over time, depending on the severity of the violation. This should reduce the risk of long-term bans for minor issues.
- Suspensions for Severe Violations: Twitch will still issue indefinite suspensions for high-severity infractions.
These changes aim to make the system more transparent and fair, especially for long-time streamers.
🔥 Pete’s Content Corner
Delve into my weekly selection of content creation highlights—handpicked videos, podcasts, and tweets that promise to captivate, educate, and entertain.
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