Twitch takes on TikTok & YouTube Shorts with new vertical stream feature
Twitch is finally releasing a new feature that allows creators to stream in both vertical and horizontal formats, making it easier for mobile viewers to watch their broadcasts.
Vertical livestreams started gaining popularity on apps likeTikTokand Instagram, where the entire app is designed around that video format.
Back in February 2024, YouTubeadded vertical livestreams to its Shorts feedto accompany regular horizontal broadcasts, which allows creators on its platform to stream in both formats at the same time.
Twitchis now following in YouTube’s footsteps and has revealed the ability to stream vertically for mobile users to watch their broadcast even easier.
Twitch reveals vertical streaming
The feature was announced at TwitchCon Europe andshared in a blog post on Twitch’s website. It reads: “When viewers come to your channel, we want to ensure they’re getting the best possible viewing experience, no matter what screen they’re watching on.”
Once the feature is available, users viewing on desktop will only be able to see landscape streams. On mobile, however, viewers will see your stream vertically if they hold the phone upright and landscape if they hold their phone horizontally.
📱 Mobile Gets a MakeoverWe’ll be rolling out dual format streaming and vertical viewing later this year.Stream in horizontal & vertical at the same time so your stream works for both desktop diehards and phone scrollers.No more sideways necks.pic.twitter.com/Ba5mSZny9F
“The new vertical layout makes it easier for viewers to participate in events like Hype Trains and support you by subbing, gifting, and cheering while watching your stream in full screen. They’ll also be able to customize chat to have more control over how much chat they see on screen,” it reads.
As for availability,Twitchsays it will roll out to a small number of channels this summer before slowly expanding to more users later this year.
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That’s not the only feature they’re releasing in the coming months, either, as they’re expanding beta access to 2K resolution streaming for Partners and Affiliates.
The Amazon-owned company will also soonlaunch a rewind featurethat allows users to check out what just happened in a live broadcast.
