The announcements just kept coming at TwitchCon Rotterdam, and among them is Twitch’s new master plan to compete against TikTok. The platform announced it is introducing vertical video livestreams, making it easier to watch your favorite creators on your phone.
Currently, Twitch streamers have to choose whether they want to film a vertical or horizontal stream. However, Twitch says in the future it will allow creators to dual-stream simultaneously.
Twitch also notes in a blog post that vertical streams make it easier for viewers to not only, engage in Hype Trains, but also to gift, sub, and cheer on streamer.
“This allows us to better optimize the viewing experience for a device and how a viewer is using that device,” Twitch adds in the post. “Viewers watching on desktop will still see landscape. Viewers on mobile will see your vertical layout if they hold the phone vertically, or landscape if they rotate their phone horizontally.”
What Else Was Announced at TwitchCon?
Another major announcement was that Twitch is rolling out a beta for 2k streamers, which will allow creators to stream at 1440p. According to Twitch’s website, this upgrade boasts “richer detail, improved clarity, and better performance” for users’ streams.
Other announced features include the ability to rewind streams, a new “combos” feature for fans to support a Twitch creator, and the ability for streamers to operate their own gift sub promotions. Numerous improvements to clips were also announced, while the credentials to obtain affiliate status have become “more achievable.”
The latest “ban or sell” deadline for TikTok is June 19 — and with no deal in sight, Twitch offering vertical videos just adds another nail to its coffin.
