Twitch Now Testing Vertical Video Streaming
▼ Summary
– Twitch announced plans to enter the vertical video space during its TwitchCon event, with initial alpha tests now live for a few streamers.
– The vertical video feature aims to make Twitch more competitive with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
– Current tests are limited, with only a few streamers involved, and include a vertical theater mode and toggle options between classic and vertical formats.
– Users will see educational dialogs explaining the test feature and the ability to switch back to classic view at any time.
– Twitch confirmed the tests would expand later in the year but declined to provide further details beyond its TwitchCon announcement.
Twitch is quietly rolling out vertical video streaming capabilities in limited tests, marking a strategic shift toward mobile-friendly content formats. The Amazon-owned platform, best known for its horizontal livestreams, appears to be adapting to changing viewer habits by experimenting with portrait-mode broadcasts similar to those dominating TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Recent app code analysis reveals the feature is currently accessible to select streamers, though Twitch hasn’t publicly disclosed participant details. Early versions include a toggle between traditional and vertical layouts, along with a specialized theater mode optimized for smartphone viewing. New users encountering the format receive pop-up notifications explaining the experimental nature of the feature and the option to revert to classic viewing.
The move positions Twitch to compete more aggressively in short-form video, a space where platforms like YouTube Shorts have gained significant traction. Technical implementation requires standard mobile permissions for camera and microphone access, confirming these tests focus on live content creation rather than pre-recorded clips.
Company representatives remained tight-lipped when questioned, only reiterating plans shared during TwitchCon Rotterdam to gradually expand testing through 2023. The platform had previously hinted at broader format innovations, including 2K resolution streams and dual-format broadcasting for select channels.
Industry observers note this development aligns with broader trends favoring snackable, mobile-first video. While Twitch’s core audience still prefers extended horizontal streams, the vertical format could attract creators and viewers accustomed to TikTok-style interaction. The phased rollout suggests careful evaluation of engagement metrics before committing to full platform integration.
Unlike competitors that built vertical video into their DNA, Twitch faces unique technical challenges in adapting its live infrastructure for portrait broadcasts. Early adopters will likely determine whether the feature evolves into a permanent offering or remains a niche experiment. With no firm timeline for public availability, streamers and fans alike are watching for updates as the tests progress.
(Source: TechCrunch)
