Exciting Updates Revealed at TwitchCon Europe
This week, streamers and content creators from around the globe gathered in Rotterdam for TwitchCon Europe 2024. During the opening ceremony, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy took the stage to unveil several updates and new features aimed at enhancing the Twitch experience for both streamers and viewers.
Stream Together Drop-In Feature
Drop-In is a feature that allows streamers currently live to start collaborating immediately with other live creators without any advance setup. Streamers have full control over who can request collaborations and can manage these settings within Stream Manager. This makes spontaneous collaborations easier and more straightforward than ever before.
Streamer Achievement Awards
Twitch unveiled the Streamer Achievement Program to recognize streamers who have reached significant viewership milestones. The Bleed Purple Statue will be awarded in three tiers:
- Purple: 5 million hours watched
- Marble: 50 million hours watched
- Chrome: 250 million hours watched
Mobile App Redesign
For the first time since 2019, Twitch is rolling out a significant update to its mobile app. The redesign focuses on making it easier for new viewers to discover content and for existing viewers to stay connected with their favorite streamers. Key features include:
- Personalized Feed: A feed of livestreams based on your viewing habits.
- Clips Feed: Swipe left to browse clips.
- Stories Access: Stories appear at the top of the feed or can be accessed via the upper right corner.
- Follow Drawer: Quick access to followed channels that are live, indicated by the heart icon.
Expanding Stories and Clips
Twitch is enhancing its Stories feature by allowing videos to be uploaded. This feature will initially be available to Partners and will roll out to Affiliates later this summer.
To improve discoverability and shareability, Twitch will now automatically generate portrait versions of Clips alongside the traditional landscape versions. This change aims to make it easier for streamers to share engaging content on social channels without the need for additional reformatting. Viewers will also be able to directly export Clips to third-party social sites later this year.
Enhanced Broadcasting
Enhanced Broadcasting, which launched in beta earlier this year, will soon be available to all streamers using OBS Studio. This feature provides streamers with greater control over video quality and introduces new technologies like vertical live video and advanced codecs.
Power-ups Customization
Two weeks ago, Twitch launched Power-ups, on-stream interactions redeemed using Bits. The initial offerings include Message Effects, On-screen Celebrations, and Gigantify an Emote. Twitch plans to introduce more interactive options and customization features for streamers throughout the year.
DJ Program
Twitch announced the creation of its first DJ program, with enrollment opening in August. The new DJ category will go live later this summer, and Twitch will begin promoting DJ content to help these creators grow their communities.
Creator Clubs
Twitch introduced Creator Clubs, a new program designed to help streamers find communities based on shared interests. The initial clubs will focus on DJs and IRL content, with more clubs expected to launch by the end of the year. Members will have access to dedicated Discord servers, resources, and monthly workshops.
New Mission Statement
Twitch introduced an updated mission statement: Create belonging by enabling streamers to build community. This mission underscores Twitch’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and a sense of belonging within its community.
🔥 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.
- Yamaha has elevated its support for the OBS Project by becoming a Diamond Sponsor.
- Caffeine, the livestreaming platform backed by major investors like FOX and Disney, unexpectedly ceased operations last week.
- Patreon now allows creators to gift limited-time subscriptions to their fans and sell individual posts.
