Twitch Unveils Vertical Streams, 2K streaming, and Rewind Feature at TwitchCon Europe
Rotterdam, Netherlands – Twitch has announced a suite of meaningful updates at TwitchCon europe, designed to enhance the streaming experience for both creators and viewers.The announcements include the introduction of vertical livestreams, the rollout of a 2K streaming open beta, and a new rewind feature for live content.
Revolutionizing Mobile Viewing with Vertical Streams
the introduction of vertical streams marks a pivotal shift in how content is consumed on mobile devices. This update allows for easier viewing in portrait mode, catering to the growing number of users who primarily access Twitch on their phones.
Eventually, Twitch plans to enable streamers to offer both vertical and horizontal streams concurrently, providing viewers with the flexibility to choose their preferred format. Initial testing will begin this summer with a limited number of channels,with a broader rollout planned for later in the year.
Elevated Streaming Quality: 2K Streaming Arrives
Twitch is also launching an open beta for “2K streaming,” enabling creators to stream at 1440p. this upgrade, available to all twitch partners and affiliates, delivers a significant leap in visual fidelity compared to standard 1080p streams.
Pro Tip: To fully benefit from 2K streaming, ensure your internet connection and hardware can support the higher resolution and bitrate.
According to a Twitch support page,the move to 2K streaming offers “richer detail,improved clarity,and better performance – whether you’re gaming,making art,or just chatting.” This feature was previously available in a more limited beta.
Introducing the Rewind Feature: Never Miss a Moment
Another exciting addition is the ability to rewind streams.This feature allows viewers to jump back and rewatch portions of a live broadcast, ensuring they never miss crucial moments. Twitch will begin testing the rewind function with a small group of viewers this summer.
TwitchS Vision for 2025
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy previously hinted at these upcoming features in a letter published this past February, outlining the platform’s vision for 2025 and its commitment to innovation.
Comparing Twitch’s New Features
| Feature | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Streams | Livestreams optimized for portrait mode on mobile devices. | Testing begins Summer 2025,broader rollout later in the year. |
| 2K Streaming | Streaming at 1440p resolution for higher visual quality. | Open beta available to all Twitch partners and affiliates. |
| Rewind Feature | Ability to rewind live streams to rewatch missed content. | testing begins Summer 2025 with a small number of viewers. |
The evolution of Live Streaming: An Industry Perspective
The live streaming industry is continuously evolving, with platforms like Twitch constantly seeking new ways to engage audiences and empower creators. The introduction of vertical streams, higher resolution options, and interactive features demonstrates a commitment to meeting the demands of a dynamic online landscape.
Did You Know? The global live streaming market is projected to reach $4.26 billion in 2024, according to Statista, highlighting the significant growth and potential of this industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Twitch Updates
- What are vertical streams on Twitch? Vertical streams on Twitch are designed to make viewing livestreams easier on mobile devices in portrait mode.
- What is 2K streaming on Twitch? 2K streaming on Twitch allows creators to stream at 1440p,offering a higher quality viewing experience compared to 1080p.
- Who can access 2K streaming? The 2K streaming beta is available to all Twitch partners and affiliates.
- What is the new rewind feature on Twitch? The rewind feature lets viewers rewind live streams to rewatch moments they may have missed.
- When will the Twitch updates be available? Twitch plans to test vertical streams and the rewind feature with a small number of users this summer and expand it later this year. The 2K streaming beta is already rolling out to partners and affiliates.
- Why is Twitch implementing these changes? These changes aim to improve user experience by offering better mobile viewing options, higher streaming quality, and more control over live content.
What feature are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
