New Animated Emote Slots!

Twitch.tv has just announced a fantastic update – they've doubled the Animated Emote Slots for both Affiliates and Partners! 🌟

For those of you who love expressing yourselves through animated emotes, this is a game-changer. Now, you have even more slots to fill with creativity and bring additional entertainment to your audience. But wait, there's more! 

🎁 Partners, rejoice! In addition to the doubled slots, Partners now gain an extra 5 slots specifically for Tier 2 and Tier 3 Subscribers. This means you can offer even more exclusive and premium emotes to your loyal subscribers, enhancing their viewing experience.

But that's not all – if you're a Twitch Alert user, you're in for a treat too! Twitch Alert users now gain 2 additional slots, allowing you to further customize your stream alerts and engage with your audience in unique ways. 🚀

Excited to explore your new emote slots? Head over to your emotes page on the dashboard and start adding those creative touches to your channel. Simply click on this link: https://dashboard.twitch.tv/viewer-rewards/emotes to access your emotes page directly.

This update is a fantastic opportunity for all Twitch streamers to elevate their content and create a more immersive experience for their viewers. Whether you're a seasoned Partner or an up-and-coming Affiliate, these additional emote slots open up new possibilities for expressing yourself and connecting with your community.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your emotes page, get creative, and make your Twitch channel even more vibrant and engaging than ever before. Happy streaming! 🚀🎉

Cease Operations in Korea - CEO Addresses Community Transition

In a recent announcement, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy revealed that Twitch will be ending its operations in Korea as of February 27, 2024. The decision, while regrettable, is attributed to the prohibitively high operating costs in the country. 

Efforts were made to explore cost-cutting measures, such as testing a P2P model for source quality and adjusting the maximum video quality to 720p. Despite these attempts, the network fees in Korea proved to be 10 times higher than in most other countries, leading to unsustainable operations for Twitch in the region.

The cessation of Twitch operations in Korea means that, as of February 27, 2024, Korean viewers won't be able to purchase Twitch's paid products, and streamers will no longer generate revenue through the platform.

To aid affected streamers and viewers, Twitch plans to support a smooth transition to other platforms like AfreecaTV and YouTube. Twitch will utilize its notification feature (Onsite Message) to guide users to alternative services. The company is also in discussions with relevant companies to explore additional ways to assist in the community transfer process.

Dan Clancy acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and expressed gratitude for the hard work put into building the Twitch community in Korea. He emphasized Twitch's commitment to remaining in close contact with the community in the coming weeks leading up to February 27, 2024.

For more detailed information, affected users can refer to the help post, and Twitch CEO Dan Clancy will be addressing the community directly on December 6th at 9:30 AM via a /TwitchKR live stream. The company aims to keep users informed of any progress regarding community transfers to other platforms.

Here is the video from that broadcast: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1996303019

References : https://blog.twitch.tv/ko-kr/2023/12/05/an-update-on-twitch-in-korea/

Exciting New Watch Streak Progress Bar Feature for Web and Android Users

Twitch continues to raise the bar with innovative features designed to enhance the user experience. The latest addition to their arsenal is the Watch Streak Progress Bar, currently in testing for select users on both Web and Android platforms. This feature aims to gamify the viewing experience, encouraging users to stay engaged with their favorite content creators.

Tweet / Source

Tracking Your Watch Streak:

The Watch Streak Progress Bar allows users to easily track their watch streak at the bottom of the chat window. This visual indicator serves as a constant reminder of your viewing commitment and progress. It adds an exciting element to the viewing experience, turning passive watching into an interactive and rewarding activity.

Private Chat Notifications for Streak Goals:

Twitch users can now receive private chat notifications when they reach streak goals. This feature not only provides a personal touch to the streaming experience but also enables viewers to share their achievements with the community. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among viewers, creating a supportive environment for content creators and their audience.

Bonus Channel Points for Watch Streaks:

To further incentivize viewers, Twitch is introducing bonus channel points for hitting watch streak milestones. This not only adds an extra layer of excitement to the viewing process but also rewards loyal fans for their consistent support. The bonus channel points can be redeemed for various perks, making the viewing experience even more dynamic and engaging.

Streamer Controls:

Understanding that every community is unique, Twitch is giving streamers the flexibility to control this feature. Streamers can choose to turn off the Watch Streak Progress Bar for their viewers. However, even if the feature is disabled, viewers will still earn channel points for their watch streaks, ensuring that the rewarding aspect of the experience remains intact.

Sharing Watch Streak Achievements:

While the excitement of hitting a watch streak milestone is undeniable, Twitch is mindful of spam and has implemented limitations. Viewers can only share their watch streak achievements once per stream, preventing excessive notifications and maintaining a balance between celebration and moderation.

Live Notifications for On-Track Streaks:

Twitch has also introduced a live notification feature that alerts users when a channel they follow goes live and they are on track for a streak. This ensures that viewers never miss an opportunity to continue their streaks and stay connected with their favorite content creators.

Conclusion:

Twitch's introduction of the Watch Streak Progress Bar demonstrates a commitment to fostering a more interactive and rewarding streaming experience. By gamifying the viewing process, providing bonus incentives, and allowing streamers control over the feature, Twitch continues to set the standard for online streaming platforms. As the platform evolves, these innovative features not only benefit viewers but also empower content creators to build more vibrant and engaged communities.

End of an Era: Twitch App Discontinued on Nintendo Switch in January 2024

In a surprising turn of events, it has been announced that the Twitch app will be discontinued on the Nintendo Switch, effective January 31, 2024. This decision marks the end of an era for gamers who have enjoyed the convenience of watching their favorite live streams and connecting with their favorite broadcasters on the popular streaming platform via their Nintendo Switch consoles. This move has left many in the gaming community both puzzled and disappointed. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this discontinuation and its potential impact on gamers and the gaming industry as a whole. 

The Rise of Twitch on Nintendo Switch
Twitch, the world's leading live streaming platform for gamers, has enjoyed tremendous popularity over the years. The Twitch app made its debut on the Nintendo Switch in 2017, providing gamers with the ability to watch live streams and interact with their favorite content creators while on the go. The integration of the app into the console's ecosystem allowed for seamless experiences, enabling users to easily switch between gaming and watching streams. It became an essential part of many gamers' daily routines.

Reasons for the Discontinuation
The decision to discontinue the Twitch app on the Nintendo Switch has left many wondering about the reasons behind this move. Although neither Nintendo nor Twitch have provided an official statement explaining the decision, several speculations have emerged within the gaming community.

1. Technical Challenges: One possibility is that the development and maintenance of the Twitch app on the Nintendo Switch posed technical challenges for both companies. Ensuring a smooth user experience and compatibility with various console updates may have become increasingly complex and resource-intensive.
2. Licensing Agreements: Licensing agreements and partnerships between Nintendo and Twitch may have expired or undergone changes that led to this discontinuation. These business dynamics often play a significant role in decisions related to apps and services on gaming consoles.
3. Competitive Landscape: The gaming and live streaming landscape has evolved significantly since the app's initial release on the Nintendo Switch. The rise of competing platforms and services could have influenced the decision. Nintendo may be considering new partnerships or services to better align with the current market.

Impact on Gamers and the Gaming Industry
The discontinuation of the Twitch app on the Nintendo Switch will undoubtedly impact gamers and the gaming industry in several ways:

1. Limited Streaming Options: Gamers who enjoyed using the Twitch app on their Nintendo Switch consoles will have to seek alternative methods to access the platform. This might involve using other devices like smartphones, tablets, or PCs to watch their favorite streamers.
2. Community Building: The Twitch app was more than just a viewing platform; it allowed gamers to connect with their favorite streamers and fellow viewers. Its absence may affect the sense of community that had grown among Nintendo Switch users.
3. Potential for New Partnerships: The removal of the Twitch app opens up the possibility for Nintendo to explore new partnerships and bring fresh streaming experiences to their platform. Gamers can look forward to what the future holds in this regard.

Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Twitch app on the Nintendo Switch is a significant development in the gaming world. While the exact reasons remain shrouded in mystery, this decision will undoubtedly impact the experience of Nintendo Switch users who have come to rely on the app for their live streaming needs. As we approach the end of January 2024, gamers and industry observers alike will be eager to see how this change will shape the future of live streaming on Nintendo's popular gaming console.

TwitchCon Las Vegas Announcements Breakdown

LAS VEGAS, NV - Twitch, the world's leading live streaming platform, made waves at this year's TwitchCon in Las Vegas with a slew of exciting announcements and updates, aiming to enhance the streaming experience for both content creators and viewers.

These developments showcase Twitch's commitment to constant innovation, keeping the community engaged and providing more tools for streamers to connect and grow. Here's a breakdown of some of the most noteworthy changes coming to the platform:

Updates Coming to Stories on Twitch

Twitch is introducing a new feature that promises to keep the community engaged even when streamers are not live on the platform. Initially available exclusively on the Twitch Mobile App, Stories will receive several significant updates. These include the ability to upload and film short videos, tag other streamers, add links, gifs, and polls. The added bonus? Better analytics to help streamers understand how their community engages with their stories.

Improvements to Featured Clips and the Clip Editor

In a bid to promote user-generated content, Twitch is enhancing the functionality of Featured Clips. Streamers can now feature clips directly from the creation flow, and a new button in the Clips Manager allows for easier management of featured clips. Moderators also get in on the action, as they can now select featured clips.

Stream Together - The Evolution of Guest Star

Guest Star is undergoing a transformation, reemerging as "Stream Together." This feature allows up to six streamers to seamlessly collaborate on their channels simultaneously. Upcoming additions include shared viewership statistics, and the option to merge chat from the participating streams, fostering a more interactive and inclusive streaming experience.

Twitch’s Alerts: More Ways to Customize

Customization reigns supreme in the world of Twitch. Now, content creators can add their custom animated emotes to Alerts, offering viewers a personalized touch to their notifications.

More Control and Insights for Ads

Twitch is giving more control and insight into advertising. Moderators will now have a Chat Countdown Timer to alert them when an ad break is imminent, allowing them to snooze it if necessary. Additionally, the Ads Manager will receive new insights to help streamers understand when to run ads and how they perform on their channels, empowering them to make informed decisions about their advertising strategy.

New Holiday Promotions

Viewers and streamers alike have reason to celebrate with Twitch's holiday promotions. Following the success of SUBtember, Twitch has plans for a second event this year in December. This exciting holiday promotion is bound to bring joy and engagement to the Twitch community.

Updates to the Off-Service Conduct Policy
Twitch is cracking down on problematic behavior by adding doxxing and swatting to its list of Off-Service Conduct behaviors. The platform is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all users.

Introducing Channel-Level Chat Warnings

In early 2024, Twitch will introduce Channel-Level Chat Warnings. This feature will grant streamers the ability to send anonymous warnings to chatters, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive atmosphere.

Staying Safe with AutoMod and Smart Detection

Safety and moderation are top priorities at Twitch. To further protect the community, a new AutoMod category called Smart Detection has been introduced, tailoring AutoMod to each channel by learning from the moderation actions taken by both streamers and their mods.

Twitch Embeds on 3rd Parties Get an Update

Twitch is enhancing its integration on third-party websites. To ensure a better user experience, autoplay will be restricted unless the Twitch stream is a substantive or meaningful component of the page. This change aims to create more seamless interactions between Twitch and external platforms.

Simulcasting Policy Updates

Twitch is making it easier for streamers to simulcast on other live streaming services. The guidelines, however, emphasize maintaining a high-quality experience on Twitch and encourage streamers to engage with the Twitch community, keeping users within the platform.

In summary, Twitch's latest announcements at TwitchCon Las Vegas show their dedication to improving the streaming experience for both content creators and viewers. These updates, ranging from enhanced features to improved policies, underline Twitch's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community while continuing to lead the way in the world of live streaming.

Amazon's Sponsored TV: A Game-Changer for Streaming TV Advertising

In a move that is set to revolutionize the landscape of streaming TV advertising, Amazon Ads recently announced the launch of Sponsored TV. This self-service ad solution is designed for brands of all sizes that sell on Amazon in the United States, offering them a cost-efficient way to connect with audiences on various streaming TV services. In this blog post, we'll delve into the exciting world of Sponsored TV, its availability, and its potential impact on Twitch streamers and the advertising industry as a whole.

What is Sponsored TV?

Sponsored TV is a groundbreaking self-service advertising solution introduced by Amazon Ads. It is specifically tailored for brands, regardless of their size, that are looking to advertise on streaming TV services. With Sponsored TV, brands can run streaming TV campaigns without being burdened by minimum spend requirements. This innovative platform allows advertisers to reach audiences across a spectrum of streaming services, including Amazon Freevee, Twitch's livestreamed entertainment, and third-party streaming TV services through Fire TV apps. (Source: Amazon Advertising Blog)

Who Can Use Sponsored TV?

Sponsored TV is accessible through two primary channels: the Amazon advertising console and the Amazon Ads API. This accessibility provides a user-friendly experience for advertisers, making it easy to create and manage their streaming TV ad campaigns. As for who can use it, Sponsored TV is open to both vendors and seller brand owners. This inclusivity reflects Amazon's commitment to accommodating a wide range of businesses and ensuring they can benefit from this advertising solution.

Where is Sponsored TV Available?

Currently, Sponsored TV is available in North America, specifically in the United States. This geographical focus allows Amazon to roll out the platform effectively and tailor its services to this key market.

Impact on Twitch Streamers
One question that's likely on the minds of many is how Amazon's Sponsored TV might affect Twitch streamers. Given that Amazon owns Twitch, there has been speculation about whether we will start seeing other Twitch Channels video ads appear as prerolls before their channels. As of now, it appears that this new Amazon ad feature is primarily geared toward brands. While the platform's future direction remains uncertain, it is essential to note that, at present, Sponsored TV appears to be limited to brand usage.

Nevertheless, if Amazon decides to open the door to influencers and marketing agencies in the future, it could pave the way for innovative advertising strategies during special events and product launches. This might offer synergies for content creators during significant game releases and events, creating new opportunities for savvy marketing professionals. The potential for this shift could be significant, as it may allow a more dynamic interaction between content creators and brands, opening up avenues for more engaging and relevant advertisements.

In conclusion, Amazon's Sponsored TV is set to be a game-changer in the streaming TV advertising space. With its self-service model, brands of all sizes can access this innovative platform to reach audiences across various streaming services. While its immediate impact on Twitch streamers remains limited to brands, the future could hold exciting possibilities for influencers and marketers. As the advertising landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how Sponsored TV continues to shape the industry and create new opportunities for advertisers and content creators alike.

Channel Switcher: Enhancing the Streaming Experience for Users

 In a bid to revolutionize the streaming experience and cater to the evolving needs of its user base, Twitch TV has unveiled its latest feature, the Channel Switcher. This highly anticipated addition to the platform aims to provide users with a convenient and ad-free way to explore and discover new streams. With community feedback at its core, Twitch TV has worked diligently on a series of improvements and exciting new features, which are now being rolled out to a select percentage of users.

The Channel Switcher brings a host of enhancements and functionalities designed to empower Twitch TV users. One notable improvement is the ability to swiftly switch between two visually engaging layouts: Grid and Carousel. Recognizing the diverse preferences of its audience, Twitch TV understands that some users prefer a streamlined grid view, while others seek a dynamic carousel layout. With the Channel Switcher, users can now tailor their browsing experience to their liking.

In response to the time-conscious nature of today's viewers, Twitch TV has introduced a toggle option for the auto-progression of the video preview. Users can choose whether the video preview automatically advances to the next stream or opt for manual control, giving them greater flexibility and control over their streaming journey.

Acknowledging that some users find video previews distracting, Twitch TV has addressed this concern by introducing a highly requested feature. The Channel Switcher now allows users to disable the video preview entirely, providing a cleaner and more minimalist browsing experience. By putting customization at the forefront, Twitch TV ensures that users can curate their viewing environment according to their preferences.

Adding to the excitement, Twitch TV has incorporated a new functionality that enhances the exploration of clips within a selected category. Users can now conveniently preview and browse through a variety of relevant clips. Moreover, if the owner of a particular clip is currently streaming live, users have the seamless option to join the stream directly from the clip itself. This feature saves time and guarantees an uninterrupted and immersive viewing experience for Twitch TV enthusiasts.

As an experimental feature, the Channel Switcher will initially be available to a percentage of Twitch TV users. Although manual enrollment is not possible, Twitch TV plans to expand the availability of this feature based on user feedback and the success of the trial. The input and engagement of the Twitch TV community will play a pivotal role in shaping the future development and wider implementation of the Channel Switcher.

Twitch TV remains steadfast in its commitment to continuously improve the platform and deliver a seamless streaming experience to its users. The introduction of the Channel Switcher exemplifies this dedication, solidifying Twitch TV as a trailblazer in the realm of live streaming. Users are encouraged to embrace this experiment, provide valuable feedback, and together with Twitch TV, shape the future of streaming.

Stay tuned, as Twitch TV invites you to embark on an exciting and immersive streaming journey with the all-new Channel Switcher.

Kick.com Challenges Twitch with New YouTube Ad Campaign

In a bold move to attract streamers and viewers alike, streaming competitor Kick.com has launched a new advertising campaign on YouTube directly targeting Twitch. The video ads showcase how Kick.com offers streamers significantly higher earnings compared to Twitch, emphasizing the potential for streamers to make 95% more on their platform. This innovative marketing strategy marks the first time a streaming service has explicitly targeted Twitch through YouTube ads, sparking curiosity and intrigue within the online streaming community.

The Kick.com Difference

The YouTube ads from Kick.com emphasize the substantial income potential for streamers on their platform compared to Twitch. They showcase a side-by-side comparison of revenue generated from a hypothetical scenario involving 1,000 subscribers each paying $5. According to the ad, while Twitch would yield $2,500, Kick.com promises streamers a staggering $4,750 in the same scenario. These numbers highlight the significant difference in potential earnings and serve as a powerful message to both current Twitch streamers and those considering a platform switch.

Targeting Twitch on YouTube

Kick.com's decision to target Twitch through YouTube ads is an interesting strategic move. Twitch has long dominated the live streaming market, boasting a massive user base and an established community of both streamers and viewers. By choosing to advertise directly on YouTube, Kick.com taps into a vast audience that may be dissatisfied with Twitch's revenue-sharing model or curious about alternative platforms. The move signifies Kick.com's ambition to not only compete with Twitch but also to capture the attention of potential users who frequent YouTube for their streaming content.

Revenue Distribution Model

One of the key selling points highlighted in Kick.com's YouTube ads is their revenue distribution model. The comparison clearly indicates that Kick.com offers a larger share of the subscription fees to streamers, as evidenced by the higher income in the example provided. While specific details of the revenue sharing model are not provided in the ad, the message conveys that Kick.com prioritizes the financial success of their streamers by providing a more lucrative income stream.

Implications and Reactions

Kick.com's YouTube ads targeting Twitch have sparked intrigue within the streaming community. Many Twitch streamers and viewers are closely following this development, eager to see if Kick.com's claims hold true. The potential for significantly higher earnings may entice streamers to explore the Kick.com platform, especially those who feel their efforts on Twitch are not being adequately rewarded. Additionally, viewers who support their favorite streamers may be swayed by the notion that their subscriptions could contribute more directly to the content creators they enjoy.

Conclusion

Kick.com's decision to launch a YouTube advertising campaign directly targeting Twitch signifies a significant step in their mission to compete with the established streaming giant. By showcasing the potential for streamers to earn 95% more on their platform and highlighting a more favorable revenue distribution model, Kick.com aims to attract both current Twitch streamers and new users alike. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve and competition intensifies, it will be interesting to observe how Twitch responds and whether Kick.com can fulfill its promises to streamers and viewers seeking a more financially rewarding streaming experience.

TwitchCon Paris 2023 - July 8-9

Get ready, gamers and Twitch enthusiasts! TwitchCon Paris 2023 is just around the corner and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Scheduled for July 8-9 at the Paris Convention Centre, located at 1 place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, TwitchCon Paris 2023 is expected to attract a diverse and passionate group of Twitch fans from all over the world.

For those who may not be familiar with it, TwitchCon is the premier event for Twitch fans and content creators. It is a celebration of everything that makes Twitch so unique, from the talented streamers and creators to the passionate fans who make Twitch such a vibrant community. The event offers a wide variety of activities and experiences that will appeal to everyone, including esports tournaments, live performances, informative panels, exclusive meet and greets with your favorite streamers, and much more.

One of the highlights of TwitchCon Paris 2023 will be the chance to meet your favorite Twitch streamers in person. Many popular streamers will be in attendance and will be available for meet and greets, autographs, and photo opportunities. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the people who create the content you love and to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Another exciting aspect of TwitchCon Paris 2023 is the opportunity to participate in esports tournaments. Twitch has become a hub for competitive gaming, and the TwitchCon esports tournaments are some of the most thrilling events of the year. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual gamer, there will be opportunities to participate in tournaments and to watch some of the best players in the world compete for glory.

In addition to the esports tournaments, TwitchCon Paris 2023 will also feature informative panels on a wide range of topics related to gaming and content creation. These panels will be led by experts in their respective fields and will provide valuable insights and advice for aspiring content creators and gamers.

Of course, no TwitchCon would be complete without a chance to check out the latest games and products on the expo floor. Attendees will have the opportunity to try out new games and products before they are released to the general public and to discover new favorites that they may not have otherwise come across.

And let's not forget about the exclusive merchandise! TwitchCon Paris 2023 will offer limited edition merchandise that will only be available at the event. This is a chance to show off your love for Twitch and to take home a special souvenir from the event.

In conclusion, TwitchCon Paris 2023 is an event that no Twitch fan should miss. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with your favorite streamers, to participate in esports tournaments, to learn from experts in the field, and to discover new games and products. With so much to see and do, TwitchCon Paris 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience that will exceed all expectations. Make sure to mark your calendars for July 8-9 and to book your tickets early, as this is an event that is sure to sell out quickly.

Latest Leaked Information Reveals 12 Possible Paid Interactions for Viewers

Recently, some interesting information about Twitch has been leaked. It has come to light that Twitch is planning to introduce 12 new paid interaction options for viewers to enhance their streaming experience. These options include a range of features that have never been seen before on Twitch. Below is a list of all 12 options, along with three of the most exciting ones.

The first paid interaction option is the ability for community members to initiate mini-games in chat that everyone watching can play. This is a fantastic way for viewers to engage with each other and the content creator, creating a more interactive and engaging streaming experience.

The second paid interaction option is the ability for viewers to purchase digital merch to represent the creator across Twitch. This includes branded avatar frames, fan chat badges, and other virtual items that allow viewers to show their support for their favorite creators.

The third paid interaction option is the ability for viewers to buy channel skins that temporarily change the channel page for the whole community. This is an exciting way to personalize the Twitch experience and make it feel more like a community.

Other paid interaction options include the ability to purchase GIFs to be played on stream for the whole community, modulate the creator's voice for a short period of time, kick off a support gift bag that others in the community can contribute to, and hide support in a "red envelope."

Viewers who can't make a stream can leave a paid contribution from the offline channel page, which is revealed to the creator after they start streaming, and the viewer gets a 30-second clip of that moment.

Creators can also create any custom reward and set a price, while viewers can pay to create an ad-free experience for non-subscribers on the channel for a set duration. Viewers can even pay to draw on stream for a set period of time or submit prompts for an AI to draw on stream.

Out of all these options, the three most exciting ones are the community mini-games, the channel skins, and the ability to purchase digital merch to represent the creator across Twitch. These options are unique and allow viewers to connect with the content creator and other viewers in new and engaging ways.

While some may view these paid interaction options as a way for Twitch to monetize the platform further, they also provide an exciting opportunity for viewers to engage with their favorite creators and make the streaming experience even more enjoyable. Twitch has not yet confirmed when these options will be available if ever, but we can expect more information on this in the near future.

Language Selector: Enhancing Livestream Accessibility

Twitch, one of the leading live streaming platforms, has recently announced the rollout of a new language selector feature to its users. This new feature allows viewers to filter livestreams by language, making it easier to find content in their preferred language.

The language selector feature has been rolled out to all users on the desktop version of Twitch, and the company is currently working on bringing this feature to mobile devices in the near future.

With this new feature, viewers can filter streams based on 35 different languages, ensuring that they only see content in their preferred language. This will be particularly useful for viewers who prefer to watch streams in languages other than English, which is the default language on the platform.

In addition to the language selector, Twitch has also added a new tag system that allows viewers to search for streams based on specific tags. This means that viewers can filter streams based on their interests, such as gaming, music, art, or sports.

The addition of these new features is a step forward for Twitch in its efforts to make its platform more inclusive and accessible to a global audience. By allowing viewers to filter streams by language and interests, Twitch is catering to the diverse needs of its users and making it easier for them to discover new content.

Moreover, this feature can also benefit streamers by helping them reach a wider audience that speaks different languages. With the language selector, streamers can ensure that their streams are visible to viewers who prefer to watch content in their native language.

Overall, the language selector feature is a welcome addition to Twitch, and it will undoubtedly enhance the user experience for viewers and streamers alike. With Twitch's continued efforts to improve its platform, we can expect to see more exciting features in the future that further enhance the live streaming experience for everyone.

Streamers and Brands Connect in New Ways: Sponsored Stream Experiments

Twitch, the world's leading live streaming platform, has recently announced its plans to test new ways to connect streamers and brands through sponsored streams. The goal is to enhance the experience of sponsored streams for its community members, including streamers, viewers, and brands.

Twitch is currently testing four new features to achieve this goal, including Streamer-read Ads, Sub Codes, Sponsored Gift Subs, and Sponsored Sub Discounts. Each feature serves a unique purpose in creating a seamless and integrated experience for all parties involved.

🔬 We’re testing new experiences to connect streamers and brands by making sponsored streams work better for our community. We’re in the early stages of seeing what works, but want to give you a sneak peek. This month, you may start seeing sponsored streams including:

— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) April 4, 2023

The first feature, Streamer-read Ads, is designed to support streamers in delivering branded talking points live and across multiple streams. This allows streamers to provide ad content to their viewers in a native way that feels organic and integrated into the streaming experience. This feature is currently being tested, and Twitch hopes to receive feedback from users to improve its effectiveness.

The second feature, Sub Codes, allows brands to pay for subs and share the codes with viewers off Twitch. Viewers can redeem these codes on Twitch and receive tokens that they can use to subscribe to their favorite channels. This feature is designed to help brands reach new audiences and expand their reach on the platform.

The third feature, Sponsored Gift Subs, allows brands to buy and gift subs in Chat to viewers at scale. This feature helps brands increase their visibility and engagement with viewers by providing them with a direct method to interact with their target audience.

The fourth and final feature is Sponsored Sub Discounts, which offers discounts for subscriptions on individual channels subs. Brands sponsor these discounts, allowing streamers to receive their regular payout for subs even though viewers pay a reduced rate. This feature is designed to incentivize viewers to subscribe to channels while still allowing streamers to earn their full payout.

All of these features are in the early stages of testing, and Twitch is actively seeking feedback from users to improve their effectiveness. Depending on feedback, some of these features may change or scale further as Twitch moves into next year, while others may not.

Overall, Twitch's new experiments aim to create a more robust and sustainable ecosystem for streamers and brands on the platform. By providing new ways to connect and engage with audiences, Twitch hopes to foster more opportunities for growth and success for its users. Twitch's work on these new features will continue for several months, and the company is looking forward to sharing more in the future.

Twitch Streamlines Business Operations, Cuts Over 400 Jobs

According to a statement made by Dan Clancy, the new CEO of Twitch, the company has made the difficult decision to downsize its workforce, resulting in over 400 employees being let go. As a company that values community-building, this decision was not taken lightly and was made after careful consideration.

Twitch's mission is to empower communities to create together, and the company takes its responsibility to provide its users with the necessary tools to build their communities and pursue their passions seriously. However, the current macroeconomic environment has impacted Twitch's business, with user and revenue growth falling short of expectations. In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business, the decision was made to reduce the size of the workforce.

Despite this, Twitch's leadership team remains committed to supporting and growing its community of streamers. While there are rumors circulating that affected employees have not yet been notified, the company has not released any official statement regarding this matter.

Twitch CEO Emmett Shear Resigns, Dan Clancy Takes Over

On March 16, 2023, Twitch CEO Emmett Shear announced his resignation from the company after 15 years. Dan Clancy, who has been with Twitch since 2019, will take over as the new CEO. This news has sent shockwaves through the streaming community, as Shear has been a well-respected figure in the industry for many years.

Emmett Shear's Legacy at Twitch

Emmett Shear co-founded Twitch in 2007 as a spin-off of Justin.tv, a live streaming platform that he and his co-founders had launched a year earlier. Twitch started out as a platform for gamers to stream their gameplay, but it quickly expanded to other areas, such as music, talk shows, and creative content.

Under Shear's leadership, Twitch became the leading live streaming platform, with millions of active users and thousands of streamers creating content every day. Shear was also instrumental in Twitch's acquisition by Amazon in 2014, which was seen as a major milestone for the company.

Dan Clancy's Background and Experience

Dan Clancy has been with Twitch since 2019, when he joined the company as Senior Vice President of Creator and Community Experience. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the development of features and tools that help streamers build and grow their communities.

Before joining Twitch, Clancy worked at Google for over a decade, where he played a key role in the development of Google Books, a project that involved scanning and digitizing millions of books. Clancy's experience in managing large-scale projects and developing innovative products makes him a strong candidate for the CEO position at Twitch.

What Does Dan Clancy's Appointment Mean for Twitch?

With Dan Clancy taking over as CEO, there are sure to be changes at Twitch. Clancy has a strong background in product development and community management, so it's likely that he will focus on improving the tools and features that streamers use to create and manage their content.

Clancy may also look to expand Twitch's reach beyond gaming and into other areas of live streaming, such as music, sports, and entertainment. However, he will need to balance this with the core audience of gamers that Twitch has built up over the years.

Conclusion

Emmett Shear's resignation from Twitch marks the end of an era for the company. Shear played a major role in building Twitch into the leading live streaming platform, and his departure will be felt by many in the streaming community. However, Dan Clancy's appointment as CEO offers a fresh perspective and new ideas for the future of Twitch. With his experience in product development and community management, Clancy is well-positioned to lead Twitch into its next chapter.

7,500,000 Million + Accounts used in follow-botting and view-botting!

So over the last couple of days there has been a lot of chatter around the influx for following botting across the Twitch platform.  People have created tools that use 3rd party lists to attempt to remove the follows from their channels.  And just today Twitch support has finally reported on the issue from their "Twitch Support" twitter account.

Here is a look at that tweet thread:

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🛡️ We have been monitoring the rise of fake engagement on Twitch and have identified 7.5MM+ accounts that break our TOS by follow-botting and view-botting. We are taking action on these accounts and appreciate all of the reports about this issue.

— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) April 14, 2021

A majority of these accounts were detected through ongoing machine learning technology that will continue to improve and we will continue to operate going forward. We engage in enforcement when necessary including pursuing legal action.

— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) April 14, 2021

As a result of these removals, you may see sudden decreases in your follower and viewer count over the coming days. If you believe that you were follow- or view-botted, please check out our help article. 📚 https://t.co/R82r7NA90A

— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) April 14, 2021

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Many channels appear to have lost followers over the last couple of days as Twitch is slowly removing the bot accounts.

Let take a look at some of the stream channels that were most effected by this botting. As of today, 4/14/2012 the following channels are listed to have lost (x) amount of followers in the past 7 days. Please note we are using a 3rd party twitch stat website called sullygnome to check for these stats.

• sodapoppin - 2.5+ Million
  
• xQcOW - 2.1+ Million
  
• TrickAIM - 2.02+ Million
  
• Blinkx_ - 1.78+ Million
  
• AdinRoss - 1.68+ Million
  
• kraynasty - 1.59+ Million
  
• aileybeanssa - 1.56 Million
  
• MzBETRAYAL - 1.31 Million
  
• Heelmike - 1.16 Million
  
• okharry - 900k+
  
• ForestOfWires - 850k+
  
• MrConRem - 785k+
  
• Taylor_Jevaux - 464k+

If you suspect your channel has been targeted by bots of any kind, then you will want to review the official twitch help page on this topic. Here is the direct link to that article: https://help.twitch.tv/s/article/how-to-handle-view-follow-bots?language=en_US

Streamers served with DMCA notices for copyright music

Over the past weekend a big influx of DMCA requests have been served to Twitch.tv.  Many streamers both large and small have been given notices that they have clips on Twitch that contain copyrighted music.

📢 This week, we've had a sudden influx of DMCA takedown requests for clips with background music from 2017-19. If you’re unsure about rights to audio in past streams, we advise removing those clips. We know many of you have large archives, and we're working to make this easier.

— Twitch Support (@TwitchSupport) June 8, 2020

Here is a recap of events around this issue from the past to the present:

1. In 2014, Twitch created audio fingerprinting filters using a 3rd party to mute out copyright related issues from videos to protect Twitch, which also protects streamers engaged in using audio that they shouldn't be using.
2. Streamers who engage in using audio they shouldn't be using, thought they were safe.
3. The copyright agencies that use monitors found out twitch clips past a certain year didn't filter out audio such as videos do. So they used automation to scan old clips and find audio fingerprints that match their music database.
4. DMCA for old clips where then triggered based on fingerprint matching and sent to Twitch.
5. Twitch notified all channels of the DMCAs.
6. Many streamers who have been using copyright music are now deleting all their clips. Other streamers who are not up to date on all of this are just deleting all their clips as a safety precaution.

What is the take away from this weekends event for streamers?

It is pretty simple, do not use copyright content, music or audio that you do not have permission or license to use.

• Majority of all games have settings to disable music, get in the habit of doing this before you start any new game for streaming on the platform.
• Check with the games EULA/Youtube Policy/Video Policy to see if they have sections for streaming the game and monetizing it. Most games have this already inserted, but its always best to verify.  Also note, that EULA's can change, one day it maybe ok and another day maybe removed.
• Do not follow on what others do on the platform and think its ok since "everyone" is doing it. 
• Do not use any sort of main stream music in your broadcasts with out licenses or permission.
• DO NOT THINK JUST BECAUSE TWITCH AUTOMATICALLY MUTES YOUR VIDEOS THAT YOU ARE SAFE TO CONTINUE TO USE MAIN STREAM MUSIC OR OTHER COPYRIGHT STUFF IN YOUR BROADCAST. Read this line 3 times to get it saved in your head!

Need more info on copyright law? Check out this past Twitchcon panel that goes over all the basics formatted for streamers.

Additional Information from djWHEAT interview with Noah Downs:


Quote: "There is a company out there that is monitoring most streams on twitch" - "They have the ability to issue live DMCA's but just havent done it yet."

 

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Update 11/6/2020

A lot more issues with DMCA and clips have been occurring on the platform. Many additional streamers are getting banned for clips from long ago stream sessions. And there is additional issues with clips supposedly not totally being deleted from the system that maybe getting detected even though streamers have been mass deleting clips and videos.

WOW Classic launch breaks over 1 million viewers!

Amazing turn out for Blizzard's World of Warcraft classic launch on Twitch.  As of 6 PM EST, over 1 million viewers are watching streamers trying to play the game. 

Here is a screenshot of the top most streamers on Twitch who are currently streaming wow classic.

Top 5 Classic WOW Streamers include the following:

1. Asmongold - 220k
2. sodapoppin - 97.8k
3. Method - 45.4k
4. shroud - 45.1k
5. ZeratoR - 34.1k

Sadly so far from what I have seen the World of Warcraft classic servers are not able to handle the load of players. Huge queue wait times, then when people are in the game its really laggy and rubber banding all over the place.

Its going to be very interesting to see how the viewership on Twitch is going to hold out for wow classic.  Usually new games get a pop up in views for the first day and then it starts to dip down in the following days.  I have a feeling things maybe alittle different in the case for wow classic. Their appears to be a synergy of personality streamers and wow players who view these streamers as they play the game themselves.  The race to level 60 is also going to take some time to achieve which is another viewer draw to streams.

This whole event for me personally is something I cant understand. I use to play WOW back in 2006 and was very active in PVP.  I managed to become one of the first Warlocks on the server to get max pvp rank of High Warlord.

Here is my character with the high warlord tag.

I don't have any itch to play world of warcraft again. Its pretty amazing to see so many have the opposite viewpoint.  But as time goes on I guess we will see if people stick with it or if this was one big gimmick that people quit in a week or two.

Subscriber Only Streams feature in beta

Twitch just launched a new feature for streamers that allows them to set their channel to subscriber only mode for viewing.

It is currently in a beta phase, open to partners and affiliates who are eligible. The requirements to have this feature enabled on your account are as follows:

• Must broadcasted at least 90 unique days as affiliate or partner.
• No Twitch TOS, Community Guideline violations in the same 90 day unique time frame.

Once you have the new feature available, you will see a new option show up on your creator dashboard under 'Stream Information" called audience. This is where you will have the ability to enable subscriber only mode for viewing.

 You have to set this option before you start streaming, it will not allow for changing during a active session.

Following are my personal opinions:

PROs for using subscriber only feature

• Additional Monetization
• Gated content barrier, due note their is a 5 minute preview window
• Perk / Loyalty building

CONs for using subscriber only feature

• First time viewers maybe turned off by paywall
• Embedded streams on external websites will show splash subscriber screen, no preview with out login

Additional:

Subscriber streams have a special tag assigned to them which allows you to see all active streams that are currently in this mode.

Visit the following URL to see this in action:
https://www.twitch.tv/directory/all/tags/c22bdbea-f4f9-40b4-9f01-bd6f702a37f8

Notice: Many gaming companies such as Blizzard, Riot, Valve, CCP / EVE Online, CD Projekt Red and more have specific terms against using their IP behind paywalls. Make sure to review all video policies and obtain correct licensing/permission before using content from others in sub only mode. 

Views from Outside Twitch update

Update to 'Views from Outside Twitch'

A undocumented change happened in the stats dashboard for Twitch streamers that you should know about! Views from Outside Twitch has a source called "Direct" and you are probably wondering what exactly gets put into the direct section?

Answer is any sub-domain urls that are embedding your stream all get put into direct -see update note. Note: It also include other things but to the best of my knowledge its mostly subdomains. If anyone knows what else is put into the direct bin, please let me know by commenting below!

In the past you would be able to see blogspot and gamepedia being listed in this stat section- see update note. Here is a example of that via the screenshot

Now its more limited, here is a recent screenshot from the "Views from Outside Twitch" section.

What is more helpful for streamers to know? A Bulk number of external views coming from who knows where or knowing each of the URLS of the top most external views. In my opinion its better to know the exact domains / subdomains and URLS of what is showcasing your stream. Right now if any gamepedia wiki features a streamer, they will not have any idea where that viewership traffic is coming from because it will not list gamepedia anymore in the views from outside twitch section.


Having a section called "Direct" just doesnt make sense either. When you are listing views from outside twitch and then put in something called direct, people will be confused. I hope they do some changes in the future to bring back the more detail reporting. The more information streamers know about how and where their streams are being consumed the better planning and decision making can occur.

Update - 6/6/2020 - "Twitch has made changes and now shows subdomain information in the views from outside twitch section. Not exactly sure when they implemented the update, but basically they took the suggestion from this post and fixed it to show subdomains and other helpful information."

Atlas Launch delayed, but the hype meter was on overdrive

Atlas Launch has been delayed, viewers showed up in mass on Twitch.

During the failed launch of Atlas on Dec 19, we saw over 210,000 viewers on Twitch waiting to see what the game is all about. For a game with very limited information other then some screenshots and 2 trailers, I find the hype meter really high.

Some of the biggest streamers on Twitch all switched from their regular scheduled formats to showcase this new game. Here is a look at the game directory on Twitch with some thumbnails of majority of the streamers.

Judging by the interest in viewers and of streamers, this game may do really well if the next launch window isn't delayed again. What makes this game different from other mmo's is how they are saying its going to be similar to EVE Online with having a majority of players on a single shard.  If they can pull that off, with ARK like mechanics and trading economies from EVE, this maybe one of the best games for streamers to get into for regular sessions.

Check out our new PlayAtlas wiki website being developed.

That being said, if it gets into EVE Online mechanics with full loot and ship loss it may turn off a lot of players. All of it depends on the time it takes to create ships and gear. If its very easy to create ships and gear then that also makes things alittle gimmicky. Since its on a single shard type of server setup, stream sniping is going to be a issue for streamers.

12/21/2018 - Latest Update from community manager states they will be allowing some streamers into the game before launch. Here is the discord screenshot of the full statement.

Overall this entire roll out has been poorly managed for the game in my opinion.  A lot of things should of been setup and handled better way before launch date(s).