Kick Media Kit Early Access: Official Stats Are Finally Here

Kick just started rolling out something streamers have been asking for a long time. Official analytics and a verified media kit.

The image above shows what the early version looks like. It’s a clean dashboard that displays your follower count, followers gained in the last 30 days, and your average concurrent viewers. All of it is labeled as “Official KICK stats,” which means brands and agencies can trust the numbers instead of relying on third-party tools or self-reported screenshots.

This is a meaningful shift for Kick. For years, one of the biggest complaints from streamers was the lack of reliable, official analytics. If you wanted to approach sponsors, you usually had to rely on Streamlabs, StreamElements, or other third-party trackers. Now Kick is building its own system and giving creators something they can actually use in brand conversations.

Interestingly, this is coming around the same time as Kick’s new option to hide your CCV from the directory. It’s an interesting combination. On one side, Kick is giving streamers more control over what the public sees. On the other side, they’re creating an official way for serious partners to see your real performance numbers. It feels like they’re trying to serve two different needs at once.

I’ve been pushing Twitch for something similar for a while. I even asked the Twitch CEO directly if they had any plans to let streamers opt in to a clean stats page (something like twitch.tv/daopa/stats) that third parties could view. His response was cautious. He basically said they have to be careful about sharing internal data between different people. I get the concern, but it’s still disappointing that Twitch hasn’t moved on this.

Kick is taking a different approach. They’re giving creators an official media kit while also letting them hide their live numbers if they want to. It’s not perfect yet, since this is still early access, but the direction feels right.

For streamers who do sponsorships or work with agencies, having verified stats from the platform itself is genuinely useful. It removes one more layer of doubt brands might have. Of course, how well this works will depend on what data Kick actually includes once it leaves early access and how easy it is to share.

Right now it looks promising. It’s one of the more practical features Kick has added in a while, especially for mid-size and growing creators who are trying to land real brand deals.

Have you gotten access to the Media Kit yet? What do you think about Kick finally giving out official stats?

Kick’s New Updates: Level Up Badges, Hide Your Viewers & Smarter Discovery

Kick has been rolling out several meaningful updates in late May and early June 2026. These changes focus on improving the experience for both viewers and streamers while taking stronger action against viewbotting and inflated numbers. Here’s a clear breakdown of the biggest recent updates.

1. Level Up Badge – A New Way for Viewers to Engage

On June 2, 2026, Kick officially launched the Level Up Badge system. Viewers can now level up a global badge simply by watching streams on the platform.

The longer you watch, the higher your badge level goes. Once leveled up, you can show off your badge in chat as a way to flex your dedication to the platform.

How to access it:
Chat → Settings → Identity → Global Badges

This is a simple but effective way to reward loyal viewers and give them something visual to work toward while watching their favorite streamers.

2. Hide Your Viewers – A Big Step Against Viewbotting

On May 29, 2026, Kick introduced the ability for streamers to hide their viewer count while live. This feature is currently only available on Kick.

This change is part of a larger effort to reduce the impact of viewer inflation and viewbotting on the platform. By allowing streamers to hide their numbers, Kick is making it less rewarding for bad actors to artificially boost viewer counts.

Many in the community see this as a positive move toward more honest and organic growth on the platform.

3. Directory & Discovery Changes

Kick is shifting how discovery works across the platform. Instead of categories being sorted purely by raw viewer count, the platform is putting more emphasis on its recommendation engine.

The goal is to surface streams based on real engagement and community rather than just who has the highest (and sometimes inflated) numbers. This change aims to make discovery fairer and reduce the advantage that viewbotting previously provided.

Additionally, Kick improved the search bar in mid-May 2026, making it faster and smarter at showing relevant channels, categories, and streams even before you finish typing.

What Kick Leadership Is Saying

Eddie (CEO of Kick) has been very vocal about these changes. In a post on May 29, he wrote:

“Something we care deeply about: discovery on Kick should be earned, not gamed. We’re further rolling out tools to combat viewer inflation.”

He specifically highlighted three points:

• Streamers can now hide their viewer count
• Categories will be driven more by the recommendation engine
• Further reductions in KPP (Kick Partner Program) payouts for creators caught viewbotting

Eddie has repeatedly emphasized that he wants great content and real communities to win on Kick, rather than artificial numbers.

The official @kick account has also been actively promoting these updates, particularly the new Level Up Badge system and the ability to hide viewer counts.

What These Changes Mean for Streamers

These updates show that Kick is trying to move in a healthier direction:

• Less incentive to viewbot — Hiding viewer counts and changing how discovery works reduces the benefit of fake viewers.
• More focus on real engagement — The recommendation engine should help smaller and mid-sized streamers get discovered based on actual community interaction.
• New ways to engage viewers — The Level Up Badge gives viewers a reason to stay longer and feel rewarded for their time.

While these changes won’t solve every issue overnight, they signal that Kick’s leadership is aware of problems around viewer inflation and is actively working on solutions.

Final Thoughts

Kick continues to experiment and iterate quickly. The combination of the Level Up Badge, hidden viewer counts, and a stronger recommendation system shows a clear direction: Kick wants to reward authentic growth and engagement over inflated numbers.

It will be interesting to see how these features perform over the next few months and whether they lead to more organic discovery for streamers across all sizes.

What do you think about these changes? Are you planning to hide your viewer count, or are you excited about the new Level Up Badge system? Let me know in the comments.

Reference: Official announcements and statements from @kick, @kicksupport, and @StakeEddie on X (May–June 2026).

Twitch Just Fixed Mobile Streaming: Dual Format & the Biggest Updates from TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026

Picture this: You’re mid-stream, deep into an epic boss fight or chatting with your community, and your viewers are scattered across devices. Some are kicked back on a big monitor or TV. Others are lying in bed, phone in hand, scrolling vertically like they do on TikTok or Instagram.

Until now, one of those groups usually got the short end of the stick: tiny video, black bars, or a layout that just didn’t feel right. Twitch just said “enough of that.”

At TwitchCon Europe in Rotterdam (May 30–31, 2026), CEO Dan Clancy and the team dropped a feature that genuinely feels like a turning point: Dual Format streaming (sometimes called universal dual-format). It lets you broadcast in both horizontal and vertical at the same time from a single stream. Desktop viewers get the classic widescreen experience. Mobile viewers get a beautiful, full-screen vertical layout that actually feels made for phones.

And that was just one of several updates that came out of the keynote. Here’s the full, no-jargon breakdown of what went down and why it matters for regular streamers and viewers.

What Is Dual Format Streaming, Really?

In plain English: You set up your stream once (using tools that support Enhanced Broadcasting, like updated OBS setups or compatible software). Twitch then delivers two optimized versions of that same broadcast.

• On desktop or big screens: Classic horizontal layout you’re used to. Chat on the side, everything spacious.
• On mobile phones (held normally): A clean, full-screen vertical view. No more squinting at a tiny horizontal box with giant black bars on the sides. The video fills the screen properly, and important stuff like chat or alerts can still be accessible.
• On mobile, if you rotate your phone: It smoothly switches to the full horizontal experience.
• Bonus on mobile: You can tap to switch back to a “classic split view” if you want the old-school layout.

It’s like having two perfectly tailored broadcasts without doing twice the work.

Why this is a bigger deal than it sounds

Most people watch streams on their phones these days. Vertical video has trained a whole generation of viewers to expect content that fits how they naturally hold their devices. Traditional horizontal streams on mobile often feel like an afterthought: small video, lots of wasted space, harder to stay immersed.

Dual Format removes that friction. Viewers on mobile can now enjoy streams the same way they enjoy Reels, Shorts, or TikTok - full screen, natural, and engaging. They can still participate fully (Hype Trains, subs, cheering, chat) without the experience feeling broken.

For streamers, it means you no longer have to choose between “desktop audience” and “mobile audience,” or maintain separate vertical streams (which is a huge time sink and splits your energy). One stream. Best experience for everyone.

Technical Side (Made Simple)

This runs on Twitch’s Enhanced Broadcasting tech. Your streaming software encodes multiple versions of the stream on your end, and Twitch handles delivering the right one to each viewer.

The big practical upgrade: When this rolls out more widely in June 2026, Twitch is adding server-side transcoding support for Partners and many Affiliates. That means the platform takes on more of the heavy processing work instead of your PC doing all of it. Early beta users have noted it can be demanding on hardware right now, but this server help should make it much more accessible.

It’s currently in beta (you may need to request access via Twitch’s help pages or dashboard). Wider rollout is happening throughout June.

The 2K (1440p) Upgrade Is Coming Too

Paired with Dual Format, Twitch is opening up 2K streaming (1440p) to all Partners and Affiliates starting in June.

Why care?

• Sharper, more detailed image - especially noticeable in fast-paced games, detailed environments, or anything cinematic.
• Higher bitrate ceilings: up to 9 Mbps for 1440p and 7.5 Mbps for 1080p. That means less compression artifacts and cleaner motion.
• It’s all part of the same Enhanced Broadcasting push, so the quality bump works alongside the new dual-format capabilities.

If you’ve ever felt like your stream looked a little soft or muddy during intense moments, this should help a lot.

Other Standout Updates from the Keynote

Dan Clancy’s keynote leaned hard into community and belonging - the real heart of Twitch. Beyond the big tech upgrades, here are the other highlights that stood out:

Making It Easier for Viewers to Jump In

• Mid-stream summaries: AI-generated quick recaps of what’s been happening. Late to the party? You’ll get the gist without feeling lost.
• Better notifications: Avatars are coming to notifications for a more personal touch. Mid-stream alerts for big moments (game changes, guests, Hype Train records) are also on the way.

Clips & Discovery Get Smarter

• Auto Clips: AI automatically spots high-energy moments using chat spikes, your voice, and on-screen action, then generates captioned clips. Early data shows streamers using this go from ~50% of streams having a clip to share, up to 85%. That’s massive for repurposing content to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, etc.
• Auto-captions for clips are rolling out soon (editable text, timing, style).
• Best clips will surface in stream summaries and Twitch Stories for easier sharing and discovery.

These tools lower the barrier for creators who want to grow but don’t have hours to clip manually every day.

Real Tools to Help Creators Earn More

• Custom Power-Ups: Create your own unique rewards (skins, interactions, fun events) that viewers can trigger with Bits.
• Creator Badge Drops: Custom chat badges tied to watching time or gifting subs. Early tests showed up to 50% more gift sub revenue on event days.
• Mythic Hype Trains: Special trains that reward top contributors with bonus golden emotes usable site-wide for 24 hours - and they earn more.
• GIPHY integration in chat for Tier 2/3 subs (streamer-controlled).
• Bulk gift subs (“Gif ‘Em All”) - surprise your community by gifting to up to 1,000 followers at once.
• Expanded Creator Sponsorships and Bounty Board access, including more opportunities for Affiliates.
• Drops improvements and better visibility.
• For Eurozone streamers: No more currency conversion fees on SEPA payouts starting this summer.

These aren’t just flashy - they’re practical levers to boost engagement and income while keeping things fun.

Community & Mod Love

• New Guilds expanding (Asian, Disability, Indigenous Guilds joining existing ones).
• Mod tools getting smarter AutoMod updates and anniversary recognition in chat.
• Emphasis throughout the weekend on celebrating creators who build real belonging - from massive charity streams to multilingual communities and cultural moments.

TwitchCon 2027 Is Heading to Berlin

One fun closer: TwitchCon Europe is moving to Berlin for 2027 (May 22–23). Rotterdam was a blast (Minecraft everywhere, speedruns, creator energy, packed panels), and the team already has the next one locked in.

What This All Means Going Forward

Dual Format streaming, paired with 2K quality and smarter AI-assisted tools for clips and summaries, feels like Twitch finally acknowledging how people actually watch in 2026. Mobile-first viewing isn’t a niche anymore - it’s the default for a huge chunk of the audience. Giving creators a way to serve both audiences beautifully from one stream removes a long-standing frustration.

At the same time, the monetization and discovery upgrades show Twitch is trying to give creators more levers to grow sustainably without burning out.

Is it perfect on day one? Probably not. Betas have some kinks, and hardware demands will vary. But the direction is clear and creator-friendly: make streaming more accessible, higher quality, and less of a compromise.

If you’re a streamer reading this:

• Check your dashboard or the Twitch help center for Dual Format beta access.
• Start thinking about how your layout works in both orientations (many are already experimenting with OBS plugins like Aitum Vertical).
• The AI clip tools could be a game-changer for your off-platform growth.

If you’re mainly a viewer:

• Expect streams to look and feel a lot better on your phone very soon.

TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026 wasn’t just another convention - it was a signal that the platform is investing in the fundamentals: better viewing experiences, stronger creator tools, and keeping that sense of real community alive.

What do you think? Are you most excited about Dual Format, the auto clips, or something else? Drop your thoughts in the comments or come hang out on stream. The future of live streaming just got a little more universal.

Reference: TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026 Keynote Recap

Twitch’s AI Auto Clips Are a Game-Changer for Streamers – Here’s Why

One of the most exciting announcements to come out of TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026 was the expansion of AI-Powered Auto Clips. For many streamers, clipping their own content has always been one of the most time-consuming parts of the job. Twitch is now using AI to handle a big chunk of that work for you.

What Are Twitch AI Auto Clips?

Auto Clips is an AI feature that automatically detects and creates short, captioned video clips from your stream. Instead of you having to go back through hours of footage to find the best moments, Twitch’s AI watches your stream in real time and pulls out highlights based on several signals:

• Chat activity spikes (when chat goes crazy)
• Your vocal inflection and energy
• On-screen action and important moments

The AI then generates clean, captioned clips that are ready to download and post on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, or anywhere else you want to promote your stream.

The Real Impact for Streamers

According to Twitch, only about 50% of streams currently have any clips created from them. For streamers using the Auto Clips feature, that number jumps up to 85%. That’s a massive increase in content being created without extra work from the streamer.

This is especially powerful for mid-sized and smaller streamers who don’t have editors or teams. You no longer have to choose between streaming more or spending hours clipping. The AI does the heavy lifting so you can focus on going live and engaging with your community.

How This Actually Helps Streamers

Here’s what AI Auto Clips can realistically help you achieve:

• Save hours every week — No more manually scrubbing through VODs looking for good moments.
• Increase your content output — More clips = more chances to get discovered on short-form platforms.
• Drive more viewers to your stream — Good clips act as free marketing that funnels people back to your Twitch channel.
• Stay consistent — Even on days when you don’t have time to clip, the AI keeps creating content for you.
• Improve clip quality — The AI is getting better at recognizing genuinely funny, exciting, or emotional moments that perform well.

Auto Clips also adds captions automatically, which is huge for reach. Many people watch short videos with the sound off, so having readable captions makes your clips much more effective.

Part of a Bigger Creator-First Push

Auto Clips isn’t being released in isolation. It’s part of Twitch’s larger effort (highlighted during Dan Clancy’s TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026 keynote) to give streamers better tools so they can grow without burning out. Combined with features like Dual Format streaming, better notifications, and improved monetization tools, Twitch is clearly trying to make the creator experience more sustainable.

The goal is simple: help streamers create more content with less effort while improving the experience for viewers at the same time.

What This Means Going Forward

For many streamers, the biggest bottleneck isn’t streaming itself - it’s everything that happens after the stream ends. AI Auto Clips directly attacks one of the most painful parts of that workflow.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re leaving great moments on the table because you don’t have time to clip, this feature is going to feel like a big relief. It won’t replace human creativity or your unique personality, but it removes a lot of the repetitive grunt work.

Early testing has already shown strong results, and Twitch plans to keep improving the AI over time. The more you use it, the better it should get at understanding what moments matter in your specific streams.

Final Thoughts

AI-Powered Auto Clips from TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026 represents a meaningful shift. Instead of forcing streamers to do more work, Twitch is using AI to handle the boring parts so creators can focus on what they actually enjoy streaming and connecting with their audience.

If growing your channel through short-form content has felt overwhelming, this is one of the most practical tools Twitch has released in a while. Less time clipping. More time streaming. Better results.

That’s a win for almost every streamer.

What do you think about AI handling clip creation? Are you excited to try Auto Clips when it rolls out more widely, or do you prefer doing it manually? Let me know in the comments!

Reference: TwitchCon Rotterdam 2026 Keynote Recap

Twitch's New War on Viewbotting: CEO Dan Clancy Just Dropped CCV Caps

If you’re a creator grinding it out on Twitch, a dedicated viewer, or just someone who’s watched the platform evolve over the years, you’ve probably felt the frustration around viewbotting. It’s that sneaky issue that inflates numbers, skews discovery, and leaves honest streamers wondering if the game is even fair anymore.

Well, today Twitch Support posted a major update straight from CEO Dan Clancy himself. This isn’t some vague promise, it’s a concrete new enforcement tool rolling out in the coming weeks. I’ve been following Twitch drama (and streaming myself) long enough to know this could be a game-changer… or a whole new headache. Let’s break it down like we always do here: no corporate fluff, just real talk from someone in the trenches.

Here’s the official announcement embedded for you:

A note on our work to combat viewbotting, from CEO Dan Clancy:

There’s been a lot of discussion recently about viewbotting on Twitch, and I wanted to share an update on our enforcement efforts.

Viewbotting is bad for our business. We don't benefit from it, and we believe it harms the creator ecosystem overall. However, effectively combatting viewbotting is challenging. As we deploy updates to our real-time detection algorithms, viewbotting companies quickly respond with updates to avoid detection. Also, our detection systems must be precise to ensure that legitimate viewers are appropriately counted.

Today, we’re introducing a new enforcement type that we plan to roll out over the next few weeks. For channels identified as persistently viewbotting, we will apply a cap to the streamer’s CCV for a fixed period of time, on all of the Twitch surfaces. The cap will be based upon historical data regarding that creator’s non-viewbotted traffic. Repeated violations will result in longer penalties. Streamers will be notified when an enforcement is applied, along with the duration of the penalty, and can appeal through the appeals portal.

While streamers will be notified, we will not make a follow-on announcement when we begin issuing these enforcements, and will not publicly share details about when and where these enforcements are applied. Unfortunately, providing details simply makes it easier for companies to work around our interventions.

We believe this approach will help us make meaningful progress against viewbotting. We will continue refining our systems and expand when we apply these enforcements over time.

- Dan Clancy

(Source: Twitch Support on X, May 7, 2026)

What This Actually Solves

In simple terms: Twitch is done playing cat-and-mouse with bot services that keep evolving faster than their detection tech. Instead of just trying to catch every fake viewer in real time (which has proven nearly impossible without false positives), they’re hitting persistent offenders where it hurts their visible numbers.

If a channel gets flagged for ongoing viewbotting, their displayed CCV gets artificially capped at their historical legitimate viewer baseline for a set period. No more inflated stats on the directory, no more fake hype for sponsors or algorithms. Repeat offenders face longer caps. Streamers get private notifications and an appeal process, but Twitch isn’t shouting “gotcha” publicly that would just hand botters the playbook.

What it solves:

• Fake growth that distorts the entire ecosystem.
• Discovery incentives that reward cheaters (higher CCV = more visibility = more real growth for botters).
• Long-term harm to legit creators who feel like they’re competing against ghosts.

The Pros

From a fellow streamer’s perspective, there’s real upside here:

• Fairer playing field. Honest creators finally get breathing room. No more watching bot-powered channels hog the top spots while you’re fighting for every real viewer.
• Deterrent effect. Knowing your CCV can get hard-capped (and stay that way longer with repeats) makes botting way less appealing. It’s not a ban, but it neuters the main benefit.
• Smarter than blanket crackdowns. Basing the cap on your own past legit data means genuine growth isn’t instantly punished, only the suspicious spikes get reined in.
• Transparency for the affected. Private notices + appeals show Twitch is trying to avoid the “punish first, ask questions later” vibe we’ve seen before.

The Cons & Potential Problems That Could Happen

But let’s be real, the replies to Dan’s post are already lighting up with valid concerns, and I share a lot of them:

• Malicious botting as a weapon. This is the big one everyone’s screaming about. What stops a rival, hater, or even a troll from paying a bot service to spike your stream? Suddenly your CCV gets capped, your momentum tanks, and you’re left appealing for weeks. Twitch says they’ll use detection, but history shows false positives happen.
• Collateral damage to small/medium creators. If the system isn’t razor-sharp, legit growth spurts (raids, viral clips, collabs) could trigger flags. We’ve seen this with past updates, like the lurker counting changes that still sting.
• Doesn’t fix the root causes. Streamers in the replies keep saying it: the discovery algorithm rewards high CCV. Until Twitch fixes that, the incentive to bot remains. This feels like treating the symptom, not the disease.
• No public accountability. Keeping enforcements quiet protects against workarounds… but it also means we might never know if it’s actually working or just PR.

Bottom line: this could accidentally turn viewbots into a harassment tool.

My Overall Viewpoint

Look, I’m cautiously optimistic but I’ve been around long enough not to pop the champagne yet. Twitch finally admitting viewbotting “harms the creator ecosystem” and putting real teeth behind enforcement is refreshing. Dan Clancy sounds genuinely frustrated with the arms race, and capping CCV based on historical legit data is a clever workaround to the detection arms race.

That said, this feels like a solid half-step. It tackles the “persistent” problem without nuking accounts outright, but it opens the door to new abuse vectors that could hurt the very creators it’s trying to protect. If Twitch doesn’t pair this with fixes to discovery algorithms and visibility, we’re just going to cycle through the same complaints in six months.

As someone who writes to help real creators succeed, my advice is simple: keep streaming authentically, document everything (screenshots, analytics, raid logs), and use the appeal portal if you ever get hit. And to Twitch - please listen to the replies. The community isn’t asking for perfection overnight; we just want a platform where effort actually pays off.

What do you think? Is this the start of a cleaner Twitch, or just another band-aid? Drop your thoughts in the comments, I read every one. And if you’re battling viewbot drama on your own channel, hit me up; we’re all in this together.

Stay grinding,
Your friend at the Streaming Handbook

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