Summary
- Twitch introduces vertical streaming for phone users, matching TikTok and other platforms.
- High-quality 1440p video streaming is coming soon for select partners, then more users.
- New features like Combos and Rewind are coming, showcasing Twitch’s commitment to improvements.
Twitch is one of the most popular live streaming platforms and social networks on the web, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be better. If you wish Twitch had higher-quality video resolution or vertical streams for watching from your phone, we have good news. Vertical streams are rolling out, and HQ streams are coming soon.
Over the weekend at TwitchCon Europe, the company unveiled one of its most requested features. Everyone who watches Twitch on their phone will be happy to hear that creators can finally stream in portrait mode. Yes, that means you’ll get vertical streams matching all those TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts clips.
Until now, watching your favorite creator in vertical mode wasn’t that great. It was limited to short clips and other things. However, a new beta just kicked off where Twitch users can broadcast full live streams in portrait, landscape, or both. In fact, creators can choose a dual-format mode, making it easy for fans to see both views.
Here’s what the company had to say: “Viewers on mobile will see your vertical layout if they hold the phone vertically, or landscape if they rotate their phone horizontally.” As a result, we can now watch Twitch on phones without funny resizing or black bars at the top and bottom. Finally.
Related
An 11-Year-Old Game Is Still the Most-Streamed Title on Twitch
Twitch’s latest numbers are in—and an old favorite has reclaimed the spotlight despite its age (and successor on the way).
During Twitch’s “10 Years of TwitchCon” announcement, the company shared more information about another highly requested feature—2k video streams. While we heard a little bit about increasing video resolution last year, which started a short closed beta program, it’s finally official.
Twitch said it will start rolling out 2K video options for select partners and increase bitrates for 2K streams using a newer HEVC codec that offers a better experience. Then, thanks to Twitch’s enhanced broadcasting technology, streams automatically adjust based on the viewer’s bandwidth. Essentially, without any lag or buffering, users will get 1080p or a higher 1440p resolution stream.
Starting this week, Twitch 2K streaming will start rolling out for its partners and affiliates, and the company will gradually expand that to more users in the coming weeks and months. So, while you may not have the option yet, it’s coming soon. For now, you can join the 2K rollout waitlist, then keep an eye on your email.
Additionally, Twitch confirmed “Combos” to celebrate big moments and an all-new Rewind feature. If you’ve ever missed a key moment, had to run to the restroom, or wanted to rewatch a specific part of a Twitch stream, soon you’ll be able to do exactly that. Twitch is currently testing multiple ways to let users rewind live streams in real time. Unfortunately, this feature isn’t ready for prime time yet, but it’s another sign of things to come. Either way, Twitch is making several big changes in 2025.
Source: Twitch Blog