Twitch Tests Vertical Video Streams - A New Viewing Experience

Twitch Experiments with Vertical Video Streaming

Twitch, the livestreaming platform owned by Amazon, revealed plans to enter the vertical video market during its annual TwitchCon event. Initial alpha testing of this new functionality has now commenced with a select group of content creators, as discovered by AppSensa, a market intelligence firm.

Feature Discovery and Competitive Landscape

Recent analysis of the Twitch application code by AppSensa uncovered references to these vertical video tests. The findings detail the features planned for these innovative streams. Upon full implementation, this addition will position Twitch as a stronger competitor against established vertical video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

Limited Initial Rollout

Currently, the testing phase is limited in scope. AppSensa’s investigation revealed that the tests are being conducted with only “a few streamers,” though the specific individuals involved remain unidentified. The research also highlighted the presence of a dedicated vertical theater mode within the app.

User Interface and Format Switching

This new mode includes specialized user interface elements. Users will have the ability to seamlessly switch between Twitch’s traditional format and the new vertical video experience.

User Onboarding and Permissions

First-time users encountering the feature will be greeted with informative dialogs announcing “vertical video is here.” These prompts will also emphasize the experimental nature of the feature and provide an easy option to revert to the classic view.

The current build incorporates standard permission requests for camera and microphone access, essential for mobile livestreaming functionality.

Twitch's Official Response

When contacted for a statement, Twitch acknowledged the tests but refrained from providing further details. The company reiterated its announcement from TwitchCon Rotterdam, confirming the initiation of testing with a limited number of channels during the summer months.

A spokesperson indicated that the testing pool will be expanded to include a wider range of users later this year.

Additional Streaming Enhancements

Alongside vertical video, Twitch announced during TwitchCon that it would also be experimenting with dual-format and 2K streaming capabilities, initially with a small selection of channels.

Here's a summary of the key improvements:

• Introduction of vertical video streams.
• Testing with a limited number of streamers.
• New vertical theater mode with dedicated UI.
• Seamless switching between formats.
• Dual-format and 2K streaming tests.