Twitch is evolving its platform with new features that cater to diverse viewing preferences and improve video quality, as announced by CEO Dan Clancy at TwitchCon Europe on Saturday. These updates include the introduction of vertical game streaming, support for 1440p (2K) video resolution, and a rewind function for live streams.
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A notable addition is portrait-mode streaming for gameplay, making it more convenient to watch on mobile phones. Previously, Twitch only supported this orientation for short clips and “In Real Life” (IRL) streams, which focus on real-world activities rather than gaming. Recognizing that some content is best viewed horizontally, Twitch is also rolling out a dual-format mode. This will allow creators to stream simultaneously in both vertical and horizontal orientations, letting viewers choose the best fit for their device. This dual-format testing will begin with a small number of channels in the coming months, with broader access planned for later this year.
For those who appreciate sharper visuals, Twitch’s support for 1440p streams will be a welcome improvement. This higher resolution uses the more efficient HEVC codec, which delivers better picture quality at a lower bitrate. Additionally, the platform’s Enhanced Broadcasting technology will automatically adjust the viewer’s resolution for an optimized experience. The rollout of 1440p streaming begins today for all partners and affiliates, though it’s in an open beta, so access may vary initially.
Finally, Twitch is introducing a rewind feature, allowing viewers to scrub back through a live stream to catch up on missed moments. This highly anticipated functionality isn’t available to all users yet; Twitch plans to test it with a small group of viewers in the coming months before a wider release.
