With over 70% of video consumed on mobile, vertical video has moved far beyond a passing trend. It has overtaken the traditional landscape format as the default for mobile content production and viewing.
TikTok made it addictive, Instagram followed, and even YouTube bent its landscape legacy to fit the vertical demand with Shorts. Now, Twitch, long known for its desktop-first, horizontal streams, is joining the party.
At TwitchCon Europe, the company unveiled one of its most mobile-minded updates yet, the ability for creators to stream in full portrait mode. Until now, vertical content on Twitch was limited to clips and IRL streams. But soon, creators will be able to broadcast full livestreams in the same format that fits naturally in your hand, without the black bars or awkward resizing.
Even better, Twitch isn’t forcing streamers to choose between vertical or horizontal. A new dual-format feature will allow both versions of the same stream to run at once. Viewers will get the layout that best fits their device
But the updates don’t stop there. Twitch is also increasing streaming resolution with an open beta for 2K (1440p) streaming. For the first time, all Twitch partners and affiliates will be able to stream in sharper, smoother quality, a welcome upgrade for creators who want to showcase high-res gameplay or video content.
Twitch says the bump from 1080p to 1440p brings noticeably better clarity and performance. Previously, only a small number of streamers had access through a limited beta. Now, any eligible creator can throw their name on the waitlist and give it a try.
Meanwhile, another long-requested feature is finally making its debut: rewind. For anyone who’s ever missed a key moment in a live stream or just wanted to rewatch something funny or impressive, Twitch is testing a way to rewind live broadcasts in real time. The test will begin with a limited set of viewers this summer, and depending on the results, it could soon become a staple feature across the platform.
Beyond that, Twitch hinted at even more updates coming in 2025, including better clip tools, a new “combos” feature for viewer interaction, custom gift sub promotions for streamers, and lower requirements to reach Affiliate status.
Behind all these changes is a clear signal that Twitch is evolving. Twitch currently draws more than 240 million unique visitors every month, with over 7 million streamers going live regularly. And if these new features are any indication, the platform is looking to expand from just being a niche destination for PC based gamers or creators to a broader, more mobile-savvy and richer audience.
Source: https://www.techloy.com/twitch-unveils-vertical-streaming-2k-quality-and-more-at-twitchcon-europe/