Twitch Starts Testing Vertical Video Streams with Select Creators
Twitch is finally dipping its toes into the short-form video space by testing vertical video streams—a move that has caught the attention of both creators and viewers alike. The vertical video feature on Twitch aims to replicate the popularity of TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels, making the platform more competitive in a mobile-first content landscape. Twitch first revealed its intention to experiment with vertical content at TwitchCon Rotterdam earlier this year, and now, these tests have quietly gone live for a limited group of streamers, as revealed by app analysis firm AppSensa.
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The feature, still in its alpha stage, offers early insights into what Twitch users might expect from this new format. Alongside dedicated UI elements for vertical viewing and dual-format capabilities, Twitch is signaling a big shift from its traditional landscape-oriented design.
Twitch Vertical Video: A Strategic Move Against TikTok and Reels
As vertical video continues to dominate short-form content platforms, Twitch vertical video testing positions the Amazon-owned company to catch up with shifting viewer behavior. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts have redefined how users engage with content—favoring snappy, portrait-mode clips over long-form horizontal streams. Twitch's foray into this space signals a clear intent to compete directly with these giants by adapting to evolving content preferences.
AppSensa’s recent analysis of Twitch’s latest mobile app build uncovered references to vertical theater mode, camera and microphone permissions tailored for mobile live streaming, and user education dialogues introducing the new experience. These indicators suggest that Twitch isn’t just copying the trend—it’s thoughtfully integrating it into its core livestream infrastructure. Unlike other platforms that focus heavily on pre-recorded short videos, Twitch’s approach leans into live content, potentially giving creators a fresh way to engage with mobile viewers in real time.
What to Expect from the Twitch Vertical Video Test
For now, the Twitch vertical video feature is accessible only to a small number of streamers, as part of an exclusive alpha test. While Twitch hasn’t confirmed which streamers are participating, internal code snippets indicate that features like toggling between classic and vertical views will be available. This dual-format option allows streamers to adapt based on audience preference, ensuring no one is alienated by the platform's evolution.
Additionally, the implementation includes built-in tutorials, reminding users that this is a test phase and encouraging them to try the new view or switch back at any time. This user-first approach emphasizes Twitch’s commitment to transparency and feedback-driven development. The interface also introduces new permission prompts for camera and microphone use—vital for enabling native vertical livestreams directly from mobile devices. With Twitch also testing 2K streaming quality and dual-format support, this rollout could usher in a much broader content upgrade across the platform.
How Twitch Vertical Video Could Reshape Streaming on Mobile
The arrival of Twitch vertical video marks more than just a design tweak—it represents a shift toward mobile-first viewing and interactive experiences. As mobile consumption continues to surge globally, Twitch is wisely adjusting its format to accommodate viewers who prefer scrolling through bite-sized, vertical content. By bringing livestreaming to this format, Twitch could distinguish itself from TikTok and Reels, which still rely heavily on pre-recorded video.
This shift could also open up new monetization opportunities for creators. Vertical streams may allow for better ad placements, greater reach on mobile devices, and new content strategies optimized for quick engagement. As Twitch gradually expands this feature later in 2025, it’s expected to roll out to a broader pool of creators—offering more personalized, immersive, and mobile-centric content than ever before. Ultimately, Twitch vertical video could evolve from an experimental feature into a game-changing format for how livestreaming is produced and consumed.
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