Streaming giant Twitch is set to enhance its platform with a suite of new features, including TikTok-style vertical game streaming, support for 1440p (“2K”) video resolution, and a much-anticipated stream rewind capability. The announcements were made by CEO Dan Clancy during TwitchCon Europe on Saturday, signaling a significant push to modernize the viewing experience.
The introduction of portrait-mode streaming for gameplay aims to make Twitch more accessible and engaging on mobile devices. Until now, this orientation was primarily limited to short highlight clips and “In Real Life” (IRL) content, which focuses on everyday activities rather than gaming.
Recognizing that traditional landscape viewing remains crucial for many, Twitch is also rolling out a dual-format mode. This will allow creators to broadcast in both vertical and horizontal orientations simultaneously, enabling viewers to choose the format best suited to their device. Testing for these new streaming modes will commence this summer with a “small number of channels,” with wider access planned for later in the year.
For viewers seeking higher visual fidelity, Twitch is introducing 1440p streaming. This upgrade promises sharper-looking video and utilizes the newer HEVC codec, which delivers improved picture quality at a lower bit rate. The platform’s Enhanced Broadcasting technology will also automatically adjust the viewer’s resolution for an optimal experience. The 1440p streaming option begins its rollout today to all Twitch partners and affiliates, though it’s launching in an open beta, so creators may need to wait for full access.
Finally, Twitch is addressing a common viewer request with the upcoming rewind feature. This will allow users who join a stream late or miss a key moment to scrub back through the live content and catch up on what they missed. This feature is not yet fully implemented; Twitch plans to begin testing it with “a small number of viewers” this summer before a broader release. These updates collectively indicate Twitch’s commitment to evolving its platform to meet contemporary user expectations and content consumption habits.
