Twitch has announced that its creators will now be able to simultaneously stream across any live streaming service. This expansion allows streamers to go live on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, in addition to Twitch. Previously, Twitch streamers could only simulcast on mobile platforms, but this new policy broadens the scope of where they can stream, excluding those with Twitch exclusivity agreements. This move comes as some popular Twitch streamers, such as xQc, Amouranth, and Nickmercs, have recently signed major deals with Twitch competitor, Kick.
However, Twitch has set some guidelines for this new simulcasting policy. Streamers must ensure that the quality of their Twitch stream is not compromised and matches the experience on other platforms. They are also prohibited from sharing links to their Twitch community on other simulcasts and cannot use third-party services to merge chat across platforms. Twitch plans to introduce a tool in the future that will allow streamers to indicate that they are simulcasting.
In addition to the simulcasting announcement, Twitch has also made some product changes. The platform’s “Guest Star” feature, which allows streamers to host co-streams, will now be called “Stream Together,” and will include features like the ability to merge chats. Twitch is also testing a TikTok-style Discovery Feed that surfaces live channels, and it plans to enhance its alerts system to support a streamer’s custom animated emotes. Overall, these updates aim to give streamers more flexibility and options for their content creation endeavors on Twitch.