Twitch allows Partners to stream on other platforms

It seems like Twitch is willing to do everything to keep content creators on the platform. Recently, the streaming service released an update to its Partner Program, allowing streamers with a partner status to stream on other platforms. 

In past, one of the main rules for content creators with a Partner status was the forbiddance of producing live broadcasts on other platforms. This rule limited streamers in expanding their audiences and made them dedicate all their assets only to Twitch. The creators who broke the rule by streaming elsewhere met the consequences, which led to losing the benefits from Partner Program. However, now it seems that the company has changed its opinion. 

The official announcement by Twitch read: 

“Starting today, you are now allowed to create live content on other platforms. This means you have more flexibility to explore how to use different, off-platform features to further build your community and interact with streamers off Twitch. We still believe that Twitch is the best place for creators to build and engage with their community. We also recognize that the digital landscape has changed since we first introduced the Partner Program and that many of you engage with your communities in many different places.”

Exceptions to rules 

Even though Twitch now allows Partners production of live content on other platforms, it still prohibits doing it simultaneously. This means that if you’re a Twitch Affiliate or Partner, you can’t stream both on Twitch, and, for example, YouTube, at the same time. According to Twitch, the reworked rule is made to give an opportunity for content creators to make a “sub-optimal experience” for their community, not to substitute. However, simulcasting with mobile services, like TikTok and Instagram Live is allowed. 

What’s more, Twitch won’t penalize their streamers for promoting other social platforms, so it’s another big plus for content makers. The only condition is to follow the community terms and guidelines of both platforms. Speaking about streamers, even though the limitation was taken down, some content creators who have special agreements with Twitch can still be restricted to launch broadcasts on other platforms, but this depends on the contract.  

Reasons for changes 

But why did Twitch start to give concessions to their content makers? It seems like the service is concerned about its top creators switching to the other popular streaming platform — YouTube.

Streamers who recently did so include TimTheTatman, who had 7 million followers on Twitch, Ludwig with 3 million, and Sykkuno, who left in May 2022 with 4 million Twitch followers. This is undoubtedly among the factors that made the company review its strategy, as such losses will only further decrease the viewership among the platform’s users.  

Header credit: Twitch