Twitch, the popular live streaming platform, has just rolled out a new feature that could change the way streamers and content creators interact with their followers. The platform has launched “Stories,” a feature reminiscent of Instagram Stories and YouTube Shorts, where posts disappear after 48 hours. However, Twitch’s Stories come with some unique twists and restrictions.
Unlike other platforms, to access Twitch Stories, creators must meet minimal criteria. They need to be part of the application’s affiliate program and must have streamed at least 45 minutes in the 30 days leading up to the feature’s launch. For those content creators with access to paid subscriptions, they must have at least 30 subscribers to publish premium content in their Stories.
Twitch emphasizes the temporary nature of Stories, ensuring that the content disappears after 48 hours, preserving the essence of ephemerality that Instagram and Facebook Stories are known for. The platform has also designated a dedicated section at the top of the creator’s screen for Stories, making it easy for followers to access them.
Twitch’s official statement on Stories reads, “Stories on Twitch allow streamers to create and share content every day with the platform’s community using their mobile devices.” The company hopes that this feature will foster a more direct connection between creators and their followers on Twitch, a place where they previously relied on other social media platforms.
Twitch acknowledges that initially, access to Stories will be limited to select users. However, they intend to expand access gradually to more users as long as they meet the minimum requirements to unlock this feature. The platform has stated in an official press release, “We may extend access and Story creation to more streamers as we test the available security measures.”
The process of creating Stories on Twitch is quite similar to Facebook and Messenger. Here’s how to do it:
-
Open the Twitch app and navigate to the “Following” tab located at the bottom left of the application screen.
-
At the top, you will see Stories posted by all eligible creators you follow. If you’re an eligible streamer, you’ll also see an additional box with a “+” sign in the upper left corner. This is where you can publish your own Stories.
-
Click on this space, and you can take photos and videos, just like you can on Instagram. You can also add text, change fonts and colors, and include emojis.
Content published in Stories will display the streamer’s name at the bottom of the screen, with follower reactions found in the lower right corner, akin to Instagram.
Notably, the emojis in Twitch Stories maintain the platform’s unique aesthetics. Twitch has hinted at future updates, including the possibility of including polls in Stories, tagging other creators, and providing additional photo and video editing options.
Twitch’s new Stories feature aims to diversify its content offerings, enabling creators to interact with their audience in a more casual and temporary manner. While the initial launch is restricted, the platform is keen on expanding access, making this feature available to a broader range of users in the future. Twitch users and content creators can now engage with their community like never before.
