TwitchCon returned to Rotterdam this past weekend, turning the city into the epicenter of European livestreaming from May 31 to June 1. While the event drew thousands of creators and millions of viewers, the spotlight was firmly on Twitch's major announcements. During the convention, company representatives revealed a slate of new tools and upcoming platform updates set to roll out later this year. In this article, Streams Charts highlights the most important takeaways from TwitchCon Rotterdam 2025.
Affiliate status is now easier to achieve
Earning Twitch Affiliate status is now a lot easier. Twitch has reduced the minimum requirements for follower count, Average Viewers, and other criteria.
New minimum requirements for Affiliate status:
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3 CCV on 4 days (from Avg. 3 CCV over 30 days);
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Stream 4 days (from 7 days);
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Stream 4+ hours (from 8+ hours);
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25+ followers (from 50+ followers).
Twitch Affiliate status unlocks key monetization and community-building tools for streamers. Affiliates can earn revenue through subscriptions, Bits (Cheers), and ads, while also gaining access to features like custom emotes, subscriber badges, channel points, and subscriber-only chat.
The program includes 14-day VOD storage and provides a clear pathway toward Twitch Partner status. However, Affiliates are required to stream exclusively on Twitch. Payouts are issued once earnings reach a minimum threshold of $50.
Vertical broadcasts
Twitch is adding support for vertical livestreams, making it even easier to watch broacasts on mobile devices. Streamers won’t have to choose between landscape or vertical formats, the platform will automatically adjust the screen orientation and player layout based on how the viewer holds their phone.
In a blog post following the keynote address at TwitchCon Rotterdam, it was announced that a new vertical layout will be introduced to make it easier for viewers to participate in events like Hype Trains and to support streamers by subscribing, gifting, and cheering, all while watching streams in full screen. Additionally, chat will be customizable, giving viewers more control over how much of it appears on screen.
The new vertical stream format will enter testing this summer with a limited group of channels. If the trial proves successful, a platform-wide rollout could follow by the end of the year.
Streams in 2K resolution
An open beta for “2K streaming”, which enables creators to stream at 1440p, is also being rolled out to all Twitch partners and affiliates. Previously available in a limited beta, the feature is now expanding to a wider group of users. Interested streamers can join a waitlist to gain access.
Gift subs from streamers
Twitch plans to introduce a feature that allows streamers to run their own Gift Sub promotions. These limited-time offers, lasting just 12 hours, can be launched a few times per year at the streamer’s discretion. Described as a scaled-down version of SUBtember, the platform-wide discount event, these promotions give streamers more control over when to offer subscription incentives. However, a cap will be placed on how frequently they can be used.
Gift Sub promotions will feature a dedicated timer pinned in the chat. Streamers will also be able to customize certain widget settings.
A new clip creation tool
Twitch is testing a new tool that lets viewers create highlight clips without having to stop/leave the live stream. Users will be able to select a segment of the stream, add a title for their clip, and choose the video orientation — portrait or landscape.
Twitch rewind
Twitch is launching a Rewind feature, much like the ones on YouTube and Kick. This will allow viewers to rewind live streams at any time and catch up on moments they missed. With a single click, they can easily jump back to the current live broadcast.
Note: Twitch Rewind will be exclusive to viewers who have a paid channel subscription or an active Turbo subscription.
Twitch's upcoming Rewind function will be paywalled behind a Paid Subscription to the Channel or an Active Turbo Subscription. pic.twitter.com/y610ZwMBLS
— Zach Bussey ?? (@zachbussey) May 31, 2025
Shared chat for mobile
Shared Chat on mobile will soon become an independent feature. Also no longer tied exclusively to Guest Star sessions.
Just reminder: Shared Chat allows viewers from different streamers' channels to participate in a single, combined chat during a collaborative session. This feature is part of Twitch's Stream Together tool, which enables multiple streamers to broadcast together. With Shared Chat, all participating communities can interact in one place, fostering a more connected and interactive experience.
Other innovations:
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Twitch will introduce support for Right-to-Left (RTL) languages like Arabic. This feature is set to launch on summer 2025.
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Twitch is launching a Moderator Club Discord to recogize, support, and connect the moderators who help Twitch communities thrive.
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Twitch plans to introduce more custom categories for major events, similar to what was done with Kings League and Kai Centa’s Streamers University. Going forward, events like Summer Game Fest, Dream Con, and other large-scale gatherings may also get their own dedicated categories.