A couple of weeks back, Twitch came out with a major announcement that was long overdue and seemingly united the streaming and online communities in their positive reactions to the same. It would now let content creators simultaneously stream on any service of their choice, a change long demanded by fans and broadcasters and one that could see more Twitch streamers on other sites.
Until now, the closest thing to such an arrangement was Partnered influencers of the purple platform simulcasting on mobile platforms like TikTok and Instagram. They were also allowed to have non-exclusive agreements with other “Twitch-like” platforms, but there was the caveat that creators could not broadcast their streams on YouTube or Facebook for “extended periods of time.” However, October 21’s revelation has significantly altered the approach streamers, partnered or otherwise, can take to go live simultaneously on any service.
We’ve announced that you can simulcast on ANY live streaming service!
— Twitch (@Twitch) October 20, 2023
Check out our new guidelines and FAQ here: https://t.co/TBjulaqshY#TwitchConVegas ???? pic.twitter.com/dE4XJEtdAw
Readers must also note that a few guidelines accompanied Twitch’s new simulcasting policy, as seen on the official site. Some of the more crucial ones are:
- Streamers must ensure the quality of their Twitch streams is “no less than the experience on other platforms or services.”
- Influencers “should not” share links to their simulcasts on other platforms with their Twitch community
- Broadcasters can’t use third-party services for activities like merging chat across platforms.
The Amazon-owned site also noted that, sometime in the future, it will add a tool for creators to indicate that they are simulcasting. Notably, these guidelines apply to all streamers unless they have an agreement with Twitch that requires exclusivity. Any internet personality who is not sure if this applies to them can also contact Twitch Support for assistance.
This news comes at a crucial time for the streaming site, with many big names recently expressing displeasure with its ToS, treatment of broadcasters, and the many restrictions — especially financial — they had to work under. Some had even entirely exited the company, with others reneging their exclusive deals to sign simulcasting contracts with the likes of Kick and Rumble.
Leading the charge by demanding a change in Twitch's policies and more freedom in how, what, when, and where they stream, alongside a more equal revenue distribution model, were the likes of xQc, Amouranth, and Nickmercs. Even MrBeast, arguably YouTube's biggest global content creator, chimed in and made fun of the platform in his own signature style.
IT’S TIME pic.twitter.com/HyKlZrggRr
— Amouranth (@Amouranth) June 17, 2023
The names listed above not just protested but acted on their word as well, with xQc and Amouranth — the site's most viewed male and female stars at that point — dropping their exclusive contracts with Twitch to sign deals with Kick. The Stake-backed site also reeled in Nickmercs for an allegedly astronomical one-year contract worth around $10M.
Soon after, many more broadcasters — including some highly prominent names — followed suit, with Kai Cenat joining fellow rising star from YouTube, iShowSpeed, by signing a joint deal with Rumble. The two have so far live-streamed five episodes that have attracted millions of viewers each time, contributing to the green site's steady rise this year.
Ninja dropped his Twitch partnership and lost millions just to multi stream to Twitch and other platforms, was a prime example for the potential success of simulcasting, had dinner with Dan Clancy, and now everyone can do it. What a coincidence
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) October 20, 2023
Huge props pic.twitter.com/Eg2zZsPf1I
The new stance from Twitch will go a long way in repairing a once-untouchable reputation that was in danger of almost being canceled. It already seems to be working, with the likes of DjMaRiiO and Willyrex — both belonging to Movistar eSports' streaming team — deciding to go back on their exclusivity deals with YouTube. The former will return to the purple platform after four years, while the latter plans to turn up on that site and TikTok.
What makes it even more enticing for existing content creators is that even partners who left the organization to stream on other services without violating their agreement are eligible to reinstate their Partner status. All they need to do is reach out to the Customer Support team to check if they qualify for a Partner invitation.
Streamers who are already or might simulcast in the future
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