In a significant move that could reshape the streaming landscape, Kick, a rising competitor to Twitch, has launched a new multistreaming feature for its creators. However, this new capability comes with a catch: creators will see a reduction in their revenue if they choose to use it. Kick has been positioning itself as a viable alternative to Twitch since its inception in 2022, and with this latest development, it aims to attract even more content creators.
Kick's multistreaming feature allows creators to broadcast their content across multiple platforms, including Twitch and YouTube, while still earning money. However, to access this feature, creators must be Kick partners, which means they will no longer receive the platform's attractive 95/5 revenue split. Instead, their earnings will be "calculated differently and may be reduced by up to 50% compared to streaming exclusively on Kick," according to the platform's FAQ section.
This change has sparked mixed reactions among creators. While the multistreaming capability could expand their audience reach, many are concerned about the potential impact on their income. Earlier in April 2025, popular streamer Adin Ross revealed that he could earn over $27,000 in just a few hours on Kick, highlighting the platform's lucrative nature. However, the new feature might lead some creators to reconsider their streaming strategies, possibly opting to stream exclusively on Kick to avoid income cuts.
Kick's co-founder, Bijan Tehrani, has previously stated that the platform's goal is to either surpass or buy out Twitch. In November 2024, he emphasized that Kick's focus has shifted from merely signing big-name streamers to enhancing its technology and features. This strategic pivot indicates Kick's commitment to becoming a dominant player in the streaming market.
In addition to its new multistreaming feature, Kick has shown a willingness to innovate further. Adin Ross hinted that the platform might introduce a new currency for viewers, allowing them to receive payments—a feature that Twitch currently lacks. While no official details have been released, this potential development could further enhance Kick's appeal to both creators and viewers.
As Kick continues to evolve, Twitch, the long-standing leader in the streaming industry, is also making headlines with its recent changes. The platform announced an extended grace period for streamers to download their Video on Demand (VOD) content before imposing a 100-hour storage limit. Initially set to take effect on April 19, 2025, the deadline has now been pushed back to May 19, 2025, giving users more time to manage their content.
In its original statement, Twitch noted that less than 0.5% of streamers exceed the 100-hour limit, and this content accounts for less than 0.1% of hours watched. However, the announcement has been met with backlash from the community. Many creators expressed frustration over the abrupt changes, with streamer Kai Cenat voicing his concerns during a recent broadcast. He exclaimed, "Wait, chat, I ain’t gon lie, it says my storage is filled? Bro, what? Why does VODs have storage? What? No! Hold on bro, nah, they snapping bro. What is they doing? Gang, they put the limit for highlights and uploads at 100 hours only. I have 561 hours’ worth of footage! Why did they just?"
The backlash has prompted a wave of criticism directed at Twitch for its handling of the situation. Streamers like NickAstalos and LevelUpYourGame have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting the lack of notice and the rushed implementation of the changes. NickAstalos remarked, "THANKS FOR MAKING IT BETTER IN THE LAST WEEK NOW THAT IM F**KING DONE," while LevelUpYourGame lamented the deletion of a decade's worth of VODs due to the new restrictions.
As Twitch grapples with these challenges, another competitor has emerged in the form of Patreon. The platform is taking on Twitch by introducing a new feature that allows creators to offer live video streams directly on its site. Starting this week, select creators will have early access to this feature, with a broader rollout planned for the summer.
Patreon has announced that creators will be able to go live from either their mobile app or desktop and can choose whether to make streams available for free or exclusively for paid subscribers. The platform will also provide live chat and moderation tools, as well as support for third-party integrations with popular streaming tools like OBS and Streamlabs. Adiya Taylor, a spokesperson for Patreon, stated, "We’re testing all of these features between now and our wider rollout of live video, which is slated for this summer." This move positions Patreon as a serious contender in the live streaming space, following in the footsteps of Substack, which introduced live video last September.
As the competition heats up among streaming platforms, creators find themselves with more options than ever. With Kick's new multistreaming capabilities, Twitch's ongoing adjustments, and Patreon's entry into live streaming, the landscape is evolving rapidly. The next few months will undoubtedly be crucial for these platforms as they vie for the attention and loyalty of content creators and viewers alike.
