Twitch, the popular streaming platform, has announced an extension to the deadline for content creators to export Highlights and Uploads that exceed a new 100-hour limit. Originally set for April 19, 2025, the new deadline is now May 19, 2025. This decision comes as a relief to many streamers who were concerned about losing valuable content.
According to Twitch, the platform will also provide enhanced tools for streamers to download and export affected content, including improved download speeds and bulk export options. This means users can now select up to 100 videos to export at once, a significant increase from the previous limit of 20. The changes are expected to roll out by the end of April 14, 2025, giving users a total of five weeks to save their affected Highlights and Uploads.
This update follows Twitch's announcement in February 2025, where the platform revealed plans to allow new channels to earn Bits and accept subscriptions from viewers, a feature previously exclusive to Twitch Affiliates and Partners. However, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy clarified that these changes would not take effect until an unspecified date in 2025.
Despite the upcoming 100-hour limit, Twitch reassured users that the automatic deletion of some Highlights and Uploads is a one-time event. After the new rule is fully implemented, users will not be able to exceed the 100-hour limit. However, Twitch Clips and Past Broadcasts (VODs) will remain unaffected by this limit. Interestingly, under 0.5% of broadcasters on the platform have more than 100 hours of Uploads, indicating that the impact of this change may be minimal for most users.
In a separate but related conversation, some streamers have turned to buying Twitch viewers as a strategy to gain visibility. The competitive nature of Twitch often leaves new streamers struggling to attract an audience organically. Purchasing viewers can quickly elevate a streamer's viewer count, making their stream appear more popular and attractive to potential new viewers.
One streamer, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained, "When you buy Twitch viewers, you’re not just padding stats; you’re forcing your way into the spotlight. A quick purchase can bump you from 5 to 50 viewers, and suddenly you’re on the map." This strategy, while controversial, is seen by some as a necessary move to compete in a crowded market.
Newcomers to the platform often find that a stream with a good viewer count feels more appealing, akin to a busy bar attracting patrons. The streamer added, "If your stream’s worth the hype—tight production, real energy—they’ll stick around. It’s not about cheating; it’s about evening the odds." This perspective highlights the lengths to which some creators will go to establish a foothold in the industry.
While buying viewers can accelerate growth, it also carries risks. Twitch has policies against this practice, and users caught purchasing viewers may face bans. However, some streamers believe that with careful execution—such as using services that gradually introduce viewers—the risks can be mitigated. The potential benefits, including increased visibility and the chance to attract sponsorships, make this an appealing option for some.
As the landscape of Twitch continues to evolve, tools like "Saved"—a content automation tool designed for Twitch streamers—are gaining traction. This tool utilizes an emotion-based algorithm to identify and edit the most engaging moments from streams into short, captioned clips suitable for various platforms. By streamlining the content creation process, Saved allows creators to maintain consistent output while enhancing their visibility.
Saved’s approach aligns with the growing trend of multichannel audience building, enabling streamers to leverage their content beyond live broadcasts. This automation reduces the technical skills and time typically required to repurpose long-form content, making it easier for creators to engage with their audiences.
In a world where content creation is increasingly competitive, tools like Saved provide a strategic advantage. They help streamline production workflows and boost user engagement, especially for those looking to expand their reach across different platforms.
As Twitch streamers navigate the complexities of the platform, the combination of new policies, viewer purchasing strategies, and automation tools reflects the dynamic nature of content creation today. Whether through enhanced export options or innovative tools like Saved, streamers are finding new ways to grow their audiences and monetize their passions.
Ultimately, the success of streamers on Twitch hinges not just on numbers but also on the communities they build and the authenticity they bring to their content. With the right tools and strategies, many are carving out their space in the bustling world of online streaming.
