Introduction: Twitch’s Next Big Move
In a bid to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving content landscape, Amazon-owned livestreaming giant Twitch has begun testing a vertical video feature. First announced at TwitchCon Rotterdam, this shift marks a strategic pivot toward mobile-first content—similar to platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Why Vertical Video Matters in 2025
Vertical video isn’t just a trend—it’s a core component of modern digital storytelling. With smartphone users increasingly consuming content in portrait mode, platforms are prioritizing vertical formats to increase engagement and discoverability.
According to HubSpot’s recent video marketing report, over 70% of marketers say vertical video performs better on mobile. Twitch entering this arena could unlock significant new opportunities for creators.
Inside the Twitch Alpha Test
Features Being Tested
Research by Appsensa, a market intelligence provider, revealed Twitch has quietly rolled out vertical video testing to a select group of streamers. Though Twitch has not named participants, internal code shows:
A vertical theater mode
New UI controls tailored for mobile
Permission handling for camera and mic access
Option to switch between classic and vertical formats
User Experience Enhancements
Onboarding includes user education dialogs like “Vertical Video is Here,” clearly explaining the beta nature of the feature and how users can toggle views.
The Competitive Landscape
Twitch’s entry into vertical video signals growing competition with platforms already dominating short-form mobile content, such as:
TikTok – known for algorithmic content discovery
YouTube Shorts – leveraging YouTube’s existing user base
Instagram Reels – integrated into Meta’s social ecosystem
Twitch’s strength lies in its community and long-form engagement, and vertical video could bridge the gap between short discovery clips and full streams.
What This Means for Content Creators
For streamers, vertical video introduces a new funnel for growth. Creators can repurpose highlights or produce exclusive short-form content to attract mobile users. This format lowers the barrier to entry and enhances virality.
How Trenzest Helps You Stay Ahead
At Trenzest, we decode shifts like Twitch’s vertical video push so you don’t have to. Whether you’re a brand, tech startup, or content creator, we provide insightful analyses, trend forecasts, and strategic recommendations that help you make data-backed decisions.
From streaming trends to creator economy strategies, we’re your partner in staying ahead of the curve.
What’s Next for Twitch—and for You
Twitch confirmed the tests will expand beyond the initial few streamers by the end of the year. It’s also experimenting with dual-format and 2K streaming, aiming to future-proof its infrastructure.
Now’s the time for brands and creators to prepare content pipelines and test vertical formats on other platforms. When Twitch scales this feature, early adopters will reap the benefits.
Conclusion
Twitch’s venture into vertical video is more than a feature rollout—it’s a strategic move in a competitive attention economy. Whether you’re a content creator, marketer, or platform strategist, adapting to this change early will be key.
