Zach Bussey
Creator and live‑streaming industry reporter; Twitch/YouTube policy, events, opportunities for streamers/creators.
YouTube Replaces Clips with Timestamp Sharing, Adds Shorts Tool
YouTube is shutting down the Clips feature and replacing it with "Share at Timestamp," as it is now available on mobile. Later this year, they'll launch a Video Clips to Shorts and Auto-Suggestions feature to help creators share their videos' best moments.
Streamer Awards 2026 Set Just Before TwitchCon
The Streamer Awards 2026 will be on November 12, 2026. That's one day before Twitchcon San Diego 2026.
Creator Platforms Converge Into One-Size-Fits-All Toolkits
Axios reports that Creator Platforms are in their copycat era, with most players effectively offering the same one-stop toolkit for creators. Are you using any of these platforms as part of your creator business?
Twitch Launches Fast‑track Partner Program for Cross‑platform Creators
Twitch has a new recruitment page that fast-tracks creators to get Twitch Partner. Creators with followings on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, or Snapchat are asked to enter their follower counts and usernames. Twitch will then reach out if you are a...
Twitch Sponsorships Still Underpay Creators versus Competitors
Twitch Sponsorships continue to underpay creators... so sad, after the very fair Minecraft campaign. Twitch: Max $78.72 (Creators usually hit 40-60% of payout.) Sponsorship Platform: $80 Guaranteed (+).
Twitch Streamlines Prime Subscriptions to Two Clicks
Twitch is testing an easier way to Subscribe with Prime. On click, it will confirm you want to use your Prime. This effectively reduces the flow to two clicks.
Twitch TOS Now Lets Them Dissect and Monetize Your Content
Twitch just updated the Terms of Service. IANAL, but my analysis: Section 4: Covers Authorized Users (3rd parties, Business Manager role, etc.) Section 8: Pieces apart your content (video, audio, images, text) to allow Twitch to provide and improve the platform.
YouTube Gifts Now Available on Horizontal Mobile Streams
YouTube is expanding Gifts to include Horizontal streams (on mobile devices). It had previously been limited to vertical streams on mobile.
Twitch Adds Advertiser Data‑sharing Clause to Streamer Agreement
Twitch has updated the Monetized Streamer Agreement to include new language on how it shares user data with Advertisers.
Discord Introduces Full‑Screen Hero Ads and Instant Play Quests
Discord is working on two new ad formats. 🖥️ Hero Ads: A full-screen takeover format. 🎮 Instant Play Quests: Stream/Play within Discord.
TikTok Live Viewership Plummets 12% as Twitch Gains
TikTok lost nearly 12% of its live viewership in Q1 of 2026! Twitch +4.46% Kick +1.79% YouTube -0.24% TikTok -11.92% Stats via StreamsCharts
YouTube Tests Auto-Speed to Save Viewers' Time
YouTube is testing a feature called Auto-Speed that automatically adjusts video playback rates to save time without losing comprehension. It's exclusive to Premium subscribers until April 27.
Twitch‑Minecraft Sponsorship Opens to Partners and Affiliates
Twitch and Minecraft are teaming up for a major campaign. Twitch Partners and Affiliates can access a Minecraft Sponsorship (the first time Affiliates are eligible). Partner offers are good (~$1+/CCV/Hour). Affiliate offers are okay. > https://dashboard.twitch.tv/monetization/sponsorships
Twitchcon Cuts Featured Creators From Rotterdam 2026
Twitchcon has just removed the Featured Creators section from the Rotterdam 2026 page. As such, I deleted the tweet below.
Twitch Tests New “Gift Turbo” Button on Usercards
Twitch is running an experiment where they add a "Gift Turbo" button to a persons usercard.