Twitch Embraces Major Changes in 2025 as Platform Evolves Beyond Gaming

8 December 2025 Technology

Introduction: A Pivotal Year for Live Streaming

Twitch, the world’s leading live streaming platform, is undergoing significant transformation in 2025 as it expands beyond its gaming roots whilst introducing groundbreaking features for content creators. The platform generated nearly 900 million hours of watch time this year, demonstrating its continued dominance in the live streaming market. For millions of creators and viewers alike, these developments represent a crucial evolution in how online communities connect and interact.

Revolutionary Features Reshaping Content Creation

Dual format streaming has moved into Beta testing, expanding beyond OBS to include partners such as Streamlabs, Streamrun, and StreamElements. This innovation allows streamers to broadcast simultaneously in vertical and horizontal formats, optimising the viewing experience across all devices. Meanwhile, Twitch opened up monetisation tools—subscriptions and bits—to most streamers from day one, removing barriers that previously required creators to build audiences before earning revenue.

Enhanced Collaboration and Community Engagement

Collaboration has become central to Twitch’s 2025 strategy. The platform will be launching Shared Hype Trains for people using Stream Together or Shared Chat, enabling creators to earn more money whilst working together. IRL streams were one of the year’s biggest winners, as that category’s Twitch watch time nearly tripled year-over-year, reflecting the platform’s successful diversification beyond gaming content.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Future Growth

As Twitch celebrates its achievements including 45 billion chat messages and nine million new streamers in 2025, the platform’s commitment to innovation positions it strongly for continued growth. These updates not only enhance the streaming experience but also create more opportunities for creators to build sustainable careers. With The Game Awards streaming on 11th December and Winter Drops Fest attracting viewers across 20+ participating games, Twitch’s evolution demonstrates how live streaming continues to shape digital entertainment and community building in meaningful ways.