Remember when vertical video was considered a social media sin? Yeah, Twitch doesn’t either. In a move that screams “Hey TikTok, we see you,” Twitch has started testing vertical video streams on it’s platform. According to TechCrunch, this feature is currently being rolled out in alpha mode to a small group of streamers a.k.a. Twitch’s early adopters.
So, what’s happening?
Instead of forcing users to flip their phones like it’s 2015, Twitch is now experimenting with a “vertical theater mode”. That means you could soon be watching your favourite gamer rage in portrait mode full screen, hands free, and snack ready.
The leak came from app sleuths over at AppSensa, who spotted hints of this new vertical feature in Twitch’s Android app code. They noticed UI elements designed specifically for vertical livestreams, complete with a toggle that lets users switch between traditional landscape and this shiny new portrait format.
When viewers land on a vertical stream, Twitch reportedly shows a message explaining how it works because even bold ideas need a gentle intro.”This is Twitch’s first attempt at a full-screen vertical livestream,” TechCrunch reported. “And it is currently being tested on mobile with a limited number of streamers.”
TechCrunch, July 17, 2025
Why now?
Let’s be real Twitch is playing catch up. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have shown that vertical video is the king of mobile content. People don’t want to rotate their phones to watch a stream anymore they want it to fit perfectly in the palm of their hand, like every other dopamine hit in their scroll.
Twitch hinted at this pivot during TwitchCon Europe 2024, held in Rotterdam. The company said it would start testing vertical streams with select streamers in the summer and here we are.
But it’s not just vertical video…
This new feature is part of a bigger overhaul Twitch is cooking up. The company also announced:
- 2K streaming yes, better than 1080p, almost 4K crisp AF
- A rewind button so viewers can jump back 2 minutes if they missed an epic play
- Upgrades to the mobile streaming experience, including mic/camera prompts that make going live as easy as opening your camera app
Check out the full breakdown from TechTimes here: Twitch Tests TikTok-Style Vertical Livestreams.
The bigger picture
This isn’t just about changing screen orientation. It’s Twitch acknowledging that the mobile first generation the same one powering TikTok and Shorts wants live content that feels native to mobile. Not just a shrunk-down desktop stream.
And while Twitch is known for its longform, horizontal gaming marathons, vertical streaming could open the door to new creators, spontaneous IRL streams, and quicker mobile engagement.
Related: Google’s Big Reveal is Set for August 20 – New Pixels, Foldables and AI.
