TwitchCon Las Vegas may have concluded, but the buzz surrounding a specific change in policy remains a hot topic. MoistCr1TiCal, a popular streamer, has praised an update to Twitch’s simulcasting policy, labeling it a “game-changer” that grants content creators a newfound sense of freedom.
In a video titled “Actually Huge Twitch W,” MoistCr1TiCal shared his extremely positive perspective on this breakthrough, emphasizing the significance of being able to simulcast without apprehension. He likened the experience to witnessing history, drawing a parallel to the early pioneers of manned flight and their recognition of a groundbreaking moment.
The 29-year-old streamer candidly admitted that he had not anticipated Twitch loosening its more stringent rules. While such shifts have been infrequent over the past decade, he commended the company for taking this stride.
For those unfamiliar with the term, simulcasting involves streaming the same content simultaneously to two different platforms. Twitch’s stance on this practice had been unclear for an extended period, leading to mixed reactions among users. However, partners who engaged in simulcasting faced disapproval, which is more understandable given their contractual obligations.
In June 2023, Twitch adopted a stricter approach by imposing a comprehensive ban on simulcasting, with the exception of mobile platforms like Instagram and TikTok. CEO Dan Clancy and his team have since reconsidered this widely unpopular decision, with Clancy announcing during his keynote speech at AREA15 that simulcasting would once again be allowed. Nevertheless, certain conditions accompany this policy reversal. Streamers are prohibited from directing their audience to other platforms or displaying merged chats and activities publicly. Additionally, simulcasting must not compromise the quality of the stream, although this last requirement seems somewhat redundant, as users naturally prefer a high-quality viewing experience.
The decision to ban simulcasting had a significant impact on Twitch, contributing to the rise in popularity of its controversial rival, Kick. Dan Clancy, who took over as CEO in March of the same year, has shown humility by reversing this policy, which could help repair strained relationships with many disgruntled content creators.
One of the most prominent departures from the platform following the simulcasting ban was Ninja, who subsequently joined Kick. Whether he regrets that decision remains uncertain, as his response to the news was a simple smiley face when reposting the announcement on Twitter.