At the recent TwitchCon Europe event, Twitch officially announced a new feature called "Dual Format". This tool allows content creators to livestream simultaneously in both the traditional horizontal and the modern vertical aspect ratios.
Developments
According to a report from Engadget, the Dual Format feature is designed to optimize the viewing experience on mobile devices without affecting the desktop audience. Previously, streamers often had to choose one of the two formats or use complex third-party tools to crop their screens. With this new update from Twitch, the livestream setup process promises to be significantly simplified for content creators.
Background
Twitch's decision comes as short-form vertical video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts dominate in attracting mobile users. Twitch has traditionally excelled in the horizontal format tailored for PC gamers, but it must now adapt to avoid falling behind in the race to retain younger audiences who are accustomed to scrolling vertically on their phones.
Why It Matters
This shift presents an opportunity for streamers in Vietnam, where mobile content consumption rates are exceptionally high, to optimize their channels. The ability to stream simultaneously makes it easier for them to reach both hardcore viewers and casual mobile users. However, this feature also poses a challenge for streamers as they must learn how to arrange camera angles and display layouts effectively for both frames at the same time.