In a significant policy shift, Twitch has announced that, effective April 19, 2025, it will impose a 100-hour storage cap on user-generated Highlights and Uploads. This move aims to optimize resource allocation and reduce storage expenses. Notably, this change will not impact Past Broadcasts (VODs) or Clips, which will continue to be stored without the new limitations. (theverge.com)
This development follows Facebook’s recent decision to modify its live video storage policies. As of February 19, 2025, Facebook began deleting users’ live broadcast recordings after 30 days, aligning its storage practices with industry standards. (theverge.com)
Twitch’s new policy is expected to affect less than 0.5% of active streamers, specifically those who have accumulated extensive archives over time. To assist users in managing their content, Twitch is introducing a storage tracker and enhanced filtering tools within the Video Producer dashboard. These features will enable streamers to monitor their storage usage and prioritize content for retention based on factors such as creation date, length, and view count. (shacknews.com)
The platform has indicated that Highlights have not been as effective in driving viewer engagement compared to other features like Clips and the Mobile Discovery Feed. Consequently, the decision to implement storage limits is intended to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in tools that better facilitate viewer interaction. (techcrunch.com)
Streamers exceeding the 100-hour limit will receive notifications, prompting them to download or export their content before the policy takes effect. After April 19, Twitch will begin automatically deleting the least-viewed Highlights and Uploads to bring channels into compliance. This policy change has raised concerns within communities that rely on extensive archives, such as speedrunners, who fear the loss of valuable historical gaming records. (arstechnica.com)
In contrast, platforms like YouTube continue to offer more generous storage options, allowing creators to maintain extensive archives without similar restrictions. This disparity may influence content creators’ decisions regarding where to host their content, especially those who prioritize long-term archival of their work.
