Twitch announced a change that will limit the amount of video on demand (VOD) and highlights storage that channels are allowed to have – sparking significant criticism from streamers.
On February 19, as part of a batch of updates that include changes to the moderation system and bans, Twitch explained their change to VOD storage as affecting only a small number of channels.
“We’re implementing a 100 hr storage limit for Highlights & Uploads starting 4/19. This won’t apply to Past Broadcasts (VODs) or clips,” the platform announced on their X/Twitter support account.
“Less than 0.5% of streamers exceed 100hrs & this content accounts for less than 0.1% of hours watched. Users will be notified.”
In the post, they further clarify that if, when the rule begins on April 19, a channel has more than 100 hours, Twitch will begin deleting that content, starting with the lowest-viewed highlights.
Streamers are encouraged to download any highlights or VODs they want to save before then, to avoid deletion.
However, despite Twitch’s claim that these changes will impact less than 1% of channels, there has been significant backlash in response.
“I’m LIVID,” said streamer AuroraPeachy. “This doesn’t just “affect less than 0.5% of streamers.” This is a kick in the face to the most loyal, active, and hard-working streamers on your platform. Thanks for erasing our history with you.”
I’m LIVID.
This doesn’t just “affect less than 0.5% of streamers.” This is a kick in the face to the most loyal, active, and hard-working streamers on your platform.
Thanks for erasing our history with you. /s
— AuroraPeachy 🍑 (@AuroraPeachy) February 20, 2025
The speedrunning community was particularly alarmed by the change, concerned that footage of all-time records could be taken down.
“This will be devastating to the speedrun community,” said speedrunner and Twitch partner Bawkbasoup. “Tons of world records & times will just vanish.”
Speedrunning YouTuber Summoning Salt advised speedrunners to move their content to YouTube:
“PSA to all speedrunners – PLEASE download and upload all highlights to YouTube. Huge amounts of speedrunning history will be lost if we don’t take action.
“Even if you’re under 100 hours, play it safe and download. It’s 100 hours for now, but who knows in the future.”
Others questioned what level of cost-saving would realistically be achieved if Twitch’s claim that less than 0.5% of streamers would be affected.
“If fewer than 0.5% of streamers exceed 100 hours, what kind of savings are you getting from this policy?” a commenter asked. “Call me crazy, but storing video on a video streaming site is probably one of your main jobs.”
Another concern is the time period given before the rule comes into effect. With two months to download all of their content, some argue it’s not enough, and a petition has been started on Twitch’s user voice service to delay the implementation.
For example, Twitch streamer Ph1LzA revealed that they are far above the 100 hours limit – with over 6,000 hours worth of highlights and VODs.
As of now, Twitch has set the deadline for creators to be under the limit at April 19, 2025 – exactly two months from the change being announced.
Twitch has been trending on social media in the aftermath of the announcement, as well as other announcements changing the ban system.