Treasure Trains, Discord Blind Boxes, Kai Cenat's Streamer University + Podcast Awards

Good Monday, and welcome to this week's newsletter! If you are an email reader of the newsletter, you likely won't notice any change this week, BUT, if you're a website reader, there have been some significant visual changes to TOS.gg. More to come as I continue to work on it!

This newsletter is sponsored by Streamloots and their new concept of the Creator Feed! More information is below, including how you can become a beta tester! But now, let's jump right into the news!

🟪 TWITCH

• Twitch launched Treasure Trains, a Golden Kappa-esque Hype Train that unlocks 35% off Gifted Subs for a short time, IF the Treasure Train hits Level 5.
• There is now a process for managing deceased persons' Twitch accounts, which covers data, archiving, payments, and account deletion.
• Does streaming on Twitch feel harder right now? I made a video explaining the significant headwinds that are impacting the platform.
• If you are part of the Combos Beta and want to opt out, you can email: combos-feedback@twitch.tv
• If you are not part of the Combos Beta and want to be added to the Waitlist, you can do so here.
• Twitch appears to be testing Live Rewind, with sources telling me it might be announced at Twitchcon Rotterdam 2025.

🟥 YOUTUBE

• YouTube debunked some myths about Shorts. It's basic, but it may help some creators beat limiting beliefs.
• Neal Mohan shared some news and focus for YouTube in India, including how they will support the creator community there.

⬛ TIKTOK

• TikTok has a new feature for select creators called the "Creator Chat Room," aimed at building a stronger connection with your community.
• TikTok's NewFronts revealed new ad formats, including Custom Lineups, Max Pulse (top 4% of videos), Category Lineups, Seasonal Lineup, and Pulse Premiere.
• Trump says he'll extend the non-enforcement of the TikTok ban again if no deal is achieved before June 19.
• Influencer Marketing Hub wrote about the potential value in streaming on TikTok.

🟦 DISCORD & TWITTER X

• Discord may launch Blind Box/Lootboxes, Limited Time, Limited Quantity, or Upgradeable cosmetic items.
• Discord Server Tags and Gradient Roles are being rolled out to more servers. As a server owner, you unlock them with Server Boosts.
• Scammers impersonating Twitch Partners (of all sizes) are becoming a bigger problem. Be careful when interacting with accounts that claim to be creators.
• Discord has launched a 'no payment method' 7-day free trial of Nitro.
• TwitterX is experimenting with an Up/Down vote system.

🔲 OTHERS

• Substack is launching audio-only live streams, aimed at podcasters.
• Kick shared its programming slate for DreamHack Dallas, including lip sync competition, trivia, concerts, and live panels.
• Kick has added Predictions as a new function for Channel Points.

Creator Industry News

• Are algorithms hiding your posts from your community? Streamloots' new Creator Feed pulls all your content from YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Bluesky, and Instagram into one page! Want to be a beta tester? Check out Streamloots.com, and tell them I sent you!
• Create4SickKids is shutting down. It had attempted to work with creators to raise money for SickKids Hospital. You can donate any time to Sick Kids here.
• Spotify is adding play count to podcasts.
• The Golden Globes will have a Best Podcast Award starting in 2026.
• Instagram was running a referral promotion that paid $100 per eligible signup.
• Threads is getting video ads soon.
• Netflix has added its own TikTok-like shorts feed to its app.