Australia Adds to Teen Social Ban, Discord Nitro Squads, Combos, and Content Creator of the Year

Welcome to the recap! There are about 6 weeks left in the year, and the next three are usually busy for platform launches, as they try to get things done before year-end. At the same time, holiday spending, events, and promotions rapidly accelerate across all platforms, making it a pretty chaotic time to be a creator - but also one of the most lucrative. If you're a streamer, now is the time to let your community know you'll be running more ads. If you're a video creator, post more frequently. For other types of creators, lean into holiday events to grow your following. And finally, consider charity! It's a great time to support causes you care about. (On that note, leave a comment or tag me on social about a charity you're fundraising for, and I'll feature a few of them here in the recap!) And now, let's jump into the news!

🟪 TWITCH

• Twitch is running a sitewide 35% Shared Discount on 5+ Gift Subs from November 26 to December 1. As always, the discount is shared between Twitch and the creator, but creators can opt out.
• Combos have been reworked to be more like TikTok Gifts, with flat rates. Standard Bits also now contribute to Combos. I don't understand this product as it has created zero real value in improving the Bits experience.
• Emote Guidelines have been expanded to include new details, but the rules themselves have not changed.
• Twitch Clips are getting a counting rework to remove inflated views caused by tech issues and bots, improve cross-device tracking, and include Stories in the count.
• Twitch has, after over 9 years since the UserVoice request was first made, added Ukrainian as a supported language.
• Twitch CPO Mikey Minty addressed the community about how the platform counts lurkers. I made a video about this if you want to hear my commentary.
• Gifting or Subbing unlocks a 3-month trial of Discord Nitro. (Conditions Apply)
• According to Civic Science, more Americans are using Twitch overall, but growth seems largely outside gaming.
• Next month, Twitch will update Notifications to give you more granular control.
• Twitch created a new carve-out to allow crypto gambling advertising on the platform.
• Twitch has now been included in Australia's Under-16 social media ban.
• New Global Emote: SipTime

🟥 YOUTUBE

• YouTube is bringing back DMs, in a test in Poland and Ireland.
• YouTube will soon be testing a feature that lip-syncs audio dubs for long-form video. It had previously been in testing for shorts.

⬛ TIKTOK

• TikTok is exploring ways to let viewers see less AI-generated content.
• TikTok is expanding the Gaming Incentive Program, which offers flat CPMs for playing games. I believe it launched earlier this year.

🟦 DISCORD & TWITTER X

• Discord will soon be sending out "Discord Checkpoint", an end-of-the-year recap about your time spent on the platform.
• Discord may be working on a Family Plan for Nitro called "Nitro Squads."
• Discord Orbs and Quests are now available on Mobile.
• Discord may be launching its own VPN.
• Twitter X now displays the Country an account is based in and where it is connected.