Twitch's New Features, TikTok x ESL, Creator Connect, + Hasan Piker Gets Subpoenaed

Twitch has been launching tons of updates in the last couple weeks - that's not a mistake. They typically do this right before each Twitchcon, so they have something to talk and answer questions about. This week saw full rollouts of Creator Badge Drops, Custom Power Ups, Sub Goals over Chat, and more. Next week, we'll talk about anything teased at Twitchcon (I think there are at least two big things they'll mention). In other creator spaces, namely YouTube, Google seems hellbent on replacing creator content with AI as much as it reasonably can. From AI summaries to AI-focused search, access to audiences as a creator is tightening as Google focuses on delivering answers rather than driving traffic to content. It's a strange time in the creator space, but being aware of it at least puts you ahead of the masses! So let's get into it!

🟪 TWITCH

• Creator Badge Drops are now available for all monetized creators. They allow you to sell channel-specific chat badges. You can do a Watch Time-based badge, BUT it's dependent on having one for sale as well.
• Twitch now has Streamer Sub Goals displayed above the chat.
• You can now create your own Custom Power Ups, which are like channel points but monetized with Bits.
• Twitch's new enforcement on PERSISTENT VIEWBOTTERS will act as a true viewership cap. It will first be applied to larger creators and expand over time.
• Creators who are being maliciously viewbotted will soon be able to set their own viewership cap proactively to avoid Twitch punishment.
• Twitch CEO says parts of Hosting may return.
• New Badges: Bubsy 4D (Watch Time), Subnautica 2 ($)
• Twitch's CPO Mikey Minty on why people use viewbots.
• Twitch was sued again by CP Studios for several live-streaming patents.
• Twitch now has a Take It Down Act process.
• For the second time this year, streamers are reporting that their payout details were changed without their consent. Their May payouts were hijacked as a result. Twitch needs to fix this system; it's ridiculous!
• Twitch is getting close to launching Sponsored Amazon Shopping.

🟥 YOUTUBE

• YouTube is testing the ability to upload videos that only your top 1% of viewers can watch.
• Google Omni is being integrated into YouTube Shorts, allowing you to insert yourself into other people's videos.

⬛ TIKTOK

• TikTok announced a LIVE premiere with Paul McCartney.
• TikTok has partnered with ESL Faceit Group to be a vertical-first tournament live streamer.

🟦 OTHER STREAMERS

• You can now stream to Patreon from Streamlabs Desktop. *Brand Partner
• Kick now has a Take It Down Act process.