YouTube Partner Program Updates, TikTok Disney, + Twitter X's Original Content Rewards

Hello and welcome in! After last week's LONG intro, I want to keep it nice and short, and there's a LOT to be aware of this week. So, let's literally just jump right in!

🟪 TWITCH

• We now have new insight into how Twitch Sponsorships exclude views due to ad blockers, disabled JavaScript or Images, and other fraud-filtering measures.
• This is the data that Twitch Sponsorships report to brands.
• New Badges: Three "Audible" Promotion Badges💰, Marvel Tokon💰
• Twitch surprise-dropped the DJ 808 event on Thursday, which runs until the middle of this week. You can earn a Bop2Bop emote by watching

🟥 YOUTUBE

• YouTube is making major changes to the Partner Program (YPP) that will take effect on February 1, 2027. Video summary.
  • New creators will need 8,000 Watch Hours (up from 4,000) or 20M Shorts Views (up from 10M) to join YPP.
  • Shorts Creators in YPP must average 10M Shorts Views over 90 days to be eligible for Creator Pool money.
  • New Shorts Incentive Programs (Bonuses for Shopping, Brand Deals, and Cultural Trend Activations)
  • You'll need to accept the new YPP terms by January 31, 2027.
• Live Practice Mode is being released to all eligible users.
• YouTube is in the process of decluttering its mobile app.

⬛ TIKTOK

• TikTok is adding playlists for Live VODs.
• TikTok shut down its Nashville office and laid off ~200 staff after two years.
• TikTok and Disney announced a content sharing deal that will allow creators to use Disney content in the USA.

🟦 OTHER PLATFORMS

• WhatNot has raised $545M in Series G funding, bringing its valuation to around $20B.
• Kick's Clipping Program evidently limits your access if you multistream.