Twitch is implementing a 100-hour upload limit per rolling 30-day period for most partners and affiliates, starting April 19, 2024. Content exceeding this limit will be progressively deleted, oldest first. This change aims to improve discoverability and performance, with VODs, Highlights, and Clips still permanently downloadable before deletion. Twitch promises more storage options in the future but offers no concrete details. Partners who require more than 100 hours can appeal for increased capacity.
The live-streaming platform, Twitch, has announced an impending change to its video-on-demand (VOD) storage policy, significantly impacting how long past broadcasts remain accessible to users. Starting on April 19th, 2025, Twitch will implement a 100-hour rolling limit on the amount of past broadcast content any given channel can store on its servers. This means that for each individual channel, only the most recent 100 hours of uploaded video content will be preserved. Any content exceeding this 100-hour threshold will be systematically deleted by Twitch, effectively removing it from the platform. This deletion process will begin on the aforementioned date of April 19th, 2025, and will target videos surpassing the newly imposed 100-hour limit.
This new policy specifically pertains to video-on-demand content, often referred to as VODs or past broadcasts, which are recordings of a channel's live streams automatically saved by the platform. It does not affect clips, highlights, or other shorter-form video content that channels may choose to create and store. Twitch encourages its users to download any past broadcasts they wish to preserve beyond this 100-hour window before the April 19th, 2025, deadline. They have emphasized that after this date, any content beyond the 100-hour limit will be irretrievable. This policy shift is positioned as a necessary measure by Twitch, although the specific reasons necessitating this change were not elaborated upon in their initial announcement.
Summary of Comments ( 84 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43109669
HN commenters largely criticized Twitch's decision to limit past broadcast storage to 100 hours and delete excess content. Many saw this as a cost-cutting measure detrimental to creators, particularly smaller streamers who rely on VODs for growth and highlight reels. Some suggested alternative solutions like tiered storage options or allowing creators to download their content. The lack of prior notice and the short timeframe for downloading archives were also major points of concern, with users expressing frustration at the difficulty of downloading large amounts of data quickly. The potential loss of valuable content, including unique moments and historical records of streams, was lamented. Several commenters speculated on technical reasons behind the decision but ultimately viewed it negatively, impacting trust in the platform.
The Hacker News post discussing Twitch's policy change to limit VOD storage to 100 hours and delete excess content generated a significant number of comments, largely critical of the platform's decision. Many users expressed frustration and disappointment, viewing the move as a betrayal of content creators and a disregard for the historical value of past broadcasts.
Several compelling comments highlighted the impact on smaller streamers who rely on VODs for growth and discoverability. They argued that having a large library of past broadcasts allows viewers to explore a channel's content and become familiar with the streamer's style before committing to a live stream. The 100-hour limit severely restricts this opportunity, effectively hindering their ability to attract new followers.
The lack of viable alternatives offered by Twitch was another recurring point of contention. While suggesting creators download their VODs, commenters pointed out the impracticality of this for those with extensive archives, citing storage costs and bandwidth limitations. The perceived inadequacy of Twitch's proposed solutions fueled skepticism about their commitment to supporting creators.
Some users speculated about the motivations behind the change, suggesting it might be a cost-saving measure related to storage infrastructure. Others questioned the technical justification, doubting that preserving older VODs posed a significant burden on Twitch's resources.
A few commenters proposed alternative solutions that Twitch could have considered, such as offering tiered storage options with varying costs or allowing creators to select specific VODs for preservation. These suggestions underscored the feeling that the platform had opted for a heavy-handed approach without adequately exploring other possibilities.
The overall sentiment in the comments reflected a sense of disillusionment with Twitch's handling of the situation. Many users perceived the platform as prioritizing short-term cost savings over the needs of its creators and the long-term health of the community. The lack of communication and consultation with streamers prior to the announcement further exacerbated the negative reaction.