Twitch has started alpha testing a new vertical video streaming feature, marking a significant step toward adapting its platform for mobile-first users. The tests began on July 17, 2025, involving a small group of streamers invited to experiment with this portrait-mode livestreaming.
The move was initially announced at TwitchCon Rotterdam earlier this year, with Twitch revealing plans to introduce vertical livestreams to better compete with popular formats on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. The new “vertical theater mode” includes dedicated interface elements and allows users to switch seamlessly between the classic horizontal view and the new vertical format.
This feature aims to improve viewing comfort on smartphones by enabling portrait-oriented streams and offers permissions for camera and microphone access tailored for mobile livestreaming. Twitch is also preparing to roll out dual-format streaming and 2K resolution support later in 2025.
While still in early testing, Twitch’s vertical streams demonstrate the company’s efforts to evolve alongside changing user habits, catering to audiences increasingly consuming content on their mobile devices.
