Twitch’s Latest Updates: How Picture-in-Picture Ads and Treasure Train Are Changing Streaming

The world of live streaming is always evolving, and Twitch continues to lead the way with bold new features and policy changes. If you’re an avid viewer or an up-and-coming streamer, it’s important to stay up to date on what’s changing and how it might affect your experience.

Picture-in-Picture Ads: Enhancing the Viewing Experience

One of the most significant recent changes on Twitch is the introduction of picture-in-picture (PiP) ads. Unlike traditional ads that interrupt your viewing, these new PiP ads display while the main stream continues to play, just with the screen slightly reduced in size. Viewers can even choose to unmute these ads if they’re interested.

This approach is designed to make ads less disruptive and gives audiences more control over their experience. Twitch is currently testing this feature with select users, and initial reactions are mixed. Some viewers appreciate the non-intrusive format, while others wonder how it will impact streamers’ earnings. To learn more about this update and how streamers are adapting, check out the detailed coverage in Gamerant's article on Twitch's ad changes.

Treasure Train: Save Big on Gifted Subscriptions

Supporting your favorite streamers on Twitch just got a little easier with the new Treasure Train feature. This system is an experimental twist on the popular Hype Train. When a Treasure Train reaches Level 5, viewers get a limited-time 35% discount on bundles of five or more Tier 1 gifted subs. This incentive encourages greater community support, while giving more fans the chance to participate.

There’s a catch though: the Treasure Train discounts don’t stack with other promotions, and they only apply to bundles, not individual subs. Still, it’s a fun way to engage the community and reward generosity. Streamers have the option to opt out of this feature if they prefer the old Hype Train. For a closer look at how the Treasure Train works, read Gamerant's deep dive into the new subscription discounts.

100-Hour Highlight Limit: What Content Creators Need to Know

In addition to new features, Twitch has imposed a 100-hour limit on channel Highlights and Uploads. Starting May 19, channels that exceed this threshold will see their oldest content deleted automatically. Creators who want to save their clips need to download them soon or move them to platforms like YouTube. This policy doesn’t affect recent broadcasts (VODs) or Clips, but it's a significant consideration for anyone who uses Highlights as part of their content strategy.

Find out more about how this change might impact creators—and how you can safeguard your highlights—from Esports News by The Times of India.

Staying Ahead on Twitch

Twitch’s regular updates show that the platform is always listening to audience feedback and experimenting with better ways to view, support, and create content. Whether you're a dedicated streamer or a casual viewer, features like picture-in-picture ads and the Treasure Train are designed to enhance your experience and create value for the whole community.

Are you excited about these updates? How do you think the 100-hour highlight limit will impact content creators? Stay informed and make the most of your time on Twitch by keeping up with the latest developments—and consider sharing your feedback with the platform to help shape the future of streaming.