How to Save Twitch Streams: Mastering Twitch VODs

What’s a VOD?

VOD stands for “Video on Demand” and is a recording or archive of a video that was originally streamed live. Instead of being available only during the live broadcast, VODs allow viewers to watch the content whenever they want, on demand.

When a streamer enables VOD storage on platforms like Twitch, the system automatically records and saves their live broadcasts. This archive is then accessible as a VOD, allowing viewers to go back and watch past streams.

Depending on the streamer’s status on Twitch (Partner, Affiliate, or other), there are different storage durations for VODs. Partners, Prime, and Turbo users often get longer storage periods compared to non-partnered channels.

In addition to basic VODs, streamers can create Highlights, which are curated segments of their past broadcasts. Highlights allow creators to showcase specific moments or content from their streams.

How to save streams with VOD storage

Video on Demand (VOD) storage on Twitch allows you to archive and save your past broadcasts, providing an opportunity for your audience to catch up on content they may have missed. Follow these steps to ensure your Twitch streams are archived:

To activate archiving, start by heading to your Stream Settings. This page is accessible from your Creator Dashboard – simply expand the Settings tab on the left and click on Stream. Once there, locate the VOD Settings section and toggle the slider adjacent to “Store past broadcasts” to either enable or disable archiving.

Twitch Partners, Prime subscribers, and those with Twitch Turbo, have broadcasts securely stored for a generous 60-day period before removal. On the flip side, other broadcasters, falling outside these categories, enjoy a default storage duration of 7 days for their past broadcasts before automatic deletion kicks in.

Use highlights for permanent storage

If there is specific content you want to keep for a more extended period than the default storage allows, consider using Highlights. Highlights are stored indefinitely and can be created from your past broadcasts.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your Twitch streams are archived and available as VODs for your audience to revisit. Keep in mind the different storage durations based on your Twitch status, and don’t forget to save your changes after enabling VOD storage!

Managing VOD settings on Twitch 

Managing VOD settings on Twitch allows you to customize how your archived broadcasts are handled. From adjusting storage durations, controlling automatic publishing, and excluding specific categories.

Once you’ve enabled VOD storage, it’s essential to manage the settings to tailor the archiving process according to your preferences. Follow these steps to effectively manage your Twitch VOD settings:

1) Access Stream Settings

• Start by navigating to your Creator Dashboard on Twitch.
• Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the Twitch homepage to open the dropdown menu, then select “Creator Dashboard.”

2) Navigate to Stream Settings

• Within the Creator Dashboard, locate and click on the “Settings” dropdown menu on the left-hand side.
• Choose “Stream” from the available options to access your stream settings.

3) Store Past Broadcasts

• Under the “VOD Settings” section, you’ll find the toggle switch labeled “Store past broadcasts.” Ensure this toggle is enabled if you want your broadcasts to be saved.

4) Always Publish VODs

• If you want past broadcasts to be published as VODs by default, toggle the switch next to “Always Publish VODs.”
• When enabled, past broadcasts will automatically be made publicly accessible as VODs unless specific categories are excluded.

5) Exclude Categories

• If you have certain categories that you don’t want automatically published, add them to the “Exclude Categories” list.
• When “Always Publish VODs” is enabled, broadcasts from excluded categories won’t be automatically published, requiring manual review before publication.

6) Save Changes

• After making adjustments to your VOD settings, scroll down to the bottom of the page.
• Click the “Save Changes” button to apply the changes and update your VOD settings.

The Video Producer on Twitch explained

Oversee your VODs, Highlights, and Uploads through the Video Producer – the hub for content management on Twitch. Additionally, you can check your copyright strike status right from this central space. To access the Video Producer, navigate to your Creator Dashboard and choose Video Producer from the Content dropdown menu.

Within the Video Producer interface, take advantage of the dropdown menu located on the left, just above the video list. This handy feature allows you to effortlessly filter your videos based on their type, streamlining your content management experience.

The Video Producer on Twitch provides a range of options for managing your videos. Navigate the Video Producer interface by using the left dropdown menu above the video list to filter by video type:

1. Upload: Click “Upload” on the right to add a video. This is exclusive to Affiliates or Partners.
2. Past Broadcasts: Access Past Broadcasts with enabled VOD storage.
3. Highlight: Curate shorter video segments from Past Broadcasts. Learn more about creating Highlights and stream markers.
4. Expiring: Lists Past Broadcasts approaching expiration. Transform valuable content into Highlights.
5. Channel Trailer: Displays your Channel Trailer, again exclusive to Affiliates and Partners.
6. Copyright Strike Status: Track copyright strikes on the right panel. Stay compliant and informed.

Options for saving your videos on Twitch

For each video listed in the Video Producer, you can access a set of options that allow you to customize, organize, and control various aspects of your content by clicking the three vertical dots. Here are the key options available:

Edit

Function: Modify the metadata and settings of your video.

• Edit Title, Description, Language, and Category.
• Adjust the video thumbnail.
• Remove tags.
• Edit permissions to control who can view your video.

How to Use:

• Click on “Edit” to bring up the edit panel.
• Make the desired changes and click “Save Changes” to apply.

Add to

Function: Include the video in specific collections or the Rerun Queue.

• Collection: Create playlists to organize and showcase your best work.
• Rerun Queue: Plan non-live content to play on your channel.

How to Use:

• Click on “Add to” to access the options.
• Choose to add the video to a collection or the Rerun Queue.

Download

Function: Save the video locally to your machine. Downloaded videos are saved as MP4 files. Downloading won’t provide an unmuted version if the video has been muted due to the Audio Recognition system.

How to Use:

• Click on “Download” to initiate the download process.
• Depending on the video’s length, the download may take some time.

Highlight

Function: Available on Past Broadcasts, it allows you to create Highlights or curated segments from your content. Highlights remain saved on your channel indefinitely.

How to Use:

• Select “Highlight” to access the Highlighter and create curated segments.

Watch

Function: View your published VODs in a new tab or directly within the Video Producer. Both published and unpublished VODs can be watched right inside your Video Producer.

How to Use:

• Click on “Watch” to open the video in a new tab or within the Video Producer.

Export

Function: Connect your Twitch account to YouTube and upload videos directly.

• Enables you to reach a broader audience by cross-posting content to YouTube.
• Verify your YouTube account for uploading VODs past the 15-minute limit.

How to Use:

• Connect your Twitch and YouTube accounts.
• Use the “Export” option to upload videos to YouTube directly from Twitch.

Unpublish/Publish

Function: Control the visibility of your video. Unpublishing makes it publicly inaccessible.

• All VODs are published by default if past VOD storage is enabled.
• Unpublishing a video makes it privately accessible.

How to Use:

• Click on “Unpublish/Publish” to manage the video’s visibility.
• Confirm your choice through the prompt.

Delete

Function: Permanently delete a video. This action is irreversible.

• Applies to a single video or all videos at once.
• Exercise caution as deleted videos cannot be recovered.

How to Use:

• Click on “Delete” to initiate the deletion process.
• Confirm your choice through the prompt.

Video Chapters

Function: Automatically saved when changing the category of your live stream.

• Allows viewers to jump to specific timestamps of category changes during playback.
• Cannot be modified after creation.

How to Use:

• Categories changes during live streams are automatically saved as chapters.
• By utilizing these options in the Video Producer, you have fine-grained control over your Twitch content, from customization to organization and distribution. Choose the options that align with your content strategy and audience engagement goals.

Conclusion on how to save Twitch streams

Streaming on Twitch isn’t just about the live show; it’s about building a lasting connection with your audience. This guide helps you extend that connection through Video on Demand (VOD). Now, whether you’re a seasoned streamer or just starting, your Twitch content can be enjoyed at the viewer’s convenience.

Now you’re ready to create a dynamic and accessible channel that resonates with your audience – long after the live broadcast ends. Dive into the world of VODs and leverage the Video Producer to create a captivating Twitch experience for your viewers.

Riley Fox Editor

Riley is a freelance writer here at Clever Casino. He reports on the latest news, and trends from the online casino industry.