How we’re addressing internet bandwidth load

First, we hope you, your loved ones, and your friends are safe and well in this difficult time. 

It’s important to make time to connect, especially while we’re #SocialDistancing. Every day on Twitch, creators and their communities are coming together to chat, offer support, and take their minds off the news headlines for a while. We see you, and we couldn’t be more grateful. 

Second, Internet Service Providers in the EU are anticipating continent-wide and unprecedented bandwidth demand as a consequence of countries shutting down non-essential activities and businesses and instructing citizens to shelter in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. To assist, we’re taking a temporary measure alongside others in our industry to reduce our impact on EU internet usage. 

We will be modifying all default viewing in the EU from Full HD delivery down to HD. This may result in a slightly reduced quality of video picture or a less vibrant display for your viewers. It should not introduce latency or make it difficult to interact. 

While this may be frustrating, please know that we’re doing this to help ensure that internet access will continue uninterrupted in the EU. It’s important that we all do our part during this difficult and unprecedented time. Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to make sure the impact to the Twitch community is limited and, if desired, your viewers will still be able to switch back to Full HD quality manually.

This measure will be temporary and we will keep you updated with any developments. We continue to work closely with Governments as well as Internet Service Providers to make sure we are effectively and responsibly responding to the communities needs at this unique time.

Once again, stay safe, stay home, and thank you for your continued support.

Update, April 1: We have made the same updates to default viewing in Brazil and will continue to work with governments and ISPs worldwide.