Twitch introduced a new “Drop Ins” feature or Stream Together functionality. 

The feature simplifies streamers’ collaboration by allowing them to join each other’s broadcasts spontaneously.

“I spend a great deal of time talking to streamers and consistently hear that collaboration has been critical to their success on Twitch,” Twitch CEO Dan Clancy said in a blog post.

How “Drop Ins” Work

“Drop Ins” enables streamers to initiate collaborations with a single click. 

When live, creators can view their Followed Channels list or visit another streamer’s channel page to check availability. If a streamer is open to collaboration, a visible icon allows others to “knock” on their virtual door. 

The recipient receives a private notification in chat and can preview, accept, or decline the request. Upon acceptance, an audio connection is established using desktop audio. 

Video setup requires additional steps in streaming software like OBS, which allows users to preconfigure settings for immediate readiness.

Multi-Streamer Collaborations

The feature supports multi-streamer collaborations. Once a collaboration begins, other network streamers can request to join, potentially creating impromptu group streams. 

Clancy cites a personal example of initiating a stream with Will Neff, which expanded to include T-Pain, WakeWilder, Thugshells, and Low Tier God.

To maintain control over the streaming experience, Twitch implements several safeguards:

1. Only active streamers can initiate collaboration requests.
2. Streamers control who can “knock” through customizable settings.
3. The feature can be paused during any stream.
4. Collaboration requests remain private until accepted.

Clancy suggests various use cases for Drop Ins, including casual interactions with friends, pre-raid hangouts, planned Drop In streams actively seeking collaborators, and larger streamers supporting smaller creators in their communities.

Streamers need to enable desktop audio capture in their streaming software for audio functionality. Video integration requires setting up a browser source, with detailed instructions on Twitch’s help page.

Clancy plans to demonstrate the feature by dropping in on various Twitch streamers in upcoming broadcasts, with details to be shared on his X account.

Focusing on Social Aspects

In March, Clancy revealed that Twitch’s major focus in 2024 would be enhancing discovery and collaboration capabilities to help streamers expand their reach. “Our priority is to continue to be the best community-centric live streaming service,” he stated.

At TwitchCon Rotterdam in June, the streaming platform announced the launch of Creator Clubs, a space for streamers to connect over shared interests.

Also that month, Twitch announced landmark licensing deals with Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music, and hundreds of independent music rightsholders. The agreements enable DJs to legally play copyrighted songs during their live streams on the platform.