YouTube adds new streaming tools Twitch fans will love cover image

YouTube adds new streaming tools Twitch fans will love

YouTube drops new tools for streamers similar to Twitch including clips and sub only chat. The changes have been long sought after and could be a step towards competing better with Twitch.

Streamers have been asking for these three features, and YouTube answered.

YouTube announced today that the platform has some new goodies. This according to a new blog posted in their Community Support center. The news comes as good news to long time streamers on the platform, especially those originally from Twitch.

Overall there are three new tools for YouTube which should make streamers jobs much easier. As of today, clips, subscribers-only chat, and polls are now available to all creators with over 1,000 subscribers. The announcement comes following direct feedback from it's ever-growing cast of streamers.

Clips allow for sharing viral moments in seconds

Clips will work like this: Viewers can pick a 5-60 second clip from either a live stream or uploaded video and then share that clip anywhere via a link. Streamers will also be able to control this setting in their studio controls. Fortunately for those with smaller sub counts, YouTube has been testing this feature on a select group to make sure it's ready for the masses. Not only does this allow for streamers' content to be shared even quicker on social media, but giving viewers access opens the door even further.

Subscribers-only chat will function just like Twitch's and is available to all streamers regardless of size. Moreover, this new feature will mostly help larger streamers who might currently have a difficult time moderating their channel. You can even choose specific types of chatters who are allowed to type, whether they've been subbed for 1 hour or 1 year.

Finally, YouTube has included live polls in chat. This new feature will let streamers and their moderators get live feedback from the viewers in a more organized way. This has been a favorite for Twitch users for some time given the unlimited possibilities for its uses and interactions with viewers in real time.

Ryan Wyatt, YouTube's Head of Gaming, took to Twitter to promote the new updates and get some feedback from users. Overall the response was positive and YouTubers seemed quick to praise the platform. Nevertheless, YouTube still has a ways to go to catch up with Twitch.

According to Streamlabs, Twitch dominates the streaming space over YouTube and Facebook Gaming. But, YouTube Gaming is making huge strides with exclusive rights to stream major esports such as Call of Duty League.

Wyatt also mentioned there are more upgrades to come with YouTube Gaming. Streamers and fans alike are eagerly waiting to see what's next.