How to Turn Off VODs on Twitch: A Streamer’s Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to keep your past broadcasts private on Twitch, eh? Perhaps you’re experimenting with new content, want to avoid spoilers being readily available, or simply prefer a clean slate after each stream. Whatever your reason, you’ve come to the right place. Turning off VODs (Videos on Demand) on Twitch is a straightforward process, and here’s the concise answer:

To disable VODs on Twitch, you need to disable the “Store Past Broadcasts” setting in your Twitch settings. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Twitch account.
2. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select “Creator Dashboard”.
4. Click “Settings” on the left-hand sidebar.
5. Click “Stream”.
6. Scroll down to the “VOD Settings” section.
7. Toggle the “Store past broadcasts” option to the ‘off’ position. It should appear greyed out, indicating it’s disabled.

And there you have it! Now, let’s delve deeper and answer some burning questions you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Twitch VODs

Alright, let’s tackle some common questions swirling around the topic of Twitch VODs. Consider me your digital Virgil guiding you through the underworld of Twitch settings.

1. What exactly are VODs on Twitch?

VODs, short for Videos on Demand, are recordings of your past Twitch streams that are automatically saved (if you have the setting enabled) and made available for viewers to watch at their convenience. Think of them as your stream’s replay feature. They allow viewers to catch up on streams they missed, re-watch highlights, or share specific moments with others. VODs can be an excellent way to grow your channel and engage with your community beyond live broadcasts.

2. Why would I want to turn off VODs?

There are several compelling reasons to disable VODs:

• Experimentation: Trying out new games or content formats that you’re not sure about? Turning off VODs allows you to test the waters without a permanent record.
• Spoilers: Streaming story-driven games? Disabling VODs can prevent spoilers from being readily available to viewers who haven’t reached certain points in the game.
• Privacy: You might have personal reasons for not wanting your streams permanently archived.
• Content Evolution: Maybe you feel your older streams no longer accurately represent your current content or branding.
• Avoiding Copyright Issues: If your stream features copyrighted music or content that you don’t have the rights to, disabling VODs can help mitigate potential copyright claims.
• Maintaining a ‘Live’ Experience: Some streamers prefer the exclusivity of the live broadcast and don’t want viewers relying on replays.

3. Does disabling VODs affect clips created from my streams?

This is a crucial point. Disabling the “Store past broadcasts” setting does not delete existing clips that viewers have created from your past streams. These clips will remain accessible unless you manually delete them individually from your Clips manager. So, if you’re turning off VODs due to concerns about specific moments, remember to manage your clips as well.

4. How do I delete individual VODs or clips on Twitch?

Deleting individual VODs is a simple process:

1. Go to your Creator Dashboard.
2. Click “Content” and then “Video Producer”.
3. Find the VOD you want to delete.
4. Click the three vertical dots (ellipsis) next to the VOD.
5. Select “Delete”.

To delete clips:

1. Go to your Creator Dashboard.
2. Click “Content” and then “Clips”.
3. Find the clip you want to delete.
4. Click the three vertical dots (ellipsis) next to the clip.
5. Select “Delete”.

5. Can I download my VODs before disabling them?

Absolutely! Twitch allows you to download your VODs. This is highly recommended if you want to keep a personal archive of your streams. Here’s how:

1. Go to your Creator Dashboard.
2. Click “Content” and then “Video Producer”.
3. Find the VOD you want to download.
4. Click the three vertical dots (ellipsis) next to the VOD.
5. Select “Download”.

The VOD will be downloaded as an MP4 file.

6. Are there any alternatives to completely disabling VODs?

Yes, several alternatives allow you to maintain some control over your VODs without completely shutting them off:

• Highlight Reels: Create highlight reels from your streams. This allows you to showcase the best moments without archiving the entire broadcast.
• Moderation: Actively moderate your chat during and after the stream to remove any inappropriate comments or links from the VOD’s chat replay.
• Twitch Studio (for new streamers): Has more intuitive settings to manage broadcast quality, which can make VOD management easier.

7. Does turning off VODs affect my eligibility for Twitch Affiliate or Partner status?

No, disabling VODs does not directly impact your eligibility for Twitch Affiliate or Partner status. The primary requirements for those programs are related to viewership, follower count, and streaming frequency. However, keep in mind that VODs can contribute to your overall engagement and viewership, so consider the potential impact on your growth before disabling them.

8. How long does Twitch store VODs by default?

By default, Twitch stores VODs for 14 days for regular users and 60 days for Twitch Partners, Affiliates, and users with Twitch Prime or Turbo. After that period, they are automatically deleted.

9. Will disabling VODs improve my stream performance?

Disabling VODs won’t directly improve your live stream performance. Your stream performance is primarily affected by your internet connection, computer hardware, and streaming software settings. However, disabling VODs can slightly reduce the overall load on Twitch’s servers, but the impact on your individual stream is likely negligible.

10. Can I selectively enable VODs for certain streams and disable them for others?

Unfortunately, Twitch doesn’t offer a feature to selectively enable or disable VODs on a per-stream basis. It’s an all-or-nothing setting. If you want to record certain streams, you’ll need to keep the “Store past broadcasts” option enabled and manually delete the VODs you don’t want to keep.

11. What is the “Always Publish VODs” setting and how does it differ from “Store past broadcasts”?

The “Always Publish VODs” setting is no longer a distinct setting in the newer Twitch interface. Functionality is now rolled into the simpler “Store Past Broadcasts” setting. Now only 1 option, If it’s toggled off – VODs aren’t saved. If toggled on – your streams will become VODs.

12. If I re-enable VODs after disabling them, will my previous settings be restored?

Yes, if you re-enable the “Store past broadcasts” setting after disabling it, Twitch will remember your previous settings related to VODs, such as whether you had enabled or disabled publishing highlights. You won’t have to reconfigure those settings.

By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of how to disable VODs on Twitch and the various considerations surrounding this decision. Ultimately, whether or not to store your past broadcasts is a personal choice that depends on your individual streaming goals and preferences. Happy streaming!