Key Takeaways
- VOD storage varies by status - 14 days for Affiliates, 60 days for Partners and Turbo subscribers.
- Highlights are permanent - Create highlights from VODs before they expire for indefinite storage.
- Muted audio happens automatically - Twitch's system mutes copyrighted music in VODs to prevent DMCA issues.
- VODs are essential for content repurposing - Use past broadcasts for YouTube, highlights, and clips.
- Subscriber-only VODs - Monetize past broadcasts by restricting access to subscribers.
Twitch VODs (Videos on Demand) are automatic recordings of your live streams that allow viewers to watch content they missed. For streamers, VODs serve as the foundation for content repurposing, enabling the creation of highlights, clips, and YouTube videos from a single broadcast.
According to Twitch's official VOD documentation, past broadcasts are designed to "give your viewers the opportunity to watch your content on their own time." This guide covers everything you need to know about VOD settings, storage, highlights, and content strategies.
What Are Twitch VODs?
VODs (Videos on Demand) are recordings of your past Twitch streams that are automatically saved when you enable the feature. Unlike live broadcasts that happen in real-time, VODs allow viewers to watch your content whenever it's convenient for them.
Types of Twitch Videos
Twitch offers several video formats, each serving different purposes:
| Video Type | Source | Duration | Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past Broadcasts (VODs) | Automatic from streams | Full stream length | 14-60 days |
| Highlights | Created from VODs | Custom length | Never |
| Clips | Created by anyone | 5-60 seconds | Never |
| Uploads | External video files | Up to 24 hours | Never |
For detailed information about short-form clips, see our Twitch Clips Complete Guide.
VOD Storage Duration
One of the most important aspects of VODs is understanding how long they're stored. Storage duration varies based on your Twitch status and subscription.
VOD Retention by Account Type
| Account Type | VOD Storage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Broadcaster | 14 days | Standard storage for all users |
| Twitch Affiliate | 14 days | Same as regular broadcasters |
| Twitch Partner | 60 days | Extended storage for Partners |
| Twitch Turbo/Prime | 60 days | Premium subscriber benefit |
According to Twitch Turbo's official page, extended VOD storage is one of the premium subscription benefits.
For information about achieving Partner status for extended storage, see our Affiliate vs Partner Complete Guide.
Important: VOD Expiration
VODs are automatically deleted after their storage period ends. There is no warning before deletion. If you want to preserve content permanently, you must either:
- Create highlights from the VOD before it expires
- Download the VOD to your computer
- Export the VOD to YouTube (if linked)
How to Enable VODs
VODs are not enabled by default for all accounts. You must manually enable VOD storage in your settings to start archiving your streams.
Enabling Past Broadcasts
Follow these steps to enable VOD storage:
- Go to Creator Dashboard: Click your profile picture and select "Creator Dashboard"
- Navigate to Settings: Go to Settings > Stream in the left sidebar
- Enable VOD Settings: Find the "VOD Settings" section
- Toggle "Store past broadcasts": Enable this option to save your streams
- Optional - Always Publish VODs: Enable to make VODs public automatically
- Save Changes: Your next stream will be automatically saved
VOD Publishing Options
You have control over how VODs are published:
- Publish VODs: Toggle on to make all VODs immediately public when your stream ends
- Delay Publishing: With this off, VODs are initially private; you can review and publish later
- Subscriber-Only VODs: Restrict access to subscribers only (Affiliate/Partner feature)
Managing Your VODs
Twitch provides tools to manage, edit, and organize your VOD library through the Video Producer in your Creator Dashboard.
Accessing the Video Producer
The Video Producer is your central hub for all video management:
- Location: Creator Dashboard > Content > Video Producer
- View all videos: Past Broadcasts, Highlights, Uploads, and Premieres
- Filter options: Sort by type, date, or status
- Bulk actions: Delete multiple videos at once
VOD Actions Available
For each VOD, you can perform various actions through the three-dot menu:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Highlight | Create permanent highlights from the VOD |
| Download | Download the full VOD to your computer |
| Export to YouTube | Send directly to linked YouTube account |
| Edit Info | Change title, description, and category |
| Publish/Unpublish | Control public visibility |
| Delete | Permanently remove the VOD |
Creating Highlights from VODs
Highlights are curated segments from your VODs that are stored permanently. This is the primary way to preserve important content before VODs expire.
How to Create Highlights
- Open the Video Producer: Go to Creator Dashboard > Content > Video Producer
- Find your VOD: Locate the past broadcast you want to highlight
- Click "Highlight": This opens the highlight editor
- Set start and end points: Use the timeline to select your segment
- Add title and description: Give your highlight a descriptive name
- Publish: The highlight is created and stored permanently
Highlight Best Practices
- Create highlights before VODs expire: Don't wait until the last minute
- Use descriptive titles: Help viewers find relevant content
- Optimal length: 5-20 minutes works well for most content
- Include key moments: Clutch plays, funny moments, important discussions
- Multiple highlights: One VOD can have multiple highlights
For shorter, instantly shareable moments, clips are often more effective. See our Twitch Clips Guide for creating 5-60 second clips.
VOD Audio and Copyright
One of the most discussed aspects of VODs is Twitch's audio detection system, which automatically mutes sections containing copyrighted music.
How Audio Detection Works
Twitch uses Audible Magic's technology to scan VODs after your stream ends:
- Scanning occurs post-stream: Live audio is not affected, only the VOD
- Muted sections: Identified copyrighted music is muted in the VOD
- 30-minute segments: Muting happens in 30-minute chunks where violations occur
- Visual indicator: Muted sections show a music note icon in the timeline
Avoiding Muted VODs
To keep your VOD audio intact:
- Use Soundtrack by Twitch: Twitch's officially licensed music service (streams to separate audio track)
- Royalty-free music: Services like Pretzel Rocks, StreamBeats, or NCS
- Licensed music platforms: Epidemic Sound, Artlist with streaming licenses
- Game audio only: In-game music is generally safe
- Original music: Your own compositions won't be flagged
Subscriber-Only VODs
Affiliates and Partners can restrict VOD access to subscribers only, creating an additional incentive for viewers to subscribe.
Enabling Subscriber-Only VODs
To restrict VOD access:
- Go to Creator Dashboard > Settings > Affiliate (or Partner)
- Find the "Subscription" section
- Enable "Subscriber-only past broadcasts"
- New VODs will only be accessible to active subscribers
Subscriber VOD Considerations
- Applies to all VODs: You can't mix public and subscriber-only VODs
- Highlights remain public: Only past broadcasts are restricted
- Prime/Gifted subs included: All subscriber types can access
- Good for exclusive content: Behind-the-scenes, extended streams, sub appreciation streams
For more on subscription benefits, see our Twitch Subscriptions Guide.
VODs and Content Repurposing
VODs are the foundation of content repurposing strategies, allowing you to create multiple pieces of content from a single stream.
Content Repurposing Strategies
Maximize your content value by repurposing VODs:
- YouTube uploads: Export full streams or edited highlights to YouTube
- Clips for social media: Create clips for Twitter, TikTok, Instagram Reels
- Highlight reels: Compile best moments into monthly or game-specific highlights
- Podcast extraction: Pull audio for podcast episodes (Just Chatting streams)
- Tutorial content: Turn educational streams into structured guides
YouTube Export
Twitch allows direct export to YouTube:
- Link accounts: Connect your YouTube account in Settings > Connections
- Export from Video Producer: Select "Export" from the VOD menu
- Set privacy: Choose public, unlisted, or private
- Edit metadata: Add title, description, and tags for YouTube
- Publish: The video uploads directly to your YouTube channel
According to YouTube's upload documentation, exported videos may take time to process depending on length.
VOD Chapters and Markers
Organizing VODs with chapters and markers improves viewer navigation and helps you find content for highlights.
Stream Markers
Markers are timestamps you can add during your stream:
- How to add: Type /marker in chat, or use a Stream Deck button
- With description: /marker "Boss fight started"
- View later: Markers appear in Video Producer as reference points
- Use case: Mark moments to highlight after stream
For more chat commands, see our Twitch Chat Commands Guide.
Category Changes as Chapters
When you change game/category during a stream, Twitch automatically creates chapter markers in the VOD:
- Viewers can see what game was being played at each point
- Useful for variety streamers who play multiple games
- Chapter markers help viewers skip to content they want to watch
VOD Analytics
Understanding VOD performance helps you identify what content resonates with your audience.
Key VOD Metrics
Twitch provides analytics for your VODs:
- Views: Total number of VOD watches
- Unique viewers: Individual people who watched
- Average watch time: How long viewers typically watch
- Watch time graph: Shows which parts were watched most
- Source: Where viewers found the VOD (channel page, search, etc.)
Using VOD Analytics
Apply analytics insights to improve your content:
- High view counts: Identify which streams attract the most interest
- Drop-off points: Find where viewers stop watching
- Popular segments: Use the watch time graph to find engaging content for highlights
- Category performance: See which games/categories drive VOD views
Track your overall channel growth with our Stream Growth Calculator.
Downloading and Archiving VODs
For permanent archiving beyond Twitch's storage limits, downloading your VODs is essential.
Official Download Method
Download your own VODs through Twitch:
- Go to Creator Dashboard > Content > Video Producer
- Find the VOD you want to download
- Click the three-dot menu
- Select "Download"
- Wait for the download to prepare (may take time for long VODs)
- Download starts automatically when ready
Third-Party Download Tools
Several tools can download VODs, though use them responsibly:
- Twitch Leecher: Popular Windows application for VOD downloads
- youtube-dl/yt-dlp: Command-line tools supporting Twitch VODs
- 4K Video Downloader: User-friendly application with Twitch support
Note: Only download your own VODs or get permission from the creator. Downloading others' content for redistribution may violate copyright and Twitch's Terms of Service.
VOD Settings Best Practices
Optimize your VOD settings based on your streaming goals and audience needs.
For Growth-Focused Streamers
- Enable VOD storage - viewers discover you through VODs
- Enable "Publish VODs" for immediate availability
- Keep VODs public, not subscriber-only
- Create highlights weekly before VODs expire
- Use royalty-free music to avoid muted sections
- Export best content to YouTube for discoverability
For Established Streamers
- Consider subscriber-only VODs as an added benefit
- Use stream markers to identify highlight-worthy moments
- Maintain a consistent VOD cataloging system
- Archive all VODs locally before expiration
- Create a content repurposing workflow for each stream
VODs and Extensions
Some Twitch extensions work with VODs, though functionality may differ from live streams.
Extension Behavior in VODs
- Panel extensions: Work the same as in live streams
- Overlay extensions: May not display or have reduced functionality
- Interactive extensions: Typically don't work in VODs (require live connection)
- Information panels: Schedule, social links, etc. remain functional
For extension setup, see our How to Use Twitch Extensions Guide.
Common VOD Issues and Solutions
Troubleshoot common problems with Twitch VODs.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| VOD not saving | Storage not enabled | Enable "Store past broadcasts" in settings |
| Audio muted | Copyrighted music detected | Use royalty-free or licensed music |
| VOD disappeared | Expired (14/60 day limit) | Create highlights before expiration |
| Can't watch VOD | Subscriber-only enabled | Subscribe to the channel |
| Download failing | Long VOD or server issues | Wait for processing, try again later |
| Poor VOD quality | Original stream quality | Stream at higher bitrate |
VODs vs Other Platforms
Understanding how Twitch VODs compare to video features on other platforms helps with content strategy.
Platform Comparison
| Feature | Twitch | YouTube | Kick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-save streams | Yes (optional) | Yes (automatic) | Yes (automatic) |
| Storage duration | 14-60 days | Unlimited | 30+ days |
| Audio detection | Mutes sections | Claims/blocks | Less strict |
| Clipping | Built-in clips | Clip tool | Built-in clips |
Conclusion
Twitch VODs are more than just recordings of past streams - they're valuable assets for content repurposing, viewer engagement, and channel growth. Understanding VOD storage, highlights, and copyright considerations allows you to maximize the value of every stream.
The key to effective VOD management is being proactive. Enable VOD storage, create highlights before expiration, use copyright-safe music, and develop a workflow for repurposing content. Whether you're uploading to YouTube, creating social media clips, or building a subscriber-exclusive library, your VODs are the foundation.
For streamers serious about growth, treating every stream as content that extends beyond the live broadcast is essential. Your VODs continue working for you long after you go offline, attracting new viewers and giving your community content to enjoy on their own schedule.
Related Resources
- Twitch Clips Complete Guide - Create short, shareable moments
- Twitch Subscriptions Guide - Subscriber-only VOD benefits
- Affiliate vs Partner Guide - VOD storage by status
- Stream Growth Calculator - Track your channel's growth
- Twitch Watch Parties Guide - Community viewing experiences
