How to Set Up Twitch Dual-Format Vertical Video Streaming (2026)
Twitch dual-format streaming lets you broadcast a standard horizontal 16:9 feed and a vertical 9:16 feed at the same time — one stream, two layouts. Mobile viewers watching in portrait mode automatically see the vertical version, while desktop viewers get the standard horizontal experience.
Horizontal (16:9)
Desktop and TV viewers. Standard landscape canvas, full HUD, overlays, and chat bar visible.
Vertical (9:16)
Mobile viewers in portrait mode. Center-cropped canvas optimized for thumb-scrolling consumption.
Eligibility
- Twitch Partner, or qualifying Affiliate with early access enabled
- Dual-Format toggle visible in Creator Dashboard > Settings > Stream
- Streaming software that supports multiple RTMP outputs (OBS Studio 31+, Streamlabs)
- Sufficient upload bandwidth — typically 10+ Mbps recommended for dual output
Twitch is rolling out dual-format gradually. If you are eligible but do not see the toggle yet, check back — no action is required on your end.
How to Set Up Dual-Format Streaming
Check your eligibility
Dual-format is available to Twitch Partners and select Affiliates. Open your Creator Dashboard and go to Settings > Stream. If the Dual-Format toggle is visible, you have access.
Enable Dual-Format in your Twitch settings
Toggle on Dual-Format Streaming in Settings > Stream. Twitch will generate a second ingest stream key specifically for the vertical canvas — copy this key, you will need it in OBS.
Create a vertical canvas scene in OBS
In OBS Studio, add a new scene and set its canvas size to 1080 x 1920 (portrait 9:16). Drag your facecam and key gameplay content into this scene, keeping important elements in the center third of the frame.
Configure dual RTMP output in OBS
Go to OBS Settings > Output > select "Advanced" mode. Under the Streaming section, add a second RTMP target using Twitch's vertical ingest URL and the vertical stream key from step 2.
Set bitrate for both outputs
Allocate bitrate between both outputs so your combined total stays within Twitch's ingest cap (up to ~8,500 Kbps for Partners). A common split: 6,000 Kbps horizontal + 2,000 Kbps vertical.
Go live and verify on mobile
Start streaming as normal. Open your channel on a phone in portrait mode — the vertical feed should appear automatically. Use Twitch's Stream Manager to confirm both feeds are ingesting correctly.
Tips for Your Vertical Scene
- Keep your facecam in the upper third — it is the first thing mobile viewers see.
- Place gameplay in the lower two-thirds; avoid critical UI elements near the edges.
- Disable wide overlays and ticker bars that only make sense in landscape.
- Use a simple background behind the facecam to avoid visual clutter in the narrow frame.
- Test by watching your own stream on a phone in portrait mode before going live to an audience.
One stream, unified stats
Dual-format does not split your audience or your revenue. CCV, subscriptions, ads, and Bits are counted the same way whether a viewer watches horizontal or vertical. You will not be penalized for running both outputs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twitch dual-format streaming?
Dual-format streaming lets you broadcast two feeds at once: a standard horizontal 16:9 stream for desktop viewers and a vertical 9:16 stream for mobile viewers in portrait mode — both under the same live session.
Who can use dual-format streaming on Twitch?
The feature is available to Twitch Partners and select Affiliates. Twitch is rolling it out gradually, so check your Creator Dashboard under Settings > Stream to see if it is enabled on your account.
Does dual-format count as two separate streams?
No. Both feeds are part of a single broadcast. Your channel shows one live stream and Twitch automatically serves the correct format based on the viewer's device orientation.
Does dual-format affect my CCV, subs, or revenue?
No. All viewer metrics and revenue are counted together regardless of which format each viewer watches. There is no penalty or split for using dual-format.
What software do I need?
OBS Studio 31+ and Streamlabs both support the dual-output setup required for dual-format streaming. You configure a standard horizontal scene and a separate vertical scene, then route each to its own Twitch stream key.
What resolution should the vertical canvas be?
Twitch recommends 1080x1920 (9:16) for the vertical canvas at up to 6,000 Kbps. Your combined horizontal + vertical bitrate should stay within Twitch's ingest limits (up to 8,500 Kbps for Partners).
Do mobile viewers switch automatically?
Yes. When a dual-format stream is live, Twitch mobile switches between vertical and horizontal automatically based on the viewer's phone orientation — no manual toggle needed.
Do I need a separate stream key for the vertical feed?
Yes. Twitch provides a dedicated ingest key for the vertical canvas. Configure both keys in OBS — one per output — and both send simultaneously when you start streaming.
Official Twitch Documentation
Read the full dual-format article directly on the Twitch Help Center.
Open Twitch Help