Twitch Adds Pulse, A Social Media-Like Feed For Streamers To Engage With Fans

Amazon’s livestream video service, Twitch, is getting more social features with the introduction of Pulse. The new feature will let streamers post text, videos, photos and more to stay connected with their followers.

Pulse on Twitch looks and functions like a combination of Facebook and Twitter. Streamers will be able to provide their followers updates on upcoming livestreams, or even share links from other sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Imgur and Gyfcat, according to TechCrunch.

The addition of Pulse on Twitch is Amazon’s biggest step in making the streaming service independent from Facebook and Twitter. Streamers would usually go on Facebook or Twitter to update fans on upcoming streams or share other fun stuff.

Twitch said that Pulse will also let streamers post polls, contests and even GIFs to keep followers engaged. Streamers will also be able to share video highlights with fans who may not have been able to watch their last livestream, according to The Verge.

“For streamers, the posts you create on your Channel Feed will also appear on Pulse on the front page to all of your friends & followers,” Twitch said on its blog post.

“This will allow you to not only interact with followers and viewers you regularly engage with, but also with those who might not visit your channel page as frequently. Channel Feed will be auto-enabled for all streamers in mid-March.”

Pulse on Twitch has actually begun rolling out today, and users should be able to see it right on the Front Page when they login. If it’s not yet there, Twitch says that it should appear “within the next few weeks.” Streamers will also be able to use Pulse on the go as it will also be available on the Twitch Mobile App for iOS and Android.

Twitch streamers will have control moderating the comment section on Pulse. They will be able to delete comments, and even limit who will be able to interact with a post. Streamers have the option to only let friends or subscribers interact with with a post.

As of now, it’s too early to tell how Pulse will be received by people on Twitch. However, it does look like it has the potential of replacing Facebook and Twitter when it comes to Twitch streamers who already have a huge following.