Twitch Launches Desktop App For Live Streaming

Live streaming service Twitch has expanded to a lot of new platforms in the past few months and it’ll soon be heading to a previously uncharted one. Twitch announced Friday it will launch Twitch Desktop App, a native desktop version of the streaming service, March 16.

The app features standard features for Twitch users like live streaming and chat, but will also include new functionality like video messaging and servers for offline chat. As TechCrunch points out, the desktop app draws heavily from Curse, a similar desktop messaging app that Twitch acquired last August.

Read: Twitch Hits Over 45 Million Monthly Viewers

For Twitch, the app is one of several major launches this year for the live streaming service. Earlier this week, Twitch launched its social media feature Pulse. Anchored around a News Feed-like hub, streamers will be able to post news, updates and other content to keep engaged with viewers. Twitch also announced plans to get into the online retailer business and start selling games directly to viewers.

Read: Twitch To Start Selling PC Releases

The slated moves all reflect Twitch’s desire to retain users in the Twitch ecosystem. Previously, viewers hopped to services like Steam or other social media platforms when a channel wasn’t actively broadcasting. In a space that’s seen moderate competition from companies like Facebook, look for Twitch to continue investing in resources designed to keep Twitch users on Twitch for longer.