What happens when you unpublish a VOD on twitch?

What Happens When You Unpublish a VOD on Twitch?

When it comes to streamers and content creators, having a vast library of videos at their disposal can be incredibly valuable. Virtual On-Demand (VOD) content is no exception. VODs allow viewers to watch pre-recorded streams, either live or on-demand. However, sometimes, there may be instances where content creators decide to unpublish their VODs due to various reasons. If you’re wondering what exactly happens when you unpublish a VOD on Twitch, then this article has got you covered.

Default Publish Setting

As a standard setting, most VODs on Twitch are automatically published, which means they can be accessed publicly. If you haven’t changed your VODs’ publishing settings, that’s probably the case.

What Happens to Unpublished VODs?

When you decide to unpublish a VOD on Twitch, what happens is that it disappears from the public eye, but the video itself doesn’t necessarily get deleted from your server. Here are some scenarios:

• Access restriction: Anyone who wants to access that VOD will no longer be able to view it, either on your Twitch channel or through a search.
• Download restriction: Viewers might not be able to download the video if you had set a password or restricted permissions.
• Re-publishing: If needed, you can re-publish the VOD in the future with a new, updated link.

Streamers vs. Viewers

If you’re curious about the implications of VODs on your online presence and viewership:

• Streamers: If you unpublish a VOD, its viewers will no longer see it. If they come across your channel or specific VOD search, they might not be able to watch it either.
• Viewers: However, there are instances when viewers may still be able to find and watch content even if it’s removed from the main feed.
  • Chat logs and clips: Clipped and recorded chat activity may remain available for followers.
  • Screencaps and snippets: Snippets of important moments from the stream or VOD may still get shared through screenshots, snippets, or quotes.

Takedowns and copyright issues

Keep in mind that VODs published on Twitch can still expose you to potential copyright strikes or take-down notices due to various factors, even if the VOD isn’t available anymore. Therefore, consider taking necessary legal measures when creating and showcasing content that includes copyrighted elements.

How to Review and Remove VODs

Removing VODs from Your Channel
To view and manage the VODs on your channel:

1. Visit your Twitch Console at www.twitch.tv/console
2. Navigate to Content > Videos > Purge or delete
   • Purging will remove specific VODs from search results
   • Deleting will effectively remove them from your servers

Purged vs. Permanently Delete

Understanding the distinction between purged and permanently deleted VODs is crucial:

• Purging: Will remove the content from the public view
• Deleting : Removes the content forever, deleting it from servers

Remember that permanently deleted VODs can pose risks regarding copyright claims as they remain inaccessible. Additionally, in the event your account is compromised, accessing deleted content might become less secure. Use at your discretion!

For streamers, having awareness of these scenarios is fundamental to manage your content on Twitch, ensure your visibility, and protect your creativity. Regularly reviewing VODs and understanding potential implications when unpublishing them is essential for managing your brand and online content.

As you navigate Twitch’s dynamic environment, ensuring you comprehend the ins-and-outs of VOD administration will enhance your streaming, content sharing, and all-around content management experience on the platform.

Wrapping up

When exploring the realms of VOD management, remember:

Unpublishing a VOD on Twitch will remove public access but doesn’t physically delete the content
Use the Purge or delete feature in Twitch Console for managing VODs
Keep in mind the copyright risks involved when removing, purging, or managing VODs
Set your publishing settings according to your specific needs

Understand what happens when you unpublish a VOD on Twitch to make educated decisions, ensure a quality streaming experience, and respect the integrity of your artistic work on the platform