Twitch Enhanced Broadcasting

What is available, and what is still in beta

Features available to anyone include multi-resolution streaming in AVC (H.264) and Automatic Stream Configuration: stream settings are fetched from Twitch automatically and matched to your device's capabilities without manual adjustments. That is why you may see the message “Twitch Enhanced Broadcasting is controlling some of your stream settings.”

Generally available as of June 2026: Dual Format streaming for all streamers, and 2K (1440p) streaming for Twitch Partners and Affiliates using the HEVC codec (up to 9 Mbps at 1440p and 7.5 Mbps at 1080p). See Twitch's launch announcement.

Still limited to the TEB Beta Community: the AV1 codec and 4K streaming. Twitch is not actively expanding the beta group, but it is worth asking if you are a Twitch Partner.

Why Enhanced Broadcasting improves viewer experience

Multiple video qualities mean more viewers can tune in without buffering, especially on slower networks or older devices. While Twitch often provides transcodes from your 1080p stream, this is not guaranteed, especially for non-Partners.

With Enhanced Broadcasting, multiple encodes are created in OBS, XSplit, or Streamrun, ensuring consistent quality options independent of Twitch's backend transcoding availability.

Twitch AV1 and HEVC support

Twitch now uses HEVC (H.265) for 2K (1440p) streaming, available to Twitch Partners and Affiliates, which delivers higher quality at a lower bitrate than AVC (used for 1080p and below). AV1 encoding remains in testing with the TEB Beta Community.

Streamrun accepts both HEVC and AV1 input from all users. This means anyone can stream high-quality video at moderate bitrates to Streamrun, and Streamrun transcodes it to Twitch using the optimal settings defined by Twitch's Automatic Stream Configuration. As Twitch widens AV1 and HEVC availability, Streamrun can switch the outgoing codec automatically without any manual setup on your end.

What does not work without Streamrun

Using Twitch Enhanced Broadcasting in Streamrun

When you go live, Streamrun uses Twitch's Automatic Stream Configuration to fetch the optimal stream setup, including resolutions, codecs, and bitrates. Your stream then goes live with multiple resolutions for the best viewer experience.

Technical details

Twitch Enhanced Broadcasting uses an extension to the RTMP protocol called Enhanced Real-Time Messaging Protocol (ERTMP). Key improvements over traditional RTMP:

Twitch also uses Automatic Stream Configuration (ASC) to automate stream setup before the ERTMP stream is sent. ASC automatically configures resolutions, bitrates, and other parameters based on your device's capabilities, eliminating the need for manual setup of multiple video tracks.

Dual Format and TEB

Twitch Dual Format is now available to all streamers, and it uses TEB to combine both horizontal and vertical formats into a single outgoing stream. Streamrun supports this in three ways: an automatic vertical frame, Dual HD input, or two separate inputs. Read more about Twitch Dual Format streaming.