Twitch has become the go-to platform for watching live streams of gaming, esports events, talk shows, and more. What many viewers may not realize is that Twitch also makes past broadcasts available for on-demand viewing as video recordings called VODs (video on demand).
Why Download Twitch VODs?
There are several benefits to downloading past Twitch broadcasts instead of simply watching them online:
- Watch offline while traveling or without an internet connection
- Create highlight compilation videos from your favorite streamers
- Archive classic esports matches, speedruns, or events in your collection
- Edit footage for use in YouTube videos or other projects
- Revisit meme-worthy moments from iconic streams
You also have to consider the fact that Twitch does not store all streamers’ videos indefinitely. Many streams are deleted after 14 days. Think Snapchat, which deletes posts almost instantly, but with Twitch you have slightly longer. And during this time you can use a Stream Recorder to download those vids that may be deleted so you have them on tap (on-demand_ whenever you need them.
Official Twitch Download (For Broadcasters)
Streamers can download their own VODs for editing, highlights or archiving by going to their Video Producer page while logged in. Choose the video then click Download.
Third-Party Methods to Download Twitch VODs
Fortunately, downloading VODs from Twitch is straightforward using the right tools. For watching rather than broadcasting, third-party apps make downloading Twitch VODs easier. Most people prefer to use third-party tools because they offer more functionalities compared to the built-in Twitch recording tools.
- StreamRecorder: Captures Twitch streams live or downloads VODs to watch later. You can use it on any operating system and on your desktop as well as mobile. This is because it uses an HMTL5 web-based system. You also have editing tools, which is what separates this tool from its competitors.
- Movavi Screen Recorder: Records and downloads Twitch videos on Windows/Mac. It has been one of the most used Twitch video downloaders for a while now. However, with the release of Streamrecorder, it will likely lose quite a few users. Pretty much because Streamrecorder is a much more versatile tool.
- TwitchLeecher: This is a fast and simple downloader for Windows. It is extremely basic. By basic, there is not much more to it than downloading. It doesn’t offer the same features as Movavi or Streamrecorder. It is literally for downloading and organizing your Twitch downloads yourself.
Mobile Apps
On mobile devices, apps like Video Downloader for Twitch (Android) or Documents by Readdle (iOS) allow saving broadcasts for offline viewing.
Browser Extensions
Chrome/Firefox extensions like Video DownloadHelper and Twitch VOD Downloaders help download from the Twitch site. Caution: some extensions have security or compatibility risks.
Organizing Your Collection
Once downloaded, Twitch VODs consume storage space quickly. Use a consistent naming format like [StreamerName] – [BroadcastDate] – [BroadcastName] to keep organized. Save to a dedicated external drive instead of primary internal storage.
Troubleshooting Issues
Problems downloading Twitch VODs typically arise from internet connectivity, software settings not allowing downloads or compatibility issues with certain file formats. Changing these settings or restarting often resolves many problems.
Remember downloading is only for personal use under copyright law. But with the right approach, building a personal archive of favorite Twitch moments is easy. Just follow the methods here based on your preferred platform.
