A Twitch Stream Delay

Popular live streaming platform Twitch, frequently, but not always, relies on the interaction between content creators and their viewers. Although a delay between the game and the stream is usually undesirable, it does have its advantages.

The time between when something happens and when it is being broadcast live is referred to as stream delay.

Most streamers operate with as little latency as possible, and their channels have no stream delay set. This allows content creators to interact directly with viewers, as well as streamers to build relationships with their audience. So, why would you ever use a stream delay? There are also a few instances where streamers may need to keep viewers from seeing what they’re doing at the exact moment they’re doing it.

The most common reason for delaying a stream is a practice known as “stream sniping.” Stream sniping is known when someone watching someone else’s stream uses it to find a content creator in the game they’re playing.

Stream Sniping can take many forms, from timing your queue to try to get into the same game as a streamer, to assisting a streamer in-game, and even going out of your way to kill a streamer by sneaking upon them.

As a result, many esports tournaments that allow players to stream require content creators to set a five-minute delay on their streams.

Simultaneously, some streamers who are regularly stream sniped and killed may use a delay if they are particularly frustrated by the impact stream sniping is having on their content. In this situation, however, putting up a delay is usually a last resort due to the impact it has on a streamer’s ability to interact with viewers.