How To Save VODs On Twitch?

VOD, or Videos On Demand refers to recorded versions of Twitch live streams. Whenever a streamer ends up streaming, the broadcast gets recorded automatically.

After the VOD is uploaded, the video then becomes available for viewers to watch based on their choice, giving them the ability to catch up on streams that they may have missed.

VODs act as a portfolio for streamers, holding past broadcasts that can be re-watched, edited, or shared. Videos On Demand can be saved so they can be accessed later on. Whether you save it for future reference, personal use, or sharing with others, knowing exactly how to save VODs on Twitch is necessary.

So, we will discuss the process of saving VODs on Twitch, starting with important settings, troubleshooting, and additional tips to ensure that your VODs are saved without any difficulty.

Why Save Your VODs on Twitch?

There are many reasons why saving your VODs is important. It would allow streamers to keep their content on tap for long-term use. You could reuse your VODs for social media clips, YouTube videos, or even educational purposes.

Another reason is to preserve a collection of your work. Moreover, saving VODs would create a record in case of potential technical issues while streaming, which could include sudden disconnections or drops. This process is actually for the streamer to protect their content from loss.

How To Set Up Your Twitch VOD Saving

To save Twitch VODs, streamers must first confirm their settings are activated for saving VODs. Twitch allows VOD saving by default for a certain period but confirms with users that it’s enabled. As a streamer, you can follow these steps.

Access Twitch Settings: Simply log into your Twitch account and access the settings page.
Choose “Channel and Videos”: In the “Settings” tab, look for the “Channel and Videos” section.
Turn on “Store Past Broadcasts”: Toggle the toggle switch so that you can save past broadcasts.

Once activated, Twitch will automatically make a recording of your streams for a specific period of time, usually for 14 days for regular streamers, and 60 days for Partners from Twitch.

How to Download Twitch VODs Manually

Though Twitch saves all your streams, sometimes you will want to record a VOD manually. You can do this using the simple download function after your stream has ended. Here’s how:

End Streaming: Once your stream is over, go to your “Video Producer” section on your channel.
Find the VOD: Scroll down to find the broadcast you want to download from the list of previous broadcasts.
Download the VOD: Click the three dots next to the VOD and click “Download”. The file will be saved to your device in video format.

In case you would like to have a record offline or for editing purposes, this is a convenient option.

Setting Twitch VOD Duration And Expiration

Twitch does not hold VODs forever, for regular users, Twitch automatically deletes past broadcasts after 7 days. For Twitch Affiliate, broadcasts will be deleted after 14 days and after 60 days for Twitch partners and Turbo users. To save the VODs permanently, convert it into a highlight.

Go to the creator dashboard of your channel.
Click on “Content” a dropdown will open, then select “Video Producer“
You will see all of your VODs, select the one you want to save permanently.
Click on “Make Highlight” button

Note that once the set duration has passed, your VOD will be permanently deleted except if you download it or save it elsewhere.

How To Download Twitch VODs On Mobile?

Saving VODs directly from a mobile device is more limited compared to using a desktop. Twitch’s mobile app does not allow you to download VODs directly. However, you can watch your past broadcasts, share them, or save them through external methods:

Third-Party Apps: Some third-party apps or websites can help download Twitch VODs. Ensure you use a reputable source to avoid any security risks.
Mobile Browsers: You can even use a mobile browser to download the VOD by entering the Twitch desktop site and following the same download process as on your desktop.

Mobile options are less flexible, but these approaches can still assist in saving your VODs on the go.

Third-Party Apps And Associated Risks

Although third-party tools can be used to download Twitch VODs on mobile, caution should be exercised. Below are the third-party options and the associated warnings:

1. JDownloader (via Mobile Browser)

How it works: JDownloader is another popular tool for downloading Twitch VODs, but it is typically used on desktop systems. It may be possible to run it on Android via third-party apps or mobile browser-based tools.

Risks: JDownloader requires manual installation, and downloading from unofficial sources can expose your mobile device to malware.

2. Third-Party Websites (Mobile Version)

Some websites allow you to insert the VOD link and download the video.

How it works: You will insert the URL Twitch VOD into the website’s download tool and it allows the download of the VOD file.

Risks: These sites can

Be full of pop-up ads or malicious redirects.
This leads to phishing sites if you are not careful with where you click.
Put your privacy at risk if they track your data or ask for permissions.
Download malware through disguised download links.

3. Twitch Downloaders via APK (for Android)

You can get unofficial Android apps to download Twitch VODs.

How it works: You can install APK files from third-party sources to access Twitch VOD downloads directly on your device.

Risks:

APK files from third-party sources may contain viruses, malware, or spyware.
Void warranties: Installing apps from untrusted sources may void your phone’s warranty or trigger security alerts from your device.

Tips to Download Safer Videos

You can use the following tips to download the videos safely.

Official Downloads: The safest and best way to download your own VODs is through the built-in download feature on Twitch (available through your **Video Producer** page)end
Third-Party Tools Research: If you are opting for third-party tools, read the reviews and check the reputation of the tool before using it. Always use reliable, well-reviewed apps, and never download software from untrusted sources.
Install Security Software: Make sure your mobile device has security apps like antivirus software to detect and block malware.
Be Cautious of Permissions: Note that you should always review an app’s permissions before you install it, especially if you are downloading APK files or you are using third-party services that ask permission to access personal data.

Consider the listed risks and advice. Though with third-party tools you will be able to download Twitch VODs on your mobile phone, it is always best to use official ways offered by Twitch to be absolutely safe.

Troubleshooting: Why Are My VODs Not Saving?

If your VODs won’t save as expected, there’s probably one of the following reasons:

1. Double Check VODs Settings:

Open your Twitch profile and navigate to Settings > Stream
Turn the “Store past broadcasts” setting ON
When this is set to OFF, VODs won’t automatically save after your stream ends.

2. VODs Duration:

Twitch VODs last for 14 days in regular accounts and 60 days in Twitch Partners, Affiliates, and Prime accounts.

If your VOD has timed out, you’ll not download it. Make sure to download the VODs before the window closes.

3. Streamer Role or Permissions

Affiliates/Partners: Save VODs automatically for Affiliates and Partners. For users, you’ll have to manually enable saving VODs or use third-party tools.

Streamer vs Viewer: Only streamers or channel owners can download their VODs. If you’re not the owner of the channel, you cannot download their VODs.

4. Verify Your Internet Connection

Slow or unstable internet may interrupt the download process. Ensure your connection is stable and fast enough to handle large file downloads.

5. Use the Correct Method to Download

To download your VOD:

Go to Twitch Dashboard.
Navigate to Content > Video Producer.
Locate the stream you want to download.
Click on the three dots on the right and select Download

If you don’t see a download button it means either VOD is no longer available (expired) or there is something wrong with your permissions.

6. Clear Browser Cache or Use Another Browser

Browser Issues: Sometimes, problems from the Twitch interface can be resolved by clearing your browser cache or by switching to another browser.

Clear cache and cookies or try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).

7. Disable Ad Blockers or Extensions

Some browser extensions, especially ad blockers or privacy tools, can interfere with Twitch’s functionality.

Disable extensions temporarily and refresh the page.

8. Use Third-Party Tools or Download Managers

If Twitch’s built-in download options aren’t working, you can use third-party tools like JDownloader, third-party websites or apps.

9. Twitch Server Issues

Sometimes the problem might be with the servers at Twitch.

Check Twitch’s Twitter or Twitch status page to see if their servers are having any issues

10. Contact Twitch Support

If all else fails, then something may be wrong with your account or the Twitch backend

Get a hold of Twitch Support.

This should enable you to save the VODs successfully from Twitch. If you are still experiencing issues, contact the support team at Twitch or seek third-party download tools to try and sort out the problem.

Controlling VOD Privacy and Sharing Options

You can limit who can see your VODs. Your VODs are public by default, but you can make access limited if you want privacy.

Privacy Settings: You can make a VOD private or unlisted at “Video Settings”. This setting, by default, restricts viewability to users who have the link to the VOD.
Remove a VOD: If you want to remove a VOD from your channel, you will be able to do so via the Video Producer area.

These settings give you maximum control over your content and its viewability.

(FAQs)

Q1: Can the VOD be saved on the Youtube?

Uploading your Twitch VODs to YouTube helps you expand your audience and preserve your content for the long term.

2. Am I able to download a VOD after the 14-day limit?

No, VODs are deleted automatically after the 14-day period passes if you’re an Affiliate. Always download them before they are erased.

3. Can I edit my VODs directly from Twitch?

Clip and highlight creations are also available from your VODs. You cannot edit the full VOD directly within the site, however. You will have to download it and edit it through an external editing site.

4. How do I stop Twitch from deleting my VODs?

You can extend your VOD to stay on the site for a longer time by becoming a Twitch Partner or Twitch Turbo user. You can also permanently save the VOD by making it a highlight.

5. Can I download VODs on mobile?

You can’t have your VODs downloaded directly from Twitch through its mobile application. You would need third-party applications or to browse on the mobile device to save the VODs.

Q6: What is the best format for downloading VODS?

Only when downloading video on demand from Twitch will the optimum format depend on exactly what you want to do with it afterward, but as follows are the most common and appropriate options-

MP4 – with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec: Best for almost all general purpose usage, which is archiving, sharing, and making an edit.
MKV (Matroska Video): Best for advanced users who wish to keep multiple audio tracks, subtitles, or metadata.
WebM (VP8/VP9 video codec + Opus audio codec): Best for streaming or web-based platforms that support WebM (such as YouTube).

Q7: How do we optimize VODs for sharing on different platforms like YouTube or social media?

VODs can be optimized for sharing on different platforms by,

Choosing the correct format and resolution ratio.
File size and Bitrate
Optimization of Audio
Add custom thumbnails for YouTube
Captions and subtitles
Trimming and Editing
Ensure Proper Metadata
Consider Platform specifications

Conclusion

Streamers need to save their VODs on Twitch to preserve their content, share highlights, or build a library of past broadcasts. The procedure above will guide you in how to ensure that your VODs are saved, managed, and accessible for future use. Whether you are saving VODs for personal use or sharing your best moments with a wider audience, mastering the process will help you get the most out of your Twitch content. Bear in mind that you should adjust settings, download VODs when you need to, and troubleshoot some common problems to continue making your experience on Twitch as smooth as possible.