Major Twitch update splits viewers with controversial new layout
Twitch has rolled out a significant new browser layout on the desktop version of the streaming site. While some have praised it for its benefits, others don’t like the new navigation, and even accused it of being a method to show more ads – which Twitch has refuted.
Despite being over 10 years old since the Justin.tv days, Twitch’s desktop experience has remained largely unchanged throughout that time – a sign of great design to start with.
There have of course been updates, such as improved chat appearance and better stream quality, but the navigation of the site has always remained fairly similar.
This changed on June 21, when a newbrowser layoutwas introduced. When browsing through a game’s directory, the most popular stream in the category will autoplay at the top, taking up over 50% of the screen space.
It will display chat on the right-hand side, and after a minute or so, the stream will pause, giving you the option to ‘go to stream’ directly, or go ‘next’ to see the next most popular stream.
Twitch update proves divisive
Streamer Lowco praised the new layout for boosting discoverability – something that smaller creators argue has been lacking.
Because you may now see a preview of the stream before committing, it might encourage viewers to check out a new channel more often.
MASSIVE TWITCH UPDATE: Twitch is experimenting with a whole new way to browse streams. This looks to be a game-changer for the viewer experience and a big win for smaller creators!
Here’s what it looks like and why I think it’s so good ⬇️pic.twitter.com/GgpmV5tWeQ
— Lowco (@LowcoTV)July 18, 2025
However, while the discoverability argument might be valid, some have complained about the layout itself being cumbersome, and difficult to scroll through the available streams, as well as the autoplay with sound being off-putting.
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I don’t like this new Twitch update lol
How you don’t see every channel streaming in that category at once now and have to click the arrows to cycle through to different rows of streams to browse people streaming in that category.. Liked the old way better. Just my opinionpic.twitter.com/HdA9otbZlq
— Lex (@YourPalLex)July 21, 2025
Twitch sure loves its updates that make the site less usable and boy is this a big one. Giant unmutable auto play that takes up half the screen. Also sort by no longer saves the preference@Twitch
— Knight Set (@KnightSet)July 15, 2025
Some have also suggested this new layout could be an opportunity for Twitch to show more ads, thanks to the autoplay function.
Twitch so desperate for ad-money they auto-play the top stream now every category you enter? This layout ass wtfpic.twitter.com/MkGy2OfjKR
— Hac1 (@DonHaci)June 08, 2025
However, Twitch has publicly clarified that pre-roll ads will not play at all in this view, meaning this complaint shouldn’t actually be of any concern.
Confirmed by Twitch staff: no ads will be shown when browsing streams through this update. Huge Whttps://t.co/9e8brXi99Q
— Lowco 🏳️🌈 (@LowcoTV)July 20, 2025
Twitch will be taking feedback on board, and potentially making more updates to the new layout. Right now, it’s not available for everyone, so it may just be in a testing phase still.
