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Instagram is offering up to $500,000 to select creators to post long-form video on its new Features product, according to Business Insider.

Instagram wants what YouTube has — and it's willing to pay up to get it.

In an effort to persuade content creators to post long-form video on Instagram, the company is paying a select number of creators hefty sums, according to people familiar with the deals.

Not every deal is equal. The Meta-owned platform has offered select creators $50,000 to post long-form video to its new "Features" product, while others have been offered six-figure deals, some of which have reached $500,000, Business Insider exclusively learned.

"We've been public about the fact that we are funding Features content directly with some creators right now to support them," a Meta spokesperson told Business Insider. "The details of those deals are confidential, but we're excited to see the content going live."

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 11h

Reddit is shifting to become a 'logged-in' experience.

About that login screen
I want to talk about a big change we're making on Reddit: we're going to evolve Reddit to being a primarily logged-in experience.

This is a big change for Reddit, where we've allowed logged-out access to basically all of Reddit for the last two decades. And I don’t know about you, but as someone whose life has been defined by the open internet, it’s a big change for me. But I've come to the conclusion that this is the right decision for our platform and the right decision for our business. I wanted you all to hear directly from me about why.

TL;DR We’re making the change because it’s better for user experience, better for our ads business, is more in line with safety regulations, and more protective of Reddit data. And we can do this while continuing to ensure user privacy.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 28/10/2026

In the ongoing saga of Twitch's Sponsorship product taking advantage of creators, several sponsors in recent weeks have NOT offered game keys as part of the Sponsorship. Creators are expected to buy the game themselves, which often costs more than the Sponsorship pays.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 28/10/2026

Twitch is testing a loot box system for emotes. These Legendary emotes are 'rare versions of global emotes'. You get a Premium Emote Chest when you Gift Subs. You get a Regular Emote Chest when you hit Watch Streaks. Only available on select channels in the US and Germany.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 27/10/2026

Twitch will soon run paid ads featuring Partner Clips (from Stories, aka Recaps) on other platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube. (It's unclear whether these will be actual paid ads or posts by clipper accounts.)

As part of this Recaps Spotlight, Twitch’s distribution partners may select standout clips from a streamer’s Stream Recap and share them on their social media accounts on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Every promoted clip credits the streamer and points viewers back to their Twitch channel, so someone discovering a great moment can also discover the community behind it.

Streamers who want to participate can do so through their Clip Settings on Web. There’s no cost to the streamer. The more consistently a streamer reviews and curates their Stream Recaps, the more content is available to be considered.

Recaps Spotlight is rolling out to Partners only over the next couple of days. We’re using this initial phase to learn, and develop the program. As the program evolves, opportunities could be open to Affiliates in the future.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 27/10/2026

Bluesky is testing new sorted notifications.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 27/10/2026

YouTube is testing a $20 payment threshold (instead of $100) for some creators in the USA, India, and Indonesia. Creators will receive a notification if they are part of the experiment.

[October 26, 2026] Testing lower payment threshold for YouTube earnings: To offer creators more flexibility, we’re temporarily running an experiment that lowers the minimum payment threshold to receive payments from $100 USD to $20 USD (or local currency equivalent). This will be applied starting from October 2026 payments for a randomly selected group of creators in the U.S., India and Indonesia.

Creators in this experiment will receive a notification and can track their updated payment activity in YouTube Studio on mobile. If you’re a creator in this experiment and prefer a higher payout threshold, you can change your payment threshold in AdSense for YouTube.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 26/10/2026

Instagram is testing horizontal long-form videos (up to 90 minutes) with select creators in the USA. They are calling it Features, and viewing will be available on both Mobile and Instagram TV.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 25/10/2026

Twitch is experimenting with using its front page as an Amazon Luna promotional vehicle, pushing creator discovery down a shelf.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 25/10/2026

Twitch is experimenting with replacing sidebar discovery with "Play on Luna" links right under your followed channels. Historically, Twitch has interchanged creator discovery and category discovery in this position.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 24/10/2026

My Unofficial Twitchcon San Diego 2026 Floor Map!

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 23/10/2026

OpenAI and Twitch are teaming up to see what developers can build for the Twitch community with AI. The top five will be featured at Twitchcon.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 22/10/2026

They updated the Help Article AFTER I published.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 22/10/2026

They have since removed these from the Help Article. But when I shared this, they were there.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 22/10/2026

At the time of publishing this, this is what Twitch's page said:

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 22/10/2026

Btw, you can get an additional discount on almost anything (and most places worldwide) using code ZACHBUSSEY at checkout, including on already discounted items!

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 22/10/2026

Big thank you to @logitechgaming.bsky.social! Brand new Fall/Winter 2026-27 content plans unlocked! Spartacus and I are going driving! @streamlabs.com, got any reactive overlays for driving games? #Gifted #Ad

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 21/10/2026

Twitch is launching a Piñata Emote feature. Piñatas are a new community event that requires Subs, Gift Subs, or Cheer Bits to unlock a 24-hour emote for the whole channel. The creator uploads the emote that unlocks.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 21/10/2026

Nice of you to make assumptions, pal. Doing the exact same thing you're accusing me of. Up until 14 hours ago, the help documentation listed it as being automated and AI-driven:

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 21/10/2026

You can now opt out of the clips being automatically added to your Stories. dashboard.twitch.tv/settings/str...

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 20/10/2026

Twitch is renaming the Stories function to Recaps. Recaps will now be automatically generated using signals to find high-quality moments, as well as clips you or your editors make. You can remove Clips from Recaps. Recaps will autoplay in the mobile live feed.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 20/10/2026

Ibai's La Velada del Año is now an exclusive on Netflix for the next three years. Ibai started the event on Twitch in 2021 and has set new platform peak-viewership records nearly every year. Now, it won't be available on the platform at all.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 20/10/2026

Spotify is launching Memberships for Podcasters, allowing them to offer ad-free listening, early access, and other exclusive perks. Creators get a 90% membership split.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 19/10/2026

Discord is experimenting with a new Friends List that lets you sort by Active, Game, or Alphabetical.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 16/10/2026

Twitch has started taking action against some Badge Farm channels, issuing temporary suspensions to some and warnings to others. A good start for the platform, which hopefully translates into consistent enforcement.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 16/10/2026

Twitter X is testing a new Video Kickstart Bonus that offers creators a guaranteed payout as long as they post 15 Short Vertical videos on 15 different days in a 30-day period. The program is invite-only and is rolling out over the coming days. Invites close October 30.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 16/10/2026

YouTube is introducing a new Shorts bonus program for select creators in specific regions, giving them more ways to earn as their channels grow. The program is invite-only and will appear in your Studio notifications or via email.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 15/10/2026

Vaultbreakers ended its Badge campaign on Twitch because of Badge Farming channels. 75% of the most-watched Vaultbreaker channels are Badge Farm channels. This occurs on practically every Drops campaign on the platform - they don't reward creators.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 15/10/2026

Twitch Sponsorship AI "Campaign Assist" is now fully implemented and will warn you in the Activity Feed if you mention things like Explicit Language, Alcohol, Drugs, politics, and other issues when doing Twitch's low-paying sponsorships.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 15/10/2026

I'm putting together my annual list of Twitchcon 2026 events. If you're hosting an event OR have a creator opportunity, feel free to DM me with details. (Though I'm pretty good at casting a wide net to find everything going on!)

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 14/10/2026

Twitchcon San Diego 2026 Sponsor List Streamlabs Logitech G aiFuzzbot Amazon Prime Video American Heart Association ASUS Audible Avermedia Blerp BYO Lightsaber Capcom Codex CptnAlex DEsigns Crafters Guild Destream DNA Hair Tools Duality Business DualStream Eero Ehlers Danlos Society Elf Cosmetics

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 13/10/2026

Twitch is testing a small reward perk for using Spendable Balance. When you pay with your Twitch earnings, you will get 5%+ back as Reward Balance. Some offers are larger (~10%) if you spend more than $10 USD. You can only spend Spendable Balance + Reward Balance on Twitch.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 13/10/2026

Twitch will soon add a new moderation feature called "Chat Noise Reduction." The optional feature will let you restrict languages and set limits on message length, capital letters, ASCII art, repetitive posts, and more.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 13/10/2026

Amazon is in talks to buy the real-time video generation tool Decart for $7 billion. Decart had a prominent presence at Twitchcon Rotterdam 2026 and San Diego 2025, where it showed off its live video generation tool.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 12/10/2026

YouTube is testing a Desktop viewing experience that adds the comments section to the page's right sidebar. Details: www.androidauthority.com/youtube-desk...

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 06/10/2026

Google has expanded Search Profile for Creators eligibility to Canada and India. You need 10,000 followers on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter (X), or TikTok to be eligible. Brazil will be added soon. creators.google

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 06/10/2026

Roughly 45 Amazon Live streamers have been whitelisted to use the feature, which also displays the products they are selling in a banner on Twitch.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 06/10/2026

Twitch is experimenting with a Shopping category (and a top nav link) for Amazon Live streamers in the USA. Currently, six Amazon Live streamers have a combined 65 viewers. Buying something today? Use my affiliate link before you check out. amzn.to/4jqzPlF

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 04/10/2026

Twitch Overview: dashboard.twitch.tv/analytics?en... Then just switch the dates for each year.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 04/10/2026

Shroud recently talked about how quiet chats are in 2026. I was curious, so I ran my channel numbers and compared every September from 2018 to 2026. From September 2026 to September 2018... ⏱️ Chats per Minute Watched: Down 86%. 👀 Chats per Viewer: Down 87%. ⌛ Chats per Hour Streamed: Down 52%.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 02/10/2026

For sure. It may also be that Twitch is successfully converting the 'TikTok children' that Clancy has been aiming to bring to the platform. They don't tend to spend. From my 2025 Predictions Post:

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 02/10/2026

September 2026 (Year-over-Year) Twitch Stats Last month was good for viewership, despite a big drop in active streamers. Less competition for views! Alas, those viewers aren't spending as estimated SUBtember self-paid subs were down. Check out @streamlabs.com latest updates and sponsorships! #ad

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 02/10/2026

YouTube is changing the Shorts algorithm to prioritize Original Content. (RIP Clippers) YouTube says creators need to: 1. Focus on Originality. 2. Add a Unique Perspective. You'll get fewer views until you add real value through commentary/storytelling/unique edits.

Prioritizing original content on Shorts
Blog
Hi everyone,

Our recommendation systems are designed to connect viewers with videos they find genuinely valuable. We evaluate billions of signals—including watch history, topic interests, and engagement—to ensure the best possible experience for viewers.

To improve the Shorts experience for everyone, we’re updating our recommendation systems to further prioritize original content and reduce the reach of content re-uploaded from other creators without adding anything of your own. This update to our recommendation systems delivers a better experience for viewers while ensuring creators publishing original content have the best chance to grow and succeed. This change is also aligned with our existing YouTube policies.

What this means for you
Focus on originality: Channels identified as primarily aggregating or re-uploading other creators’ videos without significant changes will likely see less distribution within the Shorts feed. If you use clips from another creator, make sure you're adding real value through your own original commentary, unique edits, or storytelling.
Add your own unique perspective or take: Creative formats are a vibrant part of YouTube. Rather than making minor technical edits or template-based changes simply to alter a video, focus on bringing your own voice, storytelling, or distinct point of view to the conversation.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 01/10/2026

Twitch has dramatically expanded access to Streamer Shouts. Streamer Shouts lets streamers send direct messages to viewers in a variety of categories. Viewers will receive these messages in their Shouts Inbox beside their Whispers.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 01/10/2026

You can now add the "Stream-o-ween" event tag if you stream Horror Games, Just Chatting, IRL, Art, Music, DJs, Food & Drink, or GRWM content. Adding it may feature you on a discovery shelf on the homepage.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 01/10/2026

Shameless... If you don't have Amazon Prime in the USA, sign up for a free month (or the free 7-day trial); I'll get $40 from Bezos. > amzn.to/4dfB8ji

An image of bezos' head poorly photoshopped onto a body as money falls around him. Forty dollars of that money could be mine for getting a free trial - so I'm shamelessly posting about it because $40 USD as a Canadian is like $57! And we're in a trade war with the US right now... so it's kinda like a double dip in that money coming to Canada!

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 01/10/2026

If the channel you are searching for isn't live, the search results still include VODs and Clips.

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Zach Bussey 🍁 @zachbussey.tos.gg · 01/10/2026

Twitch Search has been improved to be more media-driven. Search will now deliver a thumbnail if the stream is live, along with direct links to recent broadcasts and popular clips when it matches a broadcaster's name.

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