Twitch to Debut New DJ Category with 24-Hour Streaming Festival Headlined by Zedd

Twitch is set to launch its new DJ category with a global, 24-hour streaming event, as announced in a recent blog post by the company. This significant move by Twitch is seen as a way to celebrate the introduction of a dedicated space for DJs on the platform, a long-awaited development for both creators and fans.

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The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 8th, and will feature a headline DJ set by Zedd, a globally recognized producer and artist. Zedd’s performance will be streamed live from Brooklyn, where he plans to debut new music from his upcoming album, Telos, his first in nearly a decade. Alongside Zedd, the event will feature performances from other prominent artists, including ZHU, Sofi Tukker, Sam Feldt, Aluna, Cheat Codes, and HoneyLuv, among others.

Zedd expressed his excitement about the event, noting the importance of the moment as he prepares to release his next album. He also highlighted the significance of Twitch’s new DJ category, which will allow him and other artists to connect with a global audience in new ways. “Twitch has given me an opportunity to celebrate and connect with my fans worldwide during a very important time for me as I’m soon releasing my next album,” Zedd said. “I’m proud to be a part of the DJ program launch and I’m looking forward to reaching new audiences.”

The launch of this DJ category marks a pivotal moment for Twitch, particularly given the platform’s tumultuous history with DJs and music streamers. For years, DJs and other content creators faced significant challenges on Twitch due to the platform’s stringent policies on music streaming, which often resulted in takedowns, bans, and muted content. These issues stemmed from Twitch’s business model and the widespread use of copyrighted music without proper licensing, leading to frequent DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown notices.

The introduction of a dedicated DJ category is seen as a step towards addressing these challenges. It signals Twitch’s recognition of the growing demand for music streaming content and the need to create a safer, more supportive environment for DJs and other music creators. By providing a space where DJs can perform live without the constant threat of content removal, Twitch hopes to foster a more vibrant and diverse music community on its platform.

As the platform continues to evolve, this new category could open up fresh opportunities for artists to engage with their audiences in innovative ways. The 24-hour streaming event will serve as a launchpad for this new chapter, with Zedd and other artists leading the charge. Fans and viewers worldwide are invited to tune in and experience the future of music streaming on Twitch.