Twitch IRL will let streamers share their everyday lives

Twitch has launched a brand new "IRL" (In Real Life) category to encourage streamers to share content relating to their everyday lives. 

It's an interesting move from the streaming juggernaut, which has largely focused video game content since its inception.

The company says the new category was added after creators asked for a way to interact with their viewers in a "vlog-inspired personal way, not tethered to games."

Starting today, users will be able to stream and document personal trips and events, offer updates relating to their channel, and discuss the ups and downs of everyday life.

To those wondering if this means the service is becoming more like its predecessor Justin.tv, the general interest streaming site that eventually gave birth to Twitch, the answer is a resounding "no."

"Justin.tv (JTV) was a platform created to stream random content, while Twitch has always been hyper-focused on the community and their wants," explained a company spokesperson. 

"The community's feedback then shaped the content leading to Twitch Creative, Social Eating and now IRL, while the infrastructure, features, and monetization approach of Twitch are also light years ahead of JTV."

In an effort to secure the smooth rollout of the new category, revised community guidelines will be introduced to specifically allow for the broadcasting of non-gaming content. 

Given the on-the-fly nature of IRL video, Twitch will also be bringing native streaming to the Twitch mobile app, letting users to go live directly from their phone’s camera.

Those interested can start sifting through the new IRL streams right here.