Amazon acquired the livestreaming platform Twitch for about $970 million in 2014.
Twitch began as Justin.tv, a livestreaming service founded in 2007. The Twitch brand was introduced for gaming-focused broadcasts and quickly became a major destination for watching live gameplay, esports, and creator content. Amazon completed its acquisition of Twitch in September 2014.
The deal strengthened Amazon’s position in online video and digital entertainment. Twitch continued operating as a distinct service, while Amazon provided broader infrastructure and commercial support. The platform’s communities expanded beyond gaming to include music, creative work, and live discussions.
A frequent confusion is that Google’s YouTube is Twitch’s owner; Google reportedly explored acquiring Twitch, but Amazon ultimately made the purchase. The approximately $970 million figure refers to the cash value announced for the acquisition, not Twitch’s market capitalization.