Justin.tv is deleting all video archives on June 15

Justin.tv announced that they’re going to delete all archived videos next week. They are also killing the Premium account option and the ability to record live video streams. According to the company, people just don’t watch recorded videos that much. They say that more than half  are never watched while the most popular are watched only 10 times or fewer. This seems like a pretty strange and reckless move on their part. And is yet another example of a lot of hard work potentially getting thrown out the window and just turned off. The official statement coming from the folks at Justin.tv can be read below.

Over the last few months, our staff has been reviewing data surrounding our archive and VOD (Video on Demand) system. We found that more than half of our VODs are unwatched (with 0 or 1 total views), while the vast majority are rarely watched (with 10 or less views). This data was essential in better understanding how our service is being used.  Even when adding the direct upload to YouTube functionality, we found this feature was seldom used.  It’s quite clear: JTV is a home for live broadcasts.  Viewers come to justin.tv because they want to consume content and interact with their communities in real-time.” “So, taking into consideration the above findings and countless discussions, we have concluded to remove all archiving after June 15, 2014. This means that live broadcasts will no longer be recorded,” they’ve also added.

This news follows some very interesting rumors that surfaced last month regarding Justin.tv’s video-game streaming website, Twitch.tv. The rumors suggest that Youtube is considering to buy Twitch for more than $1 billion. “Sources familiar with the pact” are claiming that this acquisition will be announced very soon. If completed, this will mark the most significant acquisition in the history of Youtube. A deal such as this is not easy to pull off however, and might be challenged by U.S. regulators. There are concerns that the acquisition might be seen as anti-competitive. Official sources have declined to comment on this for the moment. When asked about it, Twitch’s PR Director issued the following statement: “For those asking about the story today, Twitch doesn’t comment on rumors.”

While the acquisition isn’t confirmed yet, Justin.tv’s decision to delete all video archives most certainly is. This is most unfortunate news for everybody who was relying on the website, even if they weren’t many. Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest news and updates.