Open Creator Dashboard → Viewer Rewards → Emotes, choose an emote category and empty slot, upload a compliant PNG or GIF, enter the code, and submit it. Twitch normally reviews the upload before viewers can use it; eligible Affiliates and Partners may have instant-upload access.
This guide covers subscriber, follower, animated and Bits-related emotes, file specifications, slot assignment and the fixes for missing or rejected emotes.
Before you start
- Confirm that Viewer Rewards → Emotes is visible in your Creator Dashboard. Twitch’s May 13, 2026 Monetization for All update expanded emote access to eligible streamers globally, but features remain account-specific.
- Prepare a square image with transparency where appropriate and a unique emote code.
- Decide whether the design is for subscriber tiers, follower emotes, Bits rewards or an animated slot. These are separate categories.
Twitch’s help documentation describes emote access for monetized streamers, while Affiliates and Partners receive additional benefits. A non-Affiliate or non-Partner monetized streamer can generally use channel emotes on that channel, not across Twitch. If the Emotes page is absent, check onboarding and account eligibility rather than assuming Affiliate status is universally required.
How to upload a standard Twitch emote
- Sign in to Twitch and open Creator Dashboard.
- Choose Viewer Rewards in the left sidebar, then select Emotes.
- Open Subscriber Emotes (or the relevant category) and choose the tier: Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3.
- If prompted, create or confirm your channel’s emote prefix. The final code combines that prefix with your chosen code, such as
prefixLove. - Click the + in an empty slot. You can upload directly to the slot or choose Upload New to place the design in your Emote Library first.
- Select Auto-Resize Mode for one source file, or Manual Mode for three size-specific files.
- Enter the emote code (for example,
Love), select Upload Emote, and check the resulting full code. - If the file went to the Library, assign it to an open slot. A Library item is not active until it occupies a slot.
- Check whether the slot is active or marked pending. Viewers cannot use a normally reviewed emote while it is pending. See Twitch’s Subscriber Emote Guide for the current interface.
Twitch emote file requirements
| Type | Files and dimensions | Limits | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static, Auto-Resize | One square PNG, 112×112 to 4096×4096 px | Under 1 MB; transparent background recommended by Twitch | Fast uploads from one clean master |
| Static, Manual | Three square PNGs: 28×28, 56×56 and 112×112 px | Each under 100 KB | Redrawing text, outlines or details for small sizes |
| Animated, Auto-Resize | One square GIF, 112×112 to 4096×4096 px | Under 1 MB; maximum 60 frames and no more than three flashes or flickers per second | One animated master file |
| Animated, Manual | GIFs at 28×28, 56×56 and 112×112 px | Each up to 512 KB; maximum 60 frames and no more than three flashes or flickers per second | Precise control at each display size |
Use a large, sharp source for Auto-Resize rather than enlarging a tiny 28×28 image. Manual mode takes longer but often keeps facial features and lettering readable. Every manual file must depict the same design.
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How to add animated emotes
Upload a square GIF through the same Emotes page. Twitch uses the first frame as the default thumbnail; you may supply a custom static thumbnail that meets the standard emote requirements. Twitch also offers optional Easy Animate effects such as shake, rave, roll, spin, slide in and slide out. These effects are optional, not a substitute for meeting GIF limits. Details are in Twitch’s Emote Formatting and Instant Upload Requirements and Animated Emotes guidance.
How to add follower emotes
Follower emotes are a separate free tier documented for Partners and Affiliates. In Creator Dashboard → Viewer Rewards → Emotes, you can upload a design, assign an existing Library emote or use a Twitch default. You can select up to five follower emotes.
- A viewer must follow the channel to unlock one.
- A non-subscribing follower can use it only in the channel where it was unlocked.
- A subscriber may use unlocked follower emotes outside that channel.
- Follower emotes are available in Twitch mobile apps.
Having subscriber-emote access does not automatically mean the follower-emote tier is enabled.
Rank #2
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- [XLR Connection Upgrade-Ability] To use XLR connection, connect the podcast microphone to an audio interface (or mixer) using a separate XLR cable (NOT Included) . Well-connected and smooth operation improves audio flexibility to make you explore various types of music recording singing. The streaming mic isolates the pristine and accurate sound from ambient noise with greater no interference and fidelity. (RGB and function key on mic are INACTIVE when using XLR connection.)
- [USB Connection with Handy Mute] Skip the hassle of setting something up and plug the cable to play the dynamic USB microphone directly, which suits for beginner creators or daily podcast. You can quickly control the gamer mic with tap-to-mute that is independent of computer/Macbook programs to keep privacy when live streaming. LED mute reminder helps you get rid of forgetting to cancel the mute. (RGB and function key are only available for USB connection, but NOT for XLR connection)
- [Soothing Controllable RGB] RGB ring on the desktop gaming microphone for PC, with 3 modes and more than 10 light colors collection, matches your PC gears accessories for gaming synergy even in dim room. You can control the RGB key button of the dynamic microphone USB directly for game color scheme gaming or live streaming. Configured memory function, the streaming microphone RGB no need to repeated selections after turnning off and brings itself alive when power on. (Only available for USB connection)
- [More Function Keys] Computer microphone with headphones jack upgrades your rhythm game experience and gets feedback whether the real-time voice your audience hear as expected. Get the desired level via monitoring volume control when gaming recording. Smooth mic gain knob on the PC microphone gaming has some resistance to the point, easily for audio attenuation or boost presence to less post-production audio. (Only available for USB connection)
Bits rewards and Cheermotes
Bits reward emotes have their own slots and approval process; uploading a subscriber emote does not create a Bits reward. Custom Cheermotes are a Partner benefit. Consult Twitch’s Creator Dashboard documentation and Bits reward slot guidance for category-specific controls.
Assign, move or remove emotes
- Assign: Select an open slot and choose an item from the Emote Library.
- Rearrange: Use drag-and-drop where available, or enter a position manually in the slot controls.
- Move tiers: Return the item to the Library, then assign it to an open slot in another tier.
- Remove: Remove the active slot assignment without necessarily deleting the underlying Library asset.
Why your Twitch emote is not showing
It is pending or gray
Pending status means Twitch review is not complete; viewers cannot use the emote yet. Confirm format, dimensions, file size, transparency and code validity, then wait rather than repeatedly uploading duplicates. Instant upload is limited to eligible Affiliates and Partners and can be revoked.
It uploaded but does not work
- The design is in the Library but not assigned to an active slot.
- The viewer is not subscribed to the required tier or has not followed for a follower emote.
- The wrong full code or channel prefix was entered.
- An animated manual upload is missing one of the three required sizes.
- The chat client has not refreshed; test in the channel’s own chat after approval.
The upload button or Emotes page is missing
Check that you are in Viewer Rewards, complete any monetization onboarding, and verify which category is enabled. Twitch rolls out features by account, so access to subscriber emotes does not guarantee follower or Bits controls.
Rank #3
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- [Cool Lighting Design] Two-tone automatic gradient RGB makes your PC windows microphone icing on the cake. With soft and coordinated light effects, your game video or live streaming will be more rainbow eye-catching via the USB mic with boom arm. Make your channel stands out from ranking list. If you are just a game player, the rich RGB on the stream microphone for PC matching with your flowing colors computer accessories can meet the needs of more game atmosphere.
- [Easier Function Use] Setting touch-mute button on the top can be easily tapped with one hand, instead of holding the computer microphone for gaming to press a button. Quick mute will not affect your Macbook computer keyboard operation, nor making a ticking sound. The big volume knob control at the bottom of Youtuber microphone makes fine-tuning easier, and you can adjust the volume on the boom stream mic for gaming at will without leaving sights from the game screen.
- [Original Sound Reproduction] Working with upgraded condenser USB cardioid microphone capsule, A6T can achieve energetic and warm vocal, which makes it sound like you and your teammates are playing in the same room. Cardioid polar pattern streaming microphone is sensitive to pick up and owns high recognize to the front voice which reduce the noise from the back of gaming microphone. The PC microphone gaming is very suitable for tactical games to effectively improve communication with teammates.
- [Effective Accessories] With wide extensibility, the PC mic with boom arm is great for gamers who have various items on desk. You can pull the podcast microphone near by your mouth when in use, or fold it away to save more space, which give nearly 180° up and down rotation for suitable position. Shock mount on the gaming microphone loosen, further reducing machine noises and vibrations caused by gaming. External detachable pop filter reduce popping noise but not block the computer game screen.
The emote was rejected
Review Twitch’s Emote Guidelines. Artwork must not include prohibited sexual, hateful, harassing or drug-related content, and it must respect copyright, trademark, privacy and publicity rights. A meme, purchased image or recognizable character is not automatically licensed for a commercial channel emote.
Prefix changes
A prefix is required for emote management. Twitch states that Partners in good standing can update theirs once every 60 days. Other monetized streamers may have a one-time change option after changing a username; rejoining Affiliate does not automatically create a new prefix. Verify the current prefix in the Emotes dashboard before announcing codes.
How to make Twitch emotes
Create the artwork yourself
Draw a bold silhouette, strong contrast and a simple expression that survives 28×28 display. Export transparent PNGs or a compliant GIF, then test each size in chat.
Rank #4
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- [Quick Mute Button, Handy Gain Knob] Immediately silence the USB microphone with a tap, preventing emotional outbursts to maintain a positive team atmosphere. RGB off when muted to indicate status and prevent streaming accidents. Mic volume control conveniently located on the condenser microphone is intuitive to use. You can speak at a comfortable level without shouting or whispering during game.
- [Gradient RGB] Bicolored RGB cycles through 7 gradient colors automatically. Vivid lighting on the FIFINE microphone for PC enhances your glowing rig for a carnival atmosphere, immersing you in the intense game arena. The computer microphone for desktop with fixed light modes achieves a personalized experience without visual clutter, randomly matching game characters for surprise color combos.
- [Plug and Play] The PS5 microphone is easy to install and compatible with PS4, desktop, laptop and mainstream operating systems like Windows/Mac OS, without extra software. Quickly start game chat on Discord, Team and Zoom, or stream on OBS, Streamlabs and Twitch platforms. The gaming microphone PC coming with 6.6ft-long detachable USB cable ensures no interruptions or connectivity issues, even if your computer host is under the desk.
- [Useful Accessories] The podcast microphone features durable construction. Anti-vibration shock mount with four rubber bands absorbs tremor from keyboard taps and mouse clicks. The detachable pop filter reduces plosives caused by excited speech during gaming. The stable tripod stand with rubber feet allows for optimal recording positioning via an adjustable thumbscrew, whether you're leaning back or in.
Use a design tool
Canva’s Twitch emote maker supports browser-based design. Canva says Free elements may be used under its terms, while Pro elements are not covered for emote use under its stated licensing terms; library content cannot be resold or redistributed. Check the element license for every asset.
Use templates or generators
OWN3D Emote Maker offers prebuilt customization, while its Animated Emote Maker targets quick motion effects. Its AI Emote Maker is positioned as a free, credit-based starting point. These tools can speed production but may offer less exclusivity or control; confirm commercial rights and export limits.
Commission an artist
For distinctive branding, request transparent files at 28×28, 56×56 and 112×112 (and a larger master if desired), plus explicit written commercial-use rights. Licensing and originality matter more than merely meeting Twitch’s pixel dimensions.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you add Twitch emotes without Affiliate?
Eligible streamers outside Affiliate and Partner can receive emote tools under Twitch’s 2026 expansion, but access is account-specific. Check whether Viewer Rewards → Emotes appears; follower emotes remain documented for Partners and Affiliates.
How long does approval take?
Twitch confirms that ordinary uploads require review but does not guarantee a fixed number of hours or days. Instant upload is limited to eligible creators.
Can I upload from the Twitch mobile app?
The documented management path is the desktop Creator Dashboard. Follower emotes can be used in mobile apps, but upload controls may not appear there.
Can I use copyrighted characters?
Only with the necessary permission or license. Twitch’s rules cover copyright, trademark, privacy and publicity rights, so recognizable characters and downloaded memes can be rejected.
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The Bottom Line
Use Creator Dashboard → Viewer Rewards → Emotes, choose the correct category and slot, upload a properly sized PNG or GIF, and verify that the Library item is assigned and approved. If it is missing, check eligibility, tier, code, file requirements and review status before uploading again.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
