Maximizing Twitch Emotes: Tips on Creation, Usage Limits, and Expansion

Twitch stamps are an exciting tool that enhances the streaming atmosphere and entices viewers to want to use them in the comments section.

However, not everyone can create them right away; there are specific usage conditions such as affiliate and partner programs.

This article explains the prerequisites, limits, and the process for getting started with Twitch stamps in an easy-to-understand manner.

If you’re a streamer looking to connect more closely with your fans, this is a must-read.

Basic Information about Twitch Stamps

Twitch stamps are widely used across many channels to visually enhance the streaming experience and foster a sense of community among viewers.

Here, we’ll take a look at what Twitch stamps are and provide an overview.

  • Original images created by streamers for use on Twitch
  • Different purposes for free and paid stamps

Original Images Created by Streamers for Use on Twitch

Twitch stamps are a reaction feature where streamers can register their original images on their channels. Viewers can send stamps in the chat to share emotions such as laughter, surprise, and praise.

What sets them apart from emojis on smartphones is that streamers can create them themselves and that they can only be used in that particular channel. By designing characters or expressions unique to themselves, they create one-of-a-kind stamps.

Additionally, since usage conditions can be set, you can create exclusive stamps, such as “only available to subscribers” or “available only to those who send a certain number of bits.”

Different Purposes for Free and Paid Stamps

Twitch stamps are divided into those accessible by anyone and those exclusive to supporters. The distinctions between them are as follows:

Stamp TypeUsage ConditionsRegistration LimitMain Role
Follower StampFollow the channelUp to 5 (streamer side)Introductory for newcomers and casual viewers
Subscriber StampSubscription registration (monthly fee)Up to 60Paid benefits for repeat viewers
Bits Reward StampCheer a certain number of bitsUp to Tier 3Rewards for high-value supporters
Source: Twitch “Joining the Affiliate Program

The free follower stamp functions as an easy entry point for those just starting to watch streams. On the other hand, subscriber and bits reward stamps are effective at demonstrating support, offering the appeal of being able to “show their encouragement in tangible ways.”

Conditions for Using Twitch Stamps

To create and use Twitch stamps freely, specific participation conditions must be met. If these conditions are not fulfilled, you won’t be able to add stamps or unlock features. This section outlines the participation criteria for each program.

Participation Conditions for Twitch Affiliates

To begin using stamp features on Twitch, participation in the affiliate program is essential.

This is the first stage to starting monetization on Twitch, and you must meet all four of the following conditions:

ConditionDetails
Follower CountAt least 50
Total Streaming HoursAt least 8 hours
Streaming DaysAt least 7 days
Average Concurrent ViewersAverage of 3 or more (not including yourself)
Source: Twitch “Joining the Affiliate Program

Once you meet these conditions, an invitation message from Twitch will arrive, and upon agreeing, you can participate in the affiliate program.

After joining, you’ll be able to set up subscriber stamps and follower stamps.

Participation Conditions for Twitch Partners

Twitch Partners is a program intended for streamers above the affiliate level.

Participation is by invitation only, and Twitch sends out review invitations to streamers who meet the following criteria.

ConditionDetails
Total Streaming HoursOver 25 hours in the past 30 days
Streaming DaysAt least 12 days in the past 30 days
Average Concurrent ViewersAverage of 75 or more (excluding bots and raid viewers)
OtherCompliance with the Community Guidelines
Compliance with the Terms of Service
Compliance with the DMCA Guidelines
Source: Twitch “Tips for Applying to the Partner Program

If you have been a Twitch Partner for over 60 days, uploading stamp images will no longer require review.

If you’re aiming to further develop your streaming activities and consider monetization, refer to the following article:

>>【Complete Guide】Conditions for Monetizing Twitch Streams and How to Do It

How to Create and Increase Twitch Stamps

The process for creating and increasing Twitch stamps involves the following six steps.

  • STEP1: Review Twitch’s guidelines beforehand
  • STEP2: Design your stamp images
  • STEP3: Export in the specified file format
  • STEP4: Resize to the specified image size
  • STEP5: Upload and set the name on the stamp page
  • STEP6: Register the stamp in a slot to finish

Let’s elaborate on each step.

STEP1: Review Twitch’s Guidelines beforehand

Before creating stamps, make sure to check Twitch’s official “Emote Guidelines.”

The guidelines specify the types of images that are not allowed to be uploaded.

  • Copyright-protected characters or logos
  • Discriminatory or offensive expressions
  • Animations that include strong flashing or flickering
  • Single characters or meaningless symbols

Violations can result in not only the stamp being disallowed but also warnings on your account. Always read the guidelines before creating and refer to them throughout the creation process.

STEP2: Design Your Stamp Images

Stamps must convey meaning even in small sizes. Here are some tips for creating them:

  • Exaggerate the character’s expressions and movements
  • Add outlines and shadows to distinguish from the background
  • Ensure that the meaning is complete within a single stamp

When designing, base your stamps on reactions common during streams, such as “Thank you,” “Nice,” or “That’s amazing,” to enhance their usability.

Recommended tools for creating stamps include the following two:

Tool NameFeatures
CanvaRich templates / Browser-based / Beginner-friendly
CLIP STUDIO PAINTProfessional drawing functions / Animation support / Used by pros

With Canva, you can intuitively create using a square canvas online. CLIP STUDIO offers a variety of pens and brushes, allowing for GIF animations and detailed depictions.

STEP3: Export in the Specified File Format

The file formats required for images differ between static and animated stamps.

TypeFile FormatBackgroundSize Limit
Standard Stamp (Static Image)PNGTransparentMax 1MB for each size
AnimationGIFTransparentAuto Conversion: Max 1MB, Manual Conversion: 512KB × 3 sizes
Source: Twitch “Stamp Guidelines

Always ensure that the background is saved as transparent. If it’s left with a white or black background, it may look unnatural in Twitch’s dark or light UI.

STEP4: Resize to the Specified Image Size

Twitch stamps can either have all three sizes prepared for “manual upload” or utilize an automatic conversion with one high-resolution image.

The specific image sizes are as follows:

Upload FormatImage Size
Manual・112×112px
・56×56px
・28×28px
AutomaticBetween 112px and 4,096px
Source: Twitch “Stamp Guidelines

In either case, the following conditions must be met:

  • Aspect ratio of 1:1 (square)
  • PNG format
  • Transparent background
  • Within 1MB

If you want to prioritize image quality, it’s better to manually prepare three sizes, which can prevent blurriness and provide a more stable look.

STEP5: Upload and Set the Name on the Stamp Page

After logging into Twitch, upload your stamp following these steps:

1. Click on the icon in the upper right → “Creator Dashboard”
2. In the left menu, select “Viewer Rewards” → “Stamps”
3. Add images from “Upload New”
4. Set the stamp name using letters and numbers (e.g., arigato1)

Stamp names may be typed in the chat, so a short and clear name is ideal.

STEP6: Register the Stamp in a Slot to Finish

After uploading, assign each stamp to a slot to make them publicly visible.

Select an available slot and assign the uploaded stamp to see it reflected immediately.

To enable instant publication (no review needed), you must be an affiliate or partner and have streamed for over 60 days in the past 2 years. If there are violations of Twitch policies, you will not have “instant upload rights,” preventing immediate publication.

Limits on Twitch Stamps

The number of stamps you can register on Twitch is not unlimited and is capped depending on the streamer’s status.

The specifics are as follows:

  • Affiliates can have up to 10, Partners can have up to 60
  • Increasing subscriber points will unlock slots

Affiliates can have up to 10, Partners can have up to 60

The maximum number of stamp slots differs between affiliates and partners on Twitch. The distinctions are as per the following table:

Streamer StatusInitial Slot Count (at 0 points)Max Slot Count
Affiliate5 slots10 slots
Partner10 slots60 slots
Source: Twitch “Stamp Slots

Affiliates can also expand to a maximum of 10 slots by increasing subscriber points, but if you want to use a large number of stamps, you’ll need to aim to become a partner.

Unlock Slots with Increased Subscriber Points

On Twitch, stamp slots are unlocked gradually based on unique metrics called “subscriber points.”

The point system is as follows:

Subscriber TierSubscriber Points
Tier 11 point
Tier 22 points
Tier 36 points
Source: Twitch “Stamp Slots

Every time the points reach certain milestones, additional stamp slots will be automatically added.

Tips for Using Twitch Stamps to Shorten the Distance with Fans

How you handle Twitch stamps during your streams can greatly influence your closeness with fans and the atmosphere of the community.

Here, I will share ways to react to stamps during streams and ideas for their use.

React in Real-Time to Viewers’ Stamp Usage

When viewers send stamps during a stream, it’s essential to acknowledge them as quickly as possible.

For example, if a smiley stamp appears, saying something like, “Did that get a laugh? Thank you!” makes viewers feel recognized and that their presence matters.

Since stamps extend emotional expressions, a lack of response may lead to them not being used, but a reply creates a sense of connection. Especially for first-time viewers, reacting can encourage them to follow or subscribe.

Turn Inside Jokes into Stamps

Stamps are excellent for embodying classic jokes or catchphrases that arise within the stream. Illustrating words unique to the stream creates insider content that regulars can enjoy even more.

Understanding “I know this stamp = I am watching this stream” strengthens the community sense.

Reviewing past archives and picking scenes with lots of comments or exciting reactions for stamp creation can be effective.

Publicize Stamps on Social Media

Once you create your stamps, don’t keep them confined to Twitch. Post them on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram. By adding images along with announcements like “New stamps added!” you can greatly enhance the visual impact and likelihood of sharing.

Incorporating stamps into your streaming announcement images brings coherence and emphasizes your originality throughout the post.

If you have subscriber-exclusive stamps, you could say, “If you want to use this stamp, consider subscribing,” subtly guiding people toward monetization.

Also, if you can display viewer comments on the stream, the synergy with stamps can create even more vibrant engagement. For those looking to display comments using OBS, the following article may help:

>>【Must-read for Twitch Streamers】4 Ways to Display Comments Using OBS

Conclusion

This article covered the usage conditions, limits, and procedures for creating and utilizing Twitch stamps.

Stamps are a powerful tool to enhance the streaming atmosphere and bridge the gap between you and your audience.

By meeting usage conditions and crafting unique stamps, you can significantly enrich your streaming community.

If you’re looking to invest more in platforms beyond just Twitch, consider checking the following article as well.

>>Steps to Simultaneously Stream on Twitch and YouTube Using OBS

What to Do After Creating Twitch Stamps?

Once you can freely use Twitch stamps, why not consider enhancing your stream layout as well?
With the streaming screen design service “Alive Studio,” you can intuitively create a unique streaming screen in no time.

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“I want to further enhance my entire streaming experience along with the stamps!” or “I want my screen design to reflect my personality!”
If that sounds like you, be sure to try “Alive Studio.”

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About the Author

Streamer Magazine Team

“Streamer Magazine” is a web media platform that supports those interested in VTubers and streaming creators, those who are active in streaming, and those who want to start streaming. We provide a wide range of enjoyable information for everyone, from beginners to experienced streamers.

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