How To Enable Channel Points On Twitch

Introduction.

If you’re streaming on Twitch, one of the best ways to keep your community engaged is by offering Channel Points.

These little rewards can make your viewers feel appreciated and encourage them to stick around longer. Channel Points also let your audience interact with your stream in fun, creative ways.

If you’re wondering how to enable them, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from turning on Channel Points to customizing them to fit your stream’s personality.

Why Channel Points Matter

Twitch is a massive platform, with millions of creators vying for attention. Channel Points give your viewers something extra—something that sets your channel apart.

These points allow your audience to unlock rewards, highlight their messages, or even make fun requests like asking you to drink water or change your outfit.

It’s not just about keeping your viewers entertained, though. Channel Points also encourage participation.

People love to feel like they’re part of the action, and earning rewards for watching your stream is a win-win. Even if someone is new to your channel, these points give them an immediate reason to stick around.

How Do I Enable Channel Points on Twitch?

Enabling Channel Points is pretty simple, but you’ll need to be a Twitch Affiliate or Partner to use them.

If you’re still working toward that goal, focus on growing your channel first—this feature will be waiting for you when you get there.

Here’s how you can enable Channel Points:

Log Into Your Twitch Dashboard
Head over to your Twitch dashboard. This is the main control center for managing your stream and its settings.
Navigate to Channel Points Settings
On the left-hand menu, click “Viewer Rewards”, then select “Channel Points.”
Enable Channel Points
You’ll see a toggle to turn on Channel Points. Click it, and the feature is now active for your stream.
Customize Your Points
Twitch provides a default icon and name for Channel Points, but this is where you can add a personal touch. Change the name of your points to match your channel’s theme or vibe. For example, if your channel is about space exploration, you might call them “Galactic Tokens.”
Set Up Rewards
Scroll down to the “Manage Rewards” section. Twitch offers pre-made rewards like Highlight My Message or Unlock a Random Sub Emote, but you can also create custom rewards. Think about what your audience would enjoy the most—maybe it’s a shoutout, a song request, or a special activity during your stream.
Save Your Settings
Once everything is set, hit Save to lock in your changes. Your Channel Points are now live!

Tips for Customizing Channel Points

Customizing your Channel Points makes a big difference. Here are some tips to get the most out of this feature:

Choose a Fun Icon
Your Channel Points icon should stand out. You can upload a custom image (112×112 pixels is the recommended size) that reflects your channel’s personality.
Set Reasonable Costs
Keep the cost of rewards balanced. If your rewards are too expensive, viewers might lose interest. If they’re too cheap, you might get overwhelmed. Start with small rewards at lower costs and scale up from there.
Add Variety
Offer a mix of rewards, from simple perks to big, exciting experiences. For example, you could let viewers spend points to skip a queue during a multiplayer game or make you perform a silly challenge.
Test and Adjust
Keep an eye on how your viewers use Channel Points. If a reward isn’t popular, tweak it or replace it with something better.

Common Problems and Solutions

If you’re having trouble with Channel Points, here are some quick fixes:

Channel Points Not Showing Up
Make sure you’re a Twitch Affiliate or Partner. If you’ve just enabled Channel Points, it might take a few minutes to appear.
Custom Rewards Aren’t Working
Double-check your settings. Ensure that your custom rewards are saved and active.
Viewers Can’t Redeem Rewards
This might be a temporary glitch. Ask your viewers to refresh their browsers or app.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a Twitch Affiliate to use Channel Points?

Yes, Channel Points are available only to Affiliates and Partners.

2. Can I disable Channel Points after enabling them?

Absolutely. You can turn them off anytime from the Viewer Rewards section in your dashboard.

3. Can I reset my viewers’ Channel Points?

Currently, there’s no way to manually reset viewers’ Channel Points, but they do reset automatically if someone unfollows your channel.

4. What’s a good starting cost for rewards?

This depends on your audience size and activity level. For smaller streams, start with rewards costing 100–500 points.

5. Can I use Channel Points for giveaways?

Yes! You can create a custom reward that enters viewers into a giveaway when redeemed.

Final Thoughts

Channel Points are a fantastic tool for building a closer connection with your audience. They’re easy to set up, fun to customize, and a great way to reward your community for their support.

What rewards would you create to make your stream unforgettable? Let me know!