Uploading an emote takes about a minute once your files are ready. The steps below follow Twitch's current Creator Dashboard. Menu names do change from time to time, so if something looks different, Twitch's own help page is linked at the end.
Before you start
You need:
- a monetized channel (Affiliate or Partner)
- an emote prefix — Twitch asks you to set one before you can upload
- your emote files, prepared to Twitch's requirements: square PNGs with transparent backgrounds (see the full Twitch emote size guide)
If you want to upload in manual mode, prepare all three sizes first. Our free Twitch Emote Resizer turns one image into 112, 56 and 28px files and checks them against Twitch's limits — all in your browser, nothing uploaded.
Step 1: Open the Emotes page
- Go to your Creator Dashboard.
- In the left sidebar, click Viewer Rewards.
- Click Emotes, then Subscriber Emotes.
You'll see your emotes grouped by tier, your current prefix, and your progress towards the next emote slot.
Step 2: Choose a slot or your Library
- Click + under a tier to upload straight into that tier's slot. The emote goes live in that slot once approved.
- Or click Upload New to save it to your Library only. Library emotes aren't active until you assign them to an open slot.
Step 3: Upload in auto-resize or manual mode
Auto-resize (default): upload one square image between 112×112 and 4096×4096 pixels, under 1MB. Twitch creates the smaller sizes automatically.
Manual: turn the Auto-resize toggle off, then upload each size into its box — 28×28, 56×56 and 112×112 pixels. All three must be the same image, and each file must be under 100KB.
Manual mode is worth it when your art has fine detail: you decide exactly how the 28px version looks instead of relying on automatic scaling.
Step 4: Name your emote
In the Emote Code field, type a name, for example Love. The full code viewers type is your prefix plus that name — prefix + Love = prefixLove.
Step 5: Upload and wait for review
Click Upload Emote. Your emote is saved to your Library and, if you chose a slot, assigned to it.
Most new emotes are then reviewed by Twitch staff. While waiting, the emote shows as Pending Approval with a watch icon. Reviews can take a few days, especially if you upload many emotes at once.
Instant upload: skip the review
Partners and Affiliates who meet Twitch's criteria can upload emotes that go live immediately:
- Affiliates: stream on at least 60 unique days within a rolling year (days before becoming Affiliate don't count).
- Partners: at least 60 days since becoming Partner, and since your last warning or suspension.
A warning or suspension removes instant upload. In most cases it comes back automatically after another 60-day period without enforcement.
Rearrange or remove emotes
- Reorder: drag and drop emotes within a tier, or click the slot number and type a new position. Emotes can only move within the same tier — use the Library to change an emote's tier.
- Remove: click Remove from Slot and confirm. The emote stays in your Library, so you can reuse it later.
If your emote is rejected
Twitch emails you the general reason. Change the design so it follows the Emote Guidelines and submit it again, or upload a different emote. Repeatedly resubmitting the same rejected design can affect your account privileges.
Sources
- Subscriber Emote Guide — Twitch Help
- Emote Formatting & Instant Emote Upload Requirements — Twitch Help
Frequently asked questions
Where do I upload emotes on Twitch?
Open your Creator Dashboard, then go to Viewer Rewards → Emotes → Subscriber Emotes. Click the + button under a tier, or Upload New to save the emote to your Library.
Who can upload emotes on Twitch?
Monetized streamers, including Affiliates and Partners, can upload subscriber emotes. Partners and Affiliates unlock extra benefits such as more slots and animated emotes.
How long does it take for a Twitch emote to be approved?
Emotes are reviewed manually unless you have instant upload. Twitch says reviews can sometimes take a few days, especially when you upload many emotes at once.
What is an emote prefix?
It's the start of every emote code on your channel. Your emote's full code is your prefix plus the name you choose, for example prefix + Love = prefixLove. You must set a prefix before uploading.
Can I change my emote prefix?
Partners in good standing can change it once every 60 days. Other monetized streamers can make a one-time change after changing their username.
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