Twitch shows every emote at three sizes, and it is strict about format and file size. Get one detail wrong and the uploader refuses the file, or the emote looks blurry in chat. Here is everything Twitch asks for, in one place.
Twitch emote sizes at a glance
| Asset | Sizes (px) | Format | Max file size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emote, auto-resize | one square image, 112–4096 | PNG | 1MB |
| Emote, manual | 112, 56 and 28 (square) | PNG | under 100KB each |
| Animated emote, auto-resize | one square GIF, 112–4096 | GIF | 1MB |
| Animated emote, manual | 112, 56 and 28 (square) | GIF | 512KB each, max 60 frames |
| Subscriber badge | 72, 36 and 18 (square) | PNG | 25KB each |
All emotes must be square — the same width and height — and static emotes should have a fully transparent background.
Static emote requirements
- Format: PNG only.
- Shape: square.
- Background: fully transparent.
- Auto-resize mode: upload one PNG between 112×112 and 4096×4096 pixels, up to 1MB. Twitch creates the smaller sizes.
- Manual mode: upload three PNGs at 28×28, 56×56 and 112×112. They must be the same image, and each must be under 100KB.
Twitch also asks you to check your emote at 100% zoom: lines should be sharp, with no unnecessary blurring or feathering, and any text must be easy to read.
Animated emote requirements
- Format: GIF.
- Shape: square.
- Auto-resize mode: one GIF between 112×112 and 4096×4096 pixels, up to 1MB.
- Manual mode: three GIFs at 28, 56 and 112 pixels, each up to 512KB.
- Frames: no more than 60.
- Safety: the emote must not flash or flicker more than 3 times in one second.
- Thumbnail: the first frame is used as the still version, unless you upload a custom static image.
For a full walkthrough, see how to make animated Twitch emotes.
Sub badge requirements
Subscriber badges appear next to a viewer's name in chat, so they are even smaller than emotes:
- three sizes: 18×18, 36×36 and 72×72 pixels
- PNG with a transparent background
- 25KB or smaller per file
Custom badge flair for Tier 2 and Tier 3 follows the same sizes and limits.
Auto-resize or manual upload?
Auto-resize is fastest: one large image in, every size out. It works well for bold, simple artwork.
Manual upload is worth the extra step when your art has thin lines, small text or fine detail. Automatic downscaling to 28 pixels tends to turn that detail into mush, while preparing each size yourself lets you sharpen the small versions or simplify them.
Our Twitch Emote Resizer prepares all three manual sizes at once, sharpens the small ones, and flags any file that's over Twitch's limit before you upload.
Make emotes that read at 28 pixels
Most viewers see your emote at 28×28 pixels. Combining Twitch's own tips with what works well at small sizes:
- Keep it simple. One clear expression or object beats a detailed scene.
- Use thick outlines. A 1–2px outline separates the emote from both light and dark chat. Add one with the Outline option in our resizer.
- Crop tight. Empty transparent space wastes pixels — use Auto-trim so the artwork fills the frame.
- Avoid small text. Words become unreadable at 28px.
- Check light and dark chat. Transparent edges that look clean on dark can look jagged on white.
- Keep a consistent style. Emotes in the same colours or by the same artist make your channel look more polished.
Why emotes get rejected
Besides the technical rules above, emotes must follow Twitch's Emote Guidelines and Community Guidelines. If an emote is rejected you'll get an email with the general reason, and you can change the design and submit it again. See how to upload emotes to Twitch for the review process and instant-upload rules.
Sources
- Emote Formatting & Instant Emote Upload Requirements — Twitch Help
- Subscriber Emote Guide — Twitch Help
- Animated Emotes — Twitch Help
- Subscriber Badge Guide — Twitch Help
Frequently asked questions
What size should a Twitch emote be?
Twitch emotes are square and shown at three sizes: 112×112, 56×56 and 28×28 pixels. You can upload all three yourself, or upload one square image between 112×112 and 4096×4096 pixels and let Twitch resize it.
What is the maximum file size for a Twitch emote?
With auto-resize, the single upload can be up to 1MB. In manual mode, each static PNG must be under 100KB and each animated GIF under 512KB.
Do Twitch emotes need a transparent background?
Yes. Twitch asks for static emotes as PNG files with a fully transparent background, so they look right on both light and dark chat.
What size are Twitch sub badges?
Subscriber badges need three PNG sizes — 18×18, 36×36 and 72×72 pixels — with a transparent background, and each file must be 25KB or smaller.
Should I use auto-resize or manual upload?
Auto-resize is quickest. Manual upload gives you control over how the 56px and 28px versions look, which matters for detailed art that blurs when scaled down.
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