Channel Points are rewards that Twitch streamers can offer to their community members. These are customizable, meaning that streamers have a vast array of possible perks to offer their fans and followers.
If you haven’t used Twitch Channel Points before, or you want to learn more about them, this in-depth guide has all the answers you need.
How do Twitch Channel Points work?
Twitch viewers can earn Channel Points for supporting the community created around a specific streamer.
There are many ways viewers can earn Channel Points, from simply watching the livestream on a specific channel and following that channel to actively taking part in raids as a member of their favorite streamer’s team.
The more time you spend logged into Twitch and watching gameplay videos, the more Points you’ll earn.
However, there are no fixed rules regarding the points you can earn.
This depends entirely on the streamer whose channel you’re watching or following. Points are unique and specific to the respective channel.
How can streamers use Twitch Channel Points?
Channel Points are recognition symbols of the importance the fans of a channel have in the eyes of the streamer.
It’s a way to say thank you to all the active followers and community members.
Channel Points also help streamers to enhance the engagement rate around their channels, involve the community, and become more popular on Twitch.
How to get more Twitch Channel Points faster
To get more Twitch Channel Points, you need to spend more time connected to the platform, watch and follow your favorite streamers, or participate in raids.
Channel Points earned through following and raiding are automatically added to your account.
Regularly watch the channels enrolled in the Twitch Channel Points Program and you’ll be rewarded with more points.
When you see click-to-claim notifications, click on them as quickly as possible to claim the respective bonuses which will help you to earn more points.
The notifications are usually located at the bottom of the chat window.
Subscribe to a channel to get extra Channel Points for watching content streamed on that channel as follows:
- Tier 1: 1.2x multiplier for watching
- Tier 2: 1.4x multiplier for watching
- Tier 3: 2x multiplier for watching
Watch Streaks also give you the chance to earn some extra Points.
Just make sure to return to an enrolled channel as soon as it goes live.
To score a Watch Streak, you need to watch at least two consecutive streams.
The stream needs to be at least 10-minute long and there should be a break of at least 30 minutes between the streams.
Here’s what you can expect to earn from scoring Watch Streaks
- 2 Consecutive streams ⇒ +300
- 3 Consecutive streams ⇒ +350
- 4 Consecutive streams ⇒ +400
- 5 Consecutive streams ⇒ +450
Make sure your Watch Streak remains intact to earn additional Channel Points. If you miss a broadcast, the Watch Streak will disappear.
To avoid that, check the schedule of the respective channel and make sure you’re online when they’re online.
What is the earn rate for Twitch Channel Points?
Check out the list below to learn what rewards various actions can bring you.
Watching: Non-subscribed viewers receive points each 5 mins of live watch time | +10
Active watching: Non-subscriber viewers receive points each 15 mins of live watch time | +50
Participating in a Raid: Viewers receive points for joining a raid | +250
Follow: Viewers receive points upon new follow. These points can be earned only once | +300
Watch Streak 2: Viewers receive points for returning for 2 consecutive streams | +300
Watch Streak 3: Viewers receive points for returning for 3 consecutive streams |+350
Watch Streak 4: Viewers receive points for returning for 4 consecutive streams | +400
Watch Streak 5+: Viewers receive points for returning for 5 consecutive streams | +450
1st Cheer: Viewers receive points for their first Cheer on the channel per 30 days | +350
1st Subscription Gift: Viewers receive points for gifting the first subscription on the channel per 30 days | +500
⇒ Note: Anonymous cheering and gifting will not earn you any points.
How can viewers use Twitch Channel Points?
You can use your Channel Points to unlock various rewards and items set up by streamers. The amount of Channel Points required varies greatly from channel to channel and it’s set by content creators.
You can use Channel Points to unlock emotes, decide who your favorite streamer should host next, select their next hero, ask them all sorts of questions, and more.
Steps to use Twitch Channel Points:
- Step 1 – Click the Channel Point icon
- Step 2 – Check the reward options available for the respective channel
- Step 3 – Check the amount of Channel Points required to unlock the reward you want
- Step 4 – Select the reward and click the Unlock button to claim it.
⇒ If you’re a content creator, here’s a useful guide for you: Twitch: How to Add Channel Points
Can you give Channel Points on Twitch?
Twitch users cannot offer or transfer Channel Points to other users. Streamers cannot give their followers Points just because they want to.
Twitch Channel Points have to be earned and redeemed on the same channel.
Do Twitch Channel Points expire?
Channel Points don’t expire, they remain available for as long as you keep your account active.
If a streamer decides to close down their channel, your points will be lost.
This is because Channel Points can only be used on the channel they were earned on.
Do you get Channel Points for watching VODS?
Currently, you cannot earn Twitch Channel Points for watching VODs.
In order to earn points, you need to watch the livestream at twitch.tv or in the app.
Of course, this might not always be possible, especially if you’re living in another time zone.
If you live in Europe and your favorite streamers are in the US, keeping up with their live streams might be a bit difficult.
Do streamers get anything from Channel Points?
Twitch streamers do not get or earn anything from Channel Points for themselves.
Only the viewers can use the Points to redeem various rewards that streamers set up in place or interact directly with their favorite streamers.
How often do you get Channel Points on Twitch?
You can earn 10 Twitch Channel Points every five minutes simply by watching the livestream on an enrolled channel.
If you watch a 60-minute livestream, you’ll earn 120 Points.
Do I still get to earn Channel Points during a squad stream?
Viewers can earn Channel Points during a squad stream but the points are calculated based on the primary stream.
Who can see how many Channel Points I have?
Your Channel Point balance is visible within the chat, and only viewers can access this information.
Only you can see how many Channel Points you’ve racked up or what your current balance is. Even streamers can’t peek at this info
Is there a maximum number of Twitch Channel Points I can earn?
There is no limit to the number of Twitch Channel Points that you can earn.
Spend as much time as possible on the platform and actively engage in the actions suggested for earning points, and your point balance will quickly increase.
References:
- Official Twitch Channel Points Guide
- Channel Points Guide for Viewers
- Channel Points FAQ
- Making the Most of Channel Points
Updated: June 2023.