what are channel points on twitch
Channel Points on Twitch are a built‑in, channel‑specific “loyalty” currency that viewers earn for watching and interacting with a stream, then redeem for fun rewards the streamer sets up (like making them do something on stream or triggering special actions).
What are Channel Points on Twitch?
Channel Points are a virtual points system available on Twitch Affiliate and Partner channels that rewards viewers for being active and loyal.
Key traits:
- Viewers earn points automatically for watching, following, joining raids, and similar actions.
- Points are per-channel ; you can only spend them where you earned them.
- They are not real money and can’t be withdrawn or traded like a crypto token; they’re just for engagement and fun rewards.
In practice, they act like a small gamified system that keeps people watching longer and interacting more with the streamer.
How viewers earn Channel Points
Twitch automatically tracks and grants points while you watch streams that have Channel Points turned on.
Common ways to earn:
- Watching a stream over time (points every few minutes of watch time).
- Maintaining “watch streaks” by coming back to multiple streams in a row.
- Following the channel, joining raids, and sometimes other viewer actions.
- Being a paid subscriber, which boosts how many points you earn per minute depending on your sub tier.
For viewers, it feels like: “The more I hang out here and participate, the more cool stuff I can redeem later.”
How viewers use Channel Points
You spend Channel Points on rewards defined by each streamer in their dashboard.
Typical default or common rewards:
- Highlight your message in chat so it stands out.
- Unlock a sub‑only emote for a limited time.
- Send a message in “sub‑only” mode if the streamer has that reward enabled.
Popular custom rewards streamers create:
- “Hydrate” (make the streamer take a drink).
- “Pick the next game” or “Pick the next song.”
- “Do 10 push‑ups” or “Change voice/wear a funny mask.”
- Temporary VIP status or special on‑stream shout‑outs.
You see how many points you have near the chat box (bottom area), and clicking the points icon opens a panel with all redeemable rewards and their point cost.
For streamers: why Channel Points matter
For creators, Channel Points are a free built‑in engagement tool.
Benefits:
- Keep viewers watching longer because they want to stack and spend points.
- Encourage recurring visits via watch streak bonuses and sub bonuses.
- Turn “background viewers” into active chatters when they redeem interactive rewards.
- Let you run “Community Challenges” where chat pools points toward a big goal (like unlocking a special stream or game).
To use them, Affiliates and Partners enable Channel Points from the Viewer Rewards → Channel Points section in the Creator Dashboard, then customize names, icons, and reward options.
Quick FAQ snapshot
- Are Channel Points real money?
No. They’re a digital, non‑cash reward system; Twitch’s policy explicitly treats them as digital content, not currency.
- Can you move points between channels?
No, every channel has its own pool of points; points earned in one stream can’t be spent in another.
- Do all channels have them?
Only Affiliates and Partners can enable Channel Points, and they choose whether to use them.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.