Key Takeaways
- Badges are visual status indicators that appear next to usernames in Twitch chat.
- Subscriber badges progress through tenure milestones (1-month through 10+ years).
- Bit badges track lifetime cheering on a specific channel (1 Bit through 1M Bits).
- Affiliates and Partners can create custom badges for subscriber and Bit tiers.
- Founder badges are permanent rewards for early supporters of a channel.
Twitch badges are more than just colorful icons next to usernames - they're a sophisticated system of social recognition that rewards loyalty, identifies roles, and builds community identity. Understanding how badges work helps both streamers design effective recognition systems and viewers maximize their status display.
According to Twitch's official badge documentation, badges serve multiple purposes: identifying channel roles, celebrating viewer loyalty, and creating visual hierarchy in chat. This guide covers every badge type, how to earn them, how to customize them as a streamer, and best practices for badge design.
Understanding Twitch Badge Types
Twitch features numerous badge types, each serving a specific purpose. Badges appear in a set order next to usernames, with role badges first, followed by support badges.
Complete Badge Categories
| Category | Badge Types | Who Earns Them |
|---|---|---|
| Role Badges | Broadcaster, Moderator, VIP | Channel owner, appointed users |
| Staff Badges | Staff, Admin, Global Moderator | Twitch employees only |
| Subscriber Badges | 1-month through 10+ year tenure | Active subscribers |
| Bit Badges | 1 Bit through 1M Bits tiers | Viewers who cheer Bits |
| Special Badges | Founder, Prime Gaming, Predictions, Hype Train | Various achievements |
| Global Badges | Partner, Turbo, verified | Platform-wide status |
Role Badges: Moderator, VIP & Broadcaster
Role badges identify users with special permissions or status in a channel. These are the first badges displayed next to a username.
Broadcaster Badge
The broadcaster badge (camera icon) automatically appears for the channel owner. This badge:
- Cannot be disabled or changed
- Always appears first in the badge order
- Only displays when chatting in your own channel
- Identifies you as the channel owner to viewers and mods
Moderator Badge
The green sword badge indicates channel moderators. Moderators are appointed by the broadcaster using /mod username and have permissions to:
- Timeout and ban users
- Delete messages
- Access Mod View
- Manage channel settings
The mod badge is standardized across Twitch - streamers cannot customize its appearance.
VIP Badge
The diamond-shaped VIP badge recognizes loyal community members. VIPs are granted using /vip username and receive:
- Chat bypass for slow mode, sub-only mode
- Link posting permissions
- Visual recognition in chat
- No moderation powers
VIP slots are limited based on channel size, making the badge a valued recognition.
Subscriber Badges: Loyalty Recognition
Subscriber badges are the most customizable badge type, allowing streamers to create unique designs that reward long-term subscription loyalty.
Subscriber Badge Tiers
Subscription badges progress through tenure milestones:
| Tenure | Months Subscribed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 0 | 0 (new sub) | First month, day 1 |
| Tier 1 | 2 months | Beginning of 2nd month |
| Tier 2 | 3 months | Quarter milestone |
| Tier 3 | 6 months | Half-year milestone |
| Tier 4 | 9 months | Three-quarter year |
| Tier 5 | 1 year (12 months) | Annual milestone |
| Tier 6+ | 2, 3, 4, 5+ years | Multi-year supporters |
Badges upgrade automatically at the start of each tenure period. If a subscription lapses and renews, the subscriber retains their cumulative tenure.
How Subscriber Tenure Works
Understanding tenure calculation is important for both streamers and subscribers:
- Cumulative tracking: Tenure counts total months subscribed, not consecutive
- Gap tolerance: Unsubscribing doesn't reset your count - you resume where you left off
- Gift subs count: Months received as gift subscriptions add to tenure
- Prime subs count: Prime Gaming subscriptions contribute to tenure
- Tier-independent: Tier 1, 2, and 3 subs all progress tenure equally
Subscriber Badge Best Practices for Streamers
When designing custom subscriber badges:
- Create progression: Make each tier visually distinct and more impressive
- Maintain brand consistency: Use your channel's color scheme and style
- Keep it simple: Badges are small - complex designs don't read well
- Celebrate milestones: Make 1-year and multi-year badges special
- Test at actual size: Preview badges at 18x18 pixels before uploading
Bit Badges: Cheering Recognition
Bit badges recognize viewers who support the channel through cheering. Unlike subscriber badges (which are channel-specific), Bit badges track your lifetime Bits cheered on each individual channel.
Bit Badge Tiers
Bit badges progress through extensive tiers:
| Bits Cheered | Badge Color (Default) | Approximate USD Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bit | Gray | $0.01 |
| 100 Bits | Purple | $1.00 |
| 1,000 Bits | Green | $10.00 |
| 5,000 Bits | Blue | $50.00 |
| 10,000 Bits | Red | $100.00 |
| 25,000 Bits | Pink | $250.00 |
| 50,000 Bits | Orange tier 1 | $500.00 |
| 75,000 Bits | Orange tier 2 | $750.00 |
| 100,000 Bits | Star badge | $1,000.00 |
| 200K-1M Bits | Advanced star tiers | $2,000-$10,000 |
Streamers can view their top Bits supporters in the Creator Dashboard under the Community section.
Custom Bit Badges
Affiliates and Partners can upload custom Bit badges for their channel:
- Available tiers: 1, 100, 1K, 5K, 10K, 25K, 50K, 75K, 100K+ Bits
- Design opportunity: Create themed badges that match your brand
- Progression system: Design increasingly elaborate badges for higher tiers
- Incentive creation: Custom badges encourage more cheering
Use the Bits Revenue Calculator to understand potential earnings from Bits support.
Founder Badge: Early Supporter Recognition
The Founder badge is a permanent, prestigious badge awarded to a channel's earliest subscribers.
How Founder Badges Work
- Affiliate channels: First 10 subscribers receive Founder badges
- Partner channels: First 25 subscribers receive Founder badges
- Permanent status: Once earned, the Founder badge is never lost
- Unsubscribe-proof: Founders keep the badge even if they stop subscribing
- Channel-specific: You can be a Founder on multiple channels
Founder Badge Display
Founders can choose how to display their status:
- Founder badge only: Display the Founder badge instead of subscriber badge
- Subscriber badge: Show normal tenure badge while remaining a Founder
- Toggle option: Switch between badges in chat settings
The Founder badge is particularly valuable on channels that later became popular - being one of the first 10-25 supporters carries social significance.
Special & Event Badges
Twitch features various special badges for achievements, events, and platform-wide recognitions.
Hype Train Badges
Hype Train badges recognize contributors to successful Hype Trains:
- Hype Train Conductor: Awarded to top contributor(s)
- Level-based badges: Different badges for different Hype Train levels reached
- Temporary display: Shown during and shortly after the Hype Train
Predictions Badge
Predictions badges indicate active prediction participation:
- Active predictor: Shows you have an active prediction placed
- Side indicator: Badge color indicates which outcome you predicted
- Temporary: Badge disappears when prediction resolves
Prime Gaming Badge
The Prime Gaming badge appears when using a Prime Gaming subscription:
- Indicates the subscription was claimed through Amazon Prime
- Displays alongside the subscriber tenure badge
- Purple crown design
Global & Platform Badges
Some badges appear across all channels:
- Twitch Turbo: Purple flame for Turbo subscribers
- Partner badge: Purple checkmark for Partners
- Staff/Admin: Twitch employee badges
- Event badges: Limited-time badges for special events (TwitchCon, charity events)
Creating Custom Badges: Streamer Guide
Affiliates and Partners can upload custom subscriber and Bit badges through the Creator Dashboard.
Badge Image Requirements
According to Twitch's badge specification guidelines, custom badges must meet specific requirements:
| Size | Dimensions | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 18x18 pixels | Standard chat display |
| Medium | 36x36 pixels | High-DPI displays |
| Large | 72x72 pixels | Retina displays, previews |
All three sizes must be uploaded for each badge tier. Badges should be PNG format with transparent backgrounds.
Badge Design Best Practices
Creating effective badges requires balancing visual appeal with practical constraints:
- Simple shapes: Complex details disappear at 18x18 pixels
- High contrast: Badges must be visible on dark chat backgrounds
- Brand colors: Use your channel's color palette consistently
- Clear progression: Each tier should be visually distinct
- Avoid text: Text is unreadable at badge sizes
- Test dark mode: Verify badges look good on dark backgrounds
Uploading Custom Badges
To upload custom badges:
- Go to Creator Dashboard
- Navigate to Affiliate/Partner > Badges
- Select the badge tier to customize
- Upload all three size variants
- Preview and save changes
Changes take effect immediately - subscribers will see new badges on their next chat message.
Badge Design Resources
Free tools for creating custom badges:
- Canva: Free online design tool with templates
- Photoshop/GIMP: Pixel-level control for precise designs
- Fiverr/Etsy: Commission custom badge sets from artists
- Nerd or Die: Pre-made badge packs available
Many streamers commission professional badge sets that include all subscriber and Bit tiers for brand consistency.
Badge Display Order & Settings
Understanding how badges display helps viewers and streamers manage their appearance.
Badge Priority Order
Twitch displays badges in a specific order (left to right):
- Broadcaster badge
- Staff/Admin/Global Mod badges
- Moderator badge
- VIP badge
- Subscriber/Founder badge
- Bit badge
- Predictions badge
- Prime Gaming badge
- Turbo badge
- Other global badges
Managing Your Badge Display
Viewers can control badge visibility:
- Chat Identity settings: Toggle which badges to display
- Founder vs Subscriber: Choose which badge type to show
- Hide badges: Option to hide all badges (rarely used)
Access these settings through the chat settings gear icon or your Twitch account settings.
Badges for Community Building
Strategic badge design and management can significantly impact community engagement and loyalty.
Using Badges as Incentives
Badges create visual goals that encourage continued support:
- Tease upcoming badges: Show subscribers what they'll unlock next month
- Celebrate badge upgrades: Acknowledge when viewers reach new tiers
- Create badge reveals: Build anticipation around new badge designs
- Reference badges in content: "Shoutout to all our 1-year badge holders!"
Badge Themes and Progression
Popular badge progression themes:
- Evolution: Character or mascot that grows/transforms
- Rank progression: Military ranks, medieval titles, etc.
- Color gradient: Same design with increasingly prestigious colors
- Collectibles: Building a set (gems, items, achievements)
- Story progression: Badges that tell a narrative
Combining Badges with Other Recognition
Badges work alongside other community features:
- Emotes: Custom emotes unlock alongside badges
- Channel Points: Badges indicate who earns bonus points
- VIP status: Long-term subscribers often earn VIP alongside their badge
- Shoutouts: Recognize badge milestones with shoutouts
Common Badge Questions
Do Badges Transfer Between Channels?
No. All channel-specific badges (subscriber, Bit, VIP, mod, Founder) are tied to individual channels. Supporting one channel doesn't affect your badges on another. Global badges (Turbo, Partner, staff) appear across all channels.
What Happens to My Badge If I Unsubscribe?
When your subscription ends:
- Subscriber badge: Disappears immediately
- Tenure progress: Preserved - you'll resume at your previous tenure when resubscribing
- Founder badge: Remains permanently (if earned)
- Bit badge: Remains (based on lifetime cheering, not active sub)
Can I Lose My Bit Badge?
No. Bit badges are based on lifetime cumulative cheering on a channel and cannot decrease. Once you earn a tier, it's permanent. However, Bit badges are channel-specific - cheering on different channels builds separate badge progress.
Why Don't I See My Badge?
Common badge display issues:
- Subscription lapsed: Check if auto-renewal failed
- Badge settings: Verify badges aren't hidden in chat settings
- Browser cache: Clear cache and refresh the page
- Processing delay: New badges may take minutes to appear
Conclusion
Twitch badges are a sophisticated recognition system that rewards loyalty, identifies roles, and builds community identity. From the permanent prestige of Founder badges to the progressive achievement of subscriber and Bit badges, each badge type serves a specific purpose in the Twitch ecosystem.
For streamers, custom badges represent a powerful branding opportunity. Well-designed badge progression systems create visual goals that encourage continued support and celebrate community milestones. For viewers, badges are a way to display commitment and earn recognition for their support.
Whether you're designing badges for your channel or working toward that next subscriber tenure milestone, understanding the badge system helps you maximize both recognition and community engagement on Twitch.
Related Resources
- Twitch Emotes Guide - Custom emotes alongside badges
- Twitch Subscriptions Guide - Understanding subscription tiers
- Twitch Bits Guide - How Bits and Bit badges work
- Twitch VIPs Guide - VIP badges and management
- Emote Slot Calculator - Calculate emote slots from subscriber points
