Key Takeaways
- Chat bots automate moderation and engagement - handling spam, commands, and timers so you can focus on content.
- Nightbot is the most popular choice for its simplicity, reliability, and free cloud-based setup.
- StreamElements offers an all-in-one ecosystem with loyalty points, overlays, and advanced features.
- Custom commands are essential for sharing info like social links, schedules, and FAQs automatically.
- Combine bots with Twitch's native tools like AutoMod for comprehensive moderation.
Twitch chat bots are essential tools for streamers of all sizes. These automated assistants handle moderation, respond to viewer commands, run timed messages, and manage everything from song requests to loyalty points. Understanding how to set up and configure chat bots transforms your stream from a one-person operation into a professionally managed broadcast.
According to Twitch's official documentation, while Twitch provides native moderation tools like AutoMod, third-party chat bots offer significantly more customization and automation capabilities. This comprehensive guide covers the major chat bots, how to set them up, and best practices for maximizing their value.
What Are Twitch Chat Bots?
Chat bots are automated programs that connect to your Twitch chat and perform actions based on triggers. They appear as regular users in your chat but are controlled by software rather than a human.
What Chat Bots Can Do
- Custom commands: Respond to !commands with preset messages
- Moderation: Filter spam, caps, links, and inappropriate content
- Timers: Post recurring messages automatically
- Song requests: Let viewers queue music
- Loyalty/points systems: Reward viewer engagement
- Giveaways: Run raffles and contests
- Quotes: Save and recall memorable stream moments
- Mini-games: Gambling, duels, and other chat games
- API integrations: Display game stats, weather, and other data
Bot vs Native Twitch Features
Twitch has built-in features that overlap with bot functionality, but bots offer more:
| Feature | Native Twitch | Chat Bots |
|---|---|---|
| Moderation | AutoMod, Shield Mode | Custom filters, link whitelist, regex patterns |
| Commands | Built-in /commands | Unlimited custom commands with variables |
| Points | Channel Points | Loyalty points with gambling, shop, leaderboards |
| Timers | None | Automated recurring messages |
| Song Requests | None | YouTube/Spotify queue management |
The Major Twitch Chat Bots Compared
Several chat bots dominate the Twitch ecosystem. Each has strengths depending on your needs.
Chat Bot Comparison
| Bot | Best For | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nightbot | Beginners, simplicity | Free | Commands, timers, spam filters, song requests |
| StreamElements | All-in-one solution | Free (Pro: $5/mo) | Loyalty points, overlays, alerts, merch, advanced commands |
| Streamlabs Cloudbot | Streamlabs users | Free (Ultra: $19/mo) | Deep Streamlabs integration, loyalty, commands |
| Moobot | Advanced customization | Free (Pro: $4.99/mo) | Powerful moderation, schedules, detailed analytics |
| Fossabot | Large channels | Free | High performance, advanced variables, API access |
Nightbot: The Most Popular Choice
Nightbot is the most widely used Twitch chat bot, known for its reliability and simplicity. It's completely cloud-based, meaning there's nothing to download or install.
Setting Up Nightbot
- Go to nightbot.tv
- Click Sign Up and authenticate with Twitch
- Authorize Nightbot to access your channel
- Click Join Channel in the dashboard
- Nightbot is now active in your chat
Make Nightbot a moderator in your chat: type /mod nightbot for full moderation capabilities.
Nightbot Key Features
- Custom Commands: Create unlimited commands with variables like $(user), $(query), $(count)
- Timers: Schedule recurring messages (reminders to follow, social links, etc.)
- Spam Protection: Filter caps, symbols, links, repetition, and banned words
- Song Requests: YouTube-based song queue with viewer requests
- Regulars: Whitelist trusted viewers from spam filters
- Logs: View chat logs and moderation actions
Creating Nightbot Commands
From the Nightbot dashboard, go to Commands > Custom:
| Command | Message | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| !social | Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/yourname | Discord: discord.gg/invite | Share social links |
| !schedule | I stream Mon/Wed/Fri at 7PM EST! | Stream schedule |
| !lurk | $(user) is lurking! Thanks for hanging out! | Acknowledge lurkers |
| !uptime | $(channel) has been live for $(twitch $(channel) "{{uptimeLength}}") | Show stream duration |
| !specs | CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X | GPU: RTX 4080 | RAM: 32GB | PC specifications |
Nightbot Variables
Use these variables in command responses:
$(user)- Username of person who used the command$(channel)- Your channel name$(query)- Text after the command$(count)- How many times command has been used$(touser)- Tagged user or command user if none$(time timezone)- Current time in specified timezone
StreamElements: The All-in-One Platform
StreamElements offers more than just a chat bot - it's a complete streaming platform with overlays, alerts, loyalty points, and merch integration. Their bot is called SE.Bot.
Setting Up StreamElements Bot
- Go to streamelements.com
- Click Login and authenticate with Twitch
- Go to Bot in the left sidebar
- Toggle Join Channel to ON
- Optionally enable features like Spam Filters, Loyalty, etc.
Type /mod streamelements in your chat to give the bot moderation powers.
StreamElements Key Features
- Loyalty Points: Custom currency that viewers earn by watching, with gambling, shop, and leaderboards
- Overlays: Browser-source overlays for OBS/Streamlabs including alerts, widgets, and goals
- Alerts: Customizable alerts for follows, subs, donations, Bits, and raids
- Merch Integration: Built-in merch store with alerts
- Advanced Commands: Powerful variable system with API calls, conditions, and more
- Media Requests: Song requests with YouTube and Spotify support
- Giveaways: Raffles with entry requirements
StreamElements Loyalty Points
The loyalty system is one of StreamElements' standout features:
- Earning: Viewers earn points by watching (configurable rates)
- Bonus: Active chatters and subscribers can earn more
- Gambling: !roulette, !slots, !gamble commands
- Duels: Viewers can duel each other for points
- Store: Create redeemable rewards (song requests, TTS, VIP perks)
- Leaderboards: Top point holders displayed on stream or website
This complements Twitch's native Channel Points - many streamers use both systems for different purposes.
StreamElements Command Variables
StreamElements offers more advanced variables than Nightbot:
| Variable | Function |
|---|---|
${user} |
Username of command user |
${user.points} |
User's loyalty points |
${user.points_rank} |
User's leaderboard position |
${user.time} |
Time user has spent watching |
${channel.viewers} |
Current viewer count |
${channel.followers} |
Total follower count |
${customapi.URL} |
Fetch data from external API |
Streamlabs Cloudbot
If you use Streamlabs for your alerts and overlays, Streamlabs Cloudbot integrates seamlessly with their ecosystem. It offers similar features to StreamElements with tight Streamlabs integration.
Streamlabs Cloudbot Features
- Commands: Custom and default commands with variables
- Loyalty: Points system with gambling and rewards
- Moderation: Spam filters, link protection, caps filter
- Song Requests: YouTube integration
- Timers: Automated messages
- Quotes: Save memorable moments
- Mini-games: Heist, slots, and other games
Setting Up Streamlabs Cloudbot
- Log in to Streamlabs with your Twitch account
- Go to Cloudbot in the left menu
- Toggle the bot ON
- Configure modules (Commands, Loyalty, Timers, etc.)
- Mod the bot in chat:
/mod streamlabs
Moobot: Power User's Choice
Moobot has been around since 2012 and offers some of the most powerful customization options available. It's particularly strong for moderation and scheduling.
Moobot Strengths
- Detailed spam filters: Granular control over what gets filtered
- Scheduled messages: Complex scheduling with conditions
- Analytics: Detailed statistics on command usage and chat activity
- Whisper commands: Commands that respond via whisper instead of chat
- Poll automation: Create and manage polls automatically
- Music player: Built-in Spotify/YouTube player with requests
Free vs Pro Features
Most chat bots offer core features for free, with premium tiers adding:
- More command slots and timers
- Advanced API integrations
- Priority support
- Custom branding (remove bot branding)
- Additional song request sources
- Extended data retention and analytics
For most streamers, free tiers are sufficient. Consider upgrading when you hit limits or need specific pro features.
Essential Bot Commands Every Streamer Needs
Regardless of which bot you choose, certain commands are essential for any stream.
Must-Have Commands
| Command | Purpose | Example Response |
|---|---|---|
| !commands | List available commands | Available: !social !schedule !specs !lurk |
| !social | Social media links | Twitter, YouTube, Discord links |
| !schedule | Stream schedule | Days and times you stream |
| !discord | Discord invite | Join our community: discord.gg/invite |
| !lurk | Acknowledge lurkers | Thanks for lurking, $(user)! |
| !game | Current game info | Currently playing: [Game Name] |
| !uptime | Stream duration | Stream has been live for 2h 34m |
Fun/Engagement Commands
- !8ball [question]: Magic 8-ball responses
- !love [user]: Random love percentage calculator
- !hug [user]: Virtual hug message
- !quote: Random saved quote from stream
- !gamble [amount]: Gamble loyalty points
- !duel [user] [amount]: Challenge another viewer
- !slots: Slot machine game
Setting Up Timers
Timers (also called scheduled messages) post automatically at intervals. They're essential for promoting social links, reminding about follows, and keeping chat informed.
Recommended Timers
| Timer Name | Interval | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Follow Reminder | 20-30 min | Enjoying the stream? Hit that follow button! |
| Social Promo | 30-45 min | Join our Discord for stream updates: discord.gg/... |
| Commands Reminder | 25-35 min | Type !commands to see all available commands! |
| Hydration | 45-60 min | Stay hydrated! Drink some water! |
Timer Best Practices
- Don't spam: 15-20 minute minimum intervals
- Require chat activity: Most bots can require X messages before timer fires
- Vary messages: Use multiple messages per timer for variety
- Keep them useful: Timers should provide value, not just self-promotion
- Match your stream length: Short streams need longer intervals
Bot Moderation Settings
Chat bots provide spam protection that complements Twitch's AutoMod. Configure these filters based on your community's needs.
Common Spam Filters
| Filter | What It Does | Recommended Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Caps Filter | Removes excessive capital letters | 70-80% caps threshold |
| Link Filter | Blocks or permits links | Block with whitelist for clips/YouTube |
| Symbol Filter | Limits excessive symbols/emotes | Max 10-15 symbols per message |
| Repetition Filter | Blocks repeated characters/words | Max 5-8 repeated characters |
| Paragraph Filter | Limits message length | 300-400 character limit |
| Banned Words | Custom blocked terms | Add channel-specific terms |
User Exemptions
Configure who bypasses filters:
- Moderators: Usually exempt from all filters
- VIPs: Often exempt from link and spam filters
- Subscribers: Can have relaxed filter settings
- Regulars: Bot-specific status for trusted viewers
Song Requests
Most chat bots include song request functionality, letting viewers queue music from YouTube or Spotify.
Setting Up Song Requests
- Enable song requests in your bot dashboard
- Configure sources (YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud)
- Set limits (max song length, queue size, user limits)
- Add the song request widget to OBS as browser source
- Viewers use
!sr [song name/URL]to request
Song Request Commands
| Command | Function |
|---|---|
!sr [song] |
Request a song |
!song |
Show current song |
!queue |
Show song queue |
!skip (mod) |
Skip current song |
!volume [0-100] |
Adjust volume |
Using Multiple Bots
Many streamers use multiple bots to combine their strengths.
Common Bot Combinations
- Nightbot + StreamElements: Nightbot for commands, SE for loyalty points
- StreamElements + Sound Alerts: SE for bot features, Sound Alerts extension for audio
- Any bot + Commander Root: Main bot + blocklist tools for raids
Avoid These Multi-Bot Mistakes
- Duplicate commands: Don't have !uptime on both bots - only one should respond
- Conflicting moderation: Disable spam filters on one bot to prevent double-actions
- Timer conflicts: Stagger timers so they don't fire simultaneously
- Too many bots: Keep it to 2-3 max to avoid chat clutter
Chat Bots for Different Channel Sizes
Your bot needs evolve as your channel grows.
Small Streamers (0-50 viewers)
- One bot is sufficient (Nightbot recommended)
- Focus on basic commands: !social, !schedule, !lurk
- Light moderation - you can handle most issues manually
- Minimal timers - small chats don't need constant reminders
- Consider extensions that work well at small scale
Growing Streamers (50-200 viewers)
- Add loyalty points system (StreamElements or Streamlabs)
- Enable more spam filters as chat speeds up
- Create engagement commands (gambling, quotes, fun commands)
- Set up 2-3 timers for promotion and engagement
- Consider song requests if it fits your content
Established Streamers (200+ viewers)
- Robust moderation with human mods + bot filters
- Advanced command variables for dynamic responses
- Giveaway and contest functionality
- API integrations for game stats, alerts
- Consider premium bot features if hitting limits
Troubleshooting Common Bot Issues
Bot Not Responding
- Check bot is joined: Verify in bot dashboard that it's connected to your channel
- Bot needs mod: Type
/mod [botname]in chat - Command syntax: Ensure you're using the correct prefix (! or custom)
- Cooldowns: Commands may be on cooldown after recent use
- Permission level: Some commands are mod/broadcaster only
Spam Filters Too Aggressive
- Lower filter sensitivity levels
- Increase character/symbol limits
- Add legitimate words to whitelist
- Exempt subscribers and regulars
- Use warnings before timeouts
Song Requests Not Working
- Ensure song requests are enabled in dashboard
- Check if queue is full or song requests are paused
- Verify the song isn't blocked or too long
- User may have hit their request limit
- Make sure browser source is properly configured in OBS
Conclusion
Chat bots are essential tools that automate the repetitive aspects of stream management while enhancing viewer engagement. Whether you choose Nightbot for its simplicity, StreamElements for its comprehensive ecosystem, or another bot entirely, the key is configuring it to match your community's needs.
Start with the basics - a few essential commands, light moderation settings, and maybe one or two timers. As your channel grows, expand your bot configuration to include loyalty points, advanced commands, and more sophisticated moderation. Remember that bots complement but don't replace human moderation and Twitch's native tools like AutoMod.
The best bot setup is one that runs invisibly in the background, handling routine tasks so you can focus on creating great content and connecting with your community. Take time to learn your chosen bot's features, and don't hesitate to experiment with commands and settings to find what works best for your stream.
Related Resources
- Twitch Moderation Complete Guide - Combine bots with AutoMod
- Twitch Chat Commands Guide - Native Twitch commands
- Channel Points Guide - Native points vs bot loyalty
- Twitch Alerts Guide - Alert integration with bots
- Stream Growth Calculator - Plan your growth strategy
