Key Takeaways
- Recommended panel width is 320 pixels - Maximum width before Twitch scales down your images.
- Panels appear below your stream - The "About" section where viewers learn about you and your channel.
- Two panel types available - Standard image/text panels and interactive extension panels.
- Essential panels boost professionalism - About Me, Schedule, Rules, and Social Links are must-haves.
- Consistent design builds brand identity - Matching colors, fonts, and style across all panels.
Twitch panels are the customizable sections that appear below your video player on your channel page. They're your opportunity to introduce yourself, share important information, display your schedule, link to social media, and create a professional first impression for new viewers.
According to Twitch's official Channel Page Setup documentation, panels are one of the primary ways to customize your channel's appearance and provide information to your audience. This guide covers everything from basic panel setup to advanced design strategies that help you stand out.
What Are Twitch Panels?
Twitch panels are rectangular content blocks displayed in the "About" section below your stream. Each panel can contain an image, text description, and an optional clickable link. Panels are one of the first things new viewers see when scrolling down on your channel page.
Panel Types on Twitch
| Panel Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Image/Text Panels | Static images with optional text and links | About, Rules, Social Links, Donations |
| Extension Panels | Interactive extensions from Twitch's library | Schedule displays, Loyalty points, Music |
| Text-Only Panels | Simple text without images | Quick info, temporary announcements |
For a comprehensive understanding of extension panels and how they work, see our How to Use Twitch Extensions Complete Guide.
Twitch Panel Size and Specifications
Getting your panel dimensions right is crucial for a clean, professional appearance. Twitch has specific requirements that affect how your panels display.
Official Panel Specifications
| Specification | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Width | 320 pixels | Larger images are scaled down |
| Recommended Width | 320 pixels | Design at exact size for best quality |
| Height | Flexible (no max) | Typically 40-100px for headers |
| File Size | Under 2.9MB | Smaller files load faster |
| File Formats | PNG, JPG, GIF | PNG recommended for transparency |
Common Panel Dimensions
- Header panels: 320 x 40-60 pixels (section titles like "About Me")
- Content panels: 320 x 80-150 pixels (informational content)
- Large panels: 320 x 200-400 pixels (detailed info, schedule graphics)
- Button-style panels: 320 x 50-80 pixels (clickable links to donations, social)
How to Add Panels to Your Twitch Channel
Adding panels to your channel is straightforward once you know where to look. Follow these steps to set up your first panels.
Step-by-Step Panel Setup
- Navigate to your channel: Go to twitch.tv/yourusername while logged in
- Enable edit mode: Click "Edit Panels" toggle below your video player
- Add a new panel: Click the large "+" button that appears
- Choose panel type: Select "Add a Text or Image Panel" or add an extension panel
- Upload your image: Click "Add Image" and select your panel graphic
- Add panel details: Fill in the title, description, and optional link URL
- Submit: Click "Submit" to save your panel
- Reorder if needed: Drag panels to arrange them in your preferred order
- Exit edit mode: Toggle "Edit Panels" off when finished
Panel Content Fields
| Field | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Image | No | Visual header/graphic for the panel |
| Panel Title | No | Hidden label (only for your reference in edit mode) |
| Image Link | No | URL the image links to when clicked |
| Description | No | Text content displayed below the image |
Note: At minimum, you need either an image OR description content. A panel cannot be completely empty.
Essential Panels Every Streamer Should Have
While your panel setup can be as minimal or elaborate as you want, certain panels are considered essential for providing viewers with the information they need.
Must-Have Panels
| Panel | Content | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|
| About Me | Who you are, what you stream, your personality | First impression for new viewers |
| Schedule | Days and times you stream | Helps viewers plan when to watch |
| Rules | Chat behavior expectations | Sets community standards, aids moderation |
| Social Links | Discord, Twitter/X, YouTube, etc. | Cross-platform community building |
Recommended Additional Panels
- Donations/Tips: Link to Streamlabs, StreamElements, Ko-fi, or other tip platforms
- Subscribe: Explain subscription benefits and encourage support
- PC Specs/Equipment: For gaming channels, list your setup
- Commands: Explain chat commands available (!discord, !socials, etc.)
- FAQ: Answer common questions viewers ask
- Alerts/Sound Alerts: Explain how Bits or donations trigger alerts
- Sponsors/Partners: If applicable, showcase your partnerships
- Goals: Current sub goals, follower milestones, charity targets
For donation setup guidance, see our Twitch Donations Complete Guide.
Extension Panels
Extension panels add interactive functionality to your channel's About section. These are different from regular image panels because they can display dynamic, real-time information.
Popular Extension Panel Types
| Extension Type | Function | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Extensions | Display your stream schedule dynamically | Schedule extension, StreamSchedule |
| Social Links | Clickable social media buttons | Social Links, StreamElements |
| Loyalty Points | Show viewer points balance and rewards | StreamElements Loyalty, SE.Pay |
| Music Display | Show currently playing song | Spotify Now Playing, Last.fm |
| Donation Goals | Progress bars for fundraising goals | StreamElements, Streamlabs |
Adding Extension Panels
- Go to Creator Dashboard: Navigate to dashboard.twitch.tv
- Open Extensions: Extensions > My Extensions in the sidebar
- Find panel extensions: Search for extensions with "Panel" capability
- Install: Click Install on your chosen extension
- Configure: Set up the extension settings as needed
- Activate as Panel: In the "My Extensions" tab, click "Activate" and choose a Panel slot
- Arrange: Go to your channel page, toggle Edit Panels, and drag the extension panel to your preferred position
For comprehensive extension guidance, see our Best Twitch Extensions for Small Streamers guide.
Panel Design Best Practices
Professional-looking panels can significantly impact how viewers perceive your channel. Following design principles helps create a cohesive, polished appearance.
Design Principles for Twitch Panels
- Consistency: Use the same color scheme, fonts, and style across all panels
- Readability: Ensure text is large enough to read easily (especially on mobile)
- Contrast: Use colors that stand out against Twitch's dark theme
- Simplicity: Avoid cluttered designs; less is often more
- Brand alignment: Match your overlay, alerts, and overall channel branding
- Mobile-friendly: Test how panels look on smaller screens
Color and Typography Tips
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Background Colors | Match or complement Twitch's dark theme (#0E0E10, #18181B) |
| Accent Colors | Use 1-2 accent colors consistently (consider your brand colors) |
| Text Color | White or light gray for readability against dark backgrounds |
| Fonts | Use 1-2 clean, readable fonts (avoid overly decorative scripts) |
| Font Size | Large enough to read at 320px width; minimum 14-16px equivalent |
For stream branding consistency, also review our Twitch Stream Overlays Guide to ensure your panels match your overall visual identity.
Where to Get Twitch Panels
You don't need to be a graphic designer to have professional-looking panels. Many resources offer free and premium panel designs.
Free Panel Resources
| Resource | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | Design tool + templates | Search "Twitch panel" for free templates |
| Nerd or Die | Free + premium packs | Professional quality, free basic packs |
| StreamElements | Free overlays and panels | Part of complete stream packages |
| OWN3D | Free + premium | Large variety, matching overlay sets |
| Placeit | Online panel maker | Template-based panel generator |
Custom Panel Options
- Fiverr: Commission custom panels from freelance designers ($5-50+)
- Etsy: Pre-made and custom panel sets from independent creators
- Discord communities: Many streaming Discords have designers offering services
- DIY with Photoshop/GIMP: Create your own with image editing software
- AI design tools: Emerging AI tools can help generate custom graphics
Creating Panels in Canva
Canva is the most popular free tool for creating Twitch panels:
- Create a new design with custom dimensions (320 x 100 or your preferred height)
- Search templates for "Twitch panel" or start from scratch
- Customize colors, add text, icons, and shapes
- Download as PNG with transparent background (if applicable)
- Upload to Twitch as your panel image
Panel Organization and Layout
How you arrange your panels affects usability and viewer experience. Strategic organization helps viewers find information quickly.
Recommended Panel Order
- About Me: First impression, who you are
- Schedule: When viewers can catch you live
- Rules: Community expectations
- Donations/Support: If accepting tips (high visibility)
- Social Links: Discord, Twitter, YouTube
- Equipment/Specs: For gaming channels
- Commands: Helpful chat commands
- FAQ: Common questions
- Additional Info: Anything else specific to your channel
Layout Strategies
- Important info first: Most-viewed panels appear early in the order
- Group related panels: Keep social links together, rules with moderation info
- Use header panels: Section titles (About, Support, Connect) help organize
- Consider column width: Twitch displays panels in responsive columns based on screen width
- Test on different devices: Check layout on desktop, tablet, and mobile
Panel Writing Tips
The text in your panels matters as much as the visuals. Well-written panel descriptions help convey information clearly and show your personality.
Panel Writing Best Practices
- Be concise: Keep descriptions short and scannable
- Show personality: Let your voice come through in your writing
- Use bullet points: Easier to read than long paragraphs
- Include calls-to-action: "Click to join Discord" is more effective than just a link
- Update regularly: Keep schedule and goal panels current
- Proofread: Check for typos and grammatical errors
About Panel Template
Here's a template structure for an effective About Me panel:
Hey! I'm [Name], a [type of content] streamer.
I stream [games/content] [frequency] and love [what makes you unique].
Join the community for [what viewers can expect]!
Rules Panel Template
Effective rules are clear and positive:
- Be respectful to everyone in chat
- No spam, excessive caps, or self-promotion
- Keep discussions appropriate for all ages
- Listen to moderators
- Have fun and be positive!
For comprehensive chat management, see our Twitch Moderation Complete Guide.
Common Panel Mistakes to Avoid
Many streamers make preventable mistakes with their panels. Learning from these common errors helps you create a more polished channel.
Panel Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It's a Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Mismatched styles | Looks unprofessional, no brand identity | Use matching panel sets or consistent design |
| Outdated information | Wrong schedule, dead links, old goals | Review and update panels monthly |
| Too many panels | Overwhelming, hard to find key info | Keep to 8-12 essential panels |
| Small/unreadable text | Viewers can't read, especially on mobile | Use larger text, test on different devices |
| Broken links | Frustrating user experience | Test all links regularly |
| No About panel | New viewers don't know who you are | Always have an introductory panel |
Panels for Different Channel Sizes
Your panel strategy should evolve as your channel grows. What works for a small streamer may differ from what established channels need.
New/Small Streamers (0-100 followers)
- Focus on essentials: About, Schedule, Rules, Discord
- Keep it simple: 4-6 panels is sufficient
- Free panels are fine: Polish can come later
- Prioritize personality: Let viewers know who you are
- Skip donation panels: Focus on building community first
Growing Channels (100-1,000 followers)
- Add support options: Donations, Sub goals, Bits info
- Professional branding: Consider investing in custom panels
- Extension panels: Add interactive schedule, loyalty points
- Expand social presence: More platform links as you grow
- Commands panel: Document your chat bot commands
Established Channels (1,000+ followers)
- Full brand cohesion: Matching panels, overlays, alerts
- Sponsor panels: Showcase partnerships professionally
- Merch links: If selling merchandise
- Multiple support tiers: Bits, subs, donations, Patreon
- Community highlights: Feature your moderators or VIPs
For sub goals and progress tracking, see our Twitch Sub Goals & Progress Bars Guide.
Mobile Considerations
A significant portion of Twitch viewers use the mobile app. Panels appear differently on mobile, so optimization is important.
Mobile Panel Tips
- Larger text: Mobile viewers often can't read small text on panel images
- Simple designs: Complex graphics become illegible at small sizes
- Panel descriptions: Use text descriptions in addition to images for accessibility
- Test on mobile: Always check your panels on your phone
- Important info first: Mobile viewers may not scroll through all panels
- Working links: Ensure all links are tappable and functional on mobile
Conclusion
Twitch panels are a fundamental part of your channel's identity and viewer experience. They serve as your channel's resume, providing essential information while showcasing your brand and personality. Whether you're just starting out with basic text panels or running a fully branded channel with custom graphics and extension panels, the key is to be clear, consistent, and helpful to your viewers.
Start with the essentials: an About panel, schedule, and rules. As your channel grows, expand to include support options, social links, and interactive extension panels. Remember to update your panels regularly, test them on different devices, and maintain visual consistency with your overall stream branding.
Your panels are often the first thing new viewers explore when they visit your channel page. Make that first impression count by presenting a professional, organized, and informative About section that converts visitors into followers and followers into community members.
Related Resources
- How to Use Twitch Extensions Guide - Extension panels and setup
- Twitch Stream Overlays Guide - Match your panels to your overlays
- Twitch Moderation Guide - Rules panel best practices
- Twitch Donations Guide - Setting up donation panels
- Best Extensions for Small Streamers - Useful panel extensions
