Twitch Shoutouts Explained: Complete Guide to the /shoutout Command & Best Practices

Key Takeaways

• Use /shoutout username or /so username to promote another streamer in your chat.
• Shoutouts display a visual card with the streamer's profile, category, and follow button.
• 2-minute cooldown between shoutouts prevents spam.
• Moderators and editors can shoutout on behalf of the streamer.
• Different from raids - shoutouts recommend; raids transfer your audience.

Shoutout at a Glance

Understanding what happens when you use the shoutout command:

• Visual card appears: A prominent embed displays in chat with the streamer's info
• Profile showcase: Shows avatar, username, and recent stream category
• Follow button included: Viewers can follow directly from the shoutout card
• System message: Text announces who gave the shoutout
• No stream interruption: Unlike raids, your stream continues normally

Shoutouts are essentially "recommendations" - you're telling your audience "check out this creator" without actually sending them away from your channel.

Basic Shoutout Syntax

Two command formats work identically:

• /shoutout username - Full command (e.g., /shoutout coolstreamer)
• /so username - Shorthand version (e.g., /so coolstreamer)

Both commands produce the same result - use whichever is faster for you to type.

Who Can Give Shoutouts?

Not everyone in chat can use the shoutout command:

This restriction ensures shoutouts remain meaningful endorsements from the channel rather than spam from random viewers.

Shoutout Cooldown

There's a 2-minute cooldown between shoutouts on each channel. This prevents:

• Spam flooding the chat with shoutout cards
• Shoutouts losing their impact through overuse
• Each shoutout having time to be noticed and acted upon

The cooldown applies channel-wide, so if a moderator gives a shoutout, the streamer must wait 2 minutes before giving another one.

Key Differences

When to Use Each

Use Shoutouts when:

• Someone raids you and you want to acknowledge them while staying live
• A fellow streamer is watching your stream
• You want to promote a friend's channel during your broadcast
• Recognizing someone who helped your community

Use Raids when:

• You're ending your stream and want to transfer your viewers
• You want to actively support another creator with your audience
• Building networking relationships through viewer sharing

1. Always Thank Raiders with Shoutouts

When someone raids your channel, immediately shoutout them back. This:

• Shows appreciation to the raiding streamer
• Introduces your viewers to the person who just brought new audience
• Encourages the raider to raid you again in the future
• Builds reciprocal relationships in the streaming community

Many streamers train their mods to automatically shoutout raiders when they arrive, ensuring no raid goes unacknowledged.

2. Add Personal Context

Don't just type the command - add verbal context:

• Weak: /so coolstreamer
• Strong: "Hey everyone, coolstreamer just raided us with 50 viewers! They stream variety games and are super chill. Give them a follow!" /so coolstreamer

Verbal endorsements carry more weight than silent shoutouts. Tell your audience why they should check out this person.

3. Shoutout Active Community Members

Don't limit shoutouts to just raiders. Consider shouting out:

• Fellow streamers who are hanging out in your chat
• People who just hit streaming milestones (Partner, Affiliate)
• Community members who helped you with something
• Collaborators you've worked with

4. Don't Over-Shoutout

While the 2-minute cooldown helps, constantly shouting out can:

• Interrupt your content flow
• Make shoutouts feel less special
• Annoy viewers who came to watch you, not ads for other channels

Quality over quantity - save shoutouts for people who genuinely deserve recognition.

Automated Raid Shoutouts

Tools like StreamElements and Nightbot can automatically shoutout anyone who raids your channel. This ensures:

• No raid goes unacknowledged, even if you're distracted
• Immediate recognition while the raider's viewers are still paying attention
• Consistent treatment for all raiders

Custom Shoutout Commands

Create custom bot commands that provide more detailed shoutouts:

• !so [user] - Triggers both a text message and the native /shoutout command
• Include the streamer's stream schedule or social links
• Play a sound alert when the shoutout triggers

According to Twitch Creator Camp, consistent community recognition is one of the key factors in building a loyal viewer base.

Shoutout Alerts

Using services like Streamlabs or StreamElements, you can set up visual and audio alerts that trigger alongside shoutouts:

• On-screen graphics featuring the shouted-out streamer
• Sound effects to draw attention
• TTS reading of shoutout messages

Building Reciprocal Relationships

Shoutouts work best when they're mutual. Strategies include:

• Raid circles: Groups of streamers who regularly raid and shoutout each other
• Support networks: Communities of similar-sized channels helping each other grow
• Genuine relationships: Watch other streams, participate in their chats, then shoutout authentically

According to SullyGnome analytics, channels that actively network with similar creators typically see 15-25% faster follower growth compared to isolated channels.

Shoutout Etiquette

Follow these unwritten rules for shoutout networking:

• Don't ask for shoutouts - Earn them through genuine participation
• Return the favor - If someone shouts you out, do the same when appropriate
• Only shoutout channels you'd actually recommend - Your endorsement reflects on you
• Avoid shoutout trading - "I'll shout you if you shout me" feels transactional

Small Streamers (0-50 Average Viewers)

For newer and smaller channels:

• Shoutout every raid - even raids of 1-2 viewers matter at this stage
• Actively participate in similar channels and earn natural shoutouts
• Build relationships with streamers slightly larger than you
• Use shoutouts to establish yourself as a supportive community member

Check our Stream Growth Calculator to track your progress toward Affiliate.

Mid-Size Streamers (50-500 Average Viewers)

At this stage, shoutouts become more strategic:

• Continue shouting out raiders, but with more verbal context
• Be selective about who you promote - your endorsement carries weight
• Develop a consistent network of fellow creators you support
• Use shoutouts to welcome other streamers who visit your chat

Large Streamers (500+ Average Viewers)

For established channels:

• Your shoutouts have significant impact - use them meaningfully
• Consider "lifting" smaller creators who deserve recognition
• Delegate raid shoutouts to mods so you stay focused on content
• Be aware that everyone you shoutout will be scrutinized by your audience

Mistake 1: Ignoring Raiders

Never let a raid go unacknowledged. Even if you're in the middle of something:

• Have mods give the shoutout if you're busy
• Set up automated shoutouts for raids
• Acknowledge verbally even if the command is delayed

Ignoring raiders is considered rude in the Twitch community and damages networking potential.

Mistake 2: Shouting Out Banned/Controversial Channels

Always verify who you're shouting out:

• Don't shoutout channels that have been banned or suspended
• Avoid promoting channels with controversial or inappropriate content
• Your endorsement reflects on your own channel's values

Mistake 3: Transactional Shoutouts

Avoid making shoutouts feel like business deals:

• Don't demand shoutouts in return
• Don't sell shoutouts for money or Bits
• Genuine endorsements are more valuable than forced exchanges

Panel Extensions for Shoutouts

Some streamers use Twitch Extensions to create permanent shoutout panels:

• Rotating panels featuring community streamers
• "Friends" panels linking to channels you support
• Team panels showing other streamers in your group

Third-Party Shoutout Tools

Bot integrations that enhance shoutout functionality:

• Automatic clip display when shouting out a channel
• Integration with Channel Points for viewer-requested shoutouts
• Shoutout tracking to remember who you've promoted

How do you give a shoutout on Twitch?

Type /shoutout username or /so username in your chat (e.g., /shoutout streamername). This displays a visual card in chat showing the target streamer's profile, recent stream category, and a follow button. Only streamers, moderators, and editors can use the shoutout command.

What's the difference between a shoutout and a raid on Twitch?

A shoutout displays a promotional card in your chat recommending another streamer, while a raid actually sends your viewers to another channel. Shoutouts are quick acknowledgments during your stream; raids end your stream by transferring your audience. You can shoutout while staying live; raids require ending your broadcast.

Is there a cooldown on Twitch shoutouts?

Yes, there's a 2-minute cooldown between shoutouts on Twitch. This prevents spam and ensures each shoutout has time to be noticed by viewers. You can shoutout the same person again after the cooldown expires.

Can viewers see when someone gets a shoutout?

Yes, shoutouts display a prominent visual card in chat that all viewers can see. The card shows the target streamer's profile picture, username, recent stream category, and includes a follow button. This makes shoutouts effective for helping viewers discover new channels.

Can moderators give shoutouts on Twitch?

Yes, moderators and channel editors can use the /shoutout command on behalf of the streamer. This is useful when the streamer is busy gaming or distracted, allowing mods to recognize raiders or welcome other streamers to chat.

Do shoutouts work if the person isn't live?

Yes, you can shoutout any Twitch user regardless of whether they're currently streaming. The shoutout card will still display their profile and most recent stream category. This differs from raids, which require the target to be live.