Twitch is a fun place to spend time, but it can also be regarded as a source of revenue for the most dedicated streamers. You can earn Twitch Channel Points and redeem them for various rewards, ranging from badges and emotes to custom chats. Regular viewers reap the most generous rewards and in this guide to streaming we explain step-by-step what needs to be done to be successful. In this guide, we’ll break down how to get channel points on Twitch, regardless of what channel you’re watching.

how to get channel points on twitch

First Steps to Getting Channel Points on Twitch

The first and most important step is to join the streaming platform, namely to create an account. This process takes only a few minutes, so it shouldn’t have a deterring effect on you if you are not an active member. Twitch allows people to watch its content without logging in, but if you want to earn Channel points, it is mandatory to sign up for an account.

Little information is required and it all begins with a click on the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner of twitch.tv page. Unlike other websites that require a lot of information during the registration process, this one keeps it basic. As a result, you don’t have to disclose sensitive information and you can become a regular viewer with little effort.

If you’re learning how to start streaming, this is also where you’d begin!

Join a Channel with Channel Points Enabled

If you have used the platform before you know that there are countless channels for a diverse audience. You can access all of them to get a better sense of what twitch has to offer, but you should know that not all of them have Channel points enabled. Obviously, the first step is to find the channel that dollars and you can do it by checking for a small currency icon next to the chat box on the channel page. Once you check this important box, you can move on to the more entertaining part of it.

Here’s the basic flow you’ll need to follow to learn how to get channel points on Twitch:

  1. To earn channel points, watch the channel and participate in the chat
  2. The more you engage with the channel, the more points you’ll earn
  3. Use the points to redeem against certain actions or rewards
  4. Participate further and unlock more channel points

This feature provides an extra layer of engagement and interaction between the streamer and their viewers, as well as a way for viewers to show support for their favourite streamer. By completing actions and earning points, viewers can become more involved in the channel and feel like they are contributing to the community. Experience has shown that this system is highly effective and they are unlikely to go away soon, so you will find information about it in any guide to streaming.

Twitch Channel Points are entirely up to the discretion of the individual streamer, so each channel’s point system will be different. Some streamers may have more generous reward systems than others, and some may offer more points for certain actions. They decide which actions earn points, but in most cases they include: following the channel, talking in the chat, or typing a specific command.

Set Channel Points

© Twitch

Earn Channel Points on Twitch and have Fun

Twitch Channel Points provide a way for streamers to track the activity of their viewers. They can see:

  • How many points each viewer has earned,
  • What rewards they have redeemed,
  • What actions they have completed.

This information can be used to tailor the content and rewards to better engage and retain viewers. This means that the platform also benefits from having better-prepared and more motivated streamers who interact with their viewers on multiple levels.

Streamers like to create custom actions that viewers can complete to earn points. Following the channel is the most common requirement, but each streamer can customize their own point system, so there are many options. Simply watching the channel for a set amount of time can earn you points and this is the most natural thing to do. Streamers may offer a set number of points for each hour you watch, so the more time you spend on the channel, the better the rewards.

Being active in the chat and participating in discussions can earn you points, as this is a sign of user involvement. Streamers may offer points for each message you send, or for each message that gets upvoted by other viewers. Once again, it depends on their approach and their short and long-term goals. Following the channel can earn you a one-time bonus of points while watching it produces recurrent prizes. When you follow the channel you get a bigger package, but this is a one-time deal.

Subscribing to the channel is another way of grabbing a one-time reward that is bigger than the average. Significantly fewer points are awarded to viewers who type a specific command in the chat. In this case, the goal is to turn the heat up a notch and create enthusiasm among viewers.

Redeem Your Channel Points and Collect More

It’s important to remember at all times that, while channel points are a fun feature, they won’t help you make money from streaming.

channel-pointsNow that you know how to get channel points on Twitch, our guide on streaming will focus on redeeming the points. You need to reach a certain threshold to redeem them for rewards set by the streamer. You’ll typically see a list of rewards and the number of points required to redeem each one in the chat or in the “Rewards” section of the channel page. This gives you the time and space to plan ahead and ramp up your activity when you want one lock something special.

Since this is an ongoing process, you can redeem points and earn more at the same time, without taking any breaks. The more you watch and participate in the channel, the more points you’ll earn. Some streamers may create quizzes or challenges for their viewers to complete to earn points. For example, a streamer might ask viewers a question about their channel and offer points for correct answers. At the end of the day, it all depends on the creativity of the streamers you are watching. You can always check our best Channel Points Ideas for Twitch for some inspiration.

The bottom line is that getting Twitch Channel Points is a simple process that requires you to have a Twitch account. Once you find a channel that has the feature enabled, you are points for watching and participating in the channel and completing various actions. Redeem your points for rewards, and feel like you are a part of a bigger community while enjoying the quality content on the platform.


If you’re trying to learn how to grow on Twitch, check out our expansive collection of streaming tips guides.