If you’ve spent any time hanging out in Twitch chat, you’ve probably noticed those little icons next to people’s usernames—some shiny, some colorful, some instantly recognizable. Those are Sub Badges, and they’re more than just flair—they’re a symbol of loyalty and support that help build stronger communities on Twitch.
Whether you’re a new streamer setting up your channel or a longtime creator thinking about giving your badges a glow-up, here’s everything you need to know about what sub badges are, how they work, and how to make yours unforgettable.
💡 What Are Twitch Sub Badges?
Sub Badges, also known as Subscriber Loyalty Badges, are custom icons that appear next to a viewer's name in your chat once they subscribe to your channel. They're a visual way to celebrate your supporters and show off how long someone has been subscribed.
These badges evolve the longer someone stays subbed—starting with a 1-month badge and unlocking new versions as their sub streak grows. It’s Twitch’s way of turning loyalty into bragging rights.
🏆 Where Do Sub Badges Show Up?
Badges display:
- In your Twitch chat
- Next to usernames in whispers
- In your channel’s user list
They’re a quick way to spot your biggest supporters at a glance. And for your viewers, they’re a badge of honor they’ll want to show off.
📅 Sub Badge Progression Timeline
Twitch offers default badges, but streamers can upload custom designs that update based on how long a viewer has been subscribed.
You can upload custom badges for these milestones:
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 1 year
- 1.5 years
- 2 years
- 2.5 years
- 3 years
- 3.5 years
- 4 years
- 4.5 years
- 5 years
- And so on...
This allows you to create a full “badge journey” that rewards your fans over time.
🎨 Customizing Your Sub Badges
Twitch lets Affiliates and Partners upload their own designs. You’ll need:
- A transparent PNG
- Three sizes: 18x18, 36x36, and 72x72 pixels
Badge designs can be anything you want—hearts, potions, swords, emotes, or inside jokes from your stream. The best badges often tie into your branding or stream themes.
Not a designer? Tons of artists and platforms specialize in Twitch graphics. Or you can use free tools like Canva, Fiverr, or stream asset packs from Nerd or Die, OWN3D, or Etsy.
🔍 Sub Badges vs. Chat Badges: What’s the Difference?
Twitch has multiple types of chat badges. Subscriber badges are custom and tied to your channel, while others are global or Twitch-issued, like:
- Mod badges (green sword)
- VIP badges (diamond)
- Founder badges (for your first 10 or 25 subs)
- Twitch Turbo, Staff, and more
Note: Only one chat badge can be displayed at a time—so if someone has both a TwitchCon 2024 badge and a Partner badge, they’ll need to choose which one to show.
💡 Pro Tips to Make Your Sub Badges Pop
- Theme it out: Make your badges feel like a set—think of them as a collector’s series.
- Increase prestige: Use colors or icons that get cooler the longer someone is subbed.
- Make it legible: Even at 18x18px, it should be easy to recognize.
- Add personality: Include stream memes, pets, or your mascot.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Sub badges are more than just pixels—they’re community builders. A fun, evolving badge system gives your subs something to look forward to and a sense of pride in sticking around. And as a streamer, it’s one of the most fun and personal ways to reward loyalty.
So, whether you’re just starting out or thinking about a badge refresh, now’s the perfect time to level up your chat with some seriously awesome sub badge designs.
