Twitch Emote Sizes — Complete Size Table & Requirements
Twitch emote size requirements explained. All three sizes (28×28, 56×56, 112×112) with file limits and best practices.
Twitch has two upload methods. Use automatic resizing to upload one square file, or use manual mode to supply three sizes. The file limit depends on both the upload method and whether the emote is static or animated. A 25 KB limit does not apply to these emote uploads.
Requirements checked on September 20, 2026.
Twitch emote dimensions and file limits
Choose the row for your upload method
| Platform | Size | Max File Size | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Static — automatic resize | One square, 112×112 to 4096×4096 px | Under 1 MB | PNG | Use a transparent background. Twitch creates the smaller sizes. |
| Static — manual upload | 28×28, 56×56, and 112×112 px | Under 100 KB per file | PNG | Supply the same emote at all three dimensions. |
| Animated — automatic resize | One square, 112×112 to 4096×4096 px | 1 MB maximum | GIF | No more than 60 frames. |
| Animated — manual upload | 28×28, 56×56, and 112×112 px | 512 KB maximum per file | GIF | No more than 60 frames in each GIF. |
Sources: Twitch's emote formatting requirements and Subscriber Emote Guide. The subscriber guide gives the stricter limit for manual static uploads. Do not apply the animated GIF limit to a static PNG.
Use automatic resizing for your first upload
Start with one square file when your design is clear at a small size. This is useful for a face, pet, or simple logo. Make a copy of the original before you crop or resize it, so you can change the framing later without enlarging a small export.
Use the Twitch emote maker to apply an effect to your image. Select Twitch in the Platform control and check the selected Size. For an animated emote, download the GIF. For a static emote, use the output with no animation and check that the saved file is a PNG. Inspect the downloaded file before you upload it to Twitch.
If you need manual sizes, export each size separately. Change Size to 112, then 56, then 28 pixels, and save each file with its size in the name. The Download All as ZIP action collects different outputs; it does not mean that you receive all three Twitch sizes of one emote.
Check the smallest version first
Place the 28-pixel version beside an ordinary line of chat text. Can you identify the face or reaction without zooming in? If the eyes merge into the outline, use a closer crop or remove small details. A large preview can hide this problem.
Check the edge on light and dark backgrounds. A pale border left by background removal can look like a white box in dark chat. Correct the source, then export again. Keep enough space around the subject that a bounce or head movement does not cut off the face.
Check an animated file before upload
Watch several complete loops. Check that the return to the first frame does not make a sudden jump. Twitch permits no more than three flashes or flickers in one second. Its default animated thumbnail is the first GIF frame, so make that frame useful on its own. See the animated emote requirements.
If the file is too large, remove unused space and shorten the animation before you reduce the image quality. See our GIF compression guide for examples. A file that ends in .gif is not proof that it contains animation: open the downloaded file and make sure it moves.
Upload and check the result
- In the Twitch Creator Dashboard, open Viewer Rewards, then Emotes.
- Choose an available slot or upload to the Library. Select automatic resizing or manual mode, then upload the matching file or files.
- Enter the emote code and submit it. If you upload to the Library, assign the emote to an available slot before viewers can use it.
- Check its status. Some eligible accounts have instant upload; otherwise the emote needs review. Do not assume a fixed approval time.
Twitch explains the slot and review steps in its Subscriber Emote Guide. If an upload fails, first check the file type, dimensions, file size, and selected upload mode. If it is rejected during review, use the reason Twitch sends to decide what to change.
