Twitch Bits are a virtual currency that viewers can use to financially support and engage with their favorite streamers on the platform. Cheering with Bits triggers special animations and sounds in chat, allowing viewers to celebrate epic gaming moments and show their appreciation. As a viewer, here is everything you need to know about Twitch Bits and how to use them to support the creators you love.
Table of Contents
What are Twitch Bits?
Twitch Bits are a virtual good purchased from Twitch that act as an in-site currency. They allow viewers to “Cheer” in chat with animated emotes and visual effects to show support and stand out during exciting moments.
When you Cheer Bits, the amount you spend gets converted into animated Cheermotes that appear in chat. The more Bits you use, the bigger and more visually impressive the Cheermote. Streamers earn $0.01 for each Bit used to Cheer them, allowing Bits to serve as monetary tips or donations.
Why Should You Donate Bits?
Donating Bits is a meaningful way to support streamers financially while also creating cool chat animations. Bit donations show streamers that you enjoy their content and want them to keep creating. The more Bits used in a channel, the more revenue the streamer earns.
Bits also allow you to amplify your voice in chat. Big Cheers stand out, letting a streamer know you think they did something awesome. The animations add to the hype, making Bit Cheers more fun and engaging than a standard chat message.
How To Buy Twitch Bits
Before you can donate Bits, you need to purchase some. Buying Bits on Twitch is easy:
- On Desktop: Click the diamond Bits icon in any chat, then “Get Bits”
- On Mobile: Tap the Bits icon in chat, then “Get Bits”
- Select your package ($1.40 for 100 Bits up to $308 for 25,000 Bits)
- Enter your payment info and complete the transaction
First-time Bit buyers may see special discounted packages. You can also earn a small amount of free Bits by watching ads.
How To Donate Bits on Twitch
Once you have Bits in your account, donating them is simple:
On Desktop
- Type “cheer” into chat
- Enter the number of Bits you wish to donate after it (e.g. “cheer100”)
- Hit enter and watch your Cheer appear in chat!
On Mobile
- Tap the Bits icon in chat
- Enter the number of Bits you wish to donate
- Tap “Cheer” and watch your Cheer go off!
The more Bits you Cheer at once, the bigger the visual animation. You can also include a chat message with your Cheer. Get creative and use emotes to make your Bits stand out!
Can You Donate Anonymously?
Yes! When entering the amount of Bits to Cheer, check the box next to “Cheer Anonymously” first. Your username will still appear briefly in a subtle gray font, but it helps keep your Cheer anonymous.
Anonymous Cheers are a great way to donate Bits if you don’t want the attention or recognition from the streamer. You still trigger the animations, and the streamer earns your Bits, but without the username attached.
Bit Badges, Emotes and More
As you accumulate more Bits either through purchases or watching ads, you unlock access to special perks. These include:
- Bit Badges: Special chat badges shown next to your name, earned by Cheering certain amounts total.
- Cheermotes: More animated emotes usable in your Bits Cheers. Unlocked by Cheering certain amounts in one message.
- Bit Leaderboards: Channels can show top Bit contributors over various time frames. Cheer enough to reach the top!
So even beyond supporting streamers, unlocking Bits perks can be another fun goal while watching Twitch. Bit badges also signal to everyone that you actively support channels with Bits instead of just watching.
Can You Donate Bits on Mobile?
Yes, the process works the same as on desktop! Mobile users can buy Bits in the Twitch app and Cheer them in chat without any issues. The animated Cheermotes and Bit notifications all still appear.
Cheering Bits on mobile helps you support streamers even when you can’t be at your computer. The mobile process is intuitive too, making donating Bits just as easy on-the-go.
Charity Bits Donations
Twitch also facilitates charity live streams where Bit donations go towards fundraising goals rather than the broadcaster. Special events like Twitch Sings and Games Done Quick use Bits and subscriptions to raise money for charities.
During these streams, make sure to buy Bits directly from the channel itself. Otherwise your purchase revenue still goes to Twitch per usual. Buying event-specific Bits ensures more money goes directly to the charity.
Should You Donate Bits?
Cheering Bits is a meaningful way to support the creators you love on Twitch. Even small donations add up for streamers, and unlocking Bits perks gives you something to show for the purchases.
If you want to help fund a streamer making great content, donating Bits hits the perfect balance. You get cool animations and engagement in chat, while also helping them earn revenue to continue broadcasting.
Donating Twitch Bits allows viewers to financially support streamers in an entertaining and engaging way. With its animated emotes and exciting visual effects, Cheering with Bits brings chat to life while letting your favorite creators earn money. If you enjoy a streamer’s channel and want to contribute, grab some Bits and join in the Cheer action!
