Getting the most out of Channel Points
- How can we boost your streams interaction with channel points
- PUBLISHED: 18-May-2025
- PAGE VIEWS: 3
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What are Channel Points?
Channel Points are a currency-like system that Twitch has built into its own ecosystem. You can earn points just by watching - however, following, cheering, and gifting (once a month) can also give you a boost. The newly added watch streaks contribute too. Depending on which tier you’re subscribed at, you can earn more with modifiers. It’s estimated that a user will earn around 220 points per hour without any modifiers.
Channel Points are only available to Affiliated and Partnered streamers, so if you’re not one, you won’t be able to use them on your stream.
If you want to learn more about Channel Points and how they work, check out the Twitch docs link below:
How can we use them to boost our stream?
Getting the most out of Channel Points is an important part of your stream. It can help you build a community and get your viewers more involved.
Here are 5 tips to help you get the most out of them:
1. Return Channel Points
As previously mentioned, users only earn around 220 points per hour. If you have a redeem like “VIP for a year – 100k”, then users may save all their points for that and not use them elsewhere.
However, if you return the points at the end of the stream from redeemed items, they can still save for the big ones while interacting during the stream. With the right tools, this can be automated for example, returning points every 30 minutes or when the stream ends. This keeps your stream interactive and prevents users from hoarding points.
2. Don’t have too many
Having too many redemptions can be overwhelming. If you have 30 different redemptions, users may not know what to choose and end up redeeming nothing. Try to keep your redemptions to a minimum and make sure they are unique.
Twitch has a hard limit of 50, but I recommend sticking to around 8–12. This helps viewers stay engaged without being overloaded and makes it easier for them to find something they want to use.
3. Switch them up
This connects with the previous point. If your redemptions stay the same all the time, they can become stale and boring. Switching them up keeps your stream fresh.
You can have seasonal redemptions, rotate them monthly, or change them based on the game you’re playing. Viewers are far more likely to redeem jump scares during a horror game than if they’re always available. It also helps prevent you from hearing or seeing the same redemption constantly.
4. Dynamic Pricing
Dynamic pricing is a great way to keep viewers interested. This means changing the price of a redemption based on specific factors.
For example, if you have a “Get VIP” redemption, increase the price by 5,000 points each time it’s redeemed. This encourages viewers to redeem it quickly before the price rises, which drives more interaction.
With the right tools like Streamer.bot and StreamUP’s Dynamic Pricing freebie, you can even link prices to things like your heart rate. Here’s a link for that:
5. Try to be unique
Like everything in streaming, being unique helps you stand out and build community. A redemption that no one else has can keep your viewers more engaged.
You could make a redemption feel unique just by giving it a clever name or twist. For example, in a pirate-themed stream, instead of “Hydrate”, call it “Swig on the Grog”. Instead of a “Check-in”, try “Pay your piece of eight”.
The idea itself may not be new but the branding and delivery make it feel fresh.
Final Thoughts
Channel Points are brilliant when used correctly. But if they’re not getting used, then they’re not fulfilling their purpose. If viewers aren’t using redemptions, ask yourself why.
Consider the cost, the impact, and how disruptive it might be to your stream. If you find the right balance, you’ll have a great time with Channel Points, and so will your viewers.
If you have any questions or want to know more, feel free to reach out (links below). I’m always happy to help.