Whether you draw your own emotes or work with an artist, understanding Twitch emote dimensions, formats, and file limits will save you a lot of time. This guide walks you through the essentials in a friendly, step-by-step way, so your static and animated emotes look great at every size.
Standard Twitch Emote Size and Format (Static Emotes)
Static emotes are the classic, non-animated PNG images you see all over Twitch. Here’s what you need to know to get them right.
For standard emotes:
• File type: .png
• Shape: Square (same width and height in pixels)
• Background: Fully transparent
• File size limit: Max 1MB
PNG files support transparency and crisp edges, which is crucial at small sizes. A white or colored background will often look out of place in dark mode and can make your emote feel like a sticker instead of part of the chat.
Twitch Emote Dimensions (Static)
Twitch supports two ways to upload static emotes:
1. Auto-resize (single file)
You upload one PNG, and Twitch handles the rest.
• Size range: between 112 × 112 px and 4096 × 4096 px
• The platform automatically generates: 112 × 112 px, 56 × 56 px, 28 × 28 px
This is great if you prefer a simpler workflow. Just make sure your original art is clean and readable when scaled down.
2. Manual upload (three sizes)
You prepare three separate images:
• 28 × 28 px
• 56 × 56 px
• 112 × 112 px
All must:
• Be square
• Be in .png format
• Have a transparent background
• Stay under 1MB per file
Animated Twitch Emote Size and Requirements
For animated emotes:
• File type: .gif
• Shape: Square
• Max number of frames: 60
• Flashing rule: Must not flash or flicker more than 3 times within 1 second
• Background: Usually transparent, unless your style intentionally uses a background
The flashing rule is important for viewer comfort and accessibility, especially for those sensitive to rapidly changing visuals.
Twitch Emote Dimensions (Animated)
Just like static emotes, animated ones can be uploaded in two ways:
1. Auto-resize (single GIF)
• Upload one square GIF between 112 × 112 px and 4096 × 4096 px
• File size: up to 1MB
• Twitch auto-generates the smaller sizes (112, 56, 28 px)
2. Manual upload (three GIFs)
• Upload separate GIFs at:
◦ 112 × 112 px
◦ 56 × 56 px
◦ 28 × 28 px
• Each file must be 512KB or less
This smaller file size limit means you may need to simplify your animation: fewer colors, fewer frames, or a shorter loop.
Thumbnails for Animated Emotes
By default:
• The first frame of your GIF becomes the thumbnail.
If you want a different look (for example, a calmer pose instead of a mid-scream frame), you can upload a custom static thumbnail image that follows the same rules as standard emotes:
• .png, square, transparent background, correct size and file weight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Twitch Emote Size
Even experienced streamers and artists run into the same issues. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
• Non-square images – Twitch requires equal width and height; rectangular files will be rejected.
• No transparency – A solid white box around your emote looks outdated and harsh in chat.
• Oversized file weight – Files over the size limit won’t upload; animated emotes especially need careful optimization.
• Intense flashing – Exceeding the flicker rule can get your animation rejected and can be uncomfortable for viewers.
Wrapping Up: Tiny Images, Big Impact
Twitch emotes might be small on screen, but they carry a huge part of your channel’s energy. Understanding twitch emote size, file formats, and frame limits means: A stronger visual identity that follows your viewers from channel to channel.
Save this guide somewhere handy so your next batch of emotes slips smoothly through upload and looks crystal clear in every corner of chat.
To share the same cozy pug dog energy from the banner examples in your own channel, you’ll find the full Pug Dog Emote Pack waiting here whenever you’d like to explore it.
