Due to lockdowns and the current global situation more people are becoming active online, and this has resulted in online platforms seeing a significant surge in audience and user numbers.
A similar phenomenon has been noted in the streaming world. Due to record growth on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, if you want to differentiate yourself from other streamers you need to get creative and ensure your stream branding is spot on.
One of the best ways to build a successful brand is by using (and designing) your stream graphics the right way.
In this article, we’re going to cover the most essential graphics you can use to give your stream that much needed professional look and help attract your target audience.
You might be wondering why stream graphics are important? Stream graphics represent you and your brand. The better the visual representation, the better your audience's viewing experience.
They should convey your channel's essence in the right way! If the audience likes what they see (and your content), there’s a much better chance that they’ll become a loyal fan.
Choosing the right graphics for your stream is key if you want to drive traffic and make them stick around. Twitch graphics done right will also help you out in the following areas:
Since we have established the importance of good stream graphics, let's dive into the details of some of the most essential graphics that will help you set your channel apart:
Stream overlays are graphics that sit on top of your stream footage. They allow you to add additional functionality to your stream to create a more engaging experience than a standard video stream.
Most commonly, these graphics are displayed around the edges of your stream footage to ensure that the audience's view of your live stream is free from any obstructions. There are plenty of different types of overlays, from webcam frames, stream information, chat boxes, and much more.
You can find a large variety here on Stream Shift:
You can make your steam overlay graphics as minimalistic and simple or as complex as you want. However, there is something to be said for simplicity when it comes to ensuring a good viewer experience.
Whatever you decide to go with, depending upon your channel's theme, make sure to keep your brand but more importantly the preference of your target audience in mind at all times.
If you want to take your Twitch graphics up a notch, adding alerts is a good way to do it. Adding custom stream alerts is a great way to engage your audience during your live streams and also show appreciation for the support your subscribers give you.
Alerts usually are triggered by the following events - when someone follows, donates, or subscribes to your channel.
Viewers love an engaging experience! Use your own custom alerts as an opportunity to interact with your audience and create a more personalized experience for them by thanking them whenever they support you.
A Twitch banner is located at the top of your channel and will be one of the first things that your viewers are going to see.
It is a good way of showcasing what your brand is all about. You could also mention information important to your stream like your social media accounts, your schedule, any partnerships you have, and your name.
Twitch banners are more prominent on mobile devices than a desktop. Either way, it is a good way of showing what you have to offer your viewers.
While making a Twitch banner, you need to keep one thing in mind that the banner goes with your stream's overall style and reflects your brand in the best way possible!
If you’re looking for an easy way to create your own Twitch banner you could use a Twitch banner maker.
Stream screens are another important part of your Twitch graphics. They are used to inform the audience what is happening with your channel or your stream when you step away from the camera.
Making screens a part of your Twitch graphics, you don't have to worry about losing your viewer count every time you are not live on the camera. It also helps to engage the audience while you are away.
Screens have a lot of variants, but below we have listed the most important ones:
Twitch panels are an excellent way to show your creativity and can be used to spice things up a bit in terms of brand popularity.
They are an excellent addition to your Twitch graphics and can be used to provide important information the viewers may need from your side.
Twitch Panels can also direct the audience to important areas such as the about section, social media profiles, merch store, etc.
So, which Twitch Panels to use? Here is a list of the important ones to use on your profile:
If you want to do your branding the right way, then creating a unique logo that leaves an impression with viewers is one way to do it. Placeit is a good option when it comes to creating a logo online, and there are some other quality logo makers too.
When talking about the type of logos, these two categories are a hit among the streamers:
Your logo should effortlessly reflect your brand in the best way possible. It should be easy to remember and versatile so that it goes perfectly with all the different platforms you might be using it on.
If you want your brand to give a more personal feel, then adding your own picture as the profile image would be the way to go!
Many streamers and content creators use their own image in the profile picture section rather than a logo. Doing the same with your Twitch channel can potentially offer a more personal approach to your branding.
Subscriber emotes are one of the most important aspects when it comes to Twitch graphics. It is a neat way to customize your Twitch channel and reward your loyal subscribers.
Subscriber emotes are created by the host of the live stream to facilitate the audience to interact in a fun way. Twitch Emotes are created as a by-product of any inside joke, meme, trend, or something relevant to the Twitch stream.
Subscriber badges are also a nice addition to your Twitch graphics and are a good way to reward your supporters. When someone from your viewers subscribes to your channel, they get a sub badge displayed next to their name when they take part in your channel's chat. The longer someone has subscribed for, they’ll earn new sub badges for being a loyal supporter.
If you are thinking of starting or have stepped into the world of streaming, then you need to stand out from the rest of the streamers.
First impressions are incredibly important. To help turn new viewers to your stream into loyal fans use graphics that set you apart.
Good luck!