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How to Add Panels to Twitch: A Streamer’s Definitive Guide

Want to make your Twitch channel pop? You’ve come to the right place. Panels are your secret weapon. They’re the customizable sections below your stream where you can share vital information, connect with your audience, and build your brand. Adding them is surprisingly straightforward, and this guide will walk you through every step, from the basics to pro-level tips. Let’s dive in and transform your Twitch channel from good to unforgettable.

Adding Panels: The Simple Step-by-Step

Adding panels to your Twitch channel is a snap. Here’s the rundown:

Log into your Twitch account: Head to Twitch and sign in.
Navigate to your channel: Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select “Channel“.
Access the “About” Section: Under your stream, you’ll find a series of tabs: “Chat,” “About,” “Schedule,” etc. Click on the “About” tab.
Enable Edit Panels: Look for the “Edit Panels” toggle, usually in the bottom right corner of the “About” section. Switch it to the “On” position. Once enabled, you’ll see empty panel boxes with a “+ Add a Panel” button.
Add a New Panel: Click the “+ Add a Panel” button to create a new panel. This will open a panel editor.
Customize Your Panel: The panel editor has two key sections:
- Image Panel: This is where you upload an image for your panel. Recommended image size is 320×160 pixels, but Twitch will resize if necessary. Click the “Add Image” button to upload your chosen image.
- Description Panel: Here, you can add a text description. Use this space to provide information, add links, or include a call to action. You can use Twitch’s Markdown formatting (similar to Reddit’s formatting) for bold, italics, lists, and other stylistic elements.
Add a Link (Optional): In the “Link to Image” field, you can paste a URL. When viewers click the image in your panel, they’ll be directed to this link. This is perfect for linking to your social media, Patreon, or other important sites.
Submit Your Panel: Once you’re happy with your panel, click the “Submit” button. Your panel will now be visible on your channel.
Reorder Your Panels: You can rearrange the order of your panels by clicking and dragging the panels in the “Edit Panels” mode.
Add More Panels: Repeat steps 5-9 to add as many panels as you need. There is no limit to the number of panels you can add.
Disable Edit Panels: When you’re finished adding and arranging panels, toggle the “Edit Panels” switch back to the “Off” position.

That’s it! Your panels are now live, ready to inform and engage your viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you optimize your Twitch panels:

1. What size should my Twitch panel images be?

The recommended image size for Twitch panels is 320×160 pixels. Twitch will automatically resize images, but sticking to this aspect ratio ensures your images look crisp and don’t get distorted. Images sized incorrectly can look blurry.

2. What file format should I use for Twitch panel images?

PNG files are generally the best choice for Twitch panel images. They offer good image quality with relatively small file sizes and support transparency. JPG files can also be used, but they may result in lower quality, especially if your images contain text or graphics.

3. Can I use GIFs in my Twitch panels?

Yes, you can use animated GIFs in your Twitch panels to add some dynamic flair to your channel. However, keep in mind that large GIF files can slow down page loading times, so it’s best to keep them small and optimized.

4. What kind of information should I include in my Twitch panels?

Great panel information includes:

About Me: Introduce yourself and your stream.
Schedule: Let viewers know when you typically stream.
Social Media Links: Direct viewers to your other platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
Donation/Tip Jar: If you accept donations, provide a link to your preferred platform (e.g., PayPal, Streamlabs).
Merchandise Store: If you sell merchandise, link to your store.
Discord Server: Share an invite link to your Discord server.
PC Specs/Setup: Share information about your gaming rig.
Commands: List useful chat commands.

5. How do I use Markdown formatting in my Twitch panels?

Twitch supports Markdown formatting to style the text in your panels. Here are some common Markdown commands:

Bold: **Text**
Italics: *Text*
Lists:
- Unordered: * Item 1, * Item 2
- Ordered: 1. Item 1, 2. Item 2
Links: [Link Text](URL)
Headers: # Header 1, ## Header 2, ### Header 3

6. How can I create custom Twitch panel images?

There are many tools you can use to create custom Twitch panel images:

Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard image editing software.
GIMP: A free and open-source alternative to Photoshop.
Canva: A user-friendly online graphic design tool with pre-made templates.
Figma: A collaborative web application for interface design.
Photopea: A free, browser-based alternative to Photoshop.

7. How do I remove a panel from my Twitch channel?

To remove a panel, go to your “About” section and enable “Edit Panels“. Scroll down to the panel you want to remove and click the “Remove Panel” (trash can icon) button. Confirm that you want to delete the panel. Then toggle “Edit Panels” back to the off position.

8. Can I add extensions directly as panels?

Yes, certain Twitch extensions can be integrated directly into your panels. Look for extensions that offer panel integration in the Twitch extensions marketplace. Follow the extension’s instructions to add it to your panels.

9. How do I make my panels stand out and look professional?

Consistency: Use a consistent design style (colors, fonts, imagery) across all your panels to create a cohesive brand.
High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images that are properly sized and optimized.
Concise Text: Keep your panel descriptions short and to the point.
Call to Action: Encourage viewers to take action, such as following you on social media or joining your Discord server.
Alignment: Align your images and text properly within the panels for a clean and professional look.

10. Are there any websites that offer free Twitch panel templates?

Yes, several websites offer free Twitch panel templates:

Nerd or Die: Offers a variety of free and premium Twitch assets, including panel templates.
Streamlabs: Provides free overlay templates and panel designs.
OWN3D: Offers a selection of free Twitch templates and graphics.
Canva: Has a library of customizable panel templates that can be used for free.

11. Can I have different panels for different categories or games I stream?

While you can’t have different panel sets that automatically switch based on the game you’re playing, you can manually update your panels to reflect the current game or category. Some streamers create separate sets of panel images and swap them out depending on the content they are streaming. Consider having a general set and a “game specific” set.

12. How often should I update my Twitch panels?

It’s a good idea to regularly review and update your Twitch panels to ensure the information is accurate and relevant. Update your schedule, social media links, and other information as needed. Refreshing your panel designs periodically can also help keep your channel looking fresh and engaging.