The most common reason: third-party emotes
Twitch only shows Twitch emotes. Many channels also use emotes from 7TV, BetterTTV (BTTV) and FrankerFaceZ (FFZ). To chat itself those are just words; an extension or client is what turns them into images.
If you see the word while others see the emote, that piece is what you are missing.
On a PC in the browser
- 7TV, BetterTTV and FrankerFaceZ each have an extension for Chrome, Firefox and other browsers. Install the providers the channel uses; if in doubt, all three.
- Check that the extension is enabled on twitch.tv and not blocked by an ad blocker or privacy settings.
- Reload the Twitch page. New channel emotes often only appear after a reload.
On your phone
The official Twitch app for iPhone and Android cannot load extensions. There, 7TV, BTTV and FFZ emotes always stay words, whatever you change.
The fix is a Twitch chat app that integrates these providers itself. JilChat is one: emotes from 7TV, BTTV, FFZ and FFZ:AP load automatically per channel.
Other reasons
- The channel has since removed the emote, so older messages only show the word.
- You are on a TV, a console or in an app without extensions.
- The emote set just changed and the cache is stale. Reloading helps.
- You can see another channel’s sub emote, but only use it if you are subscribed there.
Frequently asked questions
Why do other people see emotes I don’t?
Because they use an extension or app that loads 7TV, BTTV or FFZ, and you do not. To Twitch itself these emotes are just text.
Can I see 7TV emotes in the Twitch app?
No. The official Twitch app does not load extensions. On a phone you need a chat app that integrates 7TV itself.
Keep reading
Try JilChat
JilChat is free on iPhone and Android, with 7TV, BTTV and FFZ.
JilChat is an independent app and is not affiliated with Twitch, 7TV, BetterTTV, FrankerFaceZ or Chatterino. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.