Twitch username color is set through chat settings, not account settings
You cannot change the color of your username itself in Twitch — the name stays in the default color your account type displays. What you can change is the color of your username when it appears in chat messages, which is what most people mean when they ask this question. This feature is called username color and it works differently depending on whether you are a regular user or a channel subscriber.
If you are a Twitch Affiliate or Partner (a streamer), you get access to unlimited username colors in chat. If you are a regular viewer, you get a limited palette of colors unless you subscribe to a channel — then you can use that channel's subscriber colors, or pay for a color-changing service like Chroma or StreamElements.
Key Takeaways
- Streamers (Affiliates and Partners) can pick any color for their username in their own chat by going to Creator Dashboard > Chat Color.
- Regular viewers can only choose from a preset list of colors in their User Settings > Chat, unless they subscribe to a channel.
- Subscribing to a channel gives you access to that channel's custom subscriber colors, which override your default color in that chat only.
- Third-party services like Chroma let you use custom colors in any chat, but they require a separate account and monthly fee.
How streamers change their username color
If you run a Twitch channel as an Affiliate or Partner, you can set your username color in the Creator Dashboard. Log in, go to Creator Dashboard (the wrench icon), then select Chat Color from the left menu under Settings. You will see a color picker — click it to choose any color you want, or paste a hex code if you have a specific shade in mind.
This color applies to your username whenever you type in your own chat and in any other channel chat. It takes effect when ready. If you change your mind, you can return to the same menu and pick a different color at any time.
How regular viewers choose from available colors
If you are not a streamer, you have a smaller set of colors to choose from. Go to your User Settings (click your profile icon in the top right, then Settings). Select Chat from the left menu. Under Username Color, you will see a row of preset colors — click the one you want.
The available colors are: Blue, Coral, Dodger Blue, Spring Green, Blue Violet, Orange Red, Sea Green, Golden Rod, Hot Pink, Cadet Blue, Chocolate, Firebrick, Dark Slate Gray, Green, OrangeRed, Red, Royal Blue, and Slate Blue. Your choice applies to your username in every chat you join. You cannot create a custom color from this menu.
Using subscriber colors in a specific channel
When you subscribe to a channel, that channel's streamer can set custom colors for their subscribers. If they have done so, you will see those colors available in the same Chat settings menu, but only when you are in that channel's chat. Subscriber colors override your default color in that channel only — your color reverts to your chosen default in other channels.
Different channels have different subscriber color palettes. A channel might offer five custom colors for all tiers of subscribers, or different colors for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 subscribers. Check the channel's About page or ask the streamer what colors they have set up.
Third-party color services for custom colors everywhere
Services like Chroma and StreamElements let you use any color in any chat, even if you are not a subscriber or streamer. These work by connecting to your Twitch account and changing how your username appears to other viewers. You create an account with the service, authorize it to access your Twitch account, and then pick your color from their color picker.
These services typically charge a monthly fee (usually $3 to $5) and require you to stay logged in to the service for the color to display. If you log out or the service goes down, your username reverts to your default Twitch color. Some services also offer other chat customizations like custom badges or fonts alongside the color feature.
Why some usernames appear in different colors by default
Twitch assigns default colors to different account types automatically. Streamers (Affiliates and Partners) usually appear in a purple or blue tone. Moderators in a channel appear in green. Regular subscribers appear in a lighter shade. These defaults exist so chat readers can quickly tell who is who — a streamer, a mod, or a paying supporter. Your chosen color overrides these defaults once you set one.
If you see a username in a color you have never seen in the preset list, that person is either a streamer using their custom color, a subscriber using their channel's custom color, or using a third-party color service.
Troubleshooting: your color is not showing up
If you set a color but it is not appearing in chat, first check that you are logged in to Twitch. Log out completely, close your browser, and log back in. Sometimes the change takes a few minutes to sync across Twitch's servers.
If you are using a third-party service like Chroma, make sure you are still logged in to that service and that it has permission to access your Twitch account. Check the service's website to confirm your account is active and your subscription has not expired. If the service is down, your color will not display until it is back online.
If you are trying to use a subscriber color in a channel where you are not subscribed, that color will not appear — you will see your default color instead. Verify that your subscription to that channel is active by checking your Subscriptions page in your User Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different colors in different channels?
Only if you subscribe to those channels and they have custom subscriber colors set up. Your default color (set in User Settings) applies everywhere unless overridden by a channel's subscriber colors or a third-party service. Streamers can use different colors only by changing their account-wide setting in Creator Dashboard.
Do other people see my username color the same way I do?
Yes, if you are a streamer or using a third-party service. If you are using Twitch's built-in colors or subscriber colors, everyone in that chat sees the same color you chose. The color is part of your message and displays the same way for all viewers.
What happens to my color if I cancel my channel subscription?
Your username reverts to your default color (the one you set in User Settings) in that channel's chat. Your default color remains unchanged in all other channels. If you resubscribe to the channel later, you can choose a subscriber color again.
Can I use a color that is not in the preset list without paying for a service?
Not as a regular viewer. Streamers can use any color for free through Creator Dashboard. If you are not a streamer, your only free options are the preset colors or your channel's subscriber colors if you subscribe. Third-party services are the only way to use custom colors as a non-streamer.
Do I need to be a certain account age or level to change my color?
No. Any account can change its username color in User Settings. Streamers need to be an Affiliate or Partner to access Creator Dashboard, but that is the only account-level requirement.