Streaming Bots & Automation

What I use: BotRix

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I mainly use BotRix for my viewer queue, alerts, chat commands, sub tracking, and other stream automation.

One of my favorite things about it is that I can have the bot send messages through my own Twitch account instead of a random bot name. It makes everything look cleaner and keeps the stream more on brand.

Here is what BotRix currently handles for me:

• Viewer queue: Keeps track of everyone waiting to play.
• Alerts: Handles follows, subs, and other important stream events.
• Sub goal: Tracks my subs and displays the goal on screen.
• Subathon timer: I have also used it to run my subathon timer.
• Chat commands: Gives viewers information without me repeating the same answer all stream.

BotRix works with Twitch, Kick, YouTube, Trovo, and Discord. You do not need to use every feature or platform. I just like having most of my important stream systems in one place.

My viewer queue setup

The BotRix OBS dock lets me see the entire queue without leaving OBS. I can quickly check who is waiting and who is up next without trying to remember a bunch of names while I am also playing and talking to chat.

Viewers join through a chat command. When a match ends, I press a button on my Stream Deck that sends !next. BotRix moves the queue forward and tells me who is next.

It sounds like a small thing, but it keeps viewer games moving and gives me one less thing to think about while live.

Why I also use Nightbot

I use Nightbot for some of the fun, interactive commands that I cannot make the same way through BotRix.

Nightbot can use variables and random results, so the command does not give the exact same boring answer every time. People start using the commands on themselves and each other, comparing answers, and talking shit in chat. That makes the commands part of the entertainment instead of just a list of information.

Some of my current commands include:

• !8ball: Gives a random Magic 8 Ball-style answer.
• !hotness @viewer: Gives someone a random rating from 1 to 10.
• !girth: Gives a random measurement from 1 to 6 inches.
• !size: Gives a random measurement from 1 to 11 inches.

Obviously, the last two match the humor of my community and may not fit yours. Do not copy random commands just because another streamer uses them. Think about your own inside jokes, your game, and what your viewers would actually have fun using.

The downside is that Nightbot shows up as Nightbot in chat. That is fine for these optional fun commands, but I prefer using BotRix through my own account for the important stuff because it looks more polished.

Other bots worth looking at

BotRix and Nightbot are what work for me, but there are plenty of other options. You do not have to use my exact setup.

Streamer.bot is probably the most advanced option. It runs locally on your computer and can connect triggers, actions, OBS, different platforms, APIs, and custom code. You can do some crazy shit with it, but it takes more time to learn and it has to be running on your computer.

StreamElements and Streamlabs offer bots alongside alerts, overlays, and other stream tools.

Moobot, WizeBot, and Fossabot are cloud-based options for commands, moderation, timers, and other chat tools.

Sery_Bot is focused more heavily on Twitch moderation and protection from hate raids, follow bots, and spam.

Mix It Up is another downloadable option for people who want deeper automation and integrations.

I would not download five different bots and try to set up everything at once. Figure out what you actually need first. Maybe that is a viewer queue. Maybe it is alerts, moderation, or a few chat commands. Choose the simplest bot that handles those jobs, then add more when you have a reason to.

What I would set up first

If you are starting from nothing, focus on:

• Basic moderation to deal with spam and obvious bullshit.
• Useful commands for questions you answer constantly.
• Alerts and goals that viewers actually need to see.
• A queue if you regularly play with viewers.
• One or two fun commands that match your community.

Automation is useful when it saves you time or makes the stream more interactive. If a feature adds clutter and nobody uses it, get rid of it.