<3

<3 is the text heart that became a Twitch global. The less-than sign forms the point of the heart and the 3 forms its two rounded lobes when the pair is viewed sideways. Twitch replaces the two characters with a glossy purple heart, turning the old keyboard shorthand into a direct graphic.

The symbol predates modern emoji keyboards and has long been used online for affection, love, gratitude and support. In social-media use it is strongly associated with words such as love, proud, beautiful and thankful. Twitch also carried <3 through its early basic and Turbo emoticon sets, preserving the same simple meaning across different visual themes.

Viewers type <3 in Twitch chat to use this emote. It works for affection, appreciation, community support, a favorite creator or player, a wholesome moment, or congratulations where a heart is the most direct reaction.