Bits were introduced by Twitch in 2016 as a virtual currency viewers could buy and spend to Cheer in chat and support streamers. Larger Cheer amounts quickly gained bigger, more elaborate alert sounds and animations, with 5000 Bits marking a generous high-tier donation. Streamers set these alerts in tools like Streamlabs and StreamElements so the sound plays automatically on screen. Clips of the 5000 Bits alert later spread to soundboards and editing packs, where creators reuse it to signal a major tip, reward, or over-the-top purchase.