Use the 10 default kudos or add custom kudos for company values, company humor, etc. Custom kudos can use an image or an animated GIF.
Create Custom Kudos
Go to the Web App.
Go to Settings, then the Kudos section.
Click on the Add Kudos button in the top right corner.
Type in a Kudos Title (e.g., name of value).
Select a background color and font color. You can add in a Hex # for branding.
Upload an image or GIF, which is required. Square 512x512px images or GIFs (up to 2 MB) with a transparent background work best. Supported file types are PNG, JPG, and GIF.
Recommended free image/icon resource.
Recommended free GIF resource.
When ready, click Save.
Custom Kudos Notes
Kudos templates are in a shared library. For any custom kudos created, everyone will be able to use them.
By default, all team members can create custom kudos. This can be changed to Admins only under Settings, in the General section.
You can also delete the default kudos if you wish for only your custom kudos.
Using GIFs in custom kudos
An animated kudos stands out in a busy Slack or Microsoft Teams channel, and it's an easy way to make recognition feel more playful, especially for inside jokes, company humor, or a recurring team award.
The same specs apply: square, 512x512px, up to 2 MB, with a transparent background.
Where to find or make a GIF:
Giphy: the fastest option. Search, download, and upload.
AI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and similar tools can create a custom image or animation from a description. This is useful when you want something specific to your company that doesn't exist in a stock library. Ask for a square 512x512px file with a transparent background.
Your design team: for company values or branded templates you'll use long-term, a purpose-made asset is worth it.
Tip: Keep the animation simple. Kudos images display small in Slack and Teams, so a GIF with lots of fine detail or fast motion is hard to read at that size. A single clear subject with a simple loop works best.
Upload troubleshooting
If your upload doesn't go through, you'll see one of these messages:
“That file type isn’t supported. Try a PNG, JPG, or GIF.” Convert or re-export your file as a PNG, JPG, or GIF.
“That file’s too big. Please upload one under 2 MB.” Compress the file or reduce its dimensions. For GIFs, cutting the number of frames or shortening the loop is usually the fastest way to reduce the file size.
“Something went wrong with that upload. Please try again.” Try again. If it keeps failing, email support@matterapp.com.