How to Set up Donations on Twitch: 8 Options + Pro Tips

If you’re a Twitch streamer or a nonprofit using Twitch for events and fundraising, setting up donations is a smart way to grow your income or support your cause.

Monetization is a key part of making your Twitch channel sustainable, whether you want to invest in better gear, fund creative projects, or raise money for a meaningful mission.

While Twitch offers some built-in Twitch monetization features like bits and subscriptions, many Twitch streamers and organizations go beyond that to unlock more flexible and higher-earning donation options.

There are now dozens of tools and platforms you can use to collect support directly from your community with fewer fees, more customization, and better engagement.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up donations on Twitch using the most popular methods, plus how to promote donations effectively during your streams.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize your setup, this article will give you the tools and tips you need to start earning more from your Twitch presence.

Let’s dive into the tools, strategies, and tips on how to set up Twitch donations.

How to set up the most popular Twitch donation methods

There are several ways to collect Twitch donations, and each method has its pros and cons.

The good news is you can use more than one, so you’re not locked into a single option.

In this section we will go through each donation tool so that you can start accepting donations on your channel and increase your fundraising efforts or monetization.

How to set up donations on Twitch: Twitch bits and subscriptions

Twitch streamers can take advantage of the built-in way for fans to support: bits and subscriptions. This is one of the most common ways to make money on Twitch streaming, but it’s also perhaps not the most lucrative.

It all depends on your Twitch platform and how many viewers donate via this method. Still, doesn’t hurt to try!

One thing to keep in mind about these two donation methods is that you must be a Twitch affiliate or a Twitch partner to take advantage of them, so if you don’t see the option on your Twitch channel dashboard, it’s because you’re not a part of the other programs yet.

Let’s take a look:

Twitch Bits are a type of virtual currency viewers can buy and use to “cheer” during your stream. Each bit is worth about 1 cent, and Twitch pays you for each one used. To enable bits:

• Go to your dashboard on the Twitch website
• Click “Affiliate” or “Partner Settings”
• Turn on Cheering

Example: If a viewer cheers 500 Twitch bits in your chat, you’ll earn around $5. Again, seems like it’s not too lucrative, but if enough Twitch users throw you bits, it certainly adds up.

Twitch Subscriptions let viewers pay for a monthly subscription to support your channel. Twitch splits this revenue with you.

You can offer different Twitch subscription tiers with perks like custom emotes and badges. Subscriptions are recurring, so it’s a great way to build predictable income aside from Twitch donations.

Example: Offer Tier 1 subscribers a thank-you shoutout and access to 5 exclusive emotes; Tier 2 subscribers get additional Discord access. Tiers can make a big impact on Twitch streamers’ income.

These are easy to set up, but do come with Twitch’s cut of the revenue (usually 50%). That’s why many streamers add other donation methods, too.

Make sure that you’re consistently showing a donation link throughout your stream so that streamers will donate to you. Same goes for charitable donations requests.

After all, how can people donate if they don’t know you are accepting donations?

Try using Twitch commands for donations like bits as well. Commands also keep your viewers engaged.

1. PayPal donations

PayPal is one of the easiest and most popular ways to receive direct Twitch donations since it is such a widely used payment platform. It is trusted in Twitch communities and people feel comfortable using it to support streamers.

You can use the simple integration to make this possible and get it set up with your Twitch channel.

How to set it up:

1. Create a PayPal business account.
2. Go to PayPal.com/buttons and create a donation button.
3. Copy the button link or embed code.
4. On your Twitch channel, go to the “About” tab and add a panel.
5. Paste your donation link and add a graphic or description.

PayPal donations go straight into your Paypal account without Twitch taking a cut. Just keep in mind that PayPal may charge small processing fees (usually 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction).

Example: Add a button that says “Buy Me a Coffee” and link it to your PayPal donation page. Users can pay directly with their payment methods on Paypal, and you’ll be responsible for the small transaction fees.

2. Cryptocurrency donations

Some Twitch streamers prefer to accept crypto donations like Bitcoin or Ethereum. If you’re open to this, it can be a unique option for your Twitch channel monetization. It’s also pretty straightforward.

How to set it up:

1. Create a crypto wallet (Coinbase, MetaMask, or another).
2. Get your wallet address for the currencies you want to accept.
3. Add your wallet address to a Twitch panel with an explanation.

You won’t pay Twitch or PayPal transaction fees, but crypto donations can be volatile, so make sure you’re comfortable with the risks.

Example: Include a graphic that says “Tip me with Bitcoin!” and link to your BTC wallet. It’s an easy way to let people know you are accepting donations with crypto.

3. Streamlabs donations

Streamlabs is a favorite among streamers because it offers donation alerts, overlays, and analytics. It is a comprehensive way to manage donations on Twitch.

There is no minimum donation on the platform, and you can also use it to track donations and raised funds for easy management. It is a very popular option among Twitch streamers.

How to set it up:

1. Go to Streamlabs.com and sign in with your Twitch account.
2. Set up your donation settings.
3. Link a PayPal or credit card processor.
4. Customize your donation page.
5. Add the donation link to your Twitch “About” section.

Streamlabs offers full customization: you can set donation minimums, alert sounds, GIFs, and more.

Example: Use a GIF of your favorite meme and a sound effect when someone donates $10+ to make it more fun. This type of donation button can encourage viewers to donate and be a part of the action.

4. Brave Creator program

The Brave browser lets users send Basic Attention Token (BAT) to creators. It doesn’t require any donation extension because the feature is built directly into the Brave browser.

Twitch users can take advantage of this donation tool free of charge.

How to set it up:

1. Sign up at creators.brave.com.
2. Connect your Twitch account.
3. Verify your identity and wallet.

Once set up, users browsing Twitch through Brave can tip you with BAT. It’s passive and easy to set up alongside other methods.

Example: Add a panel that says “Using Brave? Tip me in BAT!” You’ll need to enable donations by following the above steps.

5. Twitch’s built-in charity tool

Twitch has added its own built-in way to support official charity campaigns. This is a bit different from Twitch donations but can still be an option if you’re promoting interest for charitable donations on twitch.

Charity streams often use this option because it happens right within Twitch’s own fundraising platform.

Like Bits and Subscriptions, Twitch’s charity tool is only available to affiliates and partners on the platform.

How to set it up:

1. Go to your Creator Dashboard > Charity.
2. Choose a nonprofit from Twitch’s approved list.
3. Set up your fundraising goal and add a donation panel.

Donations go directly to the charity, and Twitch covers processing fees. This is perfect for nonprofit events or if you’re running a fundraiser.

Example: Stream a 12-hour gaming marathon and promote your Twitch Charity campaign during breaks.

6. Third-party Twitch donations

Sites like Donorbox, Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee, and Patreon offer another route to earn money. Your viewers can donate on Twitch using any of the above options.

How to set it up:

1. Sign up for the service you want.
2. Set up your donation or membership page.
3. Add the link to your Twitch profile.

These platforms are great if you want to offer exclusive content, memberships, or recurring donations.

Ko-fi and Buy Me a Coffee even let people donate without an account which is great if they just want to enter payment details and nothing more.

Example: Use Buy Me a Coffee to let people support you with one-time $3 donations and offer “behind-the-scenes” content as a perk.

7. Tiltify donations on Twitch

Tiltify is built for charity streaming and is trusted by nonprofits and event organizers. This is perfect for charity donations. Remember, though, to keep any tax deductable receipts.

How to set it up:

1. Sign up at Tiltify.com.
2. Connect your Twitch account.
3. Create a fundraising campaign.
4. Share your campaign link on Twitch or embed it.

Tiltify also lets you show fundraising goals, donor names, and leaderboards live on stream, making it interactive and fun for viewers.

Example: Host a “donation challenge” where donors get to choose your next in-game action when they give $20 or more. When you create campaigns like these, you

8. Zeffy donations

Zeffy is a newer platform designed for nonprofits, and it charges no processing fees.

How to set it up:

1. Sign up at Zeffy.com as a nonprofit.
2. Create a donation form or campaign.
3. Embed it in your stream description or share the link.

Zeffy keeps more money in your organization’s hands and is great for Twitch fundraising events.

Example: Host a live streamed talent show and ask viewers to donate through your Zeffy form to vote for their favorite performer.

More helpful info about Twitch donations

Before you go all-in, here are a few tips to make sure your donation system is smooth:

• Be transparent: Let your audience know how their money will be used — whether it’s for better gear, giveaways, or charity. People donate more when they feel connected to your goals.
• Test your alerts: If using a tool like Streamlabs, test your setup to make sure alerts and overlays work properly. A broken donation link can mean missed support.
• Check the fees: Always look into what percentage of each donation you’ll receive after fees.
• Say thank you: People are more likely to give if they feel appreciated. Create a personal connection.

Strategies for promoting donations during streams

Want to get more donations on Twitch?

Obviously if you have a high number of Twitch followers and viewers, you’re likely to get more donations. Learn how to get more Twitch followers as a first step.

Then, you need to consider in-stream actions. Getting donations isn’t just about adding a link, unfortunately. You need to promote them in ways that feel fun, engaging, and genuine.

Viewers donate when they are engaged and having fun!

Below are some creative ways to encourage donations without sounding pushy.

Use custom alerts to drive engagement

Set up alerts that pop up when you receive donations. These can include fun animations, sound effects, or messages that you read out loud. It makes donors feel special and encourages others to jump in too.

Example: A $5 donation triggers a cartoon explosion and a “Boom! Thanks, [Donor Name]!” message on screen. Higher amounts unlock special animations or music clips.

Also, try adding variations for different donation amounts. For example:

• $1: “Tiny Thanks!” alert
• $10: Mid-tier graphic and sound
• $50+: Full-screen takeover animation

Users may be more likely to add donations when they get a special shoutout or acknowledgement from Twitch creators.

You can also enable Twitch commands for donations.

Set a goal and show progress

Use a progress bar overlay to show how close you are to a specific donation goal — like a new microphone, a charity target, or a fun stream milestone (e.g., shaving your head at $1,000).

Example: “Help me get a new stream deck — we’re 70% of the way there!” or “$500 unlocks a 12-hour stream!”

This gamifies the experience and gives viewers a reason to help hit milestones. Some platforms like Streamlabs or Tiltify include goal bars you can customize in real time.

Thank donors in real time

Always shout out your donors live on stream when you receive donations. Even a simple “Thanks, Alex!” goes a long way.

For bigger donations, take a moment to engage more — ask them a question, or highlight their message.

Example: “Huge thanks to Sam for the $25 donation! That’s going toward new lighting — you rock!”

Make it fun by doing something silly when someone donates, like a dance, funny face, or mini-challenge. The key is to show excitement and appreciation in the moment.

Create a donor hall of fame

Dedicate a section of your Twitch page or stream overlay to honor top donors. This could be a monthly leaderboard or a running list.

Example: Add a “Top 5 Supporters” panel to your stream or use an overlay with scrolling text that updates throughout the stream.

This is perfect to recognize regular donors and energize them to keep direct donations coming on your Twitch channel page.

You can also create special Discord roles, shoutouts in YouTube recaps, or merch discounts for top contributors.

Partner with your favorite streamers

If you’re a nonprofit or doing a charity event, reach out to streamers to collaborate. Streamer partnerships can drive a lot of new donations.

Ideas for collabs:

• Co-streams with donation incentives
• Friendly donation battles (who can raise more?)
• Special guest appearances
• Giveaway items sponsored by another streamer or brand

Example: Host a joint stream on the Twitch website where both of you play a game together, and every donation unlocks a new in-game challenge.

Final thoughts: Twitch donations

Learning how to set up donations on Twitch is one of the best steps you can take to support your channel or cause.

Whether you’re a solo creator, nonprofit, or gaming team, there are tools and platforms ready to help you collect donations easily and securely.

Choose a few of the donation methods listed here, and test what works best for your audience. Definitely test out direct donations using your PayPal account, and activate Bits and Subscriptions.

Whichever donation method(s) you choose from our popular list above, make sure you track analytics so that you keep growing over time.

Then use smart, creative ways to promote donations during your streams. Make sure you have a donation button and shout out those who raised funds.

With the right setup and a little personality, you’ll be turning viewers into supporters in no time.

Keep streaming, keep building your community, and remember to have fun while you do it!