How to Show Ko-fi Donations on Facebook Gaming (2026)
Step-by-step guide to displaying real-time Ko-fi donation alerts on your Facebook Gaming stream using Stream Alert, webhooks, and OBS. Keep 100% of every donation with 0% platform fees — no Level Up or Partner status required.
To show Ko-fi donations on Facebook Gaming, connect Ko-fi to Stream Alert via webhook and add the donation overlay as a browser source in OBS. Ko-fi charges 0% platform fees compared to Facebook Stars' unfavorable exchange rate where Facebook pockets roughly 30% of every transaction. Better still, Ko-fi works internationally without geographic restrictions, and you don't need Level Up or Partner status to start accepting donations — any Facebook Gaming streamer can set this up today.
Stream Alert receives Ko-fi webhook events in real time and triggers on-screen alerts through an OBS browser source. Because the overlay renders inside OBS before the video feed reaches Facebook, it works on every streaming platform without any native integration required. Ko-fi's webhook system delivers donation data within 2–5 seconds, giving you near-instant alerts with the donor's name, amount, and message displayed on screen.
TL;DR
- Facebook Stars pay $0.01/Star — viewers pay ~$0.014/Star, so Facebook keeps ~30% of every transaction
- Ko-fi = 0% platform fees — only standard PayPal/Stripe processing applies
- Ko-fi webhook alerts trigger in 2–5 seconds via Stream Alert
- Works internationally — Ko-fi supports 190+ countries, unlike Stars' limited availability
- Ko-fi also offers memberships and a shop for additional revenue streams
- No Level Up or Partner status needed — any Facebook Gaming streamer can start immediately
Why Ko-fi Is Better Than Facebook Stars
Facebook Stars are the platform's native virtual currency. Viewers purchase Stars from Facebook and send them during live streams. On paper, it seems like the easiest monetization option. In practice, the economics heavily favor Facebook — not you.
The Stars Revenue Problem
Each Star is worth $0.01 to the streamer. Viewers pay approximately $0.014 per Star when buying in bulk (and significantly more in smaller packs). That means Facebook takes roughly 30% of the viewer's money before it ever reaches you. A viewer who spends $14 on Stars sends you just $10. Over the course of a year, those margins add up to thousands of dollars that never hit your bank account.
On top of that, Stars require a $100 minimum payout threshold, and payouts are processed on a monthly cycle. Smaller streamers can wait months before reaching that threshold, and even after crossing it, the funds take additional time to land.
Eligibility Barriers
Stars aren't available to everyone. You need to qualify for Facebook's Level Up program (or higher), which requires meeting follower counts, streaming-hour minimums, and concurrent-viewer averages. Brand-new Facebook Gaming streamers — the ones who need donation income the most — are completely locked out of Stars until they hit those milestones.
Ko-fi Changes Everything
Ko-fi charges zero platform fees on donations. When a viewer sends you $10 through Ko-fi, you receive the full $10 minus only the standard PayPal or Stripe processing fee (typically 2.9% + $0.30). There are no eligibility requirements, no minimum payout thresholds for instant payouts, and Ko-fi works in 190+ countries — far more than Facebook Stars' limited geographic availability.
Real Numbers
A streamer earning $500/month through Stars actually requires viewers to spend ~$715 collectively — Facebook keeps ~$215. That same $500 through Ko-fi costs viewers roughly $515 total (after PayPal/Stripe processing), and you receive the full $500. Over a year, Ko-fi saves your community over $2,400 while you earn the same amount. Everyone wins except Facebook's revenue team.
International Reach
One of Ko-fi's most underrated advantages is global accessibility. Facebook Stars are only available in select countries, which means a significant portion of your international audience simply cannot tip you through Stars even if they want to. Ko-fi supports PayPal and Stripe payouts worldwide, so viewers from virtually any country can send you donations. For streamers with diverse, global audiences, this alone makes Ko-fi the superior choice.
Setting Up Ko-fi Alerts on Facebook Gaming
Getting Ko-fi donation alerts on your Facebook Gaming stream takes about 5 minutes. The setup uses Stream Alert to receive Ko-fi webhook events and OBS to display them on screen. Here's every step.
What You'll Need
Ko-fi account (free or Gold) • Stream Alert account • OBS Studio • Facebook Gaming Page
- Create a Ko-fi account
If you don't already have one, sign up at ko-fi.com. Set up your page with a profile picture, description, and payment method (PayPal or Stripe). The webhook feature works on both free and Ko-fi Gold accounts.
- Create a Stream Alert account
Visit streamalert.gg/register and sign up for the free 30-day trial. No credit card is required to start.
- Connect Ko-fi in Stream Alert
In your Stream Alert dashboard, go to Apps and find Ko-fi. Click Connect and copy the unique Webhook URL that Stream Alert generates for your account.
- Paste the Webhook URL in Ko-fi
Open your Ko-fi Webhook Settings and paste the Stream Alert webhook URL into the webhook field. Click Update to save.
- Copy your overlay URL from Stream Alert
Back in the Stream Alert dashboard, copy your unique browser source overlay URL. This is the URL you'll add to OBS to display alerts on screen.
- Add a Browser Source in OBS
Open OBS Studio. Click the + button under Sources → select Browser → paste your Stream Alert overlay URL → set the resolution to 1920x1080. Position the source wherever you want alerts to appear.
- Connect OBS to Facebook Gaming
In OBS, go to Settings → Stream → Service: Facebook Live. Either click Connect Account to log in directly or paste your stream key from the Facebook Live Producer. Make sure you select your Gaming Page (not your personal profile) as the broadcast destination.
- Test the webhook
In your Ko-fi webhook settings, click Send Test. A test donation from "Jo Example" should appear on your Stream Alert Live Alerts page and trigger an alert in OBS within seconds. If the alert fires, you're all set.
Why Webhooks Are Fast
Unlike email-based detection (which can take 5–30 seconds depending on email delivery speed), Ko-fi webhooks deliver donation data directly to Stream Alert within 2–5 seconds of the payment being processed. This direct server-to-server connection is the fastest method available for Ko-fi alerts.
Why This Works on Facebook Gaming
Your donation alert overlay renders inside OBS as a browser source. When OBS sends the video feed to Facebook Gaming, the alert is already baked into the video frame. Facebook doesn't need to "support" Ko-fi, Stream Alert, or any third-party tool — the platform simply receives a video stream that already contains the overlay. This is why the same setup works on Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and every other streaming platform.
Ko-fi vs Facebook Stars: Full Comparison
The table below breaks down every metric that matters when deciding between Ko-fi donations and Facebook Stars. The numbers make a strong case for offering Ko-fi alongside — or instead of — Stars.
| Metric | Ko-fi + Stream Alert | Facebook Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | 0% | ~30% |
| Viewer Cost for $10 Donation | ~$10.30 (processing only) | ~$14.00 (1,000 Stars) |
| Streamer Receives | $10.00 (after processing) | $10.00 (~71% of viewer spend) |
| Eligibility Requirements | None | Level Up / Partner |
| Minimum Payout | None (instant via PayPal/Stripe) | $100 minimum |
| Payout Timing | Instant to PayPal/Stripe | Monthly cycle (after $100) |
| International Availability | 190+ countries | Limited regions |
| Alert Speed | 2–5 seconds (webhook) | Instant (built-in) |
| Memberships / Subscriptions | Yes (Ko-fi Memberships) | Fan Subscriptions (if eligible) |
| Digital Shop | Yes (Ko-fi Shop) | No |
The Bottom Line
Ko-fi wins on fees, international access, payout flexibility, and additional revenue features like memberships and a digital shop. Stars win on convenience for viewers who don't want to leave the Facebook app. The smartest play is to offer both — let viewers choose their preferred method while making sure you're capturing donations from every corner of the globe.
Ko-fi Features That Go Beyond One-Time Donations
One of the biggest reasons to choose Ko-fi over Stars is that Ko-fi isn't just a donation button — it's a full creator monetization platform. Here are the features that make it especially powerful for Facebook Gaming streamers.
Ko-fi Memberships
Create monthly subscription tiers with exclusive perks like Discord roles, emote access, priority game queues, or behind-the-scenes content. Each recurring payment triggers a webhook alert on stream — giving your members a shoutout every month.
Ko-fi Shop
Sell digital products like custom overlays, emote packs, wallpapers, or gaming guides directly through Ko-fi. Shop orders also trigger webhooks, so every purchase can generate an on-screen alert during your stream.
Donation Goals
Set public funding goals on your Ko-fi page — "$200 for a new microphone" or "$500 for a 24-hour charity stream." Viewers can see progress in real time, which creates a sense of collective achievement and motivates additional contributions.
Custom Donation Amounts
Unlike Stars (which come in fixed purchase packs), Ko-fi lets viewers donate any amount they choose. Want to set a minimum? Ko-fi supports that too. Viewers have full flexibility to give $1 or $100 — whatever feels right.
Branded Creator Page
Your Ko-fi page acts as a mini-website where fans can donate, subscribe, browse your shop, and read updates. Customize it with your brand colors, banner, and profile info — it's a single link you can share everywhere.
0% Platform Fee (Always)
Ko-fi's 0% fee applies to all donations, memberships, and shop sales on both the free plan and Ko-fi Gold. The only fees you'll pay are PayPal or Stripe's standard processing rates — Ko-fi itself never takes a cut.
Promoting Ko-fi on Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming doesn't have Twitch-style channel panels or chat bot commands, so promoting your Ko-fi page requires a different approach. Here are the most effective methods used by successful Facebook Gaming streamers.
Add Your Ko-fi Link to Your Gaming Page Bio
Your Gaming Page's About section is visible to anyone who visits your page, even when you're offline. Add a line like "Support the stream: ko-fi.com/YourName" alongside any other payment methods you accept. This is the most permanent and discoverable placement for your donation info.
Pin a Comment with Your Ko-fi Link
At the start of every stream, post a comment with your Ko-fi link and pin it to the top of chat. Facebook Gaming chat is essentially a comment section, so pinned comments remain visible as viewers scroll through. Include a brief note like "Tip via Ko-fi (0% fees, I keep 100%): ko-fi.com/YourName" to explain the benefit to viewers.
Include Ko-fi in Your Stream Description
Every time you go live, Facebook lets you write a stream title and description. Add your Ko-fi link in the description — something like "Tips & donations: ko-fi.com/YourName (zero platform fees!)". Viewers who click into your stream details will see it immediately.
Verbal Call-Outs During Stream
Mention your Ko-fi during natural breaks — loading screens, queue times, or between matches. Keep it casual: "If you're enjoying the stream, you can support directly through my Ko-fi — link is in the pinned comment. Every dollar goes straight to me with zero platform fees." Always thank donors by name when alerts pop up to encourage others.
Offer Ko-fi Alongside Stars
If you're eligible for Stars, keep both options active. Some viewers prefer the convenience of Stars without leaving Facebook. Others will choose Ko-fi knowing more of their money reaches you. Frame it as a choice: "You can support with Stars right here, or if you prefer, my Ko-fi has zero platform fees — totally up to you!" This approach maximizes donations without pressuring anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Level Up or Partner status to accept Ko-fi donations on Facebook Gaming?
No. Ko-fi donations are completely independent of Facebook's monetization programs. Level Up and Partner status are only required for Stars and fan subscriptions. Because Ko-fi payments happen outside Facebook's ecosystem — and alerts display through OBS browser sources — any Facebook Gaming streamer can accept Ko-fi donations regardless of follower count or program eligibility.
How quickly do Ko-fi donation alerts appear on my Facebook Gaming stream?
Typically within 2–5 seconds of the donation being processed. Ko-fi sends a webhook event directly to Stream Alert the moment a payment completes, and Stream Alert triggers the on-screen alert through your OBS browser source almost instantly. This is faster than email-based detection methods because webhooks are a direct server-to-server connection with no intermediary.
Does this work with Ko-fi Gold and the free Ko-fi plan?
Yes. The webhook feature that powers Stream Alert integration is available on both free Ko-fi accounts and Ko-fi Gold. You don't need to upgrade to Gold to receive webhook alerts on your stream. Ko-fi Gold does add additional features like removing Ko-fi branding and advanced analytics, but the core donation webhook functionality works on every plan.
Do Ko-fi memberships and shop orders also trigger alerts?
Yes. Ko-fi webhooks fire for one-time donations, membership payments (both initial and recurring), and shop orders. Stream Alert processes all three event types, so every Ko-fi transaction can appear as an on-screen alert during your Facebook Gaming stream. This means monthly membership renewals automatically get a shoutout without any extra configuration.
Can I use Ko-fi and Facebook Stars at the same time?
Absolutely. Stars alerts are handled natively by Facebook and appear in the stream chat overlay. Ko-fi alerts are handled by Stream Alert and appear as an OBS browser source overlay on your video feed. The two systems are completely separate and won't conflict. Running both simultaneously gives your viewers maximum flexibility — especially international viewers who may not have access to Stars in their country.
Start Accepting Ko-fi Donations on Facebook Gaming
Stream Alert connects Ko-fi to your Facebook Gaming stream via webhook, delivering real-time donation alerts through OBS. Zero platform fees, international support, and setup takes 5 minutes.
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