How to Show Ko-fi Donations on TikTok Live (2026)
The complete guide to displaying Ko-fi donation alerts on TikTok Live using OBS, TikTok Live Studio, and Stream Alert's webhook integration. Keep 100% of your tips instead of losing 50–70% to TikTok Gifts.
Quick Answer
To show Ko-fi donations on TikTok Live, stream through OBS or TikTok Live Studio and add Stream Alert (connected to Ko-fi via webhook) as a browser source. Ko-fi's 0% platform fee means you keep far more than TikTok Gifts, where the platform takes 50–70% of every dollar your viewers spend.
TikTok Live is one of the fastest-growing platforms for creators, but the built-in monetization system is brutal on your earnings. TikTok's virtual gift economy takes a massive cut — viewers buy Coins, send Gifts, and you receive Diamonds that convert to real money at a fraction of the original value. For every $10 a viewer spends on TikTok Coins, you might see as little as $3–5.
Ko-fi offers a radically different approach: 0% platform fees on donations. When a viewer sends you $10 on Ko-fi, you receive the full $10 (minus standard PayPal or Stripe processing). But showing those donations on your TikTok Live stream requires a few extra steps since TikTok doesn't natively support third-party alert overlays.
This guide walks you through the entire process — from connecting Ko-fi to Stream Alert via webhook, to configuring OBS or TikTok Live Studio, to promoting your Ko-fi page so your TikTok audience actually finds it.
TL;DR — Ko-fi on TikTok Live at a Glance
- Revenue: TikTok takes 50–70% of Gifts vs. Ko-fi's 0% platform fee — you keep dramatically more
- Requirements: OBS or TikTok Live Studio (desktop streaming) to display visual alerts on screen
- Alert speed: Ko-fi webhook alerts appear on stream in 2–5 seconds via Stream Alert
- Global support: Ko-fi accepts payments in 190+ countries through PayPal & Stripe
- Discovery: Share your Ko-fi page link via Linktree in your TikTok bio, pinned comments, and verbal callouts
- Bonus: Ko-fi also supports recurring memberships, shop items, and commissions — all triggering alerts
Why Ko-fi Beats TikTok Gifts
TikTok's gift economy is designed to benefit the platform, not creators. Viewers purchase Coins at a markup, send Gifts during live streams, and creators receive Diamonds — a virtual currency that converts to real money at a steep discount. After TikTok takes its cut, payment processing fees, and currency conversion, creators typically keep 30–50% of the original amount their viewers spent.
Ko-fi flips this equation entirely. Here's why it's a better deal:
0% Platform Fee
Ko-fi takes zero commission on donations. The only fees are standard PayPal (2.9% + $0.30) or Stripe processing rates. A $10 donation nets you roughly $9.41.
Global Availability
Ko-fi supports PayPal & Stripe, meaning viewers in 190+ countries can donate. TikTok Gifts are restricted in many regions and require viewers to buy platform-specific currency.
Recurring Memberships
Beyond one-time donations, Ko-fi lets you create monthly membership tiers with perks — predictable income that TikTok Gifts can never provide.
Custom Page & Branding
Your Ko-fi page is a personalized landing page with your branding, goals, galleries, and links. It builds credibility and looks professional when you share it with your TikTok audience.
The Math Is Simple
If your TikTok Live stream generates $100 in viewer support through Gifts, you take home $30–50. That same $100 through Ko-fi donations? You keep $94+. Over a month of regular streaming, the difference can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
The catch is that TikTok Gifts are frictionless — viewers tap a button inside the app. Ko-fi requires viewers to leave TikTok, open a link, and complete a payment. That's why promotion strategy matters (covered below). But for viewers who are willing to support you meaningfully, Ko-fi delivers far more value to you as a creator.
Setting Up Ko-fi Alerts on TikTok Live
To display Ko-fi donation alerts on your TikTok Live stream, you need three things: a Ko-fi account, a Stream Alert account (which connects to Ko-fi via webhook), and a desktop streaming setup using OBS or TikTok Live Studio. Here's the full walkthrough.
Step 1: Create Your Ko-fi Page
If you don't already have a Ko-fi account:
- Go to ko-fi.com and sign up for free
- Connect your PayPal or Stripe account to receive payments
- Customize your page with a profile picture, cover image, and description
- Set a minimum donation amount if you like (default is $1)
Time: 2–3 minutes
Step 2: Sign Up for Stream Alert
- Go to streamalert.gg/sign-up and create your account
- Start your free 30-day trial — no credit card required
- In your Stream Alert dashboard, navigate to Apps
- Find Ko-fi and click Connect
- Copy your unique Webhook URL — you'll need this in the next step
Time: 1–2 minutes
Step 3: Configure the Ko-fi Webhook
- Open Ko-fi Webhook Settings (log in if needed)
- Paste your Stream Alert webhook URL into the Webhook URL field
- Click Update
- Click Send Test to verify the connection
How Webhooks Work
When someone donates on Ko-fi, Ko-fi instantly sends the donation data (name, amount, message) to your Stream Alert webhook URL. Stream Alert processes it and triggers the on-screen alert in 2–5 seconds. No email delays, no polling — it's a direct, real-time connection.
Time: 1 minute
Step 4: Set Up TikTok Live Studio or OBS
You need desktop streaming software to display alert overlays on TikTok Live. Choose one:
Option A: TikTok Live Studio (Easiest)
- Download TikTok Live Studio from tiktok.com/live/studio
- Log in with your TikTok account
- Add a new Browser Source to your scene
- Paste your Stream Alert overlay URL (found in your dashboard)
- Set the width to 800 and height to 600
- Position the source where you want alerts to appear
Option B: OBS Studio (More Control)
- Open OBS Studio and go to Settings → Stream
- Select Custom and paste your TikTok RTMP Server URL and Stream Key (from TikTok's desktop "Go Live" page)
- In your scene, add a Browser Source
- Paste your Stream Alert overlay URL
- Set width to 800, height to 600
- Position the overlay and click Start Streaming
Time: 3–5 minutes
Step 5: Test Everything
- In Ko-fi's webhook settings, click Send Test
- Watch your OBS or TikTok Live Studio preview — a test alert should appear within seconds
- Check your Stream Alert Live Alerts page to confirm the test donation from "Jo Example" arrived
- Optionally, send yourself a real $1 Ko-fi donation to test the full pipeline
Time: 1 minute
You're All Set!
Every Ko-fi donation will now trigger a real-time alert on your TikTok Live stream. The donor's name, amount, and message will display on screen automatically. Ko-fi memberships and shop orders also trigger alerts through the same webhook.
Ko-fi vs TikTok Gifts
Here's a side-by-side comparison of Ko-fi donations against TikTok's native Gift system:
| Feature | Ko-fi + Stream Alert | TikTok Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | 0% | 50–70% |
| You Keep (per $10 spent) | ~$9.41 | ~$3–5 |
| Payment Processing | PayPal/Stripe rates (~2.9% + $0.30) | Included in TikTok's cut |
| Minimum Payout | None (instant to PayPal/Stripe) | $100 minimum withdrawal |
| Global Availability | 190+ countries | Limited regions |
| Follower Requirement | None (once you can go live) | 1,000+ followers + 18+ |
| Custom Alerts | Yes (images, sounds, animations) | Built-in effects only |
| Recurring Memberships | Yes | No |
| Donor Messages | Yes (displayed on alert) | Limited to gift animations |
| Setup Complexity | Requires OBS/TikTok Live Studio | Built into TikTok app |
| Viewer Friction | Must open external link | One-tap in app |
Best Strategy: Use Both
Don't disable TikTok Gifts. Keep them for casual supporters who want to tap a button, and offer Ko-fi for viewers who want more of their money to reach you. Mention the difference on stream: "If you send me a $5 TikTok Gift, I get about $1.50 — but $5 on my Ko-fi page goes straight to me." Let viewers choose, and you win either way.
Promoting Your Ko-fi on TikTok
The biggest challenge with Ko-fi on TikTok is discovery. Unlike Twitch (where you can put links in panels and chat commands), TikTok limits how you share external URLs. Here are the most effective strategies:
1. Linktree in Your TikTok Bio
TikTok only allows one link in your bio. Use a link-in-bio tool like Linktree, Beacons, or Koji to create a landing page with your Ko-fi link, CashApp, social media, and merch store. Make your Ko-fi link the top item with a clear label like "Support My Streams — Ko-fi (0% fees!)"
2. Pin a Comment During Every Stream
The moment you go live, post a comment like: "Support the stream on Ko-fi (I keep 100%!) — link in bio" and pin it. Pinned comments stay visible to every viewer who joins, even hours into your stream. This is your most reliable way to direct traffic.
3. Verbal Callouts (Be Natural)
TikTok audiences dislike aggressive sales pitches. Instead of constantly asking for donations, mention Ko-fi when it fits naturally: "Someone just asked how to support the stream — my Ko-fi link is in the bio, I keep 100% of it, and you'll see your name pop up on screen!" The key is weaving it into conversation, not interrupting content.
4. Pre-Stream TikTok Videos
Post a short TikTok video before going live that explains how Ko-fi works: "Did you know TikTok takes 50-70% of Gifts? If you support me on Ko-fi instead, I keep everything. Link in bio!" These educational clips can go viral and drive Ko-fi traffic for days. Use trending sounds to boost reach.
5. Show the Alert in Action
When a Ko-fi donation comes in during your stream, make a big deal out of it. Thank the donor enthusiastically, read their message, and point out the alert animation on screen. Other viewers see the interaction and think "I want that shoutout too." Social proof is the most powerful motivator on TikTok.
6. Set Ko-fi Goals
Ko-fi supports donation goals on your page. Set visible targets like "$50 = Extended stream tonight!" or "$100 = New mic upgrade." Mention your progress during the stream: "We're at $35 out of $50 on Ko-fi — 15 more dollars and I'm staying live an extra hour!" Goals give viewers a reason to contribute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show Ko-fi alerts on TikTok Live from my phone?
Not as visual on-screen overlays. Ko-fi alerts require a desktop streaming setup (OBS or TikTok Live Studio) with browser source support. If you stream from your phone only, you can still accept Ko-fi donations and monitor them on a second device using your Stream Alert dashboard — then thank donors verbally on stream. Verbal shoutouts are extremely effective on TikTok, even without visual alerts.
Do I need Ko-fi Gold for webhook alerts to work?
No. Ko-fi's webhook feature is available on all accounts, including the free tier. Ko-fi Gold ($6/month) adds extra features like removing Ko-fi branding from your page, advanced shop options, and priority support — but the webhook that powers Stream Alert integration works on every plan.
How fast do Ko-fi alerts appear on my TikTok stream?
Ko-fi webhook alerts typically appear on screen within 2–5 seconds of the donation being completed. This is much faster than email-based alert systems (which can take 30–60 seconds) because webhooks deliver data directly and instantly. The slight delay accounts for Ko-fi processing the payment and Stream Alert rendering the alert overlay.
Do Ko-fi memberships and shop orders also trigger alerts?
Yes. Ko-fi sends webhook notifications for one-time donations, monthly membership payments, and shop orders. All three will trigger alerts through Stream Alert. You can customize alert styles for each type in your Stream Alert dashboard, so membership renewals can look different from one-time tips.
Is it against TikTok's rules to promote Ko-fi during a live stream?
TikTok does not prohibit creators from linking to external donation platforms or mentioning them during streams. Many creators openly share Ko-fi, Buy Me a Coffee, and other tip page links. However, TikTok's community guidelines emphasize authentic content — avoid being overly aggressive with donation requests. Mention your Ko-fi page naturally, and focus on delivering a great stream first.
Start Showing Ko-fi Alerts on TikTok Live
Stop losing 50–70% of your earnings to TikTok's gift system. Connect Ko-fi to Stream Alert and keep 100% of every donation (minus standard payment processing) while displaying professional, real-time alerts on your TikTok Live stream.
Setup takes under 10 minutes. No coding required. Works with OBS and TikTok Live Studio.
No credit card required • Works with TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, Kick & more