How to Show Ko-fi Donations on Twitch (2026)

To show Ko-fi donations on your Twitch stream, connect Ko-fi to Stream Alert via webhook and add the alert overlay as a browser source in OBS. Ko-fi charges 0% platform fees on its free plan, making it one of the most cost-effective donation methods for streamers alongside CashApp and Venmo.

Ko-fi has become one of the go-to platforms for creators who want to accept support without giving up a percentage of every transaction. Unlike Twitch's built-in monetization tools, Ko-fi doesn't require Affiliate or Partner status, works globally, and lets you keep everything your viewers send. The only missing piece has always been live stream alerts — and that's exactly what this guide solves.

Why Use Ko-fi for Twitch Donations?

Ko-fi started as a simple “buy me a coffee” platform but has grown into a full-featured creator support ecosystem. For Twitch streamers specifically, it solves several pain points that other donation methods create. Here's why tens of thousands of streamers have adopted Ko-fi as their primary or secondary donation platform.

0% Platform Fees

This is Ko-fi's headline feature and the single biggest reason streamers choose it. On Ko-fi's free plan, the platform takes absolutely zero commission on donations. If a viewer sends you $10, you receive $10 (minus standard PayPal or Stripe processing fees, which apply to every payment platform). Compare this to Twitch Bits, where viewers pay a ~29% markup, or to other donation platforms that take 3–8% on top of payment processing. Over a year of streaming, those savings can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

More Than Just Tips

While most donation platforms only handle one-time payments, Ko-fi offers an entire suite of monetization tools: one-time donations, monthly memberships with custom tiers, a shop for selling digital or physical products, and a commissions system. All of these can trigger on-screen alerts via Stream Alert, giving you multiple revenue streams from a single platform.

International Availability

CashApp is limited to the US and UK. Venmo is US-only. Ko-fi, on the other hand, works in every country where PayPal or Stripe operates — which covers most of the world. If you have an international audience (and most Twitch streamers do), Ko-fi ensures that viewers in Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond can support you just as easily as your local viewers. This alone makes Ko-fi an essential addition to your donation toolkit.

Customizable Creator Page

Ko-fi gives you a branded page at ko-fi.com/yourname where viewers can donate, subscribe to memberships, browse your shop, and learn more about you. You can customize the colors, add a bio, pin featured posts, and set suggested donation amounts. This page works as a lightweight landing page for your streaming brand — no web development skills required.

No Affiliate Status Needed

Twitch Bits, subscriptions, and ad revenue all require Affiliate or Partner status. Ko-fi requires nothing — you can create an account and start receiving donations within minutes. This makes it ideal for new streamers who haven't hit Twitch's Affiliate thresholds yet but still want to give viewers a way to show support.

Setting Up Ko-fi Alerts on Twitch

Ko-fi doesn't have a native Twitch integration for on-screen alerts. However, Ko-fi does support webhooks — a technology that sends real-time notifications whenever a payment event occurs. Stream Alert listens for these webhooks and instantly triggers customizable on-screen alerts in OBS. The result is a seamless experience where every Ko-fi donation, membership, and shop order appears on your Twitch stream within seconds.

Here's how to set it up in 7 steps. Total time: under 5 minutes.

Ko-fi vs Twitch Bits: Fee Comparison

Twitch Bits are the default way viewers support streamers on Twitch, but the economics aren't great for either party. Here's how Ko-fi donations (via Stream Alert) compare head-to-head with Twitch Bits:

The bottom line: while both methods deliver the same amount to the streamer, your viewer pays up to 40% more when using Bits. Ko-fi lets viewers support you at face value, which means they can donate more often or in larger amounts for the same out-of-pocket cost. And because Ko-fi doesn't require Twitch Affiliate status, even brand-new streamers can start accepting donations immediately.

Ko-fi Features Beyond Tips

One of Ko-fi's biggest strengths is that it's not just a tip jar. The platform includes several additional monetization features, and all of them trigger webhook events that Stream Alert can turn into on-screen alerts. Here's what's available:

Memberships (Recurring Support)

Ko-fi memberships let viewers subscribe to monthly support tiers, similar to Twitch subscriptions or Patreon pledges. You define the tiers, set the prices, and offer exclusive perks like Discord roles, behind-the-scenes content, or priority game queue access. Every monthly membership payment triggers a webhook, so Stream Alert can display a recurring supporter alert each time a membership renews. This is an excellent way to build predictable monthly income from your community. For more on this feature, see our guide to Ko-fi membership alerts.

Shop (Digital & Physical Products)

Ko-fi's shop feature lets you sell digital downloads (emotes, wallpapers, presets, music) and physical merchandise directly from your Ko-fi page. When a viewer purchases an item, the shop order triggers a webhook event and Stream Alert displays an alert on your stream — giving the buyer an instant shout-out and encouraging other viewers to check out your shop.

Commissions

If you're an artist, designer, or offer any kind of custom work, Ko-fi's commission system lets viewers request and pay for custom work directly through your page. Commission payments also trigger webhooks, so you can showcase commission purchases live on stream.

Goal Tracking

Ko-fi includes built-in donation goal tracking that you can display on your Ko-fi page. Set goals like “$500 = New webcam upgrade” or “$200 = 12-hour charity stream.” Viewers can see the progress bar on your Ko-fi page and are motivated to contribute toward the goal. Every donation that counts toward a goal triggers an alert through Stream Alert, creating a real-time progress experience for your audience.

Maximizing Ko-fi Donations on Twitch

Setting up alerts is just the first step. Here are five strategies to increase your Ko-fi revenue on Twitch:

1. Add a Ko-fi Panel to Your Twitch Channel

Create a dedicated “Support / Donate” panel below your stream with your Ko-fi link displayed prominently. Use an eye-catching panel image with the Ko-fi logo and your page URL. Place this panel near the top of your panel section — ideally right after your “About Me” panel. Include a brief note like “Support with 0% fees via Ko-fi — you can send one-time tips or join monthly memberships!”

2. Create a !kofi Chat Command

Set up a !kofi (or !donate) command using Nightbot, StreamElements bot, or any chat bot. When a viewer types !kofi in chat, the bot responds with something like: “Support the stream on Ko-fi (0% fees!): ko-fi.com/yourstreamname — tips, memberships & merch all trigger alerts!” This makes your payment link instantly accessible without viewers needing to scroll through your panels.

3. Promote Memberships During Stream

Ko-fi memberships are your best tool for building recurring revenue. Mention them during natural breaks — between matches, during loading screens, or when thanking a donor. Highlight the perks: “If you want to support monthly and get access to our Discord VIP channel, check out the Ko-fi membership link below!” Recurring memberships are more valuable than one-time tips because they create predictable income you can count on.

4. Pair Ko-fi with CashApp & Venmo for US Viewers

Ko-fi is your best option for international viewers, but US-based viewers may prefer CashApp or Venmo since they already have those apps on their phones. Stream Alert supports CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, and Ko-fi simultaneously, so every donation triggers an alert regardless of which platform the viewer uses. Offering multiple payment options means you never miss a potential donation.

5. Thank Every Donor Personally

This is the single most effective strategy for encouraging repeat donations. When a Ko-fi alert appears on screen, stop what you're doing, read the donor's name aloud, thank them genuinely, and read their message if they included one. Make eye contact with the camera. This personal acknowledgment creates a positive feedback loop — other viewers see the recognition and are motivated to donate as well. Donors who feel appreciated are far more likely to donate again or convert to monthly members.

Frequently Asked Questions

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