Ko-fi Membership Alerts on Streamlabs & StreamElements (2025 Guide)
The complete guide to displaying Ko-fi monthly membership alerts on your Twitch, YouTube, or Kick stream - with zero platform fees.
Ko-fi is beloved by creators for one simple reason: 0% platform fees. When someone sends you $10, you get $10 (minus payment processor fees). This extends to Ko-fi memberships too, making it one of the most creator-friendly recurring support platforms available.
The problem? Ko-fi memberships don't natively work with Streamlabs or StreamElements. When someone becomes a monthly Ko-fi member, there's no automatic alert on your stream.
In this guide, we'll show you how to set up automatic Ko-fi membership alerts using Stream Alert, so every new member gets celebrated live on stream.
Why Use Ko-fi for Memberships?
Ko-fi offers unique advantages for streamer memberships:
0% Platform Fees
Unlike Patreon (5-12%) or other platforms, Ko-fi takes nothing. You only pay payment processor fees (PayPal/Stripe).
Instant Payouts
Money goes directly to your PayPal or Stripe. No waiting for monthly payouts.
Simple Tiers
Create up to 5 membership tiers with custom perks, pricing, and descriptions.
Member-Only Content
Post exclusive content that only your members can access.
The Math
On a $10/month membership: Patreon takes $0.50-$1.20. Ko-fi takes $0. Over a year with 50 members, that's $300-$720 more in your pocket with Ko-fi.
The Problem: No Native Integration
Despite Ko-fi's popularity, it doesn't integrate with streaming alert services:
- Streamlabs doesn't support Ko-fi memberships
- StreamElements doesn't support Ko-fi memberships
- There's no official way to show membership alerts on stream
This means when someone joins your Ko-fi membership:
- You get an email (easy to miss while streaming)
- It appears in your Ko-fi dashboard
- No celebration on stream
- The member doesn't get acknowledged
Why This Matters
Members who get acknowledged on-stream have significantly higher retention rates. Public recognition makes them feel valued and creates social proof that encourages others to join.
The Solution: Stream Alert
Stream Alert bridges Ko-fi and your streaming alerts. Here's how it works:
- Viewer joins your Ko-fi membership - They select a tier and subscribe
- Ko-fi sends a webhook - Stream Alert receives the membership data instantly
- Stream Alert formats and forwards - Data is sent to Streamlabs/StreamElements
- Alert appears on stream - Your custom alert plays with member details
Stream Alert supports all Ko-fi membership events:
- New Member - When someone joins your Ko-fi membership
- Tier Change - When a member upgrades or changes tiers
- Renewal - When a member's monthly subscription renews
What Information Shows in Alerts
New Member Alert
When someone joins your Ko-fi:
Renewal Alert
When a membership renews:
Each alert includes:
- Member Name - Their Ko-fi display name
- Tier Name - Which membership tier they selected
- Amount - The monthly membership price
- Message - Any note they included when joining
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Follow these steps to connect Ko-fi memberships to Streamlabs or StreamElements. Total setup time: 5 minutes.
Step 1: Create a Stream Alert Account
- Go to streamalert.gg/register
- Enter your name, email, and password
- Connect your Twitch or YouTube account
- Click "Start Free Trial"
Time: 1 minute
Step 2: Connect Streamlabs or StreamElements
- In your Stream Alert dashboard, go to Apps
- Click Connect on Streamlabs or StreamElements
- Log in and authorize the connection
Both Services Work
You can connect both Streamlabs AND StreamElements simultaneously. Ko-fi membership alerts will trigger on both.
Time: 1 minute
Step 3: Connect Ko-fi
- In Stream Alert, go to Apps
- Find Ko-fi and click Connect
- Copy your unique Webhook URL
Time: 30 seconds
Step 4: Configure Ko-fi Webhook
- Go to Ko-fi Webhook Settings
- Paste your Stream Alert webhook URL in the "Webhook URL" field
- Click Update
Important
Ko-fi sends ALL events (donations, memberships, shop orders) to the same webhook. Stream Alert automatically identifies membership events and handles them appropriately.
Time: 1 minute
Step 5: Test Your Setup
- In Ko-fi webhook settings, click Send Test
- Open your Stream Alert Live Alerts page
- You should see a test notification from "Jo Example"
- Check your Streamlabs/StreamElements alert box in OBS
Time: 1 minute
You're All Set!
Ko-fi memberships will now automatically trigger alerts on your stream through Streamlabs or StreamElements. New members, tier changes, and renewals are all supported.
Tips for Ko-fi Membership Success
1. Set Up Compelling Tiers
Ko-fi allows up to 5 tiers. Create a clear progression:
- $3/mo "Supporter" - Basic support, name in credits
- $5/mo "VIP" - Discord access, special role
- $10/mo "Elite" - All perks + priority game queue
- $25/mo "Champion" - Monthly 1-on-1 game session
2. Promote the 0% Fee Advantage
Let viewers know their support goes directly to you:
- "Ko-fi takes 0% - every dollar goes to supporting the stream!"
- "I use Ko-fi because you get the most bang for your buck"
3. Use Ko-fi's Member Features
Take advantage of Ko-fi's built-in tools:
- Post member-only updates on your Ko-fi page
- Send direct messages to members
- Create polls and surveys for members
4. Acknowledge Every New Member
When the membership alert appears:
- Say their name with enthusiasm
- Welcome them to the membership community
- Mention what tier they joined
- Remind chat of the perks they'll get
Ko-fi vs Other Membership Platforms
| Feature | Ko-fi | Patreon | Buy Me a Coffee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | 0% | 5-12% | 5% |
| Payout Speed | Instant | Monthly | Weekly |
| Max Tiers | 5 | Unlimited | 5 |
| One-Time Donations | Yes (0% fee) | Yes | Yes |
| Stream Alert Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Troubleshooting
Membership alert didn't appear
Check these things:
- Webhook URL is correctly pasted in Ko-fi settings
- Streamlabs or StreamElements is connected in Stream Alert
- Your alert box is added to OBS and visible
- Check the Live Alerts page in Stream Alert dashboard
Test button shows donation, not membership
Ko-fi's test button sends a donation test, not a membership test. Real membership events will be formatted correctly when they occur.
Alert is delayed
Ko-fi webhooks are instant. If alerts take more than 10 seconds, check your Streamlabs/StreamElements connection in Stream Alert settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with Ko-fi Gold?
Yes! Stream Alert works with both free Ko-fi accounts and Ko-fi Gold. The webhook feature is available on all Ko-fi account types.
What about Ko-fi one-time donations?
Ko-fi donations also trigger alerts through the same webhook. Check out our Ko-fi donations guide for details.
Do renewal alerts show every month?
Yes! Each successful monthly renewal triggers an alert, letting you acknowledge your loyal supporters.
Can I use Ko-fi with Patreon and BMAC?
Absolutely! Stream Alert supports all three platforms simultaneously. Alerts from each platform will trigger on your stream.
Start Showing Ko-fi Membership Alerts Today
Ko-fi's 0% platform fee makes it the most creator-friendly membership platform available. With Stream Alert, you can finally show these memberships on Streamlabs and StreamElements, creating powerful moments of recognition that drive more sign-ups.
Setup takes just 5 minutes, and you'll be celebrating new Ko-fi members live on stream in no time.