If you’re a streamer looking to monetize your content on Twitch, donations are one of the easiest and most effective ways to do so. You don’t need to be a Twitch Affiliate or Partner to enable them for your audience, and you only need a PayPal Business account to receive your donations.
But if you’re new to streaming, or recently changed your streaming software, it can be tricky to set everything up properly. If you miss one step, your viewers might not be able to donate at all, or you won’t be able to withdraw your donations.
Follow these steps for every major streaming software to set up your donations on Twitch.
1- Streamlabs OBS
Streamlabs OBS is one of the most used streaming software among the community since it’s completely free to use, and relatively easy too. It has a pro version that comes with some GIFs and “pro effects” ($5.99).
Let’s see how you can set up donations using Streamlabs OBS.
1. Log in to the dashboard on Streamlabs.com. Click on ‘Settings’ in the lower left-hand corner.
2. Click on Donation Settings > Methods and choose your preferred Payment Processor.
3. Go through the necessary steps to connect your account.
4. After your account is connected, your tip page will be available at Streamlabs.com/USERNAME.
By clicking on “Customize here”, you access the Manage Tip page, where you can set the minimum amount required to donate, customize the recommended amount that appears for your viewers, etc. Make sure to choose your currency depending on your audience!
2- XSplit Gamecaster
XSplit Gamecaster is interesting as a software since it’s been built “by gamers, for gamers”. The HUD aims to be easier and clearer possible for streamers. One great perk is that they’re not taking any fee on donations. Whatever your fans send you, you get to keep it all!
Let’s see how you can set up donations using XSplit Gamecaster.
1. Start the app and click on “Settings” in the bottom right corner.
2. Click on “Tipping” on the left column > Fill in the required information
3. Choose your currency
4. Copy your tipping page, and include it to your Twitch channel!
3- StreamElements
StreamElements is a streaming software that comes with a lot of featured tools such as a chatbot, crystal clear statistics, overlay elements, and an integrated donation function. It’s a great tool for streamers who want to automate their sessions and stream with the lesser efforts.
Let’s see how you can set up donations using StreamElements.
1. Access your StreamElement dashboard, log in to your account, and click on “Tipping Settings” on the left column.
2. Fill every information required, download the visual assets, and copy your tipping link
3. Customize your tipping page
4- Feature your donation link to your Twitch page
Even though some software feature donation settings, you still have to display your link on your Twitch channel so your viewers can see it and donate. It is super easy to implement, especially if you’re using StreamElements for example, which provides a downloadable panel. All you have to do is to upload it to the panel section on your profile.
Let’s go through the steps to set up donations on your Twitch channel.
1. Go to your Twitch channel (twitch.tv/username) and click on “Customize Channel”
2. Go to “About”, and click on the “Edit Panel” switch.
3. Scroll down and click on the white modal to add a panel, add an image panel, and choose whichever you want.
4. Add the panel you created, add your tipping link below, and you’re now able to receive donations on your Twitch channel!
There are multiple ways to set it up, no matter what software you’re using. Choose the one you’re most comfortable with, and just do your things! If your community likes what you do, you’ll end up making money off of it!
As a streamer, it is super important to make sure your content is ready to be monetized, either you choose to push it to another platform like YouTube or focus on Twitch only. There are numerous ways to do so, which we explained in our How to make money streaming games, watching games, and playing games? 10 best tools article, but the easiest way to do it as a small streamer is to push your tipping link.
But Gimbl.gg tried to gamify this tipping flow for your viewers, by letting them put conditions behind their donations. Go and see by yourself!
