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Live streaming has transformed how nonprofits connect with supporters virtually, and Twitch stands out as a powerful platform in this space. It offers a dynamic environment to engage global audiences in real time, sharing your mission and impact through interactive content.
Whether you’re hosting game marathons, Q&A sessions, or podcasts, Twitch's donation feature allows you to turn viewers into active supporters. Combined with the platform's interactive nature, it fosters genuine connections, inspiring immediate support and cultivating long-term relations.
This article will guide you through setting up your Twitch account for donations. Read on to explore various donation methods and tips to maximize your fundraising potential on this exciting platform.
Launched in 2011, Twitch is an interactive live-streaming service owned by Amazon that provides content spanning games, entertainment, music, sports, and more. It allows you to host live streams, and viewers can watch them in real time, where they can comment and interact with you.
There are two ways nonprofits can use Twitch channels for charitable donations:
Create a channel to live stream their content. Stream virtual events, such as auctions, trivia nights, and concerts, or go live and host e-gaming tournaments or Q&A sessions
Partner with established streamers who are willing to promote and raise money for your organization
If you want your charity to be part of Twitch, start by signing up with PayPal Giving Fund. You will need a PayPal Business account to do so.
Once your account is set up, you must verify that it belongs to a charitable organization. Post completing these steps, your charity will be enrolled with PayPal Giving Fund. After 48 hours, you can start using Twitch.
How to set up donations on Twitch in 5 steps
Step 1: Create a Twitch account
The first step to receiving charity donations through Twitch is to create an account. Simply go to the website and sign up using your existing email or social media account.
Step 2: Set up your channel
Set up your channel by choosing a username, creating a profile picture, and briefly describing yourself and the content you plan to stream. You can also add any other useful information that will encourage charitable donations.
You will need to pick a streaming platform. Twitch offers several options, including Streamlabs, XSplit, OBS Studio, and StreamElements. Each one has its unique perks and benefits, so it’s critical to pick the one that best meets your needs.
Step 3: Link your payment platforms
Once your channel is ready, it’s time to link your payment method. Twitch offers many payment options, including Stripe, PayPal, and more.
Setting up these services requires you to submit personal information as well as details of your bank or credit/debit card. Depending on the chosen platform, you can also gain access to subscriptions, tipping systems, and more.
Once your channel is live, you need to start promoting it to build a following and raise money. The best way to do this is by implementing a multi-faceted promotional strategy.
Focus on the following channels to grow your visibility and boost charitable donations:
Twitch communities: Dive into relevant Twitch communities, engaging in discussions to grow your audience and establish your presence organically
Social media: Share streaming schedules and highlights, drawing your followers into your Twitch ecosystem
Email outreach: Notify your existing donor base about your Twitch presence and streaming events
Website integration: Feature your Twitch channel prominently on your website to direct supporters to your streams
5 ways to receive donations on Twitch
1. Twitch Bits
Bits, also known as cheers, are the platform's official donation system. This virtual currency is purchased directly from Twitch via Amazon Payments, starting at $1.40 for 100 Bits.
Viewers use Bits by typing "Cheer" followed by the number of Bits in the chat (e.g., "Cheer100"). This triggers special alerts on the stream and rewards viewers with chat badges, encouraging them to support your streams.
Bits offers Twitch streamers a seamless way to receive donations. You earn $1 for every 100 Bits cheered, providing a direct income stream from viewer support.
How to enable Bits on your channel:
Click on your profile picture
Open your channel dashboard
Select partner settings
Enable bits and cheering
Bits provide an engaging way for nonprofits and streamers to receive donations directly through Twitch, enhancing viewer interaction and support.
2. Paypal donations
One of the simplest ways to accept donations on Twitch is to use PayPal. You can ask viewers to donate directly using the email address associated with your own PayPal account.
An easier option is to set up a PayPal.me link, which helps to streamline the entire process. Here's how you can set it up on Twitch:
Set up a PayPal.me link by creating a business account on the PayPal platform
Once you have the link, open Twitch, go to your channel, click "Edit Panels," and then click the "+" button to create a donation section
Fill in the panel title and add your PayPal.me link to the description. You can also add additional info explaining why viewers should support you
Pro tip: Post your link in the channel's chat during streams. This allows you to tie donation requests to specific moments in your stream and remind viewers of the option to donate in real-time. It also increases the visibility of the donation link for those who may overlook the panel.
3. Cryptocurrency payment
Crypto is another popular method for accepting donations on Twitch because of its speed, security, and relatively lower transaction fees. Receiving payments into your crypto wallet is also as simple as sharing the wallet address with your viewers.
Here's how you can make it work on Twitch:
Open your crypto wallet app and navigate to the “Receive” button or link
Copy your unique wallet address, which appears as random numbers and letters
Create a donation section on your Twitch profile similar to the one described above in the PayPal donations section
Paste your wallet address in the description section
Note: Make sure to specify what cryptocurrency the wallet address is for. Users can’t send Litecoin to the Ethereum wallet, so it's critical to label each address properly.
4. Brave Creator program
The Brave Browser makes it easier to receive cryptocurrency donations through its Brave Rewards system on Twitch. Brave users earn the Basic Attention Token (BAT) by viewing privacy-respecting ads while browsing. These users can then easily tip their favorite Twitch streams directly with BAT.
Here's how you can set it up on Twitch and receive donations from Brave users:
Once logged in, navigate to the "Channels" section
Click on "Add Channel" and select "Twitch" from the list of supported platforms
Follow the prompts to link your Twitch account with Brave
Inform your viewers they can donate BAT earned through the Brave browsersome text
Add a note in your channel description or panels
Create a specific panel explaining Brave Rewards donations
Paste the link to your Brave Verified Creator page
Mention about this during your streams
5. Third-party Twitch donations
Many third-party services allow you to collect donations from Twitch users. Sites like StreamLabs, Stream Elements, and Muxy all create a donation page on their specific server, which viewers can visit via Twitch and donate.
To get started, you first have to pick the third-party service platform. Once done, you can follow the given steps, as the process is generally similar across platforms:
On the third-party service page dashboard, find and click on “Donation Settings”
Select the icon for whichever donation method (for instance, PayPal) you'd like to add
From “Donation Settings”, go to “Settings” and select your currency and a minimum donation amount
Click on “Save Settings”, and it will display the website address of your donation page
Copy the address and add it to the donation section on the Twitch channel page
Twitch donations: Best practices for maximizing your funds
1. Use custom alerts
Customizing donation alerts and using Twitch overlays can significantly boost your fundraising efforts. Alerts are audio-visual cues that appear during your stream when viewers donate, subscribe, tip, or follow.
By personalizing these alerts with animated GIFs and sound effects through platforms like Streamlabs, you create an entertaining experience that encourages repeat donations.
2. Set a goal
Viewers are likely to donate if they know where their money is going. Set up a goal meter on your Twitch account to show your progress toward your goal, creating a sense of shared purpose among viewers.
When a donation is made, the bar will rise, encouraging your viewers to keep going to help you achieve the goal.
You can also mention your goals, such as buying new equipment or starting a new project, within your profile or in-stream chats.
3. Thank donors
Everyone wants to feel appreciated, and thanking your donors verbally during the stream is likely to inspire them to donate more. The perk of Twitch streaming is that you can thank your donors as soon as they give.
Using on-screen overlays that display recent donations, top donors, or fundraising progress, you can express gratitude to viewers in real-time as they donate and motivate others to contribute.
4. Create a hall of fame
You can also create a donor list on your Twitch profile page to express gratitude and show their impact.
Spark friendly competition by highlighting the top five donors. This recognition can drive larger donations as viewers strive for top spots.
Take it a step further by offering small prizes or perks to top contributors, featuring these rewards on your profile. This strategy creates additional donation incentives while celebrating generous supporters.
5. Partner with streamers to create charity streams
Collaborate with Twitch streamers who would be a good fit for your organization's mission to create a charity stream. Streamers can use the charity tool on Twitch, which allows them to donate the whole amount raised, minus the processing fees, to a nonprofit organization or cause.
Together, you can host e-gaming tournaments and Q&As and stream podcasts, talk shows, and concerts.
Final words on Twitch donation feature
Twitch offers an exciting frontier for rallying supporters and raising funds in innovative ways. By leveraging the platform's interactive features, you can create engaging live streams that inspire real-time generosity.
Remember, success on Twitch comes from authenticity, consistent engagement, and a willingness to experiment with different content formats.
As you embark on your Twitch fundraising journey, consider enhancing your efforts with a comprehensive online donation platform.
Unlike any other tool, Zeffy offers a 100% free fundraising platform, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly to your cause. Zeffy has easy-to-use tools for creating donation forms that you can quickly share across multiple channels, including your Twitch campaigns. This seamless integration allows you to efficiently manage donations from various sources in one place.
Twitch doesn’t have any limit on how much one can donate to the streamer unless streamers have set a limit. The donation amount can also depend on the payment method that you use.
For instance, Twitch charity tools support donations of $1-$50,000. People can set up a monthly subscription to become regular donors via Twitch. All donations will be listed on the streamer donation page, where a message can be left for them.
Yes, all donations on Twitch are taxable. Depending on your location, this could be at the state, local, or federal level. Whether received via PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp, these are counted as income because they are not simply gifts but part of your income as a Twitch streamer.
It is best to research the regulations specific to your location and consult a qualified tax professional if you’ve any questions or concerns. However, donations to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits are not taxable for the recipient organization, as these donations are considered tax-exempt.
Twitch and PayPal Giving Funds do not take anything from your donations. Your entire gift amount, minus payment processing fees, goes to the charity. If you receive donations in bits through Twitch Bits, it takes around 30%.
While donation fees can significantly diminish your fundraising efforts, Zeffy's 100% free platform ensures that every dollar raised goes directly to your cause, maximizing the impact of each contribution.
