How to Get Ko-fi Donations on Streamlabs & StreamElements (2025 Guide)
The complete guide to displaying Ko-fi donations as alerts on your Twitch, YouTube, or Kick stream using Streamlabs or StreamElements.
Ko-fi is one of the best platforms for streamers to receive donations - zero platform fees, instant payouts, and a trusted brand. But there's one big problem: Ko-fi doesn't natively integrate with Streamlabs or StreamElements.
This means when someone sends you a Ko-fi donation, it won't automatically appear as an alert on your stream. You'd have to manually check Ko-fi and announce donations yourself - not ideal when you're in the middle of gameplay.
In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to get automatic Ko-fi donation alerts on Streamlabs and StreamElements using Stream Alert.
Why Ko-fi Doesn't Work with Streamlabs/StreamElements
Streamlabs and StreamElements are designed to work with their own donation systems. They have built-in donation pages that use PayPal or credit cards, and they take a cut of each transaction.
Ko-fi, on the other hand, is an independent platform. There's no official integration between Ko-fi and these alert services, which leaves streamers with a frustrating choice:
- Use Streamlabs/StreamElements donation page (higher fees, less flexible)
- Use Ko-fi but miss out on stream alerts
- Manually monitor Ko-fi and trigger alerts yourself
The Manual Method is Painful
Some streamers keep Ko-fi open on a second monitor and manually trigger alerts when donations come in. This is distracting, unreliable, and means you'll miss donations during intense moments.
The Solution: Stream Alert
Stream Alert bridges the gap between Ko-fi and your streaming alerts. When someone donates on Ko-fi, Stream Alert automatically forwards that donation to Streamlabs or StreamElements, triggering your custom alerts instantly.
How Ko-fi to Streamlabs/StreamElements Works
Here's the flow:
- Viewer donates on Ko-fi - They click your Ko-fi link and send a donation
- Ko-fi sends webhook to Stream Alert - Instant notification (within seconds)
- Stream Alert forwards to Streamlabs/StreamElements - Donation data is sent to your alert service
- Alert appears on your stream - Your custom alert plays with donor name, amount, and message
The entire process takes less than 5 seconds from donation to on-screen alert.
Why Webhooks Are Better Than Email
Unlike email-based solutions (which can have 30-60 second delays), Ko-fi webhooks deliver donation data instantly. Stream Alert uses this direct connection for the fastest possible alerts.
Benefits of Using Ko-fi with Stream Alert
0% Platform Fees
Ko-fi takes no cut from donations. If a viewer sends $10, you get $10.
Instant Alerts
Donations appear on stream within seconds via webhook integration.
Custom Alert Designs
Use your existing Streamlabs/StreamElements alert designs and sounds.
Donation Messages
Ko-fi donation messages are forwarded and displayed with the alert.
Works Everywhere
Twitch, YouTube, Kick, Facebook Gaming - any platform that uses OBS.
Analytics Dashboard
Track all Ko-fi donations alongside other payment sources.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Follow these steps to connect Ko-fi to Streamlabs or StreamElements. Total setup time: 5 minutes.
Step 1: Create a Stream Alert Account
- Go to streamalert.gg/sign-up
- Enter your name, email, and password
- Verify 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
Which Should I Use?
Both work great! If you're already using one, stick with it. If you're new, read our comparison.
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
- Open Ko-fi Webhook Settings (log in if needed)
- Paste your Stream Alert webhook URL
- Click Update
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 donation from "Jo Example"
- Check your Streamlabs/StreamElements alert box in OBS
Time: 1 minute
You're All Set!
Ko-fi donations will now automatically trigger alerts on your stream through Streamlabs or StreamElements. The donor's name, amount, and message will all be displayed.
Ko-fi vs Other Donation Methods
Here's how Ko-fi compares to other donation options:
| Feature | Ko-fi + Stream Alert | Streamlabs Donations | StreamElements Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Payment Processing | PayPal/Stripe rates | PayPal rates | PayPal rates |
| Payout Speed | Instant | 1-5 days | 1-5 days |
| Minimum Payout | None | $100 | $100 |
| Chargeback Protection | Via PayPal/Stripe | Limited | Limited |
| Monthly Subscriptions | Yes | No | No |
| Custom Alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tips for Maximizing Ko-fi Donations
1. Promote Your Ko-fi Link
Add your Ko-fi link to:
- Twitch panels (with Ko-fi branding)
- Stream overlay (small button or ticker)
- Chat commands (!donate, !kofi, !support)
- Social media bios
- Video descriptions
2. Offer Ko-fi Memberships
Ko-fi allows monthly memberships with custom tiers. Create exclusive perks for members:
- Discord roles
- Emote access
- Priority game queue
- Monthly shoutouts
3. Set Donation Goals
Create goals that motivate viewers to donate:
- "$50 = Extended stream tonight!"
- "$100 = New emotes for everyone"
- "$500 = 24-hour charity stream"
4. Thank Donors Personally
When the alert pops up:
- Say their name
- Read their message
- Give a genuine thank you
- Make eye contact with camera
Troubleshooting
Ko-fi donation didn't trigger an alert
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
Alert is delayed
Ko-fi webhooks are instant, so delays are rare. If alerts take more than 10 seconds, check your Streamlabs/StreamElements connection in Stream Alert.
Wrong amount showing
Make sure your Ko-fi currency settings match your Streamlabs/StreamElements settings. Contact support if the issue persists.
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 plans.
Can I use both Streamlabs AND StreamElements?
Yes! Stream Alert can forward Ko-fi donations to both platforms simultaneously. Each donation will trigger alerts on both services.
Do Ko-fi subscriptions trigger alerts?
Yes! Each monthly subscription payment from Ko-fi will trigger an alert, just like one-time donations.
What about Ko-fi shop orders?
Ko-fi shop orders also trigger webhooks. However, these are typically product purchases rather than donations, so you may want to handle them differently.
Is my webhook URL secure?
Your webhook URL is unique to your account and should be kept private. It acts as an authentication key. If compromised, contact support for a new URL.
Start Receiving Ko-fi Alerts Today
Ko-fi is one of the best donation platforms for streamers, and with Stream Alert, you can finally get automatic alerts on Streamlabs and StreamElements. Setup takes just 5 minutes, and you'll never miss a donation again.
Join thousands of streamers who use Stream Alert to unify their donation alerts across all payment platforms.