How to Show Venmo Donations on Facebook Gaming (2026)
Step-by-step guide to displaying automatic Venmo donation alerts on your Facebook Gaming stream. Keep 100% of every dollar with zero fees.
To show Venmo donations on Facebook Gaming, use Stream Alert with OBS to automatically detect Venmo payments and display real-time alerts on your stream. Facebook Stars pay streamers just $0.01 per Star while costing viewers significantly more, whereas Venmo delivers 100% of every dollar with 0% fees — no middleman, no minimum payout, no eligibility requirements.
The catch? Neither StreamLabs nor StreamElements support Venmo. Facebook Gaming doesn't have a native Venmo integration either. Stream Alert is the only tool that bridges this gap by monitoring your Gmail for Venmo payment notifications and triggering on-screen alerts automatically through OBS browser sources.
TL;DR — Venmo on Facebook Gaming
- Facebook Stars underpay: Viewers spend $1.40 for 100 Stars, but you only receive $1.00 — Facebook pockets the rest. Venmo has 0% fees on both sides.
- Stream Alert auto-detects Venmo: Monitors your Gmail for Venmo payment emails and triggers OBS alerts in 5–15 seconds.
- No Level Up or Partner status needed: External donations work for any Facebook Gaming streamer on day one.
- Works via OBS browser source: Alerts render inside OBS and appear on your Facebook Gaming stream as part of the video feed.
- 90M+ Venmo users: Venmo is the most popular peer-to-peer payment app in the US, especially among viewers aged 18–34.
Why Venmo Is Better Than Facebook Stars
Facebook Stars are the default monetization tool for Facebook Gaming streamers, but the economics heavily favor Facebook over creators. Let's break down the math so you can see why Venmo is the smarter choice for maximizing your income.
The Stars Math
Facebook sells Stars to viewers at roughly $0.014 per Star (100 Stars costs viewers about $1.40). But streamers only receive $0.01 per Star. That means Facebook takes approximately 30% of every Stars transaction before you see a dime.
Here's what that looks like at scale:
- A viewer sends 1,000 Stars — they spend $14.00, you receive $10.00. Facebook keeps $4.00.
- A viewer sends 5,000 Stars — they spend $70.00, you receive $50.00. Facebook keeps $20.00.
- A viewer sends 10,000 Stars — they spend $140.00, you receive $100.00. Facebook keeps $40.00.
To make matters worse, Facebook Stars require a $100 minimum payout with monthly processing. New streamers could wait weeks or months before receiving their first payment.
The Venmo Advantage
Venmo charges zero fees for person-to-person payments funded by a bank account or Venmo balance. When a viewer sends you $10 via Venmo, you receive exactly $10 — instantly. No waiting for monthly payouts, no $100 minimums, no platform cuts.
For your viewers, Venmo is also cheaper. Instead of paying $14.00 for Stars that deliver only $10.00 to you, they can send $10.00 directly via Venmo and every cent goes to your pocket. That's a better deal for everyone involved.
No Requirements
Facebook Stars require Level Up or Partner status — meaning you need at least 100 followers, streaming on specific days, and meeting other engagement criteria. Venmo donations require nothing. You can accept Venmo donations on your very first Facebook Gaming stream with zero followers.
Setting Up Venmo Alerts on Facebook Gaming
Requirements
Venmo account • Gmail account • OBS Studio • Stream Alert account (30-day free trial, no credit card required)
Step 1: Enable Venmo Email Notifications
Stream Alert works by detecting Venmo payment confirmation emails in your Gmail inbox. First, make sure Venmo is sending those emails:
- Open the Venmo mobile app
- Tap the menu icon (top left) → Settings → Notifications
- Under "Email," enable "Payments to You"
- Confirm the email address listed matches the Gmail you'll connect to Stream Alert
Important
The email address on your Venmo account must be the same Gmail you connect to Stream Alert. If they don't match, payment notifications won't be detected. You can update your Venmo email in Settings → Account → Email.
Step 2: Create a Stream Alert Account
- Visit streamalert.gg/register
- Enter your name, email, and password
- Click "Start Free Trial" — 30 days free, no credit card required
- You'll land on the Stream Alert dashboard
Step 3: Connect Your Gmail
- In the Stream Alert dashboard, click "Connect Gmail"
- Select the Gmail account that receives your Venmo notifications
- Grant read-only permission via secure OAuth 2.0
- Confirm the connection — you'll see a green checkmark
Privacy & Security
Stream Alert only reads emails from payment services like Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal. We never access personal emails, passwords, or other data. You can revoke access anytime from your Google account settings.
Step 4: Add Your Venmo Username
- Navigate to "Payment Settings" in the Stream Alert dashboard
- Enter your Venmo username (e.g., @YourUsername)
- Click "Save"
You can also add your $cashtag, PayPal email, and other payment accounts here to accept donations from multiple services simultaneously.
Step 5: Copy Your Overlay URL
- Go to the "Overlay" section of the dashboard
- Optionally customize alert appearance — animation, sound, font, duration, and colors
- Click "Copy Overlay URL" to copy your unique browser source link
Step 6: Add Browser Source in OBS
- Open OBS Studio
- In the Sources panel, click the + button
- Select "Browser"
- Name it something like "Venmo Alerts"
- Paste your Stream Alert overlay URL
- Set resolution to 1920x1080
- Click OK
Step 7: Connect OBS to Facebook Gaming
- In OBS, go to Settings → Stream
- Set Service to "Facebook Live"
- Click "Connect Account" to log in with Facebook, or manually paste your stream key from the Facebook Live Producer
- Click "Start Streaming" when you're ready to go live
Step 8: Test Your Setup
Always test before going live to your audience:
- Have a friend send you a small Venmo payment ($1–$5)
- Wait 5–15 seconds for email detection
- Watch for the alert to appear in your OBS preview
- Verify the donor name and amount display correctly
Setup Complete
Every Venmo payment you receive will now automatically trigger an on-screen alert on your Facebook Gaming stream within 5–15 seconds. No manual acknowledgment needed.
Venmo vs Facebook Stars
Here's a side-by-side comparison of Venmo donations versus Facebook Stars across every metric that matters to streamers:
| Feature | Venmo (via Stream Alert) | Facebook Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 0% | ~30% (Facebook's cut) |
| Viewer Cost for $10 Donation | $10.00 | ~$14.00 (1,000 Stars) |
| Streamer Receives | $10.00 (100%) | $10.00 (71% of viewer spend) |
| Minimum Payout | None (instant) | $100 minimum |
| Payout Speed | Instant | Monthly (21-day delay) |
| Eligibility | Anyone | Level Up / Partner only |
| US User Base | 90M+ users | N/A (built into Facebook) |
| On-Stream Alerts | Yes (via Stream Alert + OBS) | Built-in only |
| Mobile UX for Viewers | Excellent (3 taps) | Good (in-app purchase) |
| Chargebacks | None | None |
Our Recommendation
Keep Facebook Stars enabled for convenience, but actively promote Venmo as your primary donation method. Your viewers spend less, you keep more, and the money arrives instantly. It's a strictly better deal for both sides of the transaction.
Promoting Venmo on Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming doesn't have Twitch-style channel panels or chat commands, so you need to promote your Venmo handle through other channels. Here are the most effective strategies:
Update Your Page Bio & About Section
Add your Venmo handle (@YourUsername) to your Gaming Fan Page's About section and page description. This is the first place potential supporters look when visiting your page between streams. Include a brief note like: "Support the stream — Venmo: @YourUsername (zero fees, 100% goes to me)."
Add Venmo to Your Stream Description
When going live from the Facebook Live Producer, add your Venmo handle to the stream description. Something like: "Tips welcome! Venmo @YourUsername — 100% of every dollar comes to me." Viewers see this description when they first join or click for stream details.
Pin a Comment with Payment Links
Once your stream starts, post a comment in the chat listing your Venmo handle and pin it. Pinned comments stay visible at the top of the chat for every viewer who joins, no matter when they arrive. Update it each stream to keep it fresh: "Venmo: @YourUsername | CashApp: $YourTag | Every dollar goes directly to me!"
Verbal Mentions During Stream
Periodically mention your Venmo during natural breaks in gameplay or conversation. A casual approach works best: "If you're enjoying the stream, you can tip via Venmo at @YourUsername — it's free to send and I keep 100%. Link is in the pinned comment!" Thank donors by name when alerts pop up to encourage others.
Create a "How to Donate" Post
Publish a dedicated post on your Gaming Fan Page explaining how viewers can support you via Venmo. Include a screenshot of how to find your username in the Venmo app, mention there are zero fees, and pin the post to the top of your page. New followers will see this immediately.
Don't Overdo It
Mentioning donations once every 30–45 minutes is enough. Constant donation reminders can feel pushy and drive viewers away. Let the on-screen alerts do most of the work — when viewers see real-time Venmo alerts popping up, it creates organic social proof without you saying a word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show Venmo alerts on Facebook Gaming without StreamLabs or StreamElements?
Yes. In fact, you must use a different tool because StreamLabs and StreamElements do not support Venmo at all. Stream Alert is the only platform that automatically detects Venmo payments and triggers on-screen alerts. It works through OBS browser sources, which means it's compatible with Facebook Gaming, Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and any other platform you stream to.
Do I need Level Up or Partner status to accept Venmo donations on Facebook Gaming?
No. Level Up and Partner status are only required for Facebook's built-in monetization features like Stars and fan subscriptions. Venmo donations are external peer-to-peer payments that have nothing to do with Facebook's program requirements. Any Facebook Gaming streamer can accept Venmo donations starting from their very first stream.
How fast do Venmo alerts appear on my Facebook Gaming stream?
Venmo alerts typically appear within 5–15 seconds of the payment being sent. The process works like this: a viewer sends you a Venmo payment, Venmo emails a confirmation to your Gmail, Stream Alert detects the email and triggers the alert through your OBS browser source, and the alert renders on your stream. The slight delay is due to email delivery time.
Can viewers send Venmo donations from their phone while watching on Facebook?
Yes, and this is one of Venmo's biggest advantages. Most viewers under 35 already have Venmo installed on their phone. They can switch to the Venmo app, search your username, send a payment in three taps, and switch back to your Facebook Gaming stream — all in under 30 seconds. There are no forms to fill out, no accounts to create, and no processing fees for the viewer.
Should I use Venmo and Facebook Stars at the same time?
Absolutely. Keep Stars enabled for viewers who prefer the convenience of donating directly within Facebook. Offer Venmo as an alternative for viewers who want more of their money to reach you. Some viewers will always choose the built-in option, while others will appreciate the zero-fee Venmo route. Running both maximizes your total earnings by giving every viewer their preferred way to support you.
Start Showing Venmo Alerts on Facebook Gaming Today
With 90 million+ Venmo users and zero transaction fees, Venmo is the most viewer-friendly donation method available for Facebook Gaming streamers. Set up automatic alerts in under 5 minutes with Stream Alert — free for 30 days, no credit card required.
Start Free Trial →