How to Set Up Tip Alerts on YouTube Live (2025)
Display real-time tip notifications on your YouTube livestream. Accept CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, Ko-fi, and more — keep up to 100% of every tip.
YouTube Live has Super Chat and Super Stickers for monetized channels, but they take a 30% cut of every payment. External tip alerts let you accept CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, Ko-fi, and Buy Me a Coffee tips — keeping 95-100% of every dollar.
Better yet, you don't need to meet YouTube's Partner Program requirements. Any creator can accept external tips from day one using the methods in this guide.
Super Chat vs External Tips
| Feature | Super Chat | External Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | YouTube Partner Program (1K subs + 4K hours) | None |
| You Keep | ~70% (YouTube takes 30%) | 95-100% |
| Payment Methods | Credit/Debit via Google | CashApp, Venmo, PayPal, Ko-fi, BMAC |
| Tip Range | $1 - $500 | No limit |
| Custom Alerts | Chat highlight only | Full animation, sound, TTS |
| Payout | Monthly ($100 minimum) | Instant |
Revenue Comparison
A $10 Super Chat nets you $7 after YouTube's 30% cut. A $10 CashApp tip via Stream Alert nets you $10. Over $500/month in tips, that's $150/month more in your pocket.
Setting Up Tip Alerts for YouTube Live
Option 1: Stream Alert (Recommended)
Setup Time: 5 minutes
- Create a Stream Alert account
streamalert.gg/register — 30-day free trial
- Connect Gmail
Monitors for CashApp, Venmo, and PayPal confirmation emails
- Add payment accounts
$cashtag, @venmo, PayPal email, Ko-fi webhook, BMAC webhook
- Add browser source to OBS
Same process as Twitch — paste overlay URL into a Browser source
- Stream to YouTube via OBS
Your tip alerts appear in the OBS output, which goes to YouTube
Option 2: StreamLabs (Free, PayPal Only)
- Connect YouTube account at streamlabs.com
- Set up donation page with PayPal
- Copy alert box URL and add to OBS
- Share donation page link in video description
Limitation: PayPal only with 2.9% fees. No CashApp or Venmo support.
Option 3: StreamElements (Free, PayPal Only)
- Connect YouTube account at streamelements.com
- Set up tipping page with PayPal
- Configure alertbox theme
- Add overlay URL to OBS
Limitation: PayPal only. Better customization than StreamLabs.
YouTube-Specific Tips
Add Payment Links to Video Description
YouTube doesn't have panels like Twitch. Put your CashApp $cashtag, Venmo @username, Ko-fi link, and BMAC link in every livestream description.
Pin a Comment with Tip Info
Pin a comment in live chat with all your payment links. Viewers can easily copy them from there.
Use Both Super Chat AND External Tips
If you're monetized, keep Super Chat enabled for convenience while also offering external tip options. Some viewers prefer the simplicity of Super Chat; others prefer CashApp/Venmo.
Create a !tip Chat Command
Use Nightbot (works on YouTube) to create a !tip command that lists all your payment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need YouTube Partner Program for external tips?
No. External tips go directly to your payment accounts. YouTube Partner Program is only required for Super Chat, Super Stickers, and ad revenue.
Will tip alerts show on my YouTube stream?
Yes. Alerts display through OBS (browser source), which is part of your video feed sent to YouTube. Viewers see them just like any other overlay.
Can I use the same Stream Alert account for YouTube and Twitch?
Yes. One Stream Alert account works across all platforms since it integrates with OBS, not the streaming platform itself.
Should I use Super Chat or external tips?
Both. Super Chat is convenient for viewers already on YouTube, while external tips (CashApp/Venmo) give you 30% more revenue per dollar spent. Offer both and let viewers choose.
Start Accepting Tips on YouTube
Stop losing 30% to Super Chat fees. Set up Stream Alert in 5 minutes and keep 100% of CashApp and Venmo tips on your YouTube livestreams.