How to donate to a Twitch streamer: Bits, subs or a tip link

You enjoy a streamer and want to give something back. On Twitch there are three ways to do that, and they work very differently: Bits and subscriptions run through Twitch itself, while a donation through the streamer's donation link goes straight to the streamer. Below you will find how to donate with each, what you need and how much ends up with the streamer.

Three ways to donate on Twitch

• Bits: virtual points you buy from Twitch and give in chat (cheering). Visible to everyone in chat.
• Subscription (sub): a monthly contribution to a channel, for yourself or as a gift for another viewer.
• Donation link: the streamer's own page outside Twitch. You pick the amount and pay with a regular payment method.

Donating with Bits (cheering)

1. Log in to Twitch and open the streamer's channel.
2. Click the Bits icon next to the chat and choose a pack to buy Bits.
3. Type Cheer followed by the number of Bits in chat, for example Cheer100, and send it.

The streamer sets the minimum per cheer and whether an alert appears on screen. The streamer receives 1 US cent per Bit, so 100 Bits are worth 1 dollar to them. You pay more than that when buying Bits: Twitch keeps the difference.

Subscribing or gifting a sub

Click Subscribe below the stream and choose a tier. A sub gives you emotes and a chat badge. With a gift sub you pay for another viewer's subscription, or let Twitch pick random viewers. By default the streamer receives half of the net revenue from a sub; Twitch's Plus programme can raise that share. Subs are only available on channels with Affiliate or Partner status.

Donating through the streamer's link

1. Find the link in the panels below the stream, often titled Donate, Support or Tip. Or type the streamer's chat command, for example !donate.
2. Check that the name and photo on the page match the channel.
3. Choose an amount, add a message if you like and pick a payment method.
4. Complete the payment and wait for the confirmation.

A DonoLink page does not require an account. The streamer decides which payment methods you see, for example card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, iDEAL or Bancontact. You pay exactly the amount you choose, unless you tick the option to cover the fees. Your message may appear on stream as an alert, sometimes read out by a voice.

Donating on Twitch from your phone

In the Twitch app, a channel's panels sit with the channel information. Tap the donation link. If the in-app browser cannot complete the payment, open the same link in your usual browser. Bits and subs bought in the app can cost more because of app store fees: always check the amount before confirming, or buy them in the browser.

How much does the streamer get? An example

• €10 donation through DonoLink: the streamer keeps €9.36. The 3.5% DonoLink fee (€0.35) and €0.29 Stripe fee are deducted.
• 1,000 Bits: the streamer receives 10 dollars, paid out in dollars above a minimum balance. You pay more than 10 dollars to buy them.
• A sub: half of the net revenue for the streamer by default.

If you want as much of your money as possible to reach the streamer, the donation link is usually the leanest route. Bits and subs have other benefits: they show in chat and give you emotes and badges. Read more about each income source in making money on Twitch and the streamer income guide.

Donating safely: what to check

• Only use a link from the official channel's panels or from a moderator.
• Never share bank details, codes or passwords in chat.
• Your name and message may appear on screen: leave out personal details.
• A donation is voluntary and usually comes with no reward or subscriber benefits.
• Keep your payment confirmation. If you see no alert, do not pay again but ask a moderator.

Are you a streamer yourself?

Read how to set up donations on Twitch to add your own donate button, and the OBS donation alert for on-screen alerts. Create your free donation page: DonoLink charges 3.5% per successful donation, with no subscription (see pricing).