How to Donate on Twitch in 5 Steps

Key Points

• Twitch is the number one platform for gamers, streamers, and content creators.
• Donations on Twitch can be made through purchasing Twitch Bits, subscribing to a channel, or using a third-party donation management platform.
• Twitch Bits are the virtual currency used to cheer on streamers, with streamers receiving one cent for each Bit used in their channel.
• Subscribing to a Twitch channel not only contributes financially but also grants access to exclusive perks like ad-free viewing and custom emotes.

Twitch is the number one platform for gamers, streamers, and content creators. It makes it easy for streamers to interact with their audience and earn money while they’re doing it. If you’re a fan of a certain streamer or content creator, then the best way to support them is by learning how to donate on Twitch. It may seem a bit complex, but Twitch offers a few different ways to support your favorite streamers. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to donate on Twitch in a few simple steps. We’ll cover everything from using a donate button or link to purchasing Bits or subscribing to your favorite streamer’s channel.

How Donations Work on Twitch

With Twitch, there is no built-in donation setting. However, there are a few ways you can “donate” to your favorite streamers to support their channels. The main ways to do this are to purchase Twitch Bits on a channel, purchase a subscription, or use the Donate button on the channel page if the streamer has one displayed. 

First, it’s important to understand what Twitch Bits are. Bits are the Twitch virtual currency used to cheer on your favorite streamers. You can purchase Bits using real money, and then use them to Cheer in the chat by typing “cheer” followed by the number of Bits you wish to donate. For example, to donate 100 Bits, you would type “cheer100” in the chat. Streamers receive one cent for each Bit used in their channel.

Probably the most common way to support streamers is by subscribing to their channels. Subscriptions come in different tiers, usually ranging from $4.99 to $24.99 per month, depending on the perks offered by the streamer. By subscribing, you gain access to custom emotes, ad-free viewing, and other benefits provided by the streamer. Streamers receive a share of the subscription revenue, which helps them to continue creating content for their viewers.

Finally, you can support Twitch streamers if they’re using a third-party donation management platform, like Streamlabs. Or, they could simply have a link to their Venmo or PayPal. Start by checking out the streamer’s channel or profile to see what platform they’re using. Typically, you’ll find a link to this in their Twitch profile. With that said, let’s walk you through the process of supporting your favorite streamers. 

Step 1: Create a Twitch Account

If you’ve been watching Twitch streams without an account, then you’ll want to start with this step. Luckily, signing up for a Twitch account is easy. All you need to do is visit the Twitch website here and click on the Sign Up button, located in the upper-right corner of the page. 

Then, enter your desired username and password, phone number, and date of birth. After filling in the required information, you’ll need to verify your email address to make sure you’re a real person. Once your account is created, you can start customizing your profile by adding a profile picture, background, and a short bio. You can also set up notifications for when your favorite broadcasters go live.

Step 2: Find a Twitch Streamer to Support

Next, find the Twitch streamer you wish to support. You can search for their channel using the Twitch search feature or browse through different categories to discover exciting new content creators. Once you find a streamer you’d like to donate to, visit their profile or channel page.

Step 3: Donate Using Donation or Tip Link

When you’re ready to donate, look for the Donate button on the streamer’s profile or channel page. This button may be labeled differently, such as Tip or Support, depending on the streamer’s preferences. Not every streamer will have this option, so you may need to find another channel or support them using other methods. If they have a donate button, then all you need to do is click the button and it will bring you to a page where you can donate. 

Some streamers may have suggested amounts or rewards for specific donation tiers, but any amount you choose is appreciated. After selecting an amount, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the payment process and send your donation. Once completed, you’ll receive a confirmation, and the streamer may acknowledge your support during their live broadcast.

Step 4: Donate Using Twitch Bits

To support a streamer with Bits open up the live stream you want to donate to, click the Bits icon in the chat window, then click Get Bits.

This will bring up a menu where you can purchase a certain amount of bits. Simply click on the amount you’d like to purchase. Depending on the channel you might need to tip a certain number of bits.

After that, you’ll need to complete your purchase information in the popup. You can pay with PayPal, Amazon Pay, credit card, or other payment options. Once you’re finished click the Review Purchase button and then Complete Purchase.

Once you’ve purchased Bits you can use them in the chat. Simply select the Cheermote option from the chat menu or type “cheer100” with the number being the number of bits you’d like to cheer. 

Note: Before you can donate on Twitch, you need to connect a payment method to your account. To do this, visit your Donation Settings and choose from available options like PayPal, Skrill, or a credit card. Follow the onscreen instructions to link your preferred payment method securely.

Step 5. Donate by Subscribing to the Channel

Another way you can support a streamer is by subscribing to a Twitch streamer. By subscribing to their channel, not only do you contribute financially, but you also gain access to exclusive perks such as ad-free viewing, chat badges, and custom emotes.

Subscribing to a channel is pretty simple, all you have to do is click the Subscribe button on the channel you want to subscribe to. Then, on the popup window scroll to the bottom and then click Subscribe. On this screen, you’ll also see all of the unique benefits you get for subscribing to the channel.

Wrapping Up

There are a few different ways you can support your favorite Twitch streamers by donating. Of course, the easiest way to donate to streamers is to use the donate or tip button. However, not every streamer will have this option enabled.

If you still want to support a streamer who isn’t using a third-party donation tool, then you’ll need to tip with Bits or subscribe to the channel. You can always message the streamer in chat and see if they have a way you can donate that isn’t listed on their channel page. 

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