As a YouTuber, growing your chances and building an audience is at the top of your mind, but once you begin to gain momentum in that regard, monetizing your channel becomes a possibility.
There are many ways to make money from YouTube and tipping is one of them.
It gets even better with tipping as there are no requirements or eligibility unlike many other youtube monetization methods.
Whether you’re just starting out and no matter your number of followers, you can make money from tipping.
Thankfully there are many platforms that help with tipping. These tipping platforms have varying rules and features with some allowing fans to pin their chats after tipping while others have features for recurrent payments or subscription services known as patrons.
We understand the need to utilize tipping as a YouTuber and that’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best tipping platforms creators on YouTube can use.
Want to take your videos to the next level?
Here are the top 7 platforms that let your viewers tip you directly.
1. Buy Me a Coffee
This platform keeps things refreshingly simple. Fans can “buy you a coffee” – which is really just a fun way to send you a few bucks.
Buy me a coffee’s interface is clean and friendly, making it easy for supporters to chip in. You can post updates, share downloads, and even set up membership tiers if you want to get fancy.
While the default tip is $5, you can customize it from $1 to $5. They can also input their chosen amount in the given section. The 5% fee is pretty reasonable, and you’ll get your money through PayPal or Stripe.
Many YouTubers love it because it feels more personal than just asking for donations.
2. ConvertKit’s Tip Jar
If you’re already using ConvertKit for email marketing, their Tip Jar feature is worth checking out. It’s free to set up, and you only pay 3.5% plus 30 cents per tip.
What’s neat is how easily it fits into your existing ConvertKit pages or website. The system focuses on one-time donations, keeping things straightforward for both you and your supporters.
Money hits your account weekly through Stripe, so you’re never waiting too long for your earnings.
3. Patreon
Think of Patreon as the heavyweight champion of membership platforms. Yes, they take between 5-12% depending on your plan, but you get a lot for that money.
You can create different membership tiers, chat with supporters, and share exclusive content. It’s like having your own fan club where people pay monthly to access special perks.
The platform handles all the tech stuff, leaving you free to focus on creating content. If you’re serious about building a community around your channel, Patreon is hard to beat.
4. YouTube Super Chat
This one’s built right into YouTube itself. When you’re livestreaming, viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted in chat.
While YouTube’s 30% cut is steep, the seamless integration makes it worthwhile for many creators.
Your viewers don’t need to leave the platform, and you get paid through your regular AdSense account. It’s especially great if you do lots of livestreams and want to encourage viewer interaction.
5. Ko-fi
Ko-fi is like Buy Me a Coffee’s cousin who doesn’t take a cut of your tips. They only charge payment processing fees, making them one of the most affordable options out there.
You can accept one-time donations, set up monthly support, or even sell commission work and products. The coffee-themed design gives everything a friendly, casual feel.
It’s perfect if you want a no-fuss way to accept support without dealing with complex features or high fees.
6. Linktree
While mainly known for organizing social media links, Linktree’s tipping feature is surprisingly solid.
They do not charge any transaction or processing fees for this service which is why many YouTubers use them.
What’s cool is how it integrates with their link management system – your fans can find all your content and support you in one place. It’s especially handy if you’re active on other platforms apart from YouTube and want to centralize everything.
7. Tipeee
Popular with European YouTubers, Tipeee offers a nice middle ground between basic tipping and full membership platforms.
They take 8% plus payment fees, which is standard for the industry. What sets them apart is their project-based funding options and support for multiple currencies.
If you have an international audience or specific projects you want funded, Tipeee could be your best bet.
Tips to Get More Tips as a YouTuber
Getting tips isn’t just about having a donation button – it’s about building real connections with your viewers. Here’s what actually works, based on what successful creators do.
Be Real About Money
Don’t be shy about asking for support, but do it the right way. Instead of just saying “please donate,” tell your viewers how their support helps you make better videos.
For example, you could say “Your tips help me buy better lighting” or “Thanks to your support, I can now spend more time researching topics for videos.” People like knowing exactly how their money helps.
Make It Easy to Tip
Put your tipping links where people can actually find them. Add them to your video descriptions, pin them in your comments, and mention them in your about page.
Here’s a trick that works well – create a simple redirect link like yourusername.com/support that leads to your tipping page. It’s easier to remember and looks more professional when you mention it in videos.
Thank Your Supporters the Right Way
This one’s super important. When someone tips you, make it special. Give them a shoutout in your next video, write them a personal thank you message, or add their name to your credits.
Some YouTubers keep a “supporter wall” in their video background or give special badges in their Discord server. The key is making supporters feel valued, not just thanked.
Create Special Perks That Don’t Burn You Out
Offer extras that don’t take tons of extra time to create. Behind-the-scenes clips you’re already filming, early access to regular videos, or monthly Q&A livestreams work great.
Stay away from perks that need lots of extra work, like personal video calls or custom content. You want to reward supporters while keeping your main channel running smoothly.
Time Your Asks Right
Pick the right moments to mention tipping. The end of a really helpful video, after sharing something valuable, or during milestone celebrations work best.
Avoid asking during serious topics or right after running ads. And never make viewers feel guilty for not tipping – that backfires every time.
Making Money Through Tips: Keep It Simple
Let’s be real – getting tips as a YouTuber isn’t rocket science. Pick a platform that feels right for you and your audience.
If you’re just starting out, try Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee. Ready for something bigger? Give Patreon a shot. Just want to keep things on YouTube? Super Chat’s got you covered.
The secret sauce isn’t really about which platform you choose. It’s about being honest with your viewers, making great content, and building real connections.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Be clear about how tips help you make better videos, thank people who support you, and keep focusing on what matters – creating content your viewers love.
Remember, tips should be the cherry on top, not your main focus. Keep making videos you’re proud of, be genuine when asking for support, and make it easy for viewers to tip when they want to. The rest will fall into place naturally.
Ready to get started? Pick a platform, set it up, and let your viewers know they can support you if they want to. Just be you, keep it simple, and watch your community grow.
