What are stream alerts?
Stream alerts are pop-up notifications that appear on your livestream when you receive support. You can fully customize the message, color, placement, sound, and even add your own GIF overlays.
Stream alerts make it easy to thank supporters in real time and encourage more people to join in. It’s a simple way to recognize supporters and build excitement, all while helping your audience see the impact of their contributions.
How stream alerts work
On Buy Me a Coffee: You generate a browser source link for your stream alert and customize its appearance and behavior to match your style.
On your streaming platform: You paste the link as a “browser source” (supported in OBS Studio, Twitch Studio, and most streaming software). When someone supports you, the alert pops up live for your viewers to see.
For your audience: Supporters see their names and messages featured in real time, creating a fun and interactive experience that encourages others to contribute.
How to set up stream alerts
Follow these steps to enable and personalize your stream alerts:
Go to Buttons & Graphics
In your Buy Me a Coffee dashboard, look under Settings and select Buttons & Graphics.Find Stream alerts and enable the feature
Scroll to the Stream alerts card.If this is your first time setting up stream alerts, click Enable.
If you’ve already enabled it, click Customize.
Customize your alert
Edit the alert text to control the message displayed when someone supports you.
Choose your preferred alert message color.
Adjust the CTA background opacity slider to make the alert stand out or blend in.
Select the call to action text beside your Buy Me a Coffee page link (e.g., “Support me at”, "Support us at",“Buy me a coffee at”, or none).
Pick the alert position on screen (top left, top center, top right, left center, right center) to avoid covering your camera or key content.
Set a notification sound—either use the default or upload your own.
Add an animated GIF overlay if you want to show a fun animation with every alert.
Copy your browser source link
Click Copy link next to your unique browser source URL.
Add the link to your streaming software
Open your streaming software (e.g., OBS Studio).
Add a new browser source and paste the copied link.
Adjust the size and position on your stream preview as needed.
Test your alert
Click Send a test alert in your Buy Me a Coffee dashboard to see how the alert will look live.
Tips and ideas for using stream alerts
Acknowledge every supporter: Personalized, on-screen thanks help your audience feel valued and more likely to support again.
Promote special goals: Use custom messages or GIFs to highlight fundraising milestones, limited-time offers, or special events.
Showcase your style: Match your alert colors and animations to your stream branding for a seamless viewer experience.
Encourage interaction: Real-time alerts can create a sense of community and motivate others to join in.
Share your support link: Use the call-to-action option to remind viewers where they can support you.
Ready to get started?
Set up your stream alerts today and turn your next stream into an interactive, community-driven experience.
Still have questions? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’re happy to help.