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Overlabels ♥ Ko-fi

Why we chose Ko-fi as our first external integration - and why we think you should use it too.

Guide 2 min read
.md
On this page
  1. Ko-fi is amazing because it's a proper platform
  2. Why not just use PayPal directly?
  3. What makes Ko-fi great for streamers

Ko-fi is amazing because it's a proper platform

It has a donation page, supporter history, multiple payment methods, guest checkout, privacy, and most importantly a clean webhook that lets Overlabels turn any of those events into alerts.

PayPal is just a payment processor pretending to be a streamer tool.

Why not just use PayPal directly?

  • Exposes your real name and email. PayPal shows your legal name to everyone who sends you money. Ko-fi keeps your identity private.
  • No guest checkout. Not everyone has PayPal. Ko-fi supports guest checkout - your viewers can donate with a card.
  • No webhook API. PayPal's IPN/webhook system is enterprise-grade complexity. Ko-fi gives you a simple webhook URL that just works.
  • Chargeback risk on F&F. Friends & Family payments have zero seller protection. If someone disputes the donation transaction, you will always lose.

What makes Ko-fi great for streamers

  1. Guest checkout. Your viewers don't need a Ko-fi account or even a PayPal account. They can donate with any credit or debit card.
  2. Multiple payment methods. PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay - Ko-fi accepts them all. Connect Stripe and your donors don't even need PayPal.
  3. Instant payouts. No holding period, no waiting 21 days for your money. No platform holding period.
  4. Your own branded page. A clean, customizable donation page at ko-fi.com/yourname. Way nicer than a raw PayPal.me link.
  5. Webhook integration. Ko-fi sends a webhook on every donation - that's how Overlabels fires your alerts and updates your overlay controls in real time.
  6. Privacy. Ko-fi never shows your real name or email to donors. Your identity stays private unless you choose to share it.

Ready to connect Ko-fi to your overlays? Sign up at ko-fi.com, then head to your Ko-fi integration settings to connect.

Related docs

Reading this as a machine? The same page as plain markdown: /help/why-kofi.md