Twitter now lets viewers send virtual gifts during live streams to support creators and charities. The company announced this new feature today. Viewers can buy digital items like hearts or stars using Twitter’s payment system. These gifts turn into real money for streamers. Streamers can then donate the funds to nonprofits or keep them.
(Twitter Improves Live Stream Donations with Virtual Gifts)
This update builds on Twitter’s existing live donation tools. The virtual gifts make supporting causes more fun and interactive. Fans can cheer on their favorite creators during broadcasts. The gifts appear as animations in the chat. Everyone sees the support happening live.
Twitter handles all the payment processing securely. Creators and charities get the money directly. There are no fees for nonprofits receiving donations. Creators keeping funds pay standard processing fees. Twitter designed the system for safety and ease of use.
Streamers start live videos as usual. They simply enable the donation feature. Viewers watching the stream see a gift icon. Tapping it opens a menu of digital items. Prices vary. Purchases happen instantly with saved payment methods. The streamer sees notifications and the total raised.
(Twitter Improves Live Stream Donations with Virtual Gifts)
This move helps creators earn money directly from their audience. It also provides charities with a new fundraising channel. Twitter aims to boost engagement during live streams. The company believes virtual gifts encourage more participation. Many social platforms offer similar features. Twitter wants its live video service to compete effectively. The virtual gift option rolled out globally starting today.