Getting started on Ko-fi
Welcome to Ko-fi! Ko-fi can't wait to help creators start earning, so here's how to get started.
This article is for new creators. It covers connecting a payment method, setting up a basic Ko-fi page, sharing the page and a goal with fans, setting the page's default focus, and the ways creators can earn beyond tips.
The most important thing a creator can do is share their Ko-fi page with their fans. Ko-fi has seen lots of creators share their page and start receiving tips within just a few minutes of joining!
Tip
Creators who skipped any onboarding steps, like adding a profile pic or writing their bio, can edit these any time from Settings.
How to connect a payment method
To earn on Ko-fi, the first thing a creator needs to do is connect a payment method. That's because on Ko-fi, supporters pay creators, not Ko-fi. Ko-fi thinks this keeps things simple and means creators keep more of their money.
Creators head to Payment Settings, choose PayPal, Stripe, or both, and follow the steps to connect.
Note
PayPal will also show local payment options for relevant supporters, like Venmo in the US. Connecting Stripe lets creators offer options like Apple Pay and Google Pay too. Neat, eh!
While in Payment Settings, creators can also pick their currency (don't worry if a creator's currency isn't listed, they can still receive payments), switch up the "coffee" metaphor, and add a short thank-you message.
How to set up a basic Ko-fi page
Creators head to the Profile tab to add links to their social profiles, then the Page tab to pick a custom color.
From the Home page, creators can upload a cover image, add a goal, or add an intro video.
Looking for inspiration? Here are a few creator pages worth a peek:
🎨 Artists: Mochi Buddies, Tofu, Chris Sale
🦸♀️ Cosplayers: Chrissy Plays Dressup, Black Bettie, Vicious Frockery
✍️ Writers: Lou Yardley, Latoya Shauntay Snell, Shannon Ashley
🎙️ Podcasters: Long Cat Media, Squawking Dead
💻 Developers: Cyber Barbie, wonderfulelephant, Justinpinkney
📺 Streamers: Eric Campbell, Shenanjegans, BobDuckNWeave
▶️ Video creators: The Girl With The Pilates Mat, Tara, Frank James
🎵 Musicians: Victoria Banks, Kutski, Open Collab
Tip
The most successful creators keep things simple and don't overthink it. Just add the basics, and the page is good to go.
How to share a Ko-fi page and tell fans
Since only a small percentage of a creator's followers see each post, it's really important for creators to share their Ko-fi page regularly. Don't worry, there are loads of creative ways to keep things fresh.
Creators can make sure their fans find their Ko-fi page by adding it to all of their social profiles and their link-in-bio.
Then creators can let everyone know they're on Ko-fi! Most creators keep it low-key at first, and a common launch post goes something like:
"If you'd like to support my [thing you do], you can leave a tip over at Ko-fi.com/[yourpage]"
Tip
Ko-fi has made specific guides for using Ko-fi with all the major platforms. See how with Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, Medium, and GitHub.
Here are a few more ideas for creators:
- Share an intro post, like kymsaplan.
- Post some of their latest work from their gallery.
- Share milestones and progress updates.
- Make their Ko-fi page the call to action at the end of every video, thread, or post.
- Celebrate their top supporter leaderboard and thank you messages.
How to share a goal
Creators can share their targets and tip goals with their followers via their chosen platform.
When a creator shares their goal, it gets a custom preview image, and sharing on X even adds a fun emoji progress bar.
To add and share a goal, creators just go to the Home page and choose Add goal. A goal lets supporters know what they'll be contributing to.
How to set the default focus of a Ko-fi page
Creators can choose which section visitors see first when they land on their Ko-fi page.
Creators head to Page Settings, scroll down to Page focus, and use the dropdown selector to set their default starting point. This is ideal for creators who mainly want to highlight their Memberships, Shop, or Commissions.
How creators can earn beyond tips
Creators can do so much more on Ko-fi than just earn from tips.
Isn't it better for a creator's biggest supporters to have one friendly place to go to support them? Some creators call Ko-fi their "digital home" ❤️
The most popular ways for creators to grow their income:
- Streaming – connect Twitch or YouTube and earn while streaming, for just 0–5% service fees. Get stream alerts, add a goal overlay, and show payment messages in chat. For more information, check out these articles: Help articles about streaming
- Building a membership – create membership tiers and offer rewards like Discord roles or exclusive content to generate reliable monthly income. Ko-fi Memberships and Membership Tiers
- Selling products – open a Ko-fi Shop and sell digital or physical items, with no listing fees. Creators can start selling with just their Ko-fi link. Open a Ko-fi Shop
- Taking commissions – let supporters request original work or services, from one-to-one tutorials to custom artwork or songs. Manage slots and add-ons, and get paid on the creator's terms. What are Ko-fi Commissions?
Congratulations. Creators who've made it this far have taken an amazing step toward earning a living from their passions! Why not join the Ko-fi Discord community, or tag @kofi_button on socials to celebrate 🎉