Donation Alerts for Subathons: Setup Guide 2026

Why Alerts Are Critical in a Subathon

In a subathon, every donation has double value: it adds time to the timer and creates a public recognition moment for the donor. Visual and audio alerts bridge both: when the alert fires and the donor's name appears, the entire audience celebrates the event together.

A well-configured alert can amplify the donation momentum: the audience sees that donating has a visible, immediate impact, which encourages others to do the same.

Step 1: Configure the Alert Box in StreamElements

StreamElements has the most widely used alert system among professional streamers. If you haven't connected StreamElements yet, start with the StreamElements + TriBathon integration guide. Here's how to configure alerts:

1. Go to streamelements.com → Streaming Tools → Alert Box
2. Click "Create New Alert Box"
3. A unique URL will be generated for your alert box (save it, you need it for OBS)
4. Configure which alert types you want: Donations, Twitch Subs, Follows, etc.
5. Customize each alert: image/GIF, audio, duration, text

Step 2: Customize Donation Alerts

For each type of donation alert, you can configure:

• Image/GIF: The animation that appears on screen. You can upload your own GIF or use StreamElements' library
• Audio: The sound that plays. StreamElements has free effects; you can also upload your own .mp3
• Duration: How long the alert stays on screen (recommended: 5-7 seconds)
• Text: The message displayed. You can use variables like {name} (donor name) and {amount} (amount)
• TTS: Enable text-to-speech to read the donation message live

Step 3: Create Tiered Donation Alerts

One of the most effective strategies to maximize donations is having differentiated alerts based on amount:

Tier 1: Standard donation ($1-$9)

• Simple alert: small GIF + basic sound
• Text: "{name} donated {amount} – Thanks!"
• Duration: 4-5 seconds

Tier 2: Mid-range donation ($10-$49)

• More elaborate alert: larger GIF + special sound
• Text with more fanfare: "{name} donated {amount}! INCREDIBLE!"
• Duration: 6-7 seconds

Tier 3: Large donation ($50+)

• Epic alert: special animation + memorable music/sound
• Text: "{name} donated {amount}!!! LEGEND!!!"
• Duration: 8-10 seconds
• TTS: Always enabled to read the full message

Step 4: Add the Alert Box to OBS

1. In OBS, open the scene where you want alerts to appear
2. Click "+" in Sources → "Browser Source"
3. Paste your StreamElements Alert Box URL
4. Set the size to 1920×1080 (same as your stream resolution) so alerts position correctly
5. Check "Refresh browser when scene becomes active"
6. Position the alert box layer above all other sources in OBS

Step 5: Sync Alerts with the TriBathon Timer

When a donor contributes, the ideal flow is:

1. Donation received in StreamElements
2. Alert appears on screen (StreamElements Alert Box)
3. Time added to the timer (TriBathon updates automatically)
4. Streamer reacts out loud thanking the donation

Steps 2 and 3 happen simultaneously (or within 1-2 seconds of each other). Step 4 is the most important for engagement.

Advanced Tips for Subathon Alerts

"Timer rescue" alert

Create a special alert (with an urgent sound) that activates when the timer drops below 10 minutes. You can do this with StreamElements' conditional widget or with a specific OBS scene that you switch to manually.

Cumulative donation counter

Add a StreamElements widget showing the total donated during the stream. Updating this number in real time motivates additional donations ("we're at $150, let's hit $200!").

Visible top donors

Show the top 3-5 donors of the stream in a permanent overlay. Visible recognition (name appears on screen throughout the subathon) is a powerful incentive for large donations.

Milestone alert

When you reach a donation goal ($100, $500, $1000), fire a special alert. You can configure this with TriBathon's Milestones or StreamElements' donation goals.