YouTube donate button

YouTube is the second most-visited website in the world (right after Google). While platforms like Facebook and Instagram may come to mind first when considering social media for nonprofits, YouTube also has a lot to offer changemakers. 

Turning views into donations isn’t always easy, however. YouTube’s native donate button requires nonprofits to apply for YouTube Giving, meet strict eligibility requirements, and accept limited donor data and tools.

That’s where Givebutter comes in. You can turn any video or livestream into a fundraising opportunity—while capturing donor insights, connecting with your CRM, and offering supporters a seamless way to give.

How to set up donations on YouTube with Givebutter

1. Sign up for free 🧈

Givebutter is free to use and takes just a few minutes to set up. Sign up → 

2. Set up your fundraiser 🎨

Customize your nonprofit fundraising page, donation form, or event with your organization’s branding, story, and goals. 

3. Promote your campaign 📣

Share your donation link in your YouTube channel and video descriptions. You can also embed YouTube videos—including livestreams—directly on your Givebutter campaign page.

⭐ Read the full help center article →

How to get donations on YouTube that take you further

Fundraising directly on YouTube can feel limiting—donations are often one-off transactions with no donor data, integrations, or follow-up tools to keep supporters engaged.

With Givebutter, you can turn YouTube into a true fundraising engine:

• Simple and easy giving 🎁 Drop your Givebutter campaign link into video descriptions, pinned comments, cards, and end screens—so giving is always just a click away.
• Embedded videos 🎥 Showcase your YouTube content across your donation pages, emails, and texts to inspire more contributions.
• Livestreaming ⚡ Stream AMAs, interviews, or events on YouTube and embed them on your Givebutter page to collect donations in real time.
• Integrations 🔗 Connect Givebutter with hundreds of apps via Zapier automations. 
• Immediate access 🚀 Skip the 10,000-subscriber minimum and lengthy approvals—start raising funds on Givebutter in just minutes.
• Richer donor data 📊 Unlike YouTube Giving, Givebutter captures donor names, emails, and giving history so you can build relationships and track lifetime impact.

Sign up for your free Givebutter account today and start turning YouTube views into real donations.

FAQs about YouTube fundraisers 

How do you add a YouTube donate button?

To add a donate button on YouTube, nonprofits must qualify for YouTube Giving—a program that usually requires channels to have at least 10,000 subscribers and be based in a specific country.

The easier option? Create a free Givebutter donation page and drop the link into your video descriptions, pinned comments, video cards, or end screens. You’ll be up and running in minutes—no subscriber minimums, eligibility hurdles, or hidden fees.

How to donate on a YouTube live stream?

Native YouTube livestream donations require nonprofits to join Google for Nonprofits and qualify for the YouTube Giving program—eligibility many small orgs don’t meet.

With Givebutter, you can embed any YouTube livestream directly on your fundraising page and collect donations instantly, with full tracking and donor data—no applications or approvals needed.

How much does YouTube take from donations?

For nonprofits approved for YouTube Giving, there are no transaction fees and YouTube covers processing fees. Monetization features like Super Chat and Super Stickers during livestreams cost nonprofits about 30% of the contribution. 

In contrast, when you enable optional donor tips on Givebutter, you keep 100% of funds raised—zero platform fees and zero processing fees—thanks to the Givebutter Guarantee. 

Can I add a donate link to past videos?

Yes! You can update existing videos with donation links anytime. Add your Givebutter link to the video description, feature it as a pinned comment, or include it in cards and end screens so supporters can give even after your content has gone live.