In addition to being able to sponsor broadcasters on Happs, you can also now give financial support in the form of awards. Happs awards are a way for viewers to quickly and easily financially reward broadcasters they support. Once received, broadcasters can redeem awards and cash them out as actual dollars. Viewers get their first 100 coins for free by registering and can earn more by participating in the Happs platform and by purchasing them.
How it works:
1. Earn coins by participating on Happs.
2. Coins can be used to send awards.
3. Awards are worth real money and can be cashed out by the broadcaster.
(Note: Sponsorships are also a great way to support a broadcaster on Happs.)
More details on awards (for both broadcasters and viewers) below…
Info on awards for broadcasters
How do awards benefit broadcasters?
Put simply: Awards are a way to get paid. While Happs sponsorships allow for monthly payments from your top fans, awards let viewers give a one-time cash payment quickly and easily. Think of them like one-time micropayments for viewers who want to show their support but can’t commit to a monthly sponsorship. Note: Viewers need to watch your broadcasts on the Happs platform in order to give awards.
What do awards look like when given during a broadcast?
Awards show up in the comments section of broadcasts and are also viewable after a live broadcast ends via the blue “gift” 🎁 symbol located at the bottom of the broadcast screen.
How do broadcasters cash in their awards?
Coins accumulate as real money in a broadcaster’s Happs balance (viewable by clicking “Your Profile”). Once broadcasters accumulate $200 in this balance, they can have funds sent to them via PayPal (worldwide) or a check (U.S. only).
How much are coins worth to broadcasters?
When cashing out, the value of coins to broadcasters is $0.001 USD for coins. A summary of all transactions can be found on your settings. Broadcasters keep 70% (Happs takes 30% fee) of payouts.
How does this differ from when a broadcaster offers viewers a PayPal or Patreon link?
Awards are the simplest, easiest way for viewers to leave broadcasters a tip. The ease-of-use and on-platform nature of these micropayments differentiate them from other forms of payment. Also, since viewers receive their first 100 coins for free (and can earn much more by simply being active on Happs), they can give monetary support without pulling out their credit card.
How can broadcasters encourage viewers to give them awards?
During broadcasts, encourage viewers to join you on Happs (and mention how they can give you an award).
You can also invite people to participate in the awards system by using your invite link. Everybody has an invite link on Happs (find yours at “Your profile” screen). When it’s used, viewers will be able to sign up and award coins to you.
Also, don’t be shy about encouraging viewers to support you. Some ideas for what you might want to say:
“I’m working hard on these broadcasts and support from viewers like you allows me to stay independent. If you get any value out of what I’m doing, please support me.”
“I’m really excited by what I’m doing at Happs and if you use my invite link, you’ll get 100 free coins that you can use to tip me or any other broadcaster.”
“Please support my journalism so I can continue broadcasting news you won’t see anywhere else. Your support covers my expenses and shows me you care. Thanks!”
You may also want to thank award-givers by name during your broadcasts in order to recognize their support and encourage others to give.
Info on awards for viewers
How do awards benefit viewers?
Viewers want to support independent broadcasters and awards give them a way to “tip” the people who create their favorite shows. With awards, they can claim coins and support independent broadcasters. Best of all, viewers get their first 100 coins for free!
How do viewers get coins?
To get started, every viewer is given 100 free coins. Just create an account and you’ll be presented with the free coins.
Awards can also be purchased with Happs’ coins via the blue “gift” 🎁 icon at the bottom of each broadcast.
Coins can also be earned through on-platform actions, like inviting friends to Happs, reading the Community Guidelines, or logging in multiple days in a row.
View the complete list of actions that yield coins (along with your coin balance) at the Coins section of “Your profile” (log-in required).
How much does it cost to buy coins?
Viewers can buy Happs coins at the following prices:
Where can I see my account balance at Happs?
Go to the Coins section of “Your profile” (log-in required).
How can viewers give awards?
First, click on the award “gift” 🎁 icon at the bottom of a broadcast from a broadcaster you want to support. (FYI viewers can send awards during or after a live broadcast.)
Then choose the amount you’d like to award and click Send:
How do I see my current coin balance?
Go to “Your profile” and select the “Badges & Coins” section to see your coin balance and/or purchase more.
How do viewers know when an award is given?
Happs shows award gifts in the comments section of broadcasts via on-screen flourishes (these will be shown on whichever platform the video is seen). If a viewer is watching a broadcast on Twitter, they’ll see a message from Happs that says, “James just gave the Great Reporting Award.” Underneath that will be a message encouraging others to give awards too: “If you’re enjoying this, you can give an award to this broadcaster at Happs.tv.”
Want to learn more about awards? Want to broadcast on Happs? Reach out to Peter Bittner, Head of Community at Happs, via email. Or visit Happs to get started.