Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using the TipVote platform (tipvote.com), including creator channel queues, nomination forms, and stream overlays, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, you must not access or use the platform.

2. Platform Architecture & Non-Custodial Role

TipVote functions solely as a technology service facilitating non-custodial pledging between stream viewers ("Fans") and independent content creators ("Creators"). TipVote is not a bank, money transmitter, or escrow agent. All payment transactions, authorization holds, and creator disbursements are processed through Stripe, Inc. ("Stripe") via Stripe Connect.

3. Pledges, Immediate Charges & Pre-Authorization Holds

TipVote supports two distinct payment flows depending on the channel's active queue mode:

• Continuous Rolling Queues (Immediate Charges): Pledges and upvotes are processed immediately upon submission to elevate suggestions on the leaderboard right away. If a creator vetoes or dismisses a suggestion with refund resolution, TipVote automatically issues a full refund via Stripe to the fan's original payment method.
• Timed Live Event Rounds (Pre-Authorization Holds): In timed live events configured with pre-authorization holds, TipVote initiates a card authorization hold through Stripe for the pledged amount:
  • Capture upon Reaction: If the creator accepts and completes a reaction to the suggested item live on stream, the authorization hold is captured and charged to the fan's payment method.
  • Release upon Veto or Expiration: If the creator vetoes, skips, or rejects a suggestion with refund resolution, or if the event concludes without selecting the item, the authorization hold is released, resulting in $0 charged.

4. Creator Obligations & Editorial Discretion

Creators retain 100% editorial discretion over what content they review, watch, or discuss on their livestreams. A fan pledge constitutes an offer to reward a creator for their reaction time, but does not create an employment or guaranteed performance contract. Creators agree to review suggestions in good faith and adhere to applicable platform terms (such as YouTube Community Guidelines).

5. Platform Fee Structure

TipVote operates on a transparent creator-first model:

• Creator Payout: Ninety percent (90%) of every captured pledge is disbursed directly to the creator's connected Stripe account.
• Platform Fee: Ten percent (10%) of each captured pledge is retained by TipVote to cover infrastructure, payment gateway orchestration, and bandwidth costs.

6. Prohibited Content

Users may not submit links containing illegal material, copyright infringement with malicious intent, hate speech, explicit pornographic content, malware, or content violating third-party intellectual property rights. TipVote and creators reserve the right to ban offending users and blacklist keywords.

7. Limitation of Liability & Contact

TipVote is provided on an "as-is" and "as-available" basis without warranties of any kind. For legal questions or inquiries regarding these Terms, contact us at support@tipvote.com.