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, Authorization Holds & Payment Capture

When a fan submits a nomination or casts an upvote, TipVote initiates a card authorization hold through Stripe for the pledged amount. Your card is not permanently charged at the moment of pledge.

• Capture upon Reaction: If the creator accepts and completes a reaction to the suggested item, 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, 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.