About Patreon
Patreon is a membership platform where creators earn money from fans through recurring support, paid posts and shops. Creators can share work and talk with supporters in one place.
What it does
Creators set up a page where fans pay for ongoing access, such as exclusive posts, videos, podcasts or community chats. Patreon also offers a shop for selling single items like video or podcast episodes. The site includes analytics about supporters and tools for managing relationships with them, including email and direct messages.
Key features
- Paid memberships with tiered benefits
- Shops for selling single items
- Exclusive posts and group chats for fans
- Analytics about supporters
- Direct messages and email to fans
Who it's for
Creators of many kinds use it, including podcasters, video makers, musicians, artists and game developers. It suits people who want income from direct fan support rather than from ads.
Pricing and good to know
Starting a Patreon is free. Creators pay fees on the money they earn, so check the current fee structure before you set prices. The platform works in the browser and has mobile options. Fans pay through their own accounts, and a creator's income depends on how many supporters they keep over time.
Highlights
- Offer paid memberships with ongoing benefits
- Sell single videos, podcast episodes and items in a shop
- Post exclusive work and talk with fans in group chats
- Read analytics about your supporters
- Message fans directly or by email
