Among creatives, there are few sites that gain more attention than Patreon. This innovative platform allows artists, musicians, writers – and more – to facilitate digital patrons who want to support their craft. Fans sign up to make monthly contributions in return for exclusive access to their favorite creators’ work. If you have a flair for artistry and are exploring how to turn your talent into an online revenue stream, you may well be wondering if Patreon is for you! To help you navigate the ins and outs of the platform, we’ve put together a helpful introductory guide. Read on to explore what we found in terms of Patreon reviews. We’ll dive into all the info you’ll need to identify if Patreon is a great fit for your creative style, and other ways that you may choose to create an income from your craft!
How Does Patreon Work?
Creatives can build a page on Patreon, and establish what they intend to offer their fans in return for contributions. For example, a Youtuber may create a Patreon page, and give their followers the chance to view behind-the-scenes content, in return for Patreon pledges. A writer may provide exclusive flash fiction to patrons, and so on. By making a monthly commitment to beloved artists, people in effect enter into a Patreon membership, and become part of that creator’s online community.
Patreon allows creators to set tiers in the Patreon membership they provide, so the more each patron contributes, the more they will receive in return. They also allow artists to take payments from fans only when they put out new content, rather than on a monthly basis. Creators can choose from three tiers of Patreon plans, which will dictate how many of the Patreon features they have access to. On the most basic plan, artists will pay 5% of their site earnings to Patreon. On the most advanced, this number rises to 12%. With their brand new Patreon login, creators gain access to a dashboard that allows them to view their members, track their earnings, and manage their on-site offering.
Here’s a grid detailing the features, benefits, and cons of Patreon:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Features | 1. Multiple Tiers: Allows creators to set up different levels of membership with varying perks. 2. Recurring Revenue: Charges patrons on a monthly basis. 3. Community Features: Includes direct messaging, posts, and community engagement tools. 4. Analytics: Provides insights into patron behavior and earnings. 5. Integration: Can be integrated with other platforms like Discord, Mailchimp, and more. |
| Benefits | 1. Stable Income: Helps creators achieve a predictable monthly income. 2. Direct Connection: Fosters a closer connection between creators and their audience. 3. Creative Freedom: Allows creators to focus on their work without the need for sponsorships or ads. 4. Flexibility: Gives creators the ability to offer unique rewards to their audience. 5. Support for a Variety of Creators: Supports artists, writers, podcasters, musicians, and other creators. |
| Cons | 1. Patron Churn: The risk of patrons canceling their subscription. 2. Need for Continuous Content: Creators are expected to consistently deliver quality content. 3. Administration: Managing different tiers and rewards can be time-consuming. 4 Limited Discovery: While Patreon does have a discovery feature, it’s not as robust as other platforms like YouTube or Instagram. |
How Much To Patreon Top Earners Make?
According to Creator Hype, the top earners on Patreon in 2020 are making figures in the realm of $140,000, $99,000, and $62,000 per month, with roughly 31,000, 20,000, and 11,200 patrons respectively. Fascinatingly, the top spots all belong to Podcasters, although musicians such as Amanda Palmer, writers such as Brandon Stanton, and visual artists such as Loish, have all demonstrated that astonishing success can be achieved on the platform. That said, The Outline reported that only 2% of creators on the site make more than the US Federal minimum wage each month. In this sense, artists and content creators may look to Patreon as a potential resource to boost their income, rather than a quit-your-day-job sure thing!
What About Patreon Reviews?
The Patreon app is available in both the Google Play store, and Apple’s App store, so reviews are abundant and easy to digest. Google reviews give the app a 4.3 out of 5 star rating, while over at Apple, it’s earned a 4.8 rating. One of the most common complaints we spotted was that the Patreon app’s feed likes to jump back to most recent when users are working their way through their favorite artists’ archives. Other noted issues included the app not saving where listeners got to when listening to long audio files, and the lack of a central feed for patrons who have memberships with lots of different creators.
It is also worth recognizing – as some reviewers have pointed out – that visitors to the site or users of the Patreon app can’t browse artists by category. So, being on Patreon is unlikely to generate an organic following, in and of itself. To make Patreon a valuable part of your money-making portfolio, a great social media marketing strategy, and other forms of publicity, are going to be key!
Additional Answers to Questions about Patreon
How much does Patreon take for fees?
Patreon takes a fee for processing payments made through their platform. The amount of the fee depends on the plan you choose and the country you are located in. As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, Patreon takes a 5% fee from creators on its Lite plan, and a 12% fee from creators on its Pro and Premium plans. Additionally, there is a processing fee of 2.9% + $0.35 for each transaction.
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, and you should check Patreon’s current fee structure on their website to get the most up-to-date information. Additionally, fees may vary depending on the country you are located in, so be sure to check the fee structure for your specific location.
How much does it cost to use Patreon?
The cost to use Patreon depends on several factors, including the pricing tier you choose and the additional features you need.
Patreon offers three pricing tiers: Lite, Pro, and Premium.
The Lite tier is free and allows creators to start accepting payments from their supporters. However, it also comes with a 5% fee on all payments received, as well as transaction fees.
The Pro tier costs $9.99 per month and includes access to additional features such as custom branding, advanced analytics, and priority customer support. It also reduces the fees charged by Patreon to 5%.
The Premium tier is $15 per month and includes all the features of the Pro tier, as well as additional tools for managing a larger community of supporters.
It’s worth noting that Patreon also charges transaction fees on all payments received, which can range from 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction to 3.5% + $0.30, depending on the payment method used by your supporters.
Overall, the cost of using Patreon can vary greatly depending on your needs, but the platform is designed to be accessible for creators of all sizes, with the free Lite tier being a great starting point.
Is it safe to pay through Patreon?
Yes, it is generally safe to pay through Patreon. Patreon is a well-established platform that provides a secure payment system for creators and patrons. The company uses industry-standard security measures to protect users’ personal and financial information, and has a dedicated team that works to prevent fraud and other types of misuse.
When making a payment through Patreon, your payment information is securely transmitted and stored by a trusted third-party payment processor. Patreon also offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay, which provide additional layers of security.
That being said, it is always a good idea to take basic precautions when making any online payment, such as making sure your device is secure and using a password-protected account. Additionally, it’s a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions of any service you use, and to only work with creators or businesses that you trust.
Is it easy to quit Patreon?
Yes, quitting Patreon is relatively easy and can be done in a few steps. To cancel your Patreon membership:
- Log in to your account on the Patreon website.
- Go to the “Settings” tab.
- Click on the “Memberships” option.
- Find the membership you want to cancel and click on “Manage membership.”
- Click on “Cancel membership.”
- Follow the prompts to confirm your cancellation.
Once you have completed these steps, your Patreon membership will be canceled and you will no longer be charged for it. It’s worth noting that depending on when you cancel, you may still be charged for the current billing cycle. Additionally, some creators may have specific policies regarding cancellations and refunds, so it’s a good idea to check their page and Patreon’s policies before canceling your membership.
What is Patreon mainly used for?
Patreon is mainly used as a membership platform for creators to monetize their content and build relationships with their fans. It allows artists, writers, podcasters, musicians, and other creators to receive recurring funding from their patrons, who are typically fans or supporters of their work.
Creators can offer exclusive rewards and perks to their patrons, such as early access to new content, behind-the-scenes access, merchandise, or one-on-one interactions. Patrons can choose to support their favorite creators with a monthly or per-creation donation.
Patreon provides a way for creators to earn a steady income from their work, and for patrons to support and connect with their favorite creators on a deeper level. It is a platform that fosters creativity and community, and helps creators build sustainable careers.
Can you join a Patreon without paying?
No, you cannot join Patreon without paying. Patreon is a membership platform that allows creators to receive ongoing financial support from their fans or patrons. To become a member of a creator’s Patreon page, you must pay the amount specified by the creator as a monthly membership fee. This fee provides access to exclusive content, perks, and benefits offered by the creator, such as behind-the-scenes updates, early access to content, or exclusive merchandise. While you cannot join a Patreon page without paying, some creators may offer free tiers with limited benefits, which allow you to support them and get a taste of their exclusive content before committing to a monthly membership fee.
Can you be anonymous on Patreon?
Yes, it is possible to be anonymous on Patreon as a creator or a patron. Patreon allows creators to set up anonymous profiles by not including their name or personal information in their profile or content. As a patron, you can choose to make a pledge to a creator anonymously, or use a pseudonym when commenting on a creator’s page.
Is it worth it to start a Patreon?
Whether starting a Patreon is worth it or not depends on several factors, including your goals and target audience. Here are some things to consider:
- Content: You need to have engaging and valuable content that your audience is interested in and willing to pay for.
- Audience: It is important to have an engaged and supportive audience. If you have a large following on social media or a popular blog, it could be worth starting a Patreon.
- Goals: It is important to have specific goals in mind for what you want to achieve with your Patreon. Whether it’s to earn a steady income, pay for expenses related to your content creation, or simply to have a direct connection with your fans, having clear goals will help you determine if starting a Patreon is worth it for you.
- Time and effort: Creating and maintaining a successful Patreon requires time and effort, so it is important to consider whether you are willing to invest the necessary resources.
Ultimately, the decision to start a Patreon or not depends on your individual circumstances, and it may take some experimentation to determine if it is a good fit for you. If you have an engaged audience, valuable content, and clear goals, it could be worth giving it a try.
What kind of content is on Patreon?
he type of content on Patreon varies greatly and can include:
- Art and Illustration: Painters, graphic designers, and comic book artists use Patreon to showcase their work and offer exclusive content to their patrons.
- Music and Audio: Musicians, podcasters, and audio engineers use Patreon to share their work, offer behind-the-scenes content, and provide early access to new releases.
- Writing and Literature: Writers, bloggers, and journalists use Patreon to offer their writing and share exclusive content, such as early access to new books or short stories.
- Video and Film: Filmmakers, YouTubers, and video producers use Patreon to monetize their work and offer exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes footage or early access to new videos.
- Gaming and Technology: Gamers, tech enthusiasts, and software developers use Patreon to share their work and offer exclusive content, such as early access to new games or software.
Overall, the type of content on Patreon is limited only by the imagination of its creators and the interests of their patrons.
Are There Other Ways To Monetize Your Online Fan Base?
Not everyone feels comfortable with the type of exchange Patreon offers – after all, we all have a personal sense of the types of transactions that best compliment our art. If you would prefer to take a different course, want to provide your followers with more direct contact, or simply want to set up as many different revenue streams as you can, Premium.Chat provides another excellent option.
Would your fans love the chance to speak with you one-to-one, and get a personal glimpse into your world? If so, you can offer them a paid text chat or live video chat service, simply and easily, with the help of the Premium.Chat platform. Whether you want to coach them virtually, allow them to watch you work, or let them grill you with all their burning questions, getting connected couldn’t be easier! You can set a per-minute rate, or a rate per session, and interact with your followers in a way that recognizes the value of your time, and the value they place on your unique talent.
Creating One-On-One Connections With Premium.Chat
Getting started with Premium.Chat couldn’t be simpler, and doesn’t cost a thing. You can create your Premium.Chat account entirely for free, and there are no monthly or hidden costs to worry about. After signing up, you can build your Premium.Chat profile, which will function as a one-stop landing page that you can link to from social media. Here, followers can read about you, and check out the text chat and/or video sessions that you offer. If you’ve got your own website, creating Premium.Chat widgets only takes a few minutes. These can be embedded into any web page, allowing fans to chat with you, or see you in your element, right on your own site!
Premium.Chat charges a small percentage fee for facilitating each chat session, so you only pay something when you make something, and you’re always in profit! In return, you can enjoy a secure and user-friendly interface, in-depth analytics and reporting, and reliable monthly payouts. We will handle all payments on your behalf, so you can have peace of mind that your earnings are secure before you invite each customer into your world. Premium.Chat is entirely web based, so there’s no need for anyone to wait through annoying downloads, or install anything on their devices. It’s also smartphone friendly, so you can connect with your fan base from home, in the studio, or even on the road – we know how important flexibility is when you’re chasing your creative vision!
Premium.Chat features built in scheduling tools, so you can set the availability that suits you – whether it’s seven days a week, or two ultra-exclusive days per month. You can sculpt an offering that suits you perfectly! You can also simply toggle your availability on and off if there is a magic moment that you want to share, or you find yourself with free time between projects. Fundamentally, Premium.Chat was created to allow any innovative individual to monetize their skills. In signing up, you join the ranks of a vast array of professionals, ranging from business advisors to life coaches, from art tutors to influencers – and a whole lot more – in delivering value to customers in an increasingly virtual world. If the concept has piqued your curiosity, and you want to know more, check out the Premium.Chat FAQs, or sign up for free today!
