Many online content creators use Patreon to supplement their income. However, many YouTubers, TikTokkers, Podcasters, verified Twitter users, Twitch streamers, and other content creators use Patreon as an additional platform to gain more audiences to engage with their content. In this guide, we will be explaining what Patreon is and how it works.
Patreon officially describes itself as a “membership platform that makes it easy for creators to get paid.” However, it can be called a crowdfunding site for content creators. Many traditional creators such as writers and musicians have been flocking Patreon as a quick and easy way to let their fans, or patrons, pay them.
The creators set these tiers and can range anywhere from $1 a month to $100 a month. Of course, the larger a patron’s ongoing contribution is, the more perks they receive.
Some of the highest tier rewards include physical merchandise, their name displayed prominently in the video, and the ability to communicate with the maker directly.
Some tiers may have a maximum number of “slots” that can be filled. Creators use this to manage rewards for higher tiers, especially if rewards involve creating custom work for the most significant contributors. Alternatively, some Patreon members do not make use of tiers. In place of that, they provide the same perks to all supporters as part of a “pay-what-you-want” scheme.
Patreon members typically display monetary goals on their page, with specific targets corresponding to particular content or increased posting frequency. You can also see how many people are currently supporting a creator.