Patreon

Patreon is a creator membership platform founded in 2013 by musician Jack Conte and developer Sam Yam. Based in San Francisco, California, it enables digital content creators to monetize their work through direct fan subscriptions and digital product sales. The platform connects creators with their supporters, allowing them to share exclusive content and build a community around their passions. Patreon offers a membership platform where creators can provide perks, early access, and community benefits to their paying subscribers, known as "patrons." Creators can set up recurring monthly subscriptions or charge per individual digital creation, such as videos or podcasts. The platform includes tools for financial management and fan interaction, with various membership tiers available. Patreon charges creators a commission of 8% to 12% of their income, allowing them to retain approximately 90% of the funds raised. With over 80 million users and more than 295,000 creators supported, Patreon has facilitated over $10 billion in payouts to creators. The platform is particularly beneficial for mid-tier digital content creators, including artists, podcasters, and writers, who seek to earn a living through direct fan support.