It’s a living: Earning patronage on Patreon
In 2013, musician Jack Conte poured his heart and soul into creating a music video called “Pedals.” After seven weeks of hard work and $10,000 spent on building the set, the video quickly gained popularity on YouTube, racking up a million views. However, despite the success, Conte was only paid $166 by YouTube. Feeling undervalued and resentful, he decided to come up with a better way for creators to make money and build their businesses.
Thus, Patreon.com was born. This platform allows creators such as artists, musicians, podcasters, and video makers to receive funding directly from their fans on the internet. Conte shared, “Within about two weeks of launching, I was making six figures as a creative person.”
How does Patreon work? Fans can pledge a monthly amount, like $5 or $10, to support their favorite creators. In return, creators offer exclusive perks such as bonus episodes, early access to content, outtakes, or live interactions. While it requires effort, Conte believes that the income generated through Patreon is worth it for most creators.
Caro Arévalo, a talented nature artist who creates intricate paintings and shares videos on YouTube and Instagram, also utilizes Patreon as a source of income. In addition to selling her originals in an online shop and partnering with brands, Arévalo’s Patreon patrons contribute around $700 per month. The top-paying fans even get the chance to engage with her on a monthly Zoom call, fostering a sense of community and support among like-minded individuals.
Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle, the hosts of the popular comedy podcast “True Crime Obsessed,” turned to Patreon to support their podcasting endeavors. Starting the show in 2017 from Hinds’ living room, they now run a full-time podcasting operation with a dedicated studio and five employees. With over 800 podcast episodes under their belt, they credit Patreon for enabling them to pursue their passion full-time.
Furthermore, even renowned figures like TV and movie star Alan Alda have embraced Patreon. With his podcast “Clear and Vivid,” Alda uses Patreon to connect directly with his supporters and raise funds for his nonprofit, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. Members who pledge $45 a month have the opportunity to join him in monthly video calls, transcending geographical boundaries to engage with fans worldwide.
While Patreon has become a lifeline for many creators, the platform does take a percentage (5% to 12%) of the contributions made by fans. Additionally, Patreon has faced criticism for shutting down pages that promote adult content, hate speech, or misinformation. Competitors like Substack, Ko-fi, and Buy Me a Coffee have also entered the scene, offering alternative ways for creators to connect with their audience and receive financial support.
As co-founder Jack Conte emphasizes, Patreon is most effective for creators who already have a following online and are starting to gain traction. By providing a platform for creators to build sustainable businesses and connect with their fans, Patreon aims to eliminate the notion of the “starving artist” and empower creators to thrive in their craft.
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Story produced by David Rothman. Editor: Emanuele Secci.
