Are you a creator pissed off with the excessive charges and restricted management over your content material and branding on Patreon? Or feeling such as you’ve outgrown the platform and wish to develop your enterprise past Patreon?
We get it, and meaning discovering websites like Patreon that higher assist the whole lot from community-building to video monetization. We’re right here to take the chance and overwhelm out of the image for you. We’ll let you know precisely which platform to decide on primarily based in your distinctive scenario. At Uscreen, we’ve helped over 4,000 creators change from platforms that now not serve them. We’ll let you know precisely which platform to decide on primarily based in your distinctive scenario.
There’s one thing on this checklist for all sorts of creators with clear, actionable recommendation that can assist you profit from your content material and artistic expertise it doesn’t matter what your targets are.
Right here’s a fast overview of the Patreon opponents we’re that includes on this checklist and what they’re finest for:
Finest options to Patreon overview
What’s Patreon?
Patreon is a platform for creators, permitting them to become profitable from their content material. Followers and supporters of their work can financially assist them via month-to-month memberships, and creators, in flip, provide unique entry to their content material. The neighborhood drives the platform, offering a preferred place to begin to show your ardour right into a enterprise.
What’s Patreon used for? Creators use it to:
Provide digital merchandise, memberships, and free trials.
Host movies, audio, and different media.
Arrange devoted pages for various kinds of content material.
Share updates and promote their work with content material posts.
Patreon makes beginning monetization simple; creators don’t must know something technical. They will enroll, set their tiers, and begin posting. That’s why over 290,000 creators have used it to construct fan-funded companies.
Is Patreon best for you?
Patreon affords an incredible possibility for creators trying to monetize their content material. All forms of creators use it, from artists and musicians to podcasters and video creators. The platform helps your most devoted followers assist your work via a month-to-month membership.
So, is Patreon price it? That basically relies on what you’re searching for. Patreon is an effective alternative if you wish to begin incomes cash straight out of your followers with none upfront or month-to-month charges. You additionally acquire entry to a possible viewers of 8 million members who assist creators on the platform.
When you’re questioning how Patreon stacks up in opposition to different choices, we break all of it down on this video beneath:
Why are individuals leaving Patreon?
Patreon has its drawbacks, together with:
Low and complicated incomes mannequin: Patreon’s pricing mannequin depends in your greatest followers to assist your work, however that limits your progress.
Excessive charges: Whereas you can begin without cost, Patreon takes a reduce of your earnings: 8% should you’re on the Professional plan and 12% for Premium. You’ll additionally incur further expenses for fee processing, foreign money conversion, payout charges, and relevant taxes. So the extra money you make on Patreon, the extra they take from that revenue.
Restricted customization: You don’t have complete possession of your web page on Patreon because it hosts it on its web site, and you’ve got restricted flexibility to customise your providing.
Lower than ultimate consumer expertise: Customers want to enroll with Patreon to turn into a member and obtain the Patreon app for cell entry. That is much like paying for a YouTube membership slightly than a creator-owned expertise, which is a key purpose creators hunt down different apps like Patreon.
Lack of engagement with members: An absence of viewers possession makes constructing actual connections on Patreon powerful. With out direct entry to your members, you restrict your neighborhood engagement methods, leaving you caught providing unique content material with out deeper methods to work together or add worth.
What Patreon customers are saying
Patreon has a 4.1 out of 5 star score on G2. Right here’s what customers are saying in regards to the platform:
Customers like:
The power to gather month-to-month memberships.
Heather Ok., Proprietor/creator
Customers don’t like:
One in every of my Patrons unsubscribed as a result of she’s disgusted with all these goddam charges, and he or she’d slightly I, the artist, get the entire cash I make. I want Patreon would cost much less charges. One other pal gained’t use Patreon for god is aware of why causes.
Linda S., Multi-media artist
These opinions spotlight what Patreon will get proper and the place it falls brief. If you’d like a platform with fewer charges, extra management, or higher instruments to have interaction your neighborhood, you’ve got choices.
Let’s check out among the finest Patreon options, beginning with Ko-fi.
1. Ko-fi
Finest for: Artists
Trustpilot score: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Ko-fi is among the finest Patreon options for artists as a result of you’ll be able to create your web page on their website, and it provides your followers a technique to assist you straight, nevertheless it affords extra flexibility and decrease charges. Followers can provide one-off donations or pay you a month-to-month membership charge, and you may promote digital merchandise or your providers as a freelancer on the platform.
Ko-fi doesn’t take a reduce for one-off donations, nevertheless it expenses a 5% platform charge for all different purchases (memberships, product gross sales, or commissions) with the Contributor plan.
When you select the Gold plan, which is $12/month, you don’t pay the platform charge. Ko-fi additionally lets you get began without cost, so that you don’t pay something until you’re incomes, which is identical as Patreon.
Options we love
Prompt payouts
One-off donations
Custom-made pricing for membership tiers and merchandise
Embed Ko-fi in your web site and combine with YouTube and Twitch
Causes to strive Ko-fi
Ko-fi provides you extra flexibility than Patreon, providing decrease charges, on the spot payouts, and the choice to simply accept one-off donations (one thing Patreon doesn’t enable). Many creators love how simple it’s to earn straight from followers with out leaping via hoops.
You’ll be able to set your individual costs for membership tiers and merchandise, counsel donation quantities, and even embed your Ko-fi web page in your website. It additionally integrates with YouTube and Twitch, so followers can tip you proper the place they’re already watching. It’s additionally very simple to arrange a Ko-fi web page — you simply must create an account and comply with the steps to get began.
When you’re after a easy, low-fee Patreon different to gather ideas and donations, Ko-fi is a strong possibility. However should you’re able to develop past fan-led assist and construct a extra secure, recurring revenue, a full membership platform might serve you higher.
Causes to keep away from Ko-fi
Ko-fi works properly for accumulating ideas, nevertheless it comes with some limitations:
Restricted customization: You’ll be able to’t construct a full membership website or provide branded streaming and on-line neighborhood options.
Charges nonetheless apply: Whereas donations are fee-free, Ko-fi takes a 5% reduce from memberships, product gross sales, and commissions.
No cell app: Regardless of promising one years in the past, a Ko-fi app nonetheless doesn’t exist, they usually have supplied no latest updates on when (or if) it’s coming.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Ko-fi, based on Trustpilot:
Customers like:
Ko-fi is an absolute gem of a platform! It was the very first place I launched my retailer and began promoting premade emotes — and I couldn’t have requested for a greater expertise. What actually units Ko-fi aside, although, is their assist staff.
Niikiya
Customers don’t like:
They unpublished our web page for no legitimate purpose — regardless of asking them thrice to point why. We appealed thrice in a row and NEVER acquired a response of any variety
Patrick
Ko-fi pricing
Contributor plan: $0/month + 5% platform charge
Gold plan: $12/month + 0% platform charge
2. Substack
Finest for: Writers
G2 score: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Substack is among the high Patreon options for writers. It’s a publication platform constructed particularly for publishing written content material. You’ll be able to share essays, tales, or serialized work straight together with your viewers, they usually can assist you thru month-to-month subscriptions.
It’s different to Patreon as a result of readers closely assist the platform. Its viewers needs to seek out and assist good writing, and there’s a big neighborhood of writers there so that you can join with.
Options we love
Subscription mannequin
Simple setup
Scheduling integration
Collaborative editorial calendars
Causes to strive Substack
Substack is a free Patreon different, so getting began is low-risk; you don’t pay something till you begin incomes cash via the subscription mannequin.
Right here’s why creators find it irresistible:
No setup complications: You’ll discover it simpler than launching a weblog or web site, with no further instruments or tech to handle.
Direct-to-inbox supply: Your content material lands proper in your subscribers’ inboxes, so no algorithm or noise.
Constructed-in viewers: With 20 million month-to-month energetic readers, there’s large potential to get found. In actual fact, 50% of subscribers come from inside Substack itself.
Quick and easy to begin: You’ll be able to create an account and begin writing in minutes.
If you have already got a following elsewhere, you’ll must actively information them to your Substack. However as soon as they’re there, you’ve got a direct, distraction-free line to your readers.
Causes to keep away from Substack
Substack isn’t good. Beneath are some causes you could wish to rethink Substack:
Larger charges: Substack expenses a ten% charge plus further Stripe and bank card charges (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction and 0.7% for recurring funds). This doubtlessly makes it costlier than Patreon (relying in your plan).
Restricted options: Substack is constructed to be easy to make use of, however meaning you’ve got little alternative for any superior customization. If you wish to create a bespoke house, this won’t be the place for it. Customers additionally report restricted integration capabilities.
Aggressive house: Over 5 million paid subscriptions exist on Substack, and whereas there’s a big viewers on the platform, you could discover it difficult to get seen and acquire paid subscribers among the many massive names and standard accounts.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Substack, based on G2:
Customers like:
It’s someplace between a weblog and {a magazine}; place to share your writings and ideas, in addition to monetize your work
Dr. Fizza Y., Writer
Customers don’t like:
Signup course of might be extra easy and this device lacks many options and doesn’t have many integrations.
Anirudh S., Director of Gross sales
Substack pricing
10% charge plus further Stripe and bank card charges (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction and 0.7% for recurring funds).
3. Bandcamp
Finest for: Musicians
Trustpilot score: 2.4 out of 5 stars
Bandcamp is a web-based file retailer and a part of a music neighborhood designed for artists who wish to share their work and join straight with followers. The platform places musicians in management, letting them promote digital tracks, vinyl, merch, and extra, all whereas constructing a loyal viewers.
Followers have paid over $1.52 billion to artists and labels on Bandcamp. On common, 80-85% of every sale goes on to the creator, making it one of the crucial artist-friendly platforms.
Options we love
Customizable direct-to-fan retailer
Messaging and auto fan notifications
Listening events
Dwell streaming
Causes to strive Bandcamp
When you’re a musician trying to promote your work, join with actual followers, and earn a justifiable share, Bandcamp is price a glance.
When you select the Professional plan, you’ll be able to entry batch uploads, ad-free video internet hosting, and personal streams. It’s additionally fairly easy on the subject of importing music.
Causes to keep away from Bandcamp
Whereas Bandcamp is a beloved platform for impartial musicians, it comes with some drawbacks, particularly should you’re trying to scale your enterprise.
Excessive charges: Excessive transport and supply charges can eat into your revenue margins quick, particularly for bodily merchandise like vinyl, CDs, or merch.
Lack of assist: Many customers additionally report transport delays, lacking packages and restricted buyer assist, which may injury belief together with your followers and damage repeat gross sales.
Fewer options: In comparison with Patreon and different creator platforms, Bandcamp lacks key instruments for automation, customization, and integration, making it more durable to construct a branded expertise, arrange recurring income, or join together with your viewers past the storefront.
If you’d like extra streaming choices, take a look at our information on the perfect reside streaming platforms.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Bandcamp, based on Trustpilot:
Customers like:
What I like about Bandcamp is that it hosts music from some actually obscure bands that I like.
One other beauty of it’s that many of the artists on there enable their music to be listened to without cost, although shopping for their music as a way of assist can also be attainable. Shopping for a monitor or an album allows you to obtain it as an MP3 file.
Cole Phelps
Customers don’t like:
Purchase from the artist, however count on to pay double for supply.
John Verspuij
Bandcamp pricing
Bancamp Professional plan: $10/month
Label Accounts plan: $20/month
Digital objects: 15% charge; the speed drops to 10% when you attain $5,000 in gross sales
Bodily objects: 10% charge, together with transport and tax
Fee processing charges: Between 4%-6%
Assortment society work: 11% charge
4. Riverside.fm
Finest for: Podcasters
G2 score: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Riverside.fm serves podcasters and creators who need studio-quality recordings without having to be in the identical room. It simplifies distant recording, capturing audio and video domestically on every visitor’s gadget. This ensures you get crystal clear information even when somebody’s Wi-Fi cuts out.
It additionally consists of AI-powered modifying instruments and computerized transcriptions. Whether or not you’re recording interviews, solo episodes, or video podcasts, Riverside.fm simplifies the method from begin to end, all out of your browser or telephone.
Options we love
AI-powered video modifying
Stream in full HD
Automated video transcription
Simulcasting and omnichat choices
Causes to strive Riverside.fm
When you’re critical about leveling up your podcast or video manufacturing, Riverside.fm provides you professional instruments in a user-friendly bundle. Different causes to strive Riverside.fm embody:
Studio-quality recordings: Seize 4K video and uncompressed audio, with separate tracks for every visitor.
AI-enhanced modifying: Save hours with text-based modifying that permits you to reduce, clear up filler phrases, and polish your content material with just some clicks.
Automated transcriptions: Rapidly generate transcripts and edit your recordings.
Sensible timeline navigation: Riverside.fm breaks your content material into chapters routinely, so you’ll be able to bounce between sections and edit sooner.
Dwell streaming in HD: Host occasions or webinars straight on Riverside, and stream in full HD with out third-party software program.
Causes to keep away from Riverside.fm
Whereas Riverside.fm affords highly effective instruments for podcasters and video creators, it’s not with out its drawbacks, particularly should you’re on a good funds or want extra visible customization. Listed here are a couple of potential limitations:
Key options locked behind higher-tier plans: Instruments like superior modifying and higher-resolution exports are solely obtainable on costlier subscriptions.
Freezing points throughout recording: Some customers report occasional glitches or freezing, particularly once they file with a number of distant friends.
Restricted visible customization: Riverside.fm doesn’t at the moment provide background blur or digital background choices, which generally is a draw back for creators who need extra management over how their house appears on digicam.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Riverside.fm, based on G2:
Customers like:
Being able to edit entire episodes inside the Riverside platform has given me hours of time again. With the ability to hit a button (Sensible Format) and have every scene populate primarily based on who’s talking was a godsend.
Connor C., COO
Customers don’t like:
Whereas the options are wonderful, among the finest instruments are locked behind higher-tier plans. I completely get it — it’s a premium product — however a bit extra flexibility within the pricing may make it extra accessible for newer creators.
Jasmine W., Founder
Riverside.fm pricing
Free plan: $0/month
Professional plan: $24/month
Dwell plan: $33/month
Marketing strategy: Contact gross sales
5. Uscreen
Finest for: Video creators
G2 score: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Uscreen is an all-in-one membership enterprise platform for video creators. It’s finest suited to creators with a longtime model and viewers who wish to develop their enterprise and launch a branded streaming service or construct a video membership website.
Uscreen helps over 4,000 creators throughout the next niches:
Health and yoga
YouTubers and influencers
Media corporations
Coaches and educators
Occasion broadcasting
With Uscreen, you’ll be able to construct your individual Netflix-style video-on-demand (VOD) service with a customizable web site, neighborhood house, and branded apps. You’ll be able to monetize your content material via subscriptions, leases, and one-time purchases, providing you with full management over your content material and setup.
Options we love
Full HD video playback
Video advertising instruments
Versatile monetization and payout choices
HTML5 picture-in-picture participant
Dwell stream or on-demand content material
Causes to strive Uscreen
Uscreen is an all-in-one video-first platform constructed to assist creators develop and scale a recurring income enterprise past what Patreon can provide.
Right here’s why Usceen is price it for creators:
Stress-free migration: Our devoted staff handles all the change for you. Take a look at our migration success tales to see the real-life outcomes from our prospects.
Constructed for video: Launch your individual video-based service with all of the instruments you want.
Group-driven: Create a non-public house the place members join with you and one another.
Automated advertising: Appeal to, interact, and retain members with built-in lead gen, nurture flows, and win-back instruments with no professional expertise required.
Founder Justin Rhodes of Abundance+ scaled his membership from $30K to $100K/month after migrating to Uscreen. His purpose: Launch a Netflix-style present his viewers may get pleasure from as a household. With Uscreen, he made it occur.
Causes to keep away from Uscreen
Uscreen shouldn’t be the proper match for each consumer. Beneath are some potential explanation why:
Premium price and sophisticated options: Uscreen comes with a better price ticket than different platforms on this checklist. It additionally affords a variety of options that may overwhelm creators simply beginning their monetization journey.
Not constructed for programs: Whereas many instructional creators use Uscreen, the platform doesn’t inherently assist programs. Subsequently, it lacks the interactive modules and downloadable PDFs that conventional course platforms present.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Uscreen, based on G2:
Customers like:
Since I run a video membership, discovering a platform that focuses on video and streaming was tremendous vital to me. Uscreen has been precisely what we wanted. The video integration is easy, and the platform is very easy to make use of, which makes my life loads simpler.
One factor I completely love is having an app. It’s such an incredible expertise for each me and my members. Plus, the flexibility to simply upsell completely different features of the membership primarily based on what individuals are viewing or accessing is a big bonus. I can already see this growing our revenue as we proceed to develop with our present buyer base.
XayLi B., Small enterprise proprietor
Customers don’t like:
Restricted flexibility with touchdown web page performance and a few automated emails — would love extra choices and customisation.
Silke Z., Head of Dru Studio
Uscreen pricing
Progress plan: $149 per thirty days (plus $1.99 subscriber charge)
App Necessities plan: $499 per thirty days (plus $0.99 subscriber charge)
Customized-made plan: Customized pricing — contact gross sales
Evaluation the Uscreen pricing web page for extra particulars.
6. Twitch
Finest for: Streamers
G2 score: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Twitch lets creators livestream to a world viewers and monetize via subscriptions, advertisements, donations, and sponsorships. Whereas the platform is finest recognized for gaming, it has additionally turn into a hub for musicians, artists, podcast hosts, and different creators who wish to join with their viewers in actual time.
You’ll be able to construct a loyal fanbase by partaking with viewers throughout reside streams, and Twitch’s built-in monetization instruments make it simpler to show that engagement into revenue.
With options like tiered subscriptions, Bits (Twitch’s tipping system), and community-building instruments like reside chat and raids, creators can develop each their presence and income without having an outdoor platform.
Options we love
Simple streamer setup
Stream collaboration
VOD options
Channel customization
Causes to strive Twitch
Past simply streaming, Twitch supplies an area the place creators can deepen viewers relationships and hold followers coming again. Right here’s what makes it price contemplating:
Interactive options: Twitch has options like customized emotes, badges, channel factors, and polls offer you methods to personalize your neighborhood expertise.
Versatile content material choices: This imply you’re not restricted to gaming. You’ll be able to stream music classes, artwork creation, podcasts, and extra.
Sturdy content material longevity: Clips, highlights, and previous broadcasts helps hold your content material discoverable even whenever you’re offline.
Cross-platform potential: You’ll be able to simply repurpose your Twitch streams into YouTube content material, podcasts, or social clips.
Supportive ecosystem: Twitch options built-in moderation instruments, third-party integrations, and neighborhood extensions to boost your stream.
In case your purpose is to create a two-way expertise together with your viewers, Twitch provides you the infrastructure to attach, create, and develop multi function place.
Causes to keep away from Twitch
Twitch has some trade-offs that will not work for each creator, particularly these simply beginning out or trying to construct throughout a number of platforms.
Right here’s what to be careful for:
Restricted discoverability: Twitch’s algorithm doesn’t actively promote new or small creators, making it more durable to develop with out an current viewers.
Difficult moderation: Harassment and trolling might be widespread, and it’s as much as you to reasonable or assign moderators throughout reside streams.
Content material exclusivity: When you’re a Twitch Affiliate or Accomplice, your content material should stay unique to Twitch for twenty-four hours. Which means you can not instantly add it to YouTube or different platforms.
Time-intensive format: Streaming requires you to indicate up reside for lengthy stretches, which might be onerous to take care of with out burning out.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Twitch, based on G2:
Customers like:
Twitch affords a number of strong options that make it among the best live-streaming platforms. We compiled a listing highlighting among the most notable options. Viewership engagement: Viewers can work together with any streamer, supplied the permissions are set, any time they’re streaming via reside chat
Saurabh J., Video Editor
Customers don’t like:
Streamer discoverability and exploration of latest creators may enhance. The moderation system may benefit from extra environment friendly dealing with of inappropriate or abusive conduct.
Neha R., Idea Artist
Twitch pricing
Free to stream, however there are subscription tier choices with charges:
Tier 1: $4.99
Tier 2: $9.99
Tier 3: $24.99
7. iNDIEFLIX
Finest for: Filmmakers
G2 score: No opinions obtainable
iNDIEFLIX is a world streaming platform that helps filmmakers distribute and monetize their work, with a powerful deal with impartial and social influence movies. It provides creators a technique to attain a worldwide viewers without having to undergo conventional gatekeepers.
Whether or not you’re a first-time filmmaker or an trade vet, iNDIEFLIX makes getting your work seen and incomes cash simple. Filmmakers are paid primarily based on the variety of minutes their content material is watched, providing you with a direct technique to earn as your viewers grows.
Options we love
International streaming and screening
Truthful monetization mannequin
Obtain films for offline viewing
Stream on a vast variety of gadgets
Causes to strive iNDIEFLIX
With iNDIEFLIX, you retain inventive management, they usually deal with the distribution. Listed here are different components that make it price making an attempt:
Limitless streams and cell downloads: Viewers can watch your movies anytime, wherever.
A number of subscription choices: Audiences can subscribe month-to-month or yearly or entry content material via instructional establishments.
Inexpensive pricing: In comparison with some opponents, iNDIEFLIX is budget-friendly for viewers and accessible for creators.
Mission-driven viewers: This platform is ideal in case your work is socially acutely aware or community-focused.
Causes to keep away from iNDIEFLIX
indieFlix comes with some limitations that will not work for each filmmaker or viewer, particularly should you count on premium-level options or large publicity. Right here’s the place it falls brief:
Decrease video high quality: Content material doesn’t all the time stream in excessive definition, which may damage the viewing expertise.
Lacks accessibility options: It affords no subtitle choices or closed captioning, which limits who can get pleasure from your content material.
Primary platform design: The interface is straightforward, however it may really feel outdated in comparison with fashionable streaming instruments.
Restricted model recognition: Many of the obtainable reveals and movies aren’t well-known, which may have an effect on viewers curiosity.
No parental controls: Viewers can’t filter or prohibit content material.
What customers are saying
There are at the moment no opinions for indieFlix on G2 or Trustpilot, however we encourage you to take a look at Reddit threads or articles from different customers to get a greater sense of the platform.
iNDIEFLIX pricing
Free for seven days, then $4.99/month or $39.99/yr
8. Ghost
Finest for: Publishers
G2 score: 4.1 out of 5 stars
Ghost provides writers and publishers the flexibility to create, develop, and monetize their content material with out counting on third-party platforms. It’s open supply, impartial, and funded by customers, not traders or advertisements, so you’ll be able to deal with constructing your enterprise, not chasing algorithms.
You’ll be able to simply arrange your website with built-in signup kinds that flip nameless guests into logged-in members. As one of the crucial efficient membership administration software program choices, Ghost allows you to publish content material, ship newsletters, and handle memberships from one place.
The perfect half? Ghost doesn’t take a reduce of your earnings. Publishers utilizing Ghost collectively earn over $25 million a yr, they usually hold each greenback because of 0% platform charges.
Options we love
Web site builder
Affords and promotions
Engagement analytics
Member administration instruments
Causes to strive Ghost
Ghost provides you the whole lot you might want to run an impartial publication and switch your viewers into paying subscribers, all with out writing a single line of code. When you use Ghost, you’ll be able to get pleasure from these advantages:
Customized web site: Launch a customized web site with themes and design flexibility to match your model.
Easy publication course of: Ship posts by e-mail with out utilizing a separate publication device; Ghost handles it multi function place.
Superior analytics: Monitor detailed engagement analytics so you’ll be able to see who’s signing up, what they’re studying, and the way they’re interacting together with your content material.
Member-centric options: Personal your viewers with a totally built-in membership and subscription system.
Causes to keep away from Ghost
Whereas Ghost is nice for indie publishers who need management, it’s not probably the most beginner-friendly platform, particularly should you go the self-hosted route. You’ll want some technical know-how (or developer assist) to handle updates, safety, and setup.
Beneath are another causes you could wish to keep away from Ghost:
Extra technical than different choices: Self-hosting requires technical expertise and might frustrate you with out developer expertise.
Minimal assist: It affords a restricted function set in comparison with all-in-one platforms. There’s no built-in video internet hosting, teaching instruments, or on-line programs.
Missing multilingual capabilities: An English-first design makes it more durable for international creators to supply content material in different languages.
When you want one thing plug-and-play with broader capabilities or multilingual assist, Ghost may really feel too minimal.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Ghost, based on G2:
Customers like:
Very clear editor to write down posts with plenty of embeddable content material blocks. Highly effective Admin panel with a clear overview of scheduled, printed and drafted articles that work properly throughout each cell and internet browsers.
Thomas V., CTO
Customers don’t like:
What I like least about Ghost is that it’s oriented in the direction of an English-speaking viewers. It’s attainable to translate the theme, however the portal half and the e-mail templates can’t be simply translated
Miguel A., Assist Engineer
Ghost pricing
Starter (500 members, 1 consumer): $9/month billed yearly
Creator (1,000 members, 2 customers): $25/month billed yearly
Crew (1,000 members, 5 customers): $50/month billed yearly
Enterprise (10,000 members, limitless customers): $199/month billed yearly
9. Sellfy
Finest for: Digital merchandise
G2 score: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Sellfy affords one other nice Patreon different that permits you to promote stuff on-line. With Sellfy, you’ll be able to promote digital items, bodily merchandise, and subscriptions in a single place. You can too handle how your merchandise look on Google, use Fb Messenger, and add a Fb Pixel to your retailer proper from the dashboard.
Total, it’s platform for artists who wish to promote their work in varied methods. You can too faucet into Sellfy’s e-mail advertising, upsell, and cart abandonment instruments to extend gross sales in your retailer.
Options we love
Print-on-demand providers
Electronic mail advertising
Upselling
Cart abandonment instruments
Causes to strive Sellfy
Sellfy stands out from platforms like Patreon by providing full e-commerce performance, together with print-on-demand, on the spot payouts, and built-in advertising instruments. Right here’s what makes it price making an attempt:
One-stop store: Promote digital merchandise, bodily items, and subscriptions from one place.
Constructed-in advertising: Use e-mail campaigns, upsells, and cart abandonment restoration to spice up gross sales.
Associates program: Let others promote your merchandise and increase your attain.
Quick setup: Launch your retailer in just some minutes, no tech expertise required.
When you’re searching for extra management and adaptability over what you promote and the way you promote it, Sellfy is an effective contender.
Causes to keep away from Sellfy
Sellfy has some drawbacks to think about, like:
Restricted buyer interplay: Sellfy is only a transactional website, so it’s not finest suited to memberships. This can be a downside should you’re already providing this on Patreon and wish to hold connecting together with your viewers.
Extra charges than different platforms: Sellfy expenses a month-to-month charge, as an alternative of taking a share from what you make, so it’s extra of an upfront dedication compared to Patreon.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Sellfy, based on G2:
Customers like:
It’s simple to make use of. It has a user-friendly interface. Inner advertising performance is kind of good; it helps customers to achieve increasingly more audiences.
Deepesh T., Software program Engineer
Customers don’t like:
When you’re utilizing Sellfy’s free plan, you’ll should pay a 5% charge each time you make a sale.
Yashika B., Content material Advertising and marketing Supervisor
Sellfy pricing
Starter plan: $22/month, $264 billed yearly
Marketing strategy: $59/month, $708 billed yearly
Premium plan: $119/month, $1,428 billed yearly
10. Podia
Finest for: On-line programs
G2 score: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Podia lets creators promote on-line programs, memberships, and digital downloads from one place. It’s an incredible Patreon different for creators and entrepreneurs who need a unified place for his or her on-line enterprise.
Not like Patreon, Podia helps content material creators handle e-mail advertising, webinars, and different features of their enterprise in a single platform. Additionally, Podia’s interface is extremely simple to make use of and supplies a clear, minimalist expertise that appears nice.
Options we love
On-line retailer
Web site builder with customizable templates
Electronic mail advertising
On-line programs
Causes to strive Podia
Podia affords a variety of potentialities to promote on-line merchandise, programs, teaching, and downloadable assets. You’ll be able to construct a web site via the platform with built-in e-mail advertising to construct e-mail advertising funnels, make it easier to attain new prospects, and talk together with your current ones.
Listed here are another professionals that stand out:
Versatile bundling: Package deal content material nonetheless you want: one-off or recurring.
Sensible advertising instruments: Use reductions, upsells, and pre-sell pages to spice up conversions.
Predictable pricing: Mounted plans begin at $33/month with a 30-day free trial.
Not like Patreon’s percentage-based charges, Podia’s flat month-to-month fee makes it simpler to funds as your enterprise grows.
Podia additionally has a migrations staff to deal with the method for all paying prospects. After you join a plan, you’ll be able to fill out a migration request, and their staff will deal with the technical facet of it for you.
Causes to keep away from Podia
Podia is a good entry-level platform, nevertheless it has some limitations, particularly should you plan to scale or construct a video-first membership enterprise:
Restricted video options: There aren’t any built-in instruments for on-demand streaming or full video memberships.
Primary performance: Podia lacks superior options like cell apps, in-depth analytics, and viewers segmentation.
Pricing tiers really feel restrictive: Online marketing is just obtainable on the $75/month Shaker plan.
Hidden prices: The cheaper Mover plan expenses 5% in transaction charges, which may add up as you develop.
If video is core to your content material, otherwise you need extra flexibility and instruments as you scale, Podia might not be the perfect long-term match.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Podia, based on G2:
Customers like:
My present and potential purchasers can discover the whole lot they want on my Podia website. I can replace my web site, work together with my neighborhood, add new merchandise, monitor e-mail campaigns and examine viewers exercise — all from a single platform.
Michelle J
Customers don’t like:
It’s onerous to personalize your gross sales pages as their editor is restricted. That might be nice to have extra choices of styling and likewise add media simpler like timers and so forth.
Verified Person in Advertising and marketing and Promoting
Podia pricing
Mover: $33/month + 5% transaction charges
Shaker: $75/month + no transaction charges
Each plans include a 30-day free trial
11. Mighty Networks
Finest for: On-line communities
G2 score: 4.6 out of 5 stars
With Mighty Networks, you’ll be able to deliver neighborhood, content material, programs, and subscriptions collectively, creating your individual branded house impartial of huge social networks.
Mighty Networks is not only a funding platform. It’s additionally a community-building device, which affords extra customization and management to creators. You’ll be able to construct personalised programs, host unique communities, and combine seamless funds.
Options we love
Submit and chat areas
AI-powered neighborhood connections
Customizable welcome guidelines
Dwell streaming entry on all plans
Causes to strive Mighty Community
Mighty Networks excels in community-building, integrating content material, programs, and subscriptions in a single customizable house. Not like Patreon, it affords a better stage of personalization and management, permitting creators to construct their very own branded communities.
Listed here are different components that make it stand out:
Versatile monetization: With options like direct messaging, personalised programs, and built-in funds, Mighty Networks helps a wide range of monetization fashions past simply subscriptions and donations.
Superior options: It affords superior options together with article posts, quizzes and polls, reside cohorts, group chats, and video internet hosting. It additionally affords AI instruments to assist with content material creation and neighborhood engagement.
Migration assist: The platform has an inner migration staff that can assist you transfer over to the platform. They do it on a case-by-case foundation, in order that they’ll tailor the migration plan to fit your neighborhood’s wants, primarily based on the scale of your present community and the quantity of content material you’ve got.
Causes to keep away from Mighty Community
Mighty Networks has loads to supply, nevertheless it won’t be the suitable match for everybody, particularly should you’re searching for one thing easier or extra budget-friendly:
Too advanced for easy setups: It most closely fits creators operating energetic communities, not these providing one-off programs or light-weight memberships.
Restricted integrations and analytics: You’ll discover fewer choices if you wish to join your favourite instruments or dig into detailed information.
Pay extra to unlock key options: You’ll discover superior instruments and performance locked behind higher-tier plans.
Transaction charges on all gross sales: Not like platforms with flat pricing, you’ll lose a reduce on each sale.
Costly branded apps: White-labeled apps begin at $2,000/month (with a two-year dedication), in comparison with Uscreen’s $499/month app bundle.
Inquisitive about what else is on the market? Take a look at our video beneath on Mighty Networks options to assist discover the perfect answer in your neighborhood.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Mighty Networks, based on G2:
Customers like:
Mighty is very easy to navigate and provides the texture of social media with out having to be on different platforms! Having management over reaching individuals with out an algorithm is SO fantastic! The instruments which are on mighty make creating content material simple and enjoyable! I’ve extremely loved creating and constructing a neighborhood in a method that flows and permits enlargement for the completely different tiers of the neighborhood!
Sarah G., Transition Government
Customers don’t like:
There are a couple of limitations price noting — every house can solely host one course, which implies structuring a number of applications takes some creativity. The formatting choices for posts and articles are pretty primary (although there are a couple of useful workarounds), and the structure selections for long-form content material like articles are a bit simplistic should you’re aiming for a sophisticated, editorial really feel.
Tammy W., Co-Founder and Group Designer
Mighty Community pricing
The Group Plan: $41/month
The Programs Plan: $99/month
The Enterprise Plan: $179/month
The Progress Plan: $360/month
Mighty Professional: Contact gross sales
12. Kickstarter
Finest for: Crowdfunding
G2 score: 3.8 out of 5 stars
Kickstarter is a well-liked crowdfunding platform that creators and small organizations use to fund initiatives. Backing a mission on Kickstarter helps present the artist with the means to provide their work, and in return, supporters obtain a reward.
That is often tiered primarily based on the quantity they pledge (say you backed a comic book guide publication, then the plain reward could be a duplicate of the guide).
Options we love
Free to arrange
Sturdy assist heart assets
Backer surveys
Pre-launch editor
Causes to strive Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a good alternative when you have a particular mission and wish upfront funding to make it occur. It’s free to launch a marketing campaign, and you may elevate greater than your purpose in case your thought takes off.
Different explanation why creators use Kickstarter embody:
No upfront charges: You solely pay charges in case your mission is totally funded.
Scalable funding: Elevate greater than your purpose in case your marketing campaign features traction.
Constructed-in credibility: A profitable Kickstarter can assist you land future model offers or media options.
Easy setup: Making a marketing campaign web page is straightforward; selling it’s the place the work is available in.
Sturdy assist: Kickstarter’s creator handbook consists of step-by-step steerage for setting targets, writing your story, and budgeting for platform charges.
When you’ve received a transparent imaginative and prescient and an engaged viewers, Kickstarter can assist you deliver your subsequent massive mission to life.
Causes to keep away from Kickstarter
Beneath are some components to think about should you’re fascinated about utilizing Kickstarter:
Operates with an “all-or-nothing” mindset: When you don’t attain your funding purpose, donors gained’t be charged for his or her pledge, and also you gained’t get any funding.
Restricted timeframe: You can’t change the funding purpose as soon as your marketing campaign is reside for greater than 60 days.
Not appropriate for long-term and constant revenue: As soon as a Kickstarter marketing campaign ends, you would want to have one other technique to monetize your mission if you wish to generate revenue after that date (and it takes two to a few weeks to obtain your funds).
The essential half is the strategy planning stage, the place you’ll be able to nail down your mission’s compelling messaging and story, giving supporters a purpose to again it.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Kickstarter, based on G2:
Customers like:
I feel that when individuals consider crowdfunding, they usually consider Kickstarter. I like utilizing Kickstarter, because it was one of many first main crowd funding web sites that grew to become recognized to the mainstream. So once we can current an merchandise or mission via Kickstarter, I feel that we’re presenting ourselves to a large viewers in a reputable platform. There are various wonderful options to assist current our objects in an interesting method, together with a very simple to make use of textual content editor that enables us so as to add photographs, video and hyperlinks.
Emery D., Digital Advertising and marketing Strategist
Customers don’t like:
I feel the charge that Kickstarter expenses together with the fee processing charges can take a major reduce from mission creators. Kickstarter has tried to implement extra real-time streaming options lately, which I feel is a good thought, nevertheless it hasn’t been one thing many individuals appear to take part in as I anticipated by now.
Emmet Y., Advertising and marketing Guide
Kickstarter pricing
Kickstarter charge: 5% of complete funds raised
Fee processing charges: 3% + $0.30/pledge; pledges beneath $10 have a reduced micropledge charge of 5% + $0.08 per pledge
13. Fourthwall
Finest for: Merchandise
Trustpilot score: 4.6 out of 5 stars
When you’re a creator trying to promote merchandise, Fourthwall is perhaps your finest wager. It’s an all-in-one platform that makes it simple to launch a branded on-line store, promote bodily and digital merchandise, and join straight together with your viewers. Consider it as a plug-and-play storefront constructed particularly for creators who wish to develop their enterprise and fan base.
With Fourthwall, you’ll be able to create a customized homepage, promote merchandise, provide memberships, and even distribute digital content material. The platform handles product manufacturing, transport, and buyer assist, so you’ll be able to deal with creating whereas they handle the backend. Over 200,000 creators already use Fourthwall to monetize their model, and its instruments make it simple to scale as your viewers grows.
Options we love
No-code web site builder
Customized apps and promo codes
Public posts
Settle for donations
Causes to strive Fourthwall
Whether or not you’re simply beginning out or trying to improve from a clunky merch answer, Fourthwall helps ease the whole lot from product creation to buyer engagement.
Why creators find it irresistible:
No-code web site builder: You’ll be able to arrange your storefront shortly with out technical know-how with among the best membership web site builders.
Add customized designs: Promote high-quality, print-on-demand merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, and hoodies.
Model customization: Customise your homepage and product pages to match your model aesthetic.
Constructed-in viewers rewards: Provide perks, unique content material, and reductions to your most loyal followers.
Person-friendly product designer: Simply create and showcase your merch with a visible editor.
Fourthwall takes the friction out of launching a merch line, making it a sensible, accessible possibility for creators who need a storefront that appears nice and works onerous behind the scenes.
Causes to keep away from Fourthwall
Whereas Fourthwall is a strong possibility for creators launching their first on-line store, it does include some limitations which will make it much less ultimate as you develop, corresponding to:
Excessive transport charges: This may deter some prospects or eat into your margins.
Fee charges: These charges apply to sure merchandise, so that you’re not retaining 100% of your gross sales.
Missing options: Restricted superior options make it more durable to scale past primary merch. That is nice for getting began, however doubtlessly restrictive in the long run.
Web site points: Web site stability points have been reported by customers, together with occasional crashes throughout high-traffic durations.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Fourthwall, based on Trustpilot:
Customers like:
I couldn’t have made a greater resolution once I selected to host my retailer on FourthWall one yr in the past. Past the wonderful assist from the web site, they hold transport new options and the staff is SUPER useful.
Lucas
Customers don’t like:
Like the web site however I by no means can’t use it as they by no means hold their server up and operating on a regular basis. It has been 3 months and their website remains to be down. I’ve contacted customer support and no response again.
Emery Hayward
Fourthwall pricing
Retailers: 0% charge
Digital merchandise: 3% charge
Memberships: 5% charge
All U.S.-based bank card transactions have a fee processing charge of two.9% + 30¢
14. Etsy
Finest for: Promoting crafts
Trustpilot score: 1.4 out of 5 stars
Etsy is a world e-commerce platform. It’s finest recognized for handmade items, classic objects, and distinctive, inventive merchandise. It’s a go-to market for artists and crafters who wish to promote one-off objects slightly than construct a membership or subscription enterprise mannequin.
Whereas it doesn’t straight compete with Patreon, Etsy affords a strong possibility for creators who produce bodily items and need a built-in viewers prepared to purchase.
Options we love
Transport service
Constructed-in advertising instruments
Simple product itemizing course of
International buyer base
Causes to strive Etsy
When you’re new to e-commerce or need a easy technique to promote bodily items, Etsy affords a powerful place to begin. Listed here are some causes to think about Etsy:
Constructed-in buyer base: Thousands and thousands of worldwide customers actively seek for handmade and one-of-a-kind objects on the platform.
Fast to launch: Etsy supplies a straightforward setup and an intuitive interface.
Useful assets: The platform affords instructional assets like vendor handbooks, boards, and on-line programs that can assist you optimize your store and enhance gross sales.
Advertising and marketing assist: Etsy supplies this via its advert community and Search engine optimization-friendly listings to assist your merchandise get found.
Causes to keep away from Etsy
Etsy comes with some limitations for creators trying to construct a model or long-term neighborhood, like:
Excessive charges: Fee charges for Etsy (6.5%) are larger and reduce into your income, particularly for small-batch sellers.
Not as customizable: You could have restricted brand-building alternatives since your store exists as a part of Etsy’s market, not as a standalone vacation spot.
Missing neighborhood options: Etsy affords no built-in neighborhood instruments like Patreon supplies. You don’t have any technique to nurture deeper relationships together with your viewers or provide ongoing perks.
What customers are saying
Right here’s what customers are saying about Etsy, based on Trustpilot:
Customers like:
Love their merchandise, service, worth and house owners.
Walter DeBell
Customers don’t like:
Etsy solely cares in regards to the fee they make. Thankfully, most sellers are trustworthy
Ok
Etsy pricing
Itemizing charge: $0.20 per itemizing
Transaction charge: 6.5%
Fee processing charge: 3% + $0.25
A be aware on our methodology
We consider in radical transparency, so let’s handle this upfront:
Sure, we provide a Patreon different, so you’ll be able to pretty query our objectivity. However right here’s the deal: Our mission is to assist creators succeed, whether or not or not they select Uscreen.
We constructed this information on a mixture of professional opinions, direct interviews with multi-platform creators, survey information, and over a decade of expertise within the creator economic system. We don’t rank platforms from finest to worst as a result of no one-size-fits-all answer exists. Generally, Uscreen would be the proper match. Generally it gained’t. What issues is discovering the platform that helps you thrive, and we’re right here that can assist you do this.
How to decide on the perfect Patreon different for you
Loads of Patreon opponents exist; some platforms deal with fan donations, whereas others concentrate on full-blown memberships. That can assist you navigate the panorama of the perfect membership website platforms, the suitable match relies on your present creator journey and what you propose to construct subsequent.
Begin by asking your self:
Do you have already got an viewers and area of interest?
Are you monetizing your content material?
Do you wish to scale past your present setup?
If that’s the case, outline your targets:
Are you launching a video membership?
Promoting programs or digital merchandise?
Elevating funds for a one-time mission?
Then, evaluate platforms primarily based on:
Charges and income sharing: How a lot earnings do you retain?
SVOD/TVOD choices: Are you able to provide subscriptions or one-off purchases?
Content material management: Do you personal your content material and viewers information?
Customization: Are you able to tailor the client expertise together with your branding?
Viewers attain: Does the platform make it easier to develop?
Engagement instruments: Are you able to join straight with members?
Whether or not you need a easy tip jar or a full-scale enterprise platform, you’ll discover a Patreon different that matches what you wish to construct and what you’ll be able to realistically handle.
Discover the perfect platform to assist your progress
On the finish of the day, the perfect platform is the one that provides you extra possession, higher monetization choices, and the suitable instruments to develop your inventive enterprise in your phrases. Whether or not you’re a author, coach, filmmaker, or health creator, there’s a Patreon different on the market that matches your targets higher.
Able to make the change? Begin your free trial with Uscreen at this time and see how simple it’s to scale your content material enterprise with highly effective instruments for video monetization, memberships, and neighborhood constructing.
Patreon options ceaselessly requested questions answered
Is there a greater possibility than Patreon? Sure, particularly should you’re able to develop past ideas and fan assist. Whereas Patreon works for getting began, it limits how a lot management you’ve got over your model, viewers, and income. Platforms like Uscreen offer you full possession of your content material and neighborhood, letting you construct a subscription enterprise with higher instruments for video internet hosting, memberships, and engagement, all with out giving up a giant chunk of your earnings. Is Ko-fi higher than Patreon? When you’re questioning, “is Patreon or Ko-fi higher?,” the reply relies on what sort of creator you might be. Ko-fi is best if you’d like decrease charges, on the spot payouts, and the flexibleness to simply accept one-off donations with out locking the whole lot behind a paywall. However should you’re searching for built-in membership instruments and a bigger discovery platform, Patreon might provide extra construction at the price of larger charges and fewer flexibility. What content material shouldn’t be allowed on Patreon? Creators must comply with Patreon’s neighborhood pointers, which prohibit: Harmful organizations or content material that helps them Harassment Dangerous actsHate speechIllegal and controlled actions Inauthentic behaviorSexually gratifying works Violent and graphic works How a lot does Patreon price per thirty days? You gained’t pay to enroll in Patreon, however that doesn’t imply it’s free. So, what’s Patreon’s reduce? Relying in your plan, Patreon takes 8% to 12% of the cash you earn, plus fee processing charges. That may add up quick, particularly as your revenue grows. Whereas they checklist share charges, Patreon doesn’t clearly define what that truly appears like by way of month-to-month prices. What are the cons of Patreon? The downsides to Patreon are the excessive charges, lack of flexibility for monetization, low earnings, lack of possession over your viewers and model, and being unable to develop past the performance on the Patreon website.
