Patreon is one of the most popular ways for creators to earn money online. Instead of relying only on ads or sponsorships, creators can use Patreon to build a direct relationship with their audience and get paid for their work.
Fans, called patrons, support creators by subscribing to monthly membership tiers. In return, they get access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and other perks.
What Is Patreon?
Patreon is a subscription-based platform that connects content creators with fans who want to support them. The service was launched in 2013 to help artists and creators earn income by offering paid memberships.
When fans (patrons) subscribe, they commit to paying either a monthly fee or a fee per piece of content. This allows creators to earn sustainable income while providing their supporters with special content and rewards.
Today, Patreon is used by a wide range of creators — including YouTubers, musicians, podcasters, writers, visual artists, and many others. The platform helps creators focus more on their work, and less on chasing advertising or one-time payments.
How Does Patreon Work?
On Patreon, creators build a page where they describe what they create and offer membership tiers with different benefits. These tiers usually range from a few dollars to higher amounts for fans who want extra rewards.
Fans browse Patreon and choose to support the creators they love. Once they join a membership tier, they gain access to that creator’s exclusive content. This may include early access to videos, behind-the-scenes content, private podcasts, artwork, or community access.
Patreon works alongside other platforms — creators often link their Patreon to their YouTube, Twitch, or Discord communities. This helps them offer a better experience for their patrons. By supporting a creator on Patreon, fans help them continue making the content they enjoy.
How It Works for Creators
To get started, a creator creates a free Patreon account and builds their Patreon page. They set up membership tiers that offer different perks based on how much a fan pledges.
Common types of content that creators offer include:
- Early access to videos
- Exclusive podcasts
- Digital art downloads
- Private community access (Discord servers, private chats)
- Behind-the-scenes updates
- Livestreams for patrons only
Once their page is live, creators promote it to their audience on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or podcasts. Fans who sign up provide regular income for the creator. Patreon processes payments each month and sends payouts to the creator’s bank account or PayPal.
How It Works for Patrons
Fans who want to support a creator start by visiting that creator’s Patreon page. There, they can read about the creator’s work and see the available membership tiers.
Once a fan chooses a tier, they enter payment details and become a patron. This gives them access to the perks tied to their chosen tier. Content can be accessed through the Patreon website or the Patreon app. Some creators also provide access to Discord servers or private groups.
Patrons can change their membership level or cancel at any time. They can also communicate directly with creators through posts and messages on Patreon.
Patreon Fees and Payouts
Patreon charges creators a percentage of their earnings. The exact fee depends on the creator’s plan: Lite, Pro, or Premium. On top of this, there are payment processing fees (usually via PayPal or Stripe).
After fees, most creators keep about 85–90% of what patrons pay. Patreon collects all payments each month and sends out payouts to creators on a regular schedule, typically monthly. Creators can choose to be paid via PayPal or bank transfer.
Patreon App and Features
The Patreon app (available for iOS and Android) gives both creators and patrons an easy way to use the platform on mobile devices.
For patrons, the app makes it simple to access exclusive content, view posts, and get updates from the creators they support. Fans can also manage their memberships and receive notifications about new content.
For creators, the app allows them to post updates, share new content, and communicate with patrons. They can also track membership growth and engagement through the app.
How Safe Is Patreon?
Patreon is generally a safe platform for both creators and patrons. The service uses secure payment systems and protects user data with encryption. Patreon also offers tools to block abusive users or report issues.
Creators should take care not to share sensitive personal information in public posts. Patrons should choose creators carefully and be mindful of the privacy settings available on Patreon. Both sides should use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to keep their accounts secure.
How to Sign Up (Creators and Patrons)
Getting started on Patreon is easy for both creators and fans.
To sign up as a creator:
- Go to Patreon.com and click Create on Patreon.
- Set up your account and add details about what you create.
- Build your Patreon page, add membership tiers, and set pricing.
- Publish your page and start sharing it with your audience.
To sign up as a patron:
- Go to Patreon.com and find a creator you want to support.
- Click Join and choose a membership tier.
- Enter your payment information and complete your pledge.
- Start enjoying the creator’s exclusive content and perks.
Conclusion
Patreon is a powerful way for creators to earn income by building relationships with their biggest fans. In return, patrons get access to content and experiences they can’t get anywhere else.
Whether you’re a creator looking for sustainable income, or a fan wanting to support your favorite artists, Patreon offers a simple and safe platform for both.
If this guide helped you, please share it or leave a comment below.