How to Make Money on Patreon


In the digital world where creativity knows no bounds, Patreon has emerged as a powerful membership platform that allows creators to earn a sustainable income. With Patreon, creatives across all fields can turn their passion into profit, engaging a community of fans who are willing to pay for exclusive access to their work. This article explores how to make money on Patreon and provides tips for maximizing your success.

What is Patreon?

So exactly what is Patreon, and how can creators use it to make money? Patreon is a membership platform that enables creators to get paid by running a subscription service for their fans. It serves as a virtual tip jar or fan club where supporters, known as patrons, pay a regular amount to access exclusive content from their favorite creators.

Why Patreon is an Ideal Platform for Creators

Patreon’s strength lies in its ability to provide a space where creators can form a direct relationship with their fans, making money while offering them unique content and experiences. Here are some of the key features that make Patreon stand out:

  • Exclusive Content: Creators can offer patrons exclusive access to new work, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
  • Community Engagement: The platform allows creators to interact directly with their fans, fostering a sense of community.
  • Flexible Membership Tiers: Creators can offer multiple levels of membership, each with its own set of rewards and benefits.
  • Recurring Income: Instead of relying on one-time sales, creators can earn a steady income through recurring patron subscriptions.

Setting Up Your Patreon Account for Success

Before launching into the world of Patreon, there are some key steps to ensure your success.

Choosing Your Niche

Identifying a niche that aligns with your interests and has potential demand is critical. Some popular niches on Patreon include:

  • Podcasting
  • Visual Art
  • Writing
  • Video Production
  • Music
  • Gaming

Setting Up Your Patreon Page

Once you have a niche in mind, it’s time to set up your Patreon page. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. Sign Up: Create an account on Patreon’s website.
  2. Choose Your Niche: Identify what type of creator you are and what you plan to offer.
  3. Set Up Membership Tiers: Decide on what tiers of membership you will offer and the perks for each tier of membership fee.
  4. Build Your Page: Add a bio, images, a welcome video, and other details to make your page engaging.
  5. Launch: Once your page is ready, promote it on your other social media platforms to attract patrons.

Ways to Make Money on Patreon

Monetizing your creativity on Patreon comes in various forms. Let’s explore some ways to maximize your income potential.

Ways to Make Money on PatreonStrategy DescriptionTip for Success
Offer Multiple Membership TiersCater to fans with different budget levels and engagement interests, thereby maximizing your earning potential.Survey your audience to determine what tiers and benefits would be most appealing to them.
Create High-Quality, Exclusive ContentAttract and retain patrons by consistently delivering high-quality content that they can't find anywhere else.Set a consistent content schedule and keep a pipeline of ideas to ensure regular, unique output.
Regular Interaction and Engagement with PatronsFrequent interaction and engagement with your patrons not only fosters a sense of community but also encourages them to maintain their memberships.Use Patreon's polling and messaging features to engage patrons regularly, and respond promptly to comments and messages.
Utilize YouTube to Drive Patreon SubscriptionsLink your Patreon page to your YouTube channel, offering early access or exclusive content to your patrons, thereby encouraging more subscriptions.Promote the exclusive benefits of Patreon membership in your YouTube videos and link back to your Patreon in the video description.
Set Attractive Subscription FeesStriking the right balance between what value you provide and how much you charge for it is key to setting attractive subscription fees.Monitor patron feedback and be ready to adjust pricing based on the perceived value and your income goals.
Organize Paid Live Streams or WebinarsHosting live streams or webinars can provide added value to your patrons and provide an additional income source.Choose topics that resonate with your audience, and ensure the tech setup is flawless for a smooth streaming experience.
Sell MerchandiseSelling merchandise like t-shirts, posters, or custom art pieces can add a lucrative income stream.Create high-quality, unique merchandise that fits with your brand and appeals to your audience.
Provide Early or Exclusive Access to Your WorkOffering early or exclusive access to your work can incentivize more patrons to subscribe.Make sure early access content is truly valuable and well-promoted, and that you deliver on promises to ensure patron satisfaction.
Offer Multiple Reward Tiers and Membership OptionsOffering a variety of rewards and membership options caters to a wider audience, increasing potential earnings.Vary the rewards based on the level of support, offering something for everyone, from casual fans to die-hard supporters.
Utilize Other Social Media PlatformsPromote your Patreon page on other social media platforms to attract a broader audience.Tailor your promotional messages to fit the unique dynamics of each platform and encourage followers to support you on Patreon.

Offer Multiple Membership Tiers

how to make money on patreon

By offering multiple membership options, you can cater to fans with different budget levels and engagement interests, thereby maximizing your earning potential.

Create High-Quality, Exclusive Content

how to make money on patreon

Attract and retain patrons by consistently delivering high-quality content that they can’t find anywhere else.

Regular Interaction and Engagement with Patrons

how to make money on patreon

Frequent interaction and engagement with your patrons fosters a sense of community and encourages them to maintain their memberships.

Utilize YouTube to Drive Patreon Subscriptions

how to make money on patreon

Link your Patreon page to your YouTube channel, offering your patrons early access or exclusive content, thereby encouraging more subscriptions.

Set Attractive Subscription Fees

how to make money on patreon

Striking the right balance between what value you provide and how much you charge for it is key to setting attractive subscription fee tiers.

Organize Paid Live Streams or Webinars

how to make money on patreon

Hosting live streams or webinars can provide added value to your patrons and provide an additional income source.

Sell Merchandise

how to make money on patreon

Selling merchandise like t-shirts, posters, or custom art pieces can add a lucrative income stream.

Provide Early or Exclusive Access to Your Work

how to make money on patreon

Offering early or exclusive access to your work can incentivize more patrons to subscribe.

Offer Multiple Reward Tiers and Membership Options

how to make money on patreon

Offering a variety of rewards and membership options caters to a wider audience, increasing potential earnings.

Utilize Other Social Media Platforms

how to make money on patreon

Promote your Patreon page on other social media platforms to attract a broader audience.

How to Make Money on Patreon as a Writer

how to make money on patreon

Writers can harness Patreon’s potential by offering unique content or experiences to their patrons. Here are a few strategies:

  • Serialized Novels: Release your novel chapter by chapter exclusively to your patrons.
  • Writing Workshops: Host digital writing workshops or webinars.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Access: Give patrons an inside look into your writing process.
  • Early Access: Offer patrons early access to your latest work.

How to Make Money on Patreon as an Artist

how to make money on patreon

Artists can use Patreon to transform their passion into profit. Here are a few strategies:

  • Art Tutorials: Share your expertise through tutorials or classes.
  • Commissioned Work: Offer custom artwork for higher-tier patrons.
  • Digital Art Downloads: Provide downloadable digital art pieces.
  • Studio Tours: Give patrons virtual tours of your workspace or process.

Patreon Earnings and Fee Structure

how to make money on patreon

Patreon operates on a tiered fee structure based on the plan you choose, taking a percentage of your earnings each month. As of June 2023, the pricing tiers include Pro and Premium.

  • Pro Plan: Patreon takes an 8% commission with the Pro plan. This plan offers advanced features like membership tiers, analytics and insights, promotional tools, priority customer support, and more. It’s designed for creators who want to grow their businesses and offer more to their patrons.
  • Premium Plan: The Premium plan is for well-established creators or businesses that need a little more. It offers everything in the Pro plan plus merchandise for membership and a dedicated partner manager for either a 12% commission or $600 a month, whichever is higher. According to Patreon, the plan is best for creators that expect to make at least $5,000 per month on Patreon, so that the 12% fee equals at least $600 per month to Patreon.

In addition to Patreon’s commission, transaction fees are also deducted from your earnings. These can vary depending on the payment method used by your patrons but are typically around 2.9% + $0.30 per successful payment over $3, and 5% + $0.10 for payments of $3 or less.

Case Study: Successful Patreon Creators

Several creators have turned their passions into profits on Patreon. A few inspiring examples include:

  • Chapo Trap House: This political comedy podcast earns over $160,000 per month on Patreon.
  • Amanda Palmer: The musician and artist earn over $40,000 for each piece of content she creates.
  • The Try Guys: Known for their hilarious and informative YouTube videos, they earn over $30,000 per month.
  • Darknet Diaries: This cybercrime-focused podcast by Jack Rhysider earns around $30,000 per month from their dedicated fan base.
  • Jessica Nigri: This cosplayer uses Patreon to deliver exclusive photoshoots and behind-the-scenes content, earning over $20,000 per month.

FAQ: Making Money on Patreon

Questions often arise when creators begin their journey on Patreon. Here are concise answers to some of the most frequently asked ones.

How Much Can a Patreon Creator Expect to Earn?

Earnings on Patreon vary widely depending on factors such as the number of patrons, membership tier prices, and frequency of content release.

How Can I Attract More Patrons to My Page?

Attract more patrons by offering high-quality, unique content, engaging with your audience regularly, and promoting your Patreon page on various platforms.

How Long Does It Take to Start Earning on Patreon?

The time it takes to start earning on Patreon can vary. It often depends on factors like the size of your existing audience, the quality of your content, and your promotion strategies.

How Often are Membership Payments Processed on Patreon?

Membership payments are processed on the 1st of every month.

What Are Some Challenges I Might Face on Patreon?

Some challenges might include building and maintaining an audience, setting appropriate subscription prices, and consistently creating high-quality, exclusive content. If these challenges prevent you from using Patreon effectively, there are other options. For example, you could explore how to make money on TikTok, how to make money on Twitch, or how to make money on PayPal.

Image: Envato Elements



Samantha Lile Samantha Lile is a staff writer for Small Business Trends and has been a member of the team for 3 years. She is also a freelance writer and journalist who contributes to a variety of web publications from her home office in the heart of the Ozarks.