Can Patreon Save You?

Have big ideas that need funding? Need money to pay off bills so you can film instead of work? A lot of YouTubers still do not have access to YouTube's Membership Program, so they create other portals for viewers to contribute to their cash flow. Patreon is a popular fan-funding website where supporters can pledge to certain dollar-tiers a month. But can Patreon save you?

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Full disclosure: I have a Patreon. Oh wait, this is really just me advertising my patreon. PLEDGE TO MY PATREON!! The status of my Patreon fluctuates where I have lots of big pledges to $0 monthly income from the website. As a small content creator, this fluctuation is normal. You can make great content for Patreon and lose all of your pledges the next month. Have patience.

Can Patreon Save You?

To elaborate on my personal note above, Patreon is not the most reliable crutch for a small content creator from my experience. (Unless you post nudes. But don't do that. Nobody likes desperate, broke a$$ nudes.) Here are alternative crutches.

1. One-time donation! You are better off asking for one time donations here and there through Venmo or Paypal. You get the money fast and in full (because Patreon does take a percentage.)
2. Free support! You should also remind your viewers that there are other ways that they can support you for free, like boosting your channel in YouTube's algorithm.
3. Amazon Wishlist! Gifts are always more fun. Create an Amazon Wishlist and promise to unbox the gift and thank the sender publicly. Do note that you should link your wishlist to a secure address because the sender will see the address in full at the end of purchase. I bought a PO box for $100 a year.

I believe once you achieve 10k subscribers that you have a better chance running a successful Patreon. I still encourage you to research Patreon for yourself. <3