Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Eric Cantu
If you’ve ever posted something online — a podcast, a video, digital art, tutorials, whatever — and thought, “How can I actually get paid for this?”… you’re not alone. You’re creating content people clearly want, but that “support me” link you tossed in your bio isn’t exactly lighting up the bank account.
That’s where Patreon comes in. Let’s break it down.
How Can You Make Money on Patreon?
To make money on Patreon, you need to consistently create value for your audience, offer meaningful rewards, and promote your page authentically across your content and platforms.
What Is Patreon and How Does It Work?
Patreon is a membership platform that lets creators get paid directly by their fans. You set up a page, create different “tiers” for supporters, and offer perks or content in return. Think of it like a digital tip jar with bonus content layered in.
The best part? It’s recurring revenue. That means you don’t have to chase down one-off payments or sponsorships. You deliver value — people support you monthly. That’s the model. And it works.
In my experience, any time you can get your hands on recurring revenue, don’t hesitate. The snowball effect is real and over time your commissions can truly add up.
Why Patreon Is a Legit Way to Earn as a Creator
This isn’t just for the top 1% with massive followings. I’ve seen creators with a few hundred subscribers bringing in consistent income on Patreon. Why? Because it’s not about quantity — it’s about connection.
People support creators they feel connected to. You’re showing up, giving value, sharing real moments. That’s what people want to support.
And let’s not ignore the mental side of this: Getting even one person to pay you monthly for your work? That’s a game-changer for motivation no matter what you’re using to monetize your business. That’s when it clicks — “I can actually do this.”
I vividly remember my first online conversion. Staring at the screen and thinking to myself “It’s actually working.” That was my hook, line, and sinker into affiliate marketing.
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Patreon Pricing Breakdown
Patreon offers several ways for creators to monetize their audience, depending on your needs and goals:
- Free Memberships – Fans can join your Patreon community at no cost, giving you a way to build and engage an audience before converting them to paid supporters. Free members can receive public posts and updates, and you can upgrade them to paying tiers later.
- Pro Plan (8%) – This is the most commonly used plan. It allows you to offer membership tiers, access analytics, and use Patreon’s engagement tools.
- Premium Plan (12%) – This includes everything in the Pro plan plus a dedicated partner manager, merch options, and team account access.
These platform fees are taken before payment processing fees (which typically range from 5%–8%). While the Lite Plan previously existed, it is no longer available to new users.
Which Platforms Can You Use Patreon With?
Most people associate Patreon with creating and monetizing a YouTube channel. But it’s not just for YouTube. You can use Patreon on a number of social media platforms with solid results.
YouTube
- Creators offer bonus content, behind-the-scenes, early access, or shoutouts to Patreon supporters.
- Patreon links are often placed in video descriptions, pinned comments, or mentioned in callouts.
- Visual creators (artists, photographers, lifestyle influencers) use Instagram to promote Patreon-exclusive content and perks.
- Stories and bio links drive traffic to Patreon.
TikTok
- Short-form video creators promote Patreon for longer-form, unfiltered, or behind-the-scenes content.
- TikTok’s link-in-bio strategy helps push viewers to Patreon.
Twitch
- Streamers offer exclusive VODs, bonus streams, or community access on Patreon.
- Many use Patreon alongside or instead of Twitch subs for more control.
Podcasts
- Podcasters use Patreon to share ad-free episodes, bonus interviews, and early access content.
- It’s one of the most common monetization platforms for audio creators.
Twitter/X
- Writers, analysts, and creators of exclusive commentary or niche content use Patreon for deeper dives or premium posts.
Discord
- Often paired with Patreon to create exclusive chat groups or member-only community spaces (integrated natively).
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How to Set Up Your Patreon Page
Keep it simple. That’s the best advice I can give you.
- Create 2–3 clear tiers. Don’t overcomplicate it with 9 different options. Just give people a basic entry tier and a couple higher-value ones.
- Name your tiers in your voice. “Coffee Club” or “The Inner Circle” hits differently than “Tier 1.”
- Offer stuff people actually want. Early access, behind-the-scenes content, polls, Q&As — this doesn’t need to break you. Just give them access to you.
And when you’re writing the intro to your Patreon page? Talk like you’re emailing your closest supporters. Be human. Be you.
How to Promote Your Patreon and Grow Subscribers
This is where most creators drop the ball. You have to mention your Patreon regularly — and not like it’s a disclaimer.
- Mention it in your videos. Not in a whisper. Give it space. Talk about what people get and why it matters.
- Pin it in comments. Especially on your best content. People read pinned comments.
- Use your email list. Even if it’s small. People on your list are your biggest fans.
- Use social proof. “Huge thanks to the 11 people supporting me on Patreon this month!” is a way better hook than “Click here to support.”
It’s about weaving it into the story you’re already telling.
Best Practices to Keep Supporters Engaged
Keeping people is just as important as getting them. If someone is paying you $5 a month, make sure they feel it.
- Post updates. Even quick ones.
- Ask questions. Use polls.
- Drop behind-the-scenes stuff. Doesn’t need to be fancy. Just honest.
Also — respond to comments. Supporters want to feel like they matter. A quick reply goes a long way.
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Real Talk: Is Patreon Right for You?
If you’re hoping for passive income with no effort — this ain’t it. But if you’re already creating content and want a way to deepen that connection with your audience while actually getting paid for your time?
Yeah. It’s absolutely worth it.
Even just a handful of supporters paying you every month can be the difference between burnout and breakthrough. And if you play it right, Patreon becomes more than a side hustle — it becomes the foundation of your creator business.
That’s the real win.
Patreon Reviews and Testimonials
“Patreon has been great for me. I have all kinds of conversations with my members, post videos, music, and PDFs for them. It’s been one of the more rewarding surprises since launching my channel.”
— u/braintree56, a YouTuber with 2k subscribers and 55 patrons, earning around $300/month.
Source: Reddit
“Patreon has given me the tools to go from a mundane 9-5 job to a very rewarding, very fulfilling venture that I am forever thankful for.”
— u/cohanson, a creator discussing the value of Patreon despite the fees.
Source Reddit
“Moving to Patreon is like a dream because I no longer have to handle administrative billing issues, password resets, account squabbles… I’ll happily give up 8% to alleviate those headaches.”
— u/JamieKent1, sharing their experience transitioning from a custom paywall to Patreon.
Source Reddit
📌 TL;DR Quick Recap: How to Succeed with Patreon
- Patreon turns followers into monthly paying supporters. It’s built on recurring income, not one-time donations.
- You don’t need a massive audience to succeed. Loyalty and engagement matter more than views.
- Simple tiers and personal rewards go a long way. Give access, community, and content — not stress.
- Promotion is key. Mention your Patreon regularly and naturally across all platforms.
- Retention matters. Keep supporters engaged with updates, feedback, and real interaction.
Just Need the Cliff Notes?
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Final Thoughts
Patreon isn’t about going viral — it’s about building something sustainable with the people who already believe in you. If you’re consistent, honest, and keep showing up for your audience, even a handful of supporters can change the game. Don’t wait until you’re “big enough” — start where you are, and let your people grow with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I realistically make on Patreon?
It depends on your audience size and engagement. Some creators make a few hundred a month, others make thousands. Consistency and connection drive results.
Do I have to offer physical rewards?
Not at all. Many creators succeed with digital perks only — early access, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive Q&As, and more.
Is Patreon better than affiliate marketing or ads?
It’s different. Patreon builds recurring income from your fans, while affiliate marketing and ads rely on traffic. Many creators combine all three.
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I see that you mention visual creators, video creators, podcasters / audio creators, writers, analysts, and creators of commentary. What if someone produces handcrafted goods (like leather work or goat milk soap), or offers a service (like veterinary work). Do you have any suggestions on how they could branch into some kind of visual, audio, or written work that would still be related to their craft or service?
Sure. YouTube 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
I always assumed Patreon was only for creators with huge audiences, but you made it clear that consistent value and authentic connection matter more. I especially liked the part about offering tiered rewards that actually resonate with your audience. Do you have any tips for creators just starting out who feel unsure about what kind of rewards their audience would actually want? Thanks for such a practical and inspiring breakdown!
When in doubt, ASK! Connecting with your audience is paramount. so ask them exactly what they’re looking for and you can’t go wrong! Check out some of your favorite accounts you follow that have Patreons and see what they offer ???????????????? Thanks for the comment!