Key Takeaways:
- Patreon now lets creators live stream to fans through their app or desktop.
- Creators can choose who watches—paid subscribers, all members, or even free fans.
- Live streams can be saved or sold later.
- Many creators are testing this feature early.
- Patreon says direct-to-fan platforms are growing fast.
- Creators earn way more on Patreon than on TikTok.
- Over 90% of creators with active communities earn $1,000+ monthly.
Patreon is rolling out a new feature that’s super exciting for creators and fans alike—live streaming! Starting now, some creators can go live directly through Patreon’s app or website. By summer, this feature will be available to more people.
Why Is Patreon Adding Live Streaming?
Patreon wants to help creators connect more closely with their fans. Right now, many creators are frustrated with platforms like TikTok or Instagram, where algorithms control what people see. These algorithms can limit creators’ earnings and stifle their creativity.
Patreon’s new live streaming feature is part of their push to focus on direct-to-fan connections. This means creators can own their relationships with fans and earn more money without relying on algorithm-based platforms.
What Can Creators Do with Live Streaming on Patreon?
The new feature is pretty cool. Creators can:
- Stream Live to Fans: Creators can broadcast live videos to their fans through Patreon’s app or website.
- Use Streaming Tools: They can use tools like OBS and Streamlabs to make their streams look professional.
- Chat with Fans in Real-Time: Built-in chat and moderation tools make it easy to interact with viewers live.
- Control Who Watches: Creators can decide if the stream is for all members, only paid subscribers, or even free members.
- Save or Sell Recordings: Streams can be recorded and shared later, or even sold as one-time purchases.
Who Is Testing This Feature?
Right now, thousands of creators are testing live streaming on Patreon. These are creators who already use Patreon’s chat and video tools or have streamed live on other platforms. Patreon says they’re working with a diverse group of creators to make sure the feature works well before rolling it out to everyone.
Why Creators Love Direct-to-Fan Platforms
Patreon shared some interesting data from a recent report. Here’s what they found:
- Algorithms Are a Problem: 78% of creators say algorithms influence what they create.
- Algorithms Limit Creativity: 56% of creators feel algorithms stop them from exploring their creative passions.
Creators are also earning way more on Patreon than on platforms like TikTok. For example, the average creator earns $52 annually per fan on Patreon, compared to a much smaller amount on TikTok.
The Future of Direct-to-Fan Platforms
The direct-to-fan market is growing fast. In 2025, it was worth $194 billion, and by 2027, it’s expected to grow to $237 billion. Patreon is betting big on this trend and wants to be the go-to platform for creators who want to connect directly with fans.
Creators Focus on Community Building
In the past few years, creators have started prioritizing community and relationships over things like follower counts or likes. For example:
- Active Communities Pay Off: 90% of creators with highly active communities earn at least $1,000 a month.
- Growing Communities: Since Patreon introduced free memberships and community chat last year, creator communities have doubled in size.
What’s Next for Patreon?
Patreon is joining other platforms like Substack, which already offers live streaming. Substack introduced similar features last September and rolled them out more widely in January.
For now, Patreon’s live streaming feature is in early access, but it will be available to everyone by summer. This could be a game-changer for creators who want to build deeper connections with their fans and earn more money without relying on algorithms.
This new feature is just one more way Patreon is helping creators take control of their careers and focus on what matters most—their fans. Whether you’re a creator or just a fan, this is something to get excited about!
