Should I open a Patreon, or a Ko-fi? This question has comes up a lot…
Services like Patreon and Ko-fi let creators make money from their content. Instead of relying on an easily demonetized revenue share from YouTube or Google ads, it’s now possible for bloggers, artists, cosplayers, streamers and all types of creators to use these services to receive money directly from fans.
Most people have heard of Patreon’s subscription model for creators. Patrons subscribe, pledging a monthly amount to access exclusive content. Lots of creators love Patreon, but it isn’t right for everyone. The increasing fees and commitment to publish a large quantity of content across multiple tiers has made some look for a Patreon alternative.
So what about Ko-fi? How is it different?
Patreon vs. Ko-fi
Low 0–5% Platform Fee
Ko-fi is by far the most cost-effective way to start making an income from fans of what you do. Unlike Patreon and other services, if you start with the free option Ko-fi doesn’t take a cut of your donations and we don’t charge supporters extra either. The only transaction fee for donations is what the payment processors charge.
Premium features like Ko-fi Shop, Memberships and Commissions are available for just a 5% platform fee. Patreon and others charge creators a platform fee, typically 8 or 12% of the funds received by the creator.
Patreon has also taken over $200,000,000 in funding from Venture Capitalists (who will want a return on that money). Ko-fi is an independent, profitable platform. It’s funded directly by Ko-fi Gold subscriptions, donations to the platform and optional transaction fees for some features.
Ko-fi Membership Tiers
Ko-fi creators can now set up membership tiers directly on Ko-fi. Just like Patreon you can build a recurring monthly income stream from your biggest supporters, offer unique benefits like Discord roles, exclusive content or physical perks to members.
Unlike Patreon creators get paid directly from fans with a low 5% platform fee.
- Artist Pixelation Girl offers over 35 benefits to members from exclusive livestreams to hardcover sketchbooks!
- Writer Shannon Ashley offers members a monthly ebook, behind-the-scenes content and original artwork for higher tiers.
- Musical creators Cassie Muise & Tyler McKinnon give social shout-outs, live streams, cover performances and direct messaging access to community members.
Everything in one place
Instead of using lots of different tools, creators can use Ko‑fi as an all-in-one monetization platform to:
- Receive one-off donations/tips
- Build a monthly membership income
- Set a crowdfunding goal
- Sell digital or physical products
- Make money while you stream with Ko-fi Stream Alerts
- Offer commissions or requests
The Free Tip Jar Option
Ko-fi has a free service that works just like a tip jar. Creators direct fans to their page to leave a tip (roughly the price of a coffee) and message of support. Creators can post updates, share images in the Gallery and thank fans for their support. It’s a simple, friendly and free way to start making money online.
More than 1,000,000 bloggers, artists, podcasters, developers, cosplayers and all kinds of creators have received more than $200 Million using Ko-fi!
Goals, Galleries and Posts
Create a funding Goal and share your progress with your audience, fill your Gallery with your best work and write Posts to update your fans.
Sharing images and Posts directly from Ko-fi makes the request for support more natural and gives supporters a reason to keep returning to your Page.
Low Commitment
Lots of creators choose Ko-fi because they don’t want to be forced to churn out lots of content every month. Here at Ko-fi we want creators to have the freedom to publish what they want, when they want. No commitment. No pressure.
Direct, Instant Payments
Because Ko-fi doesn’t take a cut of the transaction, creators get paid immediately from their fans. Other platforms like Patreon make creators wait until the end of the month or build up a minimum balance before withdrawing funds. With direct payments there are no fees, no waiting and no risk to your money.
You can now sell digital and physical products on Ko-fi too!
It’s really simple to use, just upload some info about the product and share the link with your fans. Sell your art files, tutorials or game mods, stickers, merch… just about anything!
Commissions & Requests
Unlike Patreon, Ko-fi lets supporters Commission a creator to produce a custom piece of art, writing or request something like 1–2–1 advice!
Creators can display their commissions status, create a menu with add-ons and show available slots.
Stream Alerts
Add your custom Ko-fi Stream Alerts to your Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook stream to start receiving fee-free tips. with Ko-fi Stream Alerts.
Receive alerts directly in your chat. Celebrate tips with a fun animated overlay and even have your supporter messages read aloud on stream.
Some Example Ko-fi Creators
Want to take a look at some live creator pages? Take a look at some of these creators making money on Ko-fi!
Art — Mochi Buddies, ColorMeHappii, Super Cute Awesome Stuff
Cosplay — Babs Butcher, Steff Von Schweetz, Grayhaven Anime
Writing — Ellie M Roberts, annamarabella grumble, Mr Japan
Podcasts — Long Cat Media, On Second Watch
YouTube / Video — Frank James, Bea Chu
Claim your Free Ko-fi Page
It only takes a couple of minutes to claim your unique page name and start funding your passions on Ko-fi.
