Live Video Is Coming Soon to Patreon

We’re unveiling a direct-to-fan live video feature that allows creators to earn more income, deepen fan relationships, and grow their communities— all while maintaining ownership of their audience.

Big news: live streaming is coming soon to Patreon. Starting this week, select creators will get early access to test our new native live streaming feature, with a wider rollout to more creators happening this summer.

Across the creator economy, live video has emerged as a powerful way to deepen community. But until now, creators have had to go live on platforms that weren’t designed to prioritize their businesses. We’re changing that: because it’s built directly within Patreon, creators won’t need to compete with crowded feeds, distracting ads, or anything else that gets in the way of connecting creators with their core fans.

Live video on Patreon will drive audience engagement, fan loyalty, and new opportunities to earn. Here’s what creators can expect as we continue to refine the product:

• Native streaming on Patreon across devices so creators can go live right in the Patreon mobile app or on desktop to reach their communities, no third-party tools required.
• Free or paid member access so that creators can optimize for audience growth or earnings, respectively.
• Built-in live chat for real-time conversation - fans get to have a two way conversation with creators and each other in real time.
• Emoji reactions overlaid across the video player for increased fan interactivity and engagement.
• Moderation tools to help ensure that any bad actors or unwelcome behavior don’t go unchecked. Creators set the tone for their communities, and these tools keep it that way.
• 3P integrations with OBS and Streamlabs to support adding co-hosts or use more sophisticated streaming setups that creators may already have in place.
• VOD downloads to share recordings with fans who couldn’t make it, cross-post teasers on other platforms, or sell as a one-time purchase.

Without requiring heavy editing or production, live streams can be a flexible way for creators to deliver exclusive perks that translate into real value: fan conversion and retention, more engagement, and more opportunities to earn. For fans, they can interact directly with creators in real-time, be seen in chat, and become an active part of the creative process for some of their favorite creators.

Live video will unlock even more creative opportunities for real-time community interaction on Patreon:

• Podcasters can record live episodes or run casual hangouts with their biggest fans.
• Musicians can host exclusive soundchecks, gigs, or even album listening parties.
• Visual artists and makers can stream their behind-the-scenes process or invite fans on a virtual tour of their studio space.
• Educators and experts can teach in real time, host Q&As, and unpack current events.
• Authors and writers can read excerpts from their latest works and host book clubs,

Live video isn’t a one-off new feature or passing trend. As we covered in our State of Create report, more than half of the $290B potential creator economy value comes from direct-to-fan value like ticket sales, courses, live streams, and paid memberships.

Live video will join a suite of on- and off-platform Patreon experiences that help creators engage their core fans in real time acrosscommunity chats, drops, as well as ticketed IRL and digital events. We’re continuing to build on our live experiences to make sure Patreon is where creators own their work, grow their audience, and realize their creative future. Stay tuned.