How To Choose Patreon or Your Own Website / Mobile App
Both work. But they're
Here's how to know which one fits you right now.
Choose Patreon (or Ko-Fi) When…
You're just starting.
You have small audience, discovering who you are and what your content is, learning the business and how you'll monetize, and you want to test whether people will pay at all. Patreon handles payments, storage and a bit of marketing so you don't have to think about it.
For that first stretch, the ~5% - 12% fee is a fair price, accept it.
Choose Your Own Website / App When …
You've hit the ceiling.
You know the signs. You want custom graphics. You want a specific monetization tactic the platform won't allow. You disagree with how the platform behaves. You want your followers to feel like they're in your space.
You want to make more money with less fees .
At that point the fee isn't the problem. The limits are.
The Real Question
It's not "which is cheaper." It's " how much control do I need ."
Patreon gives you a low entry and a low ceiling. Your own platform needs a little more thought and gives you no ceiling at all.
Most business-focused creators start on a platform and leave the moment the ceiling gets in the way .
Others go from free with couple thousands of followers and end on custom website or app right away - a few percents of even free people always converts.
Isn't The Custom Route Expensive?
Not necessarily.
We've built custom platforms for Content Creators for as low as 120 € per month while they were making thousands. Start small, extend later. The big benefit is that it’s More You .
Started with video subscription and
After years, we
Short Answer
If you're testing the waters, a platform is fine. If you've proven people pay or want to stay with you, your own space is more more often the clear choice.
Check out Timeless - that's how we make top quality custom apps and websites with constant support and partnership with the goal of your success.