Substack Vs Patreon: Which Is Right For You? (2024)

Are you looking for a publishing platform that can help you attract paying subscribers? Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each Substack Vs Patreon.

You may have heard aboutPatreonandSubstack. Which platform is right for you?

There are numerous types of content out there. Examples includeemail newsletters,podcasts,social mediaposts, blogs,paid newsletters, and even technical articles. If you want your content to reach your target audience, then you have to pick the right platform.

While you may share some content for free, there might beexclusive contentthat you place behind apaywall, such aspaid newsletters. You need to use the right platform to maximize yourmonetization.

Two popular platforms arePatreonandSubstack. Learn more about the pros and cons of each platform to figure out which is right for you.

What IsPatreon?

Patreon is a content platform that launched in 2013. It allows followers and subscribers to support their creators and artists. As an artist, you have total control over how you set up your page.

You can either charge fans per creation or set up a monthly subscription. Then, fans get access to exclusive content, VIP experiences, or any other gifts you want to share.

UsingPatreon, you can even set up different levels of support, often called tiers. You can share artwork, music, videos, project ideas, demos, and more. Your fans might even ask you to create a personalized piece for them.

In exchange for usingPatreon’s services, the platform takes a commission on the work you sell. There is nomonthly fee, and you can customize your commission depending on the features you want to access fromPatreon.

Examples include:

• The Lite tier is a five percent commission and gives you access toPatreoncommunication tools and workshops.
• The Pro tier is an eight percent commission and allows you to set up your own membership tiers and access insights and analytics.
• The Premium tier gives you a dedicated partner manager and merchandise opportunities for your members.

You can select the experience that is best for you onPatreon.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Patreon?

Weigh the benefits and drawbacks ofPatreonbefore deciding if this is right for you.

What IsSubstack?

Substackis an online, independentnewsletter platformthat launched in 2017. Successful creators onSubstackget paid through subscriptions.

Substack also provides creators with numerous features and tools that allow creators to manage payments, create blogs, customize mailing lists, and create their own forums. The vast majority of offerings target Substack newsletter publishers who can share free content, paid content, or start a subscription service.

Substack charges a ten percent commission on anything you get paid for. Now, Substack supports those looking to monetize podcasts as well.

Substackoffers a variety of tools to help creators get started, including:

• Substackhas tools that can help you price your newsletter appropriately.
• The platform provides features that can help you attract more readers.
• The hosting service shares tips on how to properly format your newsletters.

Substackhas become one of the most popular platforms for newsletter andpodcastcreation. Check our interview with Hamish McKenzie of Substack to learn more about it.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Substack?

Consider the benefits and drawbacks ofSubstackbefore signing up.

Examples of Creators on Substack and Patreon

There are several examples of fantastic creators on Substack and Patreon. A few top Substack newsletters include:

• Opulent Tips by Rachel Tashjian focuses on high fashion.
• Trissues by Tricia Gilbride focuses on celebrity gossip.
• Today in Tabs by Ruster Foster focuses on media, culture, and politics.
• Welcome to Hell World With Luke O’Neil

We interviewed Luke O’Neil about his newsletter. In the interview, O’Neill explained how his Substack newsletter helped him supplement his freelance writing and build an audience. His experiences aren’t unique either.

We rounded up the best newsletters on Substack.

A few top Patreon creators include:

• The Best Show by Tom Scharpling focuses on interviews with musicians and comedians.
• Whiskey Tribe with Daniel Whittington and Rex Williams create informative whiskey videos.
• The Flagrant Ones focuses on basketball analysis and interviews.

Take a look at a few of these creators today.

Should You Use Substack Or Patreon?

BothSubstackandPatreonare strong platforms in different ways. In general,Substackhas been created primarily for writers. If you want to publish a blog or newsletter, thenSubstackis probably the better option.

Substack’s podcasting capabilities will probably improve during the next few years.Substackwritersget access to a variety of tools that can help you create a clean post and then add social share buttons, images, and videos around it.

If you want to create music, courses, videos,podcasts, and games, thenPatreonis the better option.Patreon’s interface is not necessarily set up forblogging; however, it can handle other types of content beautifully. You also have total control over how, when, and how much you get paid on both platforms.

Want more? Check out our guide to the best newsletter.

Final Word onSubstackvsPatreon

If you are looking for a way to expand yourreadershipbase, then exploreSubstackandPatreon. WhilePatreonmight be better for musicians andpodcasters,Substackis better for newsletter writers. You have control over yourbusiness modelandformattingon both platforms, so explore them both and see which is right for you.

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