In the ever-evolving world of podcasting, content creators constantly seek new and innovative ways to connect with their audiences and monetize their shows. Patreon has been a popular platform for podcasters to engage with their fans and generate revenue through crowdfunding. While Patreon is an excellent option for many podcasters, it isn’t always the perfect fit. Before deciding, it’s essential to evaluate different platforms to see which one will give you the best return on investment. The best Patreon alternative for podcasters can help drive revenue for your podcasting business. 

In this article, we’ll discuss twelve of the best Patreon alternatives for podcasters in 2023 and help you determine which option might work best for your project.

1.What is Patreon?

Patreon is a membership-based platform that allows creators, including podcasters, to receive recurring payments or subscriptions from their fans in exchange for exclusive content, perks, and benefits. The platform was founded in 2013 and has become a popular crowdfunding service for content creators across various genres, including podcasting, music, video, writing, and more.  

Patreon allows creators to create different membership tiers with rewards and benefits. For example, a podcaster may offer early access to episodes, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, personalized shoutouts, or one-on-one conversations with fans. In addition, patrons can support the creator at any level they wish, and in return, they gain access to the creator’s exclusive content and community.  

It has become a go-to platform for many podcasters looking to monetize their content and build a loyal fanbase. However, there are also other Patreon alternatives that offer similar features and benefits, and podcasters need to explore all their options to find the best fit for their unique needs.

2. Why Do You Need a Patreon Alternative for Podcasters?

• Fee Structure

Patreon charges a fee for each pledge, which can range from 5% to 12%, depending on the type of plan and payment method. These fees can add up quickly and eat into a creator’s earnings. However, Patreon alternative for podcasters is more affordable than Patreon itself and may offer better-value plans with added features that better suit smaller businesses or individuals. 

• Limited Monetization Options

While Patreon is an excellent option for securing recurring monthly support from listeners, it may not offer other monetization options, such as one-time donations, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. In addition, many Patreon alternatives for artists and podcasters provide more flexibility in payment structures, allowing donors to decide when, how much, and how often they would like to contribute.

• Branding and Customization

Patreon has limited branding and customization options, which may be necessary for podcasters looking to create a unique identity and user experience for their supporters. Patreon has specific rules and restrictions regarding the type of content that can be shared on its platform. This can limit the creative freedom of podcasters and prevent them from sharing content that may be deemed controversial or sensitive.

• User Experience

Depending on the podcaster’s needs and audience, a Patreon alternative for podcasters may provide a better user experience, such as more user-friendly interfaces or easier ways to search and discover new content. In addition, with some alternative options, creators will have complete control over their content subscription offerings – allowing them to adjust prices and packages as needed without having an intermediary like Patreon involved.

• Community Building

Patreon alternative for podcasters may have more robust community-building features, such as forums, messaging, or exclusive content for supporters, which can help podcasters build stronger relationships with their audience. Some Patreon alternatives for artists and podcasters offer ways for creators to cross-promote their content across various social media channels to reach larger audiences and drive higher engagement with their followers.

3. 12 Patreon Alternatives for Podcasters To Monetize their Podcast in 2023

3.1 Ko-fi

Ko-fi is a crowdfunding platform to help creators and content creators supplement their income. Ko-fi is a great Patreon alternative for podcasters looking for an affordable and easy solution compared with other subscription-based services like Patreon – providing them both convenience and flexibility when accepting payments from fans while still enjoying competitive fees and integrations that mirror those used by larger companies.

Features – 

• Easy Payment: The platform is particularly popular with podcasters as an alternative to Patreon due to its ease of use and the fact that it does not require users to set up recurring subscription fees for patrons. Instead, KO-Fi allows users to pay for one-time donations to support their favorite shows and podcasts.  
• Flexibility: Ko-Fi does not require users to commit to donations regularly, which makes it more appealing to supporters who may be unable or unwilling to offer monthly subscriptions. It also removes the risk of members canceling their pledges mid-way through the year, meaning podcasters have a consistent revenue stream throughout their podcasting journey. 
• Integration: Ko-Fi has integrations with various services such as YouTube and Twitch that allow users to create custom links for donations without needing extra coding knowledge or assistance from third-party vendors – making it simpler for supporters who do not have the means or technical know-how required for web development.  

Pricing –

Ko-Fi offers a free version of its platform and a premium version with additional features. Here are the pricing options for Ko-Fi –  

• Free: This option allows creators to set up a basic profile, receive donations from their supporters, and offer digital rewards. Ko-Fi does not take any fees from the donations that creators receive.  
• Ko-Fi Gold: This is the premium version of Ko-Fi, which costs $6 monthly. Some additional features of Ko-Fi Gold include customizing the creator’s page’s branding, accepting recurring monthly donations from supporters, and accessing detailed analytics. Ko-Fi also takes a 0% fee on the first USD 12,000 donations received annually, and a 5% fee on any additional donations received.

3.2 Buy Me a Coffee

Buy Me a Coffee is a service for content creators and podcasters to monetize their content by accepting user donations. It’s seen as a Patreon alternative for podcasters, one of the most popular crowdfunding websites, which has become nearly synonymous with podcast donation systems. Buy Me A Coffee provides podcasters with a much simpler solution than most alternatives while keeping the amount they get in profit high, enabling them to grow financially while increasing an audience base quickly. 

Features – 

• Customer Support: Offers a hassle-free support system for podcasters that allows them to set up custom donation pages in minutes and receive money instantly with little or no setup needed.  
• Multiple Payment Options: It also provides additional ways for users to give funds other than via traditional methods such as credit cards; they can also use digital wallets like PayPal and Stripe. These payment methods have lower processing fees compared to other donation platforms, which could help bring more relief to creators who are strapped for cash. 
• Branding: Podcasters can customize their page with personalized branding elements like images and logos and easily embed the page into their website for easy access by viewers who may want to support the show either directly or indirectly through an affiliate link. 
• Analytics: The platform also offers analytics such as donor lifetime profits which make it easier for podcasters to track where money is coming from at a glance, allowing them to decide how best to allocate resources accordingly.  

Pricing –

Buy Me a Coffee doesn’t charge membership or transaction fees so podcasters can keep more earnings. 

3.3 Podia

Podia is a much newer platform tailored specifically for podcasters. It allows users to easily create and manage membership programs, digital downloads (such as audio files or e-Books), and courses in one unified platform. Podia offers an easy way for podcast creators to engage with their listeners by providing them access to exclusive content. By offering memberships, subscriptions, or other tiers of support, users can be rewarded with higher levels of access and features unavailable to non-members.

Features –

• Intuitive User Interface: Podia offers a more intuitive and modern user interface, making it easier for podcasters to take control of their channels without relying on third-party developers. The dashboard includes powerful tools such as analytics, customer information, payment systems integration, and reports so that podcasters can better understand the listener’s market share per program. 
• Analytics & Reporting: Podia provides built-in email marketing capabilities & reporting systems that allow users to monitor their total performance across all their programs or memberships in one convenient place. This can help podcasters save time by consolidating key performance metrics into one comprehensive overview for easy analysis & optimization.
• Monetization: Podia is a great Patreon alternative for podcasters looking for an affordable yet reliable method of monetizing their content creation activities by encouraging listeners to become paying subscribers or members, allowing them to build meaningful relationships with their audiences while making money doing something they love!

Pricing –

Podia charges no fees on digital products but collects a monthly fee on subscriptions or memberships between 8% – 15%. This is significantly cheaper than the 30%+ take that Patreon typically charges while still covering Podia’s costs associated with secure transactions and processing.

3.4 Gumroad

Gumroad is an excellent Patreon alternative for podcasters looking to monetize their content. It is a perfect solution for podcasters who want a more accessible and streamlined way to monetize their content without spending too much money upfront or dealing with complex processes associated with crowdfunding platforms like Patreon. It’s no surprise why many podcast creators have turned towards Gumroad as their go-to solution, but whether it is the best Patreon alternative for podcasters depends on your individual needs as a creator.

Features – 

• Customization: Gumroad enables podcasters to set up their URL and customize their page with various features such as product information, pricing tiers, discounts, payment options, and more. 
• Easy Payment: Podcasters can set up one-time payments for single purchases or subscriptions instead of recurring payments. It provides flexible pricing options that allow creators to set up various products and services at different prices so that they can maximize their earnings potential while giving users the most value possible. 
• Analytics: Gumroad has powerful analytics tools built into its dashboard, allowing podcast creators to view detailed information about how their products or services perform across multiple channels over time – all for free! 

Pricing –

Another aspect of Gumroad favoring podcasts is that it is free to create an account and doesn’t take any transaction fees until the podcaster reaches $10 in sales (with fees ranging from 3.5%-8%). For podcasters looking for extra features like email blasts and marketing campaigns, Gumroad offers an upgrade option where they can pay a monthly fee starting at $12 per month for access to these extra features, as well as other benefits, including payment verification systems and customer support from the company’s team of experts.

3.5 Supercast

Supercast is an audio distribution and monetization platform that provides a Patreon alternative for podcasters. Supercast offers several features that give podcasters more control over their content and audience. For example, podcasters can create private episodes or segments only available to paid subscribers after choosing the correct pricing tier. 

Features –

• Analytics: Supercast also has powerful analytics tools that help podcasters track the performance of their podcast. These insights allow them to see which episodes perform best with listeners and where they should focus more attention in the future. 
• Integration: Supercast provides an embeddable player which helps integrate podcasts nearly seamlessly into websites and blogs. Additionally, since it is embedded directly into web pages, listeners do not need to go through bothersome downloads or sign-up processes to listen to a completed episode. This makes it much easier for fans of any given podcast to show up-to-date on new content when it releases and saves time hunting down various sites for missing information or interviews related to backlist episodes of interest.
• Monetization: It provides an easy way for podcasters to monetize directly from their work while still having access to powerful analytics tools so they can track and optimize their performance moving forward. It allows users to charge their subscribers based on a per-episode pricing model. This means podcasters can make money for each episode released instead of relying on donations or paying a monthly subscription.

Pricing – 

Supercast is a platform that allows podcasters to create subscription-based membership programs for their audience. 

Basic: This free option includes – custom branding, private feed creation, and multiple podcast show support. Supercast takes a 5% fee on all transactions made through the platform.  

Pro: This plan costs $49 per month and includes all the features of the Basic plan, as well as additional features such as the ability to create custom landing pages, offer free trials to new subscribers, and access to advanced analytics. Supercast takes a 3% fee on all transactions made through the platform.

3.6 Memberful

Memberful is a great Patreon alternative for podcasters as it offers several unique features that benefit podcasters. Its constantly evolving feature set makes managing memberships easier while helping increase revenue streams from podcast listeners who appreciate the extra benefits a membership program offers.

Features – 

• Membership Management: Podcasters can set up different member benefits at each level (for example, access to exclusive content), encouraging people to pay more to receive additional perks. 
• Integration: Memberful also allows users to integrate with popular platforms like Mailchimp, Squarespace, and Zapier, so podcast hosts can keep track of their members and manage their accounts accordingly. 
• Payments: It offers customers various secure payment methods such as credit card payments, Apple Pay and Stripe Connect. Podcast hosts can also set up recurring orders for subscribers so they don’t have to worry about setting up payments manually every month. Lastly, it supports Salesforce integration which gives users a better understanding of customer relationship management analytics by tracking subscriptions over time. 

Pricing – 

It allows users to create free or paid membership tiers for their subscribers. With the flexible pricing options, users can choose the membership levels and payment terms that work best for them. Memberful’s simple UX makes it easy for potential subscribers to sign up quickly and easily.  

3.7 Liberapay

Liberapay is the best Patreon alternative for podcasters. It boasts an array of valuable features that make it well-suited for those looking for a platform to monetize their podcast. It is an open-source donation-based crowdfunding platform that enables users to acquire ongoing support from their fans or followers through regular payments through PayPal, Stripe, Bitcoin, and other payment services. 

Features – 

• Customization: Liberapay allows podcasters to create customizable donation pages, including text and photos. They can also customize their profile URL and add tags to make it easier for potential supporters to find their page. Additionally, podcasters can set up monthly payment tiers with unique rewards associated with each one. 
• Analytics: Liberapay features analytics tools that provide detailed insights into which payment methods and affiliation programs donors use when making payments. This allows users to tailor their outreach activities accordingly to increase donations from specific channels or demographics.
• Referral Program: Liberapay has an incentivized referral program whereby if a user’s referrals result in more donations for that particular user, then those referred people can receive premiums such as access codes for additional content or discounts on merchandise, etc., driving engagement, while allowing the user’s fanbase grow further in strength even after donor numbers may have declined elsewhere due to limited availability of content or products, etc.

Pricing –  

Liberapay does not take any commission fees when donors contribute money. This makes the platform more appealing for cash-strapped podcast creators who could benefit from having more of their funds go towards their projects or productions rather than keeping them within the hands of a middleman ‘platform.’ 

3.8 Glow. FM

Glow. fm is a relatively new platform considered the best Patreon alternative for podcasters. It provides tools and features to help podcast creators grow their audience and monetize their shows, making it an attractive option for those looking to branch out from Patreon. It is incredibly user-friendly, with plenty of features designed specifically tailor-made for podcaster makers, allowing them to generate sustainable income from multiple sources and giving listeners opportunities to connect with them, making it increasingly popular amongst podcasters as a viable alternative to traditional crowdfunding platforms like Patreon.

Features – 

• Easy of Use: The platform is easy to use, with an intuitive interface and straightforward navigation. Podcasters can quickly add audio clips, descriptions, tags, artwork, and more when creating content on the site. 
• Embed Videos: They can also embed video or social media links in their episodes so that listeners have alternative ways of enjoying the show beyond streaming audio directly from Glow. Fm. Additionally, users can create playlists combining multiple episodes or clips into one streamable bundle for increased engagement and exposure.
• Subscription: It allows podcasters to set up subscriptions for premium content or episodes via its built-in membership feature. Additionally, podcasters can offer rewards such as discount codes for merch or access to exclusive live events that incentivize listeners to become subscribers and support them financially regularly. As opposed to Patreon’s one-time donations model of providing financial support, Glow’s subscription feature creates valuable recurring revenue streams, especially during economic uncertainty. 
• Community Building: Another appealing aspect of this platform is its focus on community building between creators and their fans. Podcasters can build meaningful relationships with their audience through engaging activities like Q&As, AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions, chats, etc., which serve as two-way conversations between the makers of the show and those who follow them, enhancing loyalty among followers while increasing engagement with podcasts. 

Pricing – 

The fee for using Glow. Fm platform varies depending on the pricing plan you choose.  

For the Starter plan, which is free, Glow. Fm takes a 7.5% fee on all transactions made through the platform.  

For the Growth plan, which costs $29 per month, Glow. Fm takes a 5% fee on all transactions made through the platform.  

For the Scale plan, designed for more extensive podcast networks or organizations and offers custom pricing based on the user’s needs, Glow. Fm takes a 3% fee on all transactions made through the platform.

3.9 Flattr

Flattr is a microdonations platform podcasters can use as an alternative to Patreon. Flattr does not require users to pledge recurring donations; instead, it allows users to pay for content in small amounts through micropayments. The donations are processed regularly regardless of whether people listen or engage with your content (as long as you make regular updates). It means you’ll always know exactly how much money you will receive each month – making budgeting for your podcasting life substantially easier than with other platforms. 

Features – 

• Easy of Use: Setting up an account and accepting donations takes just a few minutes. The platform also allows donors to set up monthly donation limits. They can specify how much they are willing to donate over time, which minimizes the risk of overextending their budget.  
• Multiple Payments: Flattr allows donors to choose from several payment methods: credit card payments to PayPal, Bitcoin, and more. Furthermore, it’s free for podcasters to sign up and start receiving donations immediately – there are no setup fees or monthly subscription costs involved either. 
• Analytics and Reporting: it offers podcasters access to exclusive features like personalized stat tracking and analytics reports so they can gain valuable insights into how their podcasting career is progressing over time.  

Pricing – 

• Subscription fee: Flattr charges a subscription fee of €2 per month for creators who want to receive donations through the platform. This fee covers the cost of processing payments, managing subscriptions, and providing support.  
• Transaction fee: Flattr takes a 7.5% fee on each transaction made through the platform. This fee covers the cost of payment processing and transaction management.

3.10 Open Collective

Open Collective can be a viable alternative to Patreon for podcasters seeking financial support from their audience. With Open Collective, contributors can see how their money is used and track how much is spent on expenses such as equipment, software, or hosting fees. This can build trust between the podcast and its audience and help ensure the money is used for the intended purpose. In addition, it allows for multiple contributors and transparent management of funds. This means that if a podcast has multiple hosts or contributors, they can all have access to the funds and contribute to managing the finances of the podcast. 

Features – 

• Customization: Podcasters can customize their page’s look and feel to match their podcast’s theme or branding. There are also plenty of widgets available, such as blog post feeds, social media integration, reviews, donation forms, and more. This allows podcasters to create professional-looking pages that give potential supporters the information they need to decide whether to become a patron or donate money. 
• Easy Payments: Open Collective also makes it easy for podcasters to receive donations. The platform is integrated with payment platforms like Stripe and PayPal for easy payment processing and donations management. It also supports recurring payments from patrons/donors so that podcasters don’t have to ask for money each month or year continually. 
• Fiscal hosting: Open Collective offers a fiscal hosting service, which means that the platform acts as the legal entity responsible for handling the funds raised by the organization. This helps to reduce the administrative burden and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Integrations: Open Collective integrates with various other tools and services, including payment processors, accounting software, and communication tools, making it easy to manage fundraising and expenses in one place.

Pricing – 

Open Collective charges a platform fee of 5% on all funds raised through the platform. This fee covers the cost of maintaining the platform and supporting the organizations using it.

3.11 OnlyFans

OnlyFans is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to Patreon for podcasters due to its user-friendly features and direct payment options. It is an excellent alternative for podcasters looking for an easier way to manage their content and engage with their listeners. It is primarily known as a subscription-based social media platform for creators to share adult content. But podcasters can also use it to monetize their content and build a fanbase.

Features – 

• Subscription-based model: OnlyFans allows podcasters to set up a monthly subscription service for their fans to access exclusive content, such as bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and early access to new episodes.  
• Live streaming: OnlyFans offers live streaming capabilities, which podcasters can use to host live recordings or Q&A sessions with fans.  
• Fan messaging: OnlyFans allows fans to send direct messages to creators, which can be used by podcasters to engage with their fans, answer questions, and get feedback on their content.  
• Payment options: OnlyFans offers a range of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency, making it easy for fans to sign up and support their favorite podcasters.  
• Content control: OnlyFans provides creators with complete control over their content, allowing them to choose which episodes are available to subscribers and which are public and setting their subscription rates.

Pricing –

OnlyFans takes a 20% fee on all subscription revenue earned by creators on the platform. This means that creators keep 80% of the revenue they earn through subscriptions, while the remaining 20% goes to OnlyFans.

3.12 Drip

Drip is a powerful Patreon alternative specifically designed for podcasters. It enables podcasters to create subscriber-only content, collect donations, and create polls/quizzes for their listeners. It includes features like scheduled emails, integrated mailing list synchronization, analytics tools, and marketing efforts such as newsletters and custom RSS feeds, giving podcasters more control over their podcasting operations. 

Features – 

• Customization: It offers a more personalized customer experience by allowing subscribers to get the exact content they want at the exact time. Podcasters can use this to tailor their content marketing strategy and cater to different audiences with different interests. 
• Analytics: Drip provides detailed insights into subscribers’ behaviors so podcasters can track user engagement metrics across different channels to optimize performance based on audience feedback and preferences. They can monitor subscriber retention rates and discover new opportunities for growth by analyzing data in real time (in terms of clicks, downloads, sales, etc.). 
• Automation: Drip offers advanced automation capabilities, allowing podcasters to set up email workflows, trigger emails based on specific subscriber actions, and create personalized experiences for their audience.
• Integrations: Drip integrates with a wide range of third-party platforms, including podcast hosting platforms, social media platforms, and e-commerce platforms. This can be used to streamline workflows and provide a seamless experience for subscribers.

Pricing –  

Drip’s plans start at just $19/month with no setup fee or long-term contract needed; plus, there are additional discounts when signing up for annual subscription packages.  

4. FAQs

• What Can I Use Instead of Patreon?

If you are looking for alternatives to Patreon, you can consider platforms like – Ko-Fi, Buy Me a Coffee, Gumroad, Steady, and Supercast, which offer several benefits and features. 

• Is There a Free Version of Patreon?

Patreon does not offer a completely free version but a “Lite” version that is easier for creators to use. The Patreon Lite is designed for creators who want to accept recurring payments from fans and supporters but do not need all the features and benefits of the full Patreon platform.

• Is Patreon Good for Podcasters?

Patreon can be a great platform for podcasters to monetize their content and connect with their audience. It allows podcasters to earn recurring revenue from their listeners. Patreon will enable podcasters to engage with their audience in new and creative ways. Creators can offer exclusive content, early access to episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and other rewards to their patrons. This can help build a community around the podcast and create a more engaged fanbase.

• Is Patreon the Best Platform?

Patreon is a popular and well-established platform for creators to monetize their content, but it may not be the best option for everyone. Patreon has a large and engaged user base, but it may not be the best platform for all types of audiences. Creators should consider whether their target audience uses Patreon and whether they will support content creators on the platform.