Top Creators on Patreon by Revenue: Insights and Strategies

As of recent updates, Patreon has witnessed a surge in the number of creators generating substantial revenue through their platforms. From aspiring YouTubers to renowned musicians and content creators, Patreon has become a powerful tool for monetization and community building. Here, we explore some of the highest-earning creators on Patreon and the strategies that have contributed to their success.

Who Are the Top Creators on Patreon?

The Attempt Folks

Category: YouTube Parody Lifestyle

Income: Assessed to be in the millions per year.

About: The Attempt Folks, comprising former BuzzFeed employees, produce parody lifestyle and challenge videos. Their active Patreon supports them in sharing exclusive content and behind-the-scenes material with their dedicated fanbase.

Amanda Palmer

Category: Music Art Education

Income: Over 1 million annually.

About: Amanda Palmer, a renowned artist and educational figure, has leveraged Patreon as a platform for engaging with her fans. Her exclusive Patreon content includes personalized artwork and updates. Palmer is one of Patreon's most outspoken advocates for independent artists.

NerdCubed Daniel Hardcastle

Category: Gaming YouTube

Income: Estimated over $50,000 per month.

About: Daniel Hardcastle, a YouTuber, creates content focusing on video game walkthroughs, reviews, and critiques. His Patreon community allows him to sustain his content creation, fully supported by his fans.

Basic Job

Category: Gaming Live Streaming Playing Games

Income: Estimated in the millions annually.

About: Basic Job is a popular group of voice actors who stream live playing games on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Their Patreon content encompasses a wide range of offerings, including premium mission footage and merchandise. Their loyal fandom has grown into a significant media empire.

Brandon Sanderson

Category: Writing Fantasy Author

Income: Over $20 million from a single Kickstarter campaign including Patreon-style membership rewards.

About: Brandon Sanderson, the best-selling fantasy author known for series like Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive, raised record-breaking funds on Kickstarter. His Patreon-style membership program has been exceptionally lucrative.

The Extreme Rights

Category: Political Critique Controversial

Income: Recently generated significant revenue but faced challenges due to stage boycotts.

About: Despite facing numerous controversies, The Extreme Rights have managed to create a considerable income stream, though their career had been temporarily impaired by such issues.

Vox Media Controlled Eater and Co.

Category: Media News Lifestyle

Income: While not a single creator, Vox Media's brands on Patreon have accumulated large sums.

About: Some of Vox Media's publication brands, like Eater and Controlled, offer exclusive content through Patreon as a means of supporting their reporting and expanding their reach. Vox's efforts on Patreon have proven successful.

Interactive Educational Makers (e.g., Language Learning Channels)

Income: Varies but can range from $10,000 to $100,000 per month for top creators.

About: Some language-learning creators, like Steve Kaufmann, Etymologist, and bilingual educators, have achieved significant Patreon earnings by offering premium content and resources for fans who wish to improve their language skills.

True Crime Creators

Category: True Crime Narration

Income: Thousands to tens of thousands per month.

About: Certain true crime creators have substantial followings on Patreon, providing additional digital podcasts, case breakdowns, or live listener discussions. These creators have built dedicated communities around shared interest in true crime narratives.

Pokimane (Imane Anys)

Category: Gaming Streaming

Income: Estimated in the hundreds of thousands per month, primarily from platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

About: One of the top female gaming streamers, Pokimane offers premium content to her community on Patreon. Her platform empowers fans to engage more deeply with her work.

Key Takeaways

Patreon success is not limited to a specific category. Creators from diverse fields, such as music, gaming, education, and journalism, can achieve significant revenue by providing exclusive content and fostering dedicated communities. The strength of these communities plays a crucial role in Patreon's income-generating potential, with active creators and dedicated fans being essential for success.

Multimedia and interactive content, such as exclusive video streams, live QAs, and premium merchandise, have proven particularly successful in driving Patreon income. Moreover, the use of member-exclusive rewards, live events, and fan curated content has significantly boosted engagement and contribution levels.

For aspiring creators, the key to leveraging Patreon lies in:

Building a Dedicated Community: Engage and nurture your audience to ensure sustained support. Offering Exclusive Content: Provide value through exclusive videos, merchandise, live streams, and other perks. Consistency and Transparency: Regularly update your audience and maintain transparency about how contributions are used.

By focusing on these strategies, creators can maximize their Patreon revenue and build a sustainable income stream.