Patreon is expanding its native video experience, beginning with testing Live Video starting this month.
These new on-platform livestreams will allow creators to boost real-time fan engagement and help offer new experiences to encourage free-to-paid member conversion.
The company says: “In an increasingly competitive and volatile creator economy, maintaining meaningful connections with the audience is more critical than ever.
“Video is one of the top highest earning categories on Patreon and a core offering for its creators. We’re looking forward to seeing how creators and artists integrate livestreams into their exclusive Patreon perks and experiences.”
As a significant step forward in empowering creators to build thriving communities and sustainable revenue streams, while continuing to maintain a direct ownership of their audience, Live Video will be widely available to more creators this summer.
Here’s what can be expected as Patreon continues continue to refine the product:
- Native streaming on Patreon across devices so creators can go live in the Patreon mobile app or on desktop with no third-party tools required
- Free or paid member access so that creators can optimise for audience growth or earnings
- Built-in live chat for real-time conversation to have a two-way conversation with creators and each other
- Emoji reactions overlaid across the video player
- Moderation tools for creators to set the tone for their communities to help prevent unwelcome behaviour
- 3P integrations with OBS and Streamlabs to support adding co-hosts or use more sophisticated streaming setups
- 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
Live video will unlock 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
The Live Video launch is initially a limited beta with select creators and will be opened up widely in the coming weeks. Find out more by visiting the Patreon website.
