Author: James
Linktree is releasing a series of new features aimed at helping creators earn more money directly from its platform. New tools include the ability to sell courses, monetize from branded sponsored links, and build a shoppable storefront. The launch of the new monetization feature allows Linktree to stand out among similar platforms such as Beacons and Shorby as it expands on Linktree’s simple link-in bio offering. This new feature will allow Linktree to compete with creator monetization platforms like Patreon. The company has partnered with Kajabi to allow users to build and sell courses directly on Linktree. This new feature…
Patreon is finally experimenting with native live streaming. This is a new feature that could help you attract more creators and earn more money. The feature is rolling out to some testers this week and is expected to be more widely available this summer. Similar to other platforms, Patreon’s new livestream feature comes with live chat where fans can comment and interact using emoji reactions, and the ability to schedule livestreams in advance. Creators can also assign moderators to chats. Patreon creators have traditionally relied on third-party tools like Crowdcast, YouTube, OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), and Vimeo to host live…
Passes, a direct-to-fan monetization platform for creators backed by $40 million in Series A funding, has been sued for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material (also known as CSAM). In contrast to competitors like OnlyFans, whose guidelines don’t allow creators to post nude photos or videos, one creator sued Paz for creating, owning, and selling sexually explicit content featuring him while he was underage. The lawsuit was filed by creator Alice Rosenblum and was first reported by The Information. In addition to the company itself, the lawsuit was filed against Alec Celestin and Lani Ginoza (two of Pass’s “agents” in…
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy released an open letter Thursday outlining the platform’s plans for 2025, including upcoming features, updates to the mobile experience, and significant changes to monetization policies. Notably, Clancy revealed that Twitch is opening up “bits” and subscriptions, virtual items that viewers buy to support streamers, to “most” creators, regardless of the number of followers they have. This change aims to democratize the monetization process on Twitch and allow a wider range of creators to earn money while engaging with their viewers. Previously, only Twitch affiliates and partners had access to subscriptions and Bits, and they had to…
Last week, the team at early-stage VC firm Slow Ventures launched a $60 million fund solely focused on investing in creators, with the goal of helping creators launch their businesses. The idea is that the same entrepreneurial spirit and niche expertise that has helped creators build their communities is what makes them great founders. According to Megan Lightcap, partner at Slow Ventures, it comes down to trust and audience attachment. “What’s really interesting for creators is that they often start[with YouTube]right? Because that’s the most obvious starting point,” Lightcap explains. “But the difference between the creator-led opportunity and the potential…
Flip is a social commerce app that lets shoppers become creators. They can share honest reviews and earn cash based on engagement on the platform. As Flip competes with TikTok Shop and other platforms in a competitive market, we have introduced a new Creator Fund that provides a unique opportunity to help Flip stand out. The Creator Fund was quietly rolled out earlier this week and will offer participating creators up to $100 million worth of equity over the next five years or so. Grants range from $6,000 to $100,000 depending on the creator’s level of involvement. Specifically, Flip aims…
Substack on Thursday announced the launch of its Creator Accelerator Fund. The fund will provide a $20 million capital guarantee aimed at helping creators grow their audience and migrate paid subscribers from another subscription-based platform (Patreon, Supercast, etc.) to Substack. The company says the fund is designed to allow creators to keep all of their current earnings while transitioning to Substack. In contrast to other newsletter platforms like Ghost and Beehiiv that charge a monthly fee, Substack takes 10% of your newsletter revenue. Substack’s new initiative addresses a key concern for creators who are hesitant to switch platforms because they…
The drama that unfolded across mainstream social media platforms like TikTok this month briefly took a dark turn in the U.S., but has since quickly rebounded. Instagram recently faced backlash for ending its third-party fact-checking program. At the same time, startups like Favorited are gaining attention from investors, creators, and viewers. On Wednesday, the livestream app announced a $1.3 million pre-seed funding round. Favorited is a lot like TikTok Live, as it aims to allow creators to interact with their followers in real time. Key features include gifts, interactive games, streaks, leaderboards, and more. Gifts works similarly to TikTok Live,…
Spotify on Thursday announced the launch of a new “partner program” that will allow popular podcast hosts to monetize their video content. Spotify’s new program gives eligible creators on the platform the opportunity to earn additional income beyond just ad revenue, such as video payments. The program was first announced in November and was officially available in the US, UK, Canada and Australia starting Thursday. The program is expected to boost Spotify’s video podcast library, and is likely aimed at competing with YouTube, which currently dominates the entire video space. According to Spotify, more than 65% of eligible podcast shows…
Creator marketplace startup Agentio, which built an automated platform for YouTubers to sell ad slots to brands, has raised $12 million in Series A funding led by Benchmark with participation from returning investors Craft Ventures and AlleyCorp. With the new funding, the startup aims to expand its market for YouTubers and improve its AI technology to determine whether creators are brand-safe for companies. Agentio was founded in 2023 by former Cameo president Arthur Leopold and former Spotify automated content marketing team leader Jonathan Meyers. To date, we have raised more than $16 million in total funding. Last year, the company…