UPDATE: Patreon has since reversed its decision and will continue its fee structure as it's always been for now.
Patreon has been a great way for podcast listeners to support their favorite shows with donations, but on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, Patreon announced a new fee structure that has creators upset and Patreon supporters pulling their pledges.
The fee structure originally in place had creators having a portion of their donations taken out for Patreon's processing fees. But the new change, starting on Dec. 18, 2017, has the listeners paying a portion of the fees, on top of what they were already paying. This meant Creators are given 95% of donations made to them, but with creators paying extra.
“Starting on December 18th, a new service fee of 2.9% + $0.35 will be paid by patrons for each individual pledge. ... Streamlining these fees for creators and patrons ensures that creators take home as much of their earnings as possible.
”
Unfortunately, those who pledge $1 to a handful of podcasts will actually be paying $1.38 every month for every show they're pledging. If they pledge $1 to 10 shows, they end up paying $13.80. While someone pledging $10 to one show will be charged $13.35.
Unfortunately, for many podcasters, they saw their supporters pulling pledges.
Patreon done F’d up real good https://t.co/FGUDktuVrr pic.twitter.com/LFxgv0OeZs
— Myrrh Lafferty (@mightymur) December 9, 2017
Hey @jackconte @Patreon @PatreonSupport
— Leon Thomas (@renegadecut) December 8, 2017
This is what you are doing to us. It's only been two days. Many others have lost much more. Stop writing little responses and justifications. Change course. We ALL HATE THIS. pic.twitter.com/1fSIiFwBhi
Some podcasters have the ability to lower their reward tiers, while others are looking into alternative sources of listener support, such as Drip, coming soon from Kickstarter, or setting up ways for listeners to send one-time donations via PayPal.
Creators have also started a Change.org petition against the changes.
It will be interesting to see how Patreon responds, if the fee structures changes back to how they were, stays the same, or if they change it to something completely new.
Want to work with me? Schedule a Strategy Session!
Listen to my podcast, The Story Behind.
Visit E Podcast Productions on Facebook.
Follow me on Instagram.