Patreon, a platform known for supporting artists and creators, is venturing into the livestreaming arena. This summer, Patreon will launch a new livestreaming service, currently in beta testing, designed to compete directly with Twitch. This move positions Patreon as a significant contender in the livestreaming market and opens exciting new possibilities for content creators.
Patreon’s new service aims to enhance real-time fan engagement and drive free-to-paid member conversions. It offers a compelling option for creators seeking to produce video content, ranging from gaming streams to craft tutorials. This aligns with Patreon’s recognition of video as a top-earning category and a core offering for its creators.
This initiative is more than just a supplementary feature. Patreon has designed the service to allow creators to go live directly within the app, eliminating the need for third-party tools. This integrated approach simplifies the streaming process and provides flexible access options, enabling creators to offer both free and paid access levels for their livestreams.
Patreon Patreon’s new livestreaming service offers integrated chat and moderation. (Image Credit: Patreon)
The platform will also feature a built-in chat system for real-time interaction with fans, alongside moderation tools to manage inappropriate behavior. Recognizing the importance of existing streaming workflows, Patreon has confirmed compatibility with popular third-party tools like OBS and Streamlabs. Furthermore, creators will be able to download VODs (Video on Demand) of their streams after they end. This facilitates cross-posting to other platforms and offers the potential to sell recordings as individual purchases.
Currently, the Live Video feature is undergoing beta testing with a limited group of creators. While general signup isn’t currently available, Patreon intends to launch the service to all users this summer. This expansion will offer a wealth of new opportunities for diverse content creators across various disciplines, potentially reshaping the livestreaming landscape.
