Overview
Ko-fi is an online platform that enables creators of all kinds to earn income directly from their fans via donations, memberships, commissions, and product sales, with a creator-friendly fee structure and a focus on creative freedom.
Platform Features
- Creators can receive donations, set up memberships, take commissions, and sell products or content in one place.
- Ko-fi supports a wide range of creator types, including artists, writers, streamers, podcasters, musicians, developers, crafters, cosplayers, and communities.
- Payments are made directly to creators’ PayPal or Stripe accounts; Ko-fi does not hold funds.
- Supports multiple payment methods: PayPal, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, CashApp, and more.
- No monthly subscription fee; platform fee ranges from 0–5% depending on service usage.
- Creators can grow support at their own pace without pressure to produce on a schedule.
- Emphasis on creator control—creators set their own prices, offerings, and engagement terms.
Example Creators and Communities
- Lists successful creators and groups across various fields, highlighting supporter counts and sales.
- Showcases diversity from streamers and artists to podcasters, crafters, and community organizers.
Comparison to Other Platforms
- Ko-fi distinguishes itself from alternatives like Patreon by not processing or controlling creators’ funds or relationships with fans.
- Focuses on simplicity and independence for creators, providing tools but not dictating interaction or payment models.
How Ko-fi Works
- Sign up is free and quick; creators link a payment method, share their Ko-fi page, and start earning.
- Designed for all stages of creators, from beginners to established professionals.
Support & Integrations
- Offers integrations and guides for using Ko-fi on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Twitter/X, Medium, Facebook, GitHub, and Discord.
- Access to help resources, blog, brand assets, WordPress plugin, and detailed support articles.
Core Values and Mission
- Ko-fi promotes a culture of creative joy over content churn or strict monetization metrics.
- Encourages creators and supporters to connect, create, and grow on their own terms.
- Aims to be an inclusive, low-pressure platform where passion is prioritized.