Overview
Ko-fi is a platform that enables creators to receive donations, memberships, and sales from fans with no monthly fees and minimal platform charges, supporting a wide range of creative fields.
Platform Features
- Creators can earn through tips, memberships, commissions, and selling their work.
- No monthly fee; Ko-fi only takes a 0–5% platform fee from creators’ earnings.
- Payments go directly and instantly to the creator’s PayPal or Stripe account—Ko-fi never holds funds.
- Multiple payment methods are accepted, including PayPal, credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and CashApp.
- Users can set their own prices, decide what to offer, and manage their fan relationships directly.
Supported Creator Types
- Platform supports artists, streamers, writers, crafters, podcasters, video creators, cosplayers, musicians, developers, and communities.
- Ko-fi highlights various successful creators from different fields as examples.
Getting Started
- Signup is free and quick; creators simply connect a payment method and share their Ko-fi page.
- Ko-fi is suitable for creators at any stage, with no pressure to produce on a fixed schedule.
Platform Philosophy
- Ko-fi aims to foster creative freedom and joy without pressuring creators to maximize metrics or chase profits.
- The platform emphasizes creator autonomy, direct connection with fans, and a supportive community.
Key Advantages Over Similar Platforms
- Full creator control over offerings, pricing, and fan relationships.
- Direct, instant payments with no intermediary delays.
- No obligation to churn out content or adhere to strict schedules.
Integration & Support
- Integrations available with Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Twitter/X, Medium, Facebook, GitHub, Discord, and WordPress.
- Accessible support via help docs, blog, and customer service.
Decisions
- No monthly fee for creators: Ko-fi operates with a 0–5% platform fee only when creators earn.
- Direct, instant payouts to creator accounts: Ko-fi does not process or hold creator funds.
Action Items
- TBD – Creators: Sign up for a Ko-fi account and connect preferred payment method.
- TBD – Supporters: Choose creators to support via donations, memberships, or purchases.
Recommendations / Advice
- New and established creators are encouraged to join regardless of audience size or niche.
- Creators should leverage integrations with social and creative platforms to maximize reach and support.