Patreon released research revealing a strong correlation between community engagement and creator earnings. The platform reports that over 90% of creators with highly active communities earn at least $1,000 monthly, defining highly active communities as fans consistently commenting, reacting, or participating in chats.

The research shows a shift in creator priorities, with many seeking dedicated spaces for fan interaction beyond traditional social media. In response to this trend, Patreon launched free membership and community chat features last year. Since their introduction, creator communities on the platform have doubled.

The research indicates that fans are receptive to this approach. Over 60% of free members cite staying updated with a creator’s work and announcements as their primary reason for joining Patreon. In the first year alone, creators on the platform have attracted over 30 million new free memberships.

This influx of free members appears to have positive implications for creators’ revenue potential. Patreon reports that 52% of all free members express interest in upgrading to paid options. The platform cites comedian Sean Jordan as an example, who built a community of free members before releasing a comedy special. On release day, 73% of his community purchased the special through Patreon’s shop.

In light of these findings, Patreon announced new features to enhance creator-fan connections and business growth. These include a countdown clock for new releases, expanded community chat access, and tools for gifting memberships and selling individual posts.