How to use crowdfunding platforms to supplement YouTube revenue

Fan funding on YouTube is no longer optional - it’s essential.

Whether you're livestreaming, storytelling, or building a niche channel, crowdfunding gives fans a way to support you directly.

This guide covers everything: how to make money with Patreon, use Buy Me a Coffee on YouTube, compare Patreon vs YouTube Memberships, and launch a winning campaign. If you're serious about growing, it’s time to treat your content like a business.

Why YouTube Ads Aren’t Always Enough

Even if you're in the YouTube Partner Program, ad money alone won't cut it.

YouTube pays per 1,000 views (CPM), but that amount varies wildly.

Finance creators may earn $30+ CPM, while music channels earn less than $2. And let’s be real, hitting millions of views isn’t easy.

👉 Learn more about the CPM vs RPM: the key metrics for YouTube monetization.

What’s worse? YouTube takes 45% of your ad revenue. That’s before taxes, iOS fees, or monthly lulls. For small creators, it's a hustle with little payoff.

To grow sustainably, you need steady income streams, and crowdfunding is one of the most effective YouTube monetization alternatives.

Ad Revenue Isn’t the Whole Story

Popular Crowdfunding Platforms for YouTubers

Here are the top crowdfunding platforms YouTubers use to turn fan support into real, reliable income.

YouTube Memberships

Think of YouTube Memberships as the platform’s built-in answer to Patreon. Fans pay a monthly fee (you set the tiers), and in return, they get exclusive content, loyalty badges, members-only posts, and more.

For creators, it's a way to monetize your most loyal audience, without sending them off-platform. It’s convenient, visible, and integrated directly into your channel.

Why does it work like crowdfunding?

Recurring support: Monthly fan funding, just like Patreon - stable income from your biggest fans.
Tiered perks: Offer exclusive content, shoutouts, polls, and more at different membership levels.
Zero setup hassle: Managed inside YouTube Studio, paid via AdSense.
Easy to find: The “Join” button is right under your videos, no extra links needed.

Limitations to keep in mind:

YouTube takes 30% of membership revenue.
You can’t fully customize the platform like you can with Patreon.
Not all countries have access, and approval takes time.
Not ideal for creators who want to offer merch bundles, full digital products, or complex rewards.

Patreon

Patreon is the gold standard in crowdfunding for YouTube creators.

It lets fans support you monthly in exchange for perks: early access, private posts, behind-the-scenes, Q&As, even shoutouts.

Why it works:

Recurring income;
Tiered rewards;
Loyal community;

Downside:

8–12% fees + payment processing;
Needs consistent content to keep patrons engaged;

If you're searching “how to make money with Patreon,” start by building a basic tier, adding bonus content, and promoting it on every video.

👉 Find more about YouTube Memberships or Patreon: Which is Better for YouTube Earnings?

Monthly Support That Scales

Kickstarter

Kickstarter is perfect for funding one-time projects, like a documentary, album, or studio upgrade.

Why creators use it:

Set fundraising goals;
Great for launches;
All-or-nothing model creates urgency;

But: You only get funded if you reach your goal. No subscriptions here, just one-off support.

Kickstarter shines when you have something big to deliver and an audience ready to back you.

Buy Me a Coffee

Quick, simple, and perfect for creators who want no strings attached.

Fans donate casually, one-time tips, without the commitment of Patreon.

Why it’s popular:

No setup headaches;
Great for spontaneous support;
Ideal for casual creators and streamers;

Buy Me a Coffee on YouTube works well when you have lots of live viewers or a loyal, quiet fanbase.

Twitch

Livestream + Fan Support = Real-Time Revenue.

Twitch isn’t just for gamers, it’s a livestreaming platform where creators earn through direct viewer support. If you already stream or plan to, Twitch can become a powerful income layer alongside YouTube.

Why it works:

Bits and Subs: Viewers can cheer with Bits (a form of tipping) or subscribe monthly - just like Patreon.
Hype trains and goals: Real-time tools boost fan engagement and unlock rewards.
Twitch + YouTube combo: Many creators go live on Twitch, then post highlights to YouTube, monetizing both sides.

Twitch vs Patreon vs YouTube Memberships:

Twitch is real-time and community-driven. Great for creators with live energy.
Patreon is evergreen, best for long-form and bonus content.
YouTube Memberships are embedded, but limited in flexibility.

Already have a YouTube audience? Promote your Twitch during streams and link it in your channel description. Viewers who love your live content are more likely to support you in the moment.

👉 Are you looking for other monetization options? Try giveaways. Read more about the real cost of giveaways: do they boost monetization or hurt your channel?

How to Choose the Right Crowdfunding Model

Crowdfunding for YouTube channels isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Ask yourself:

Do I want recurring support or project-based funding?
Am I consistent enough for monthly perks?
Do my fans want casual tipping or structured tiers?

If you livestream often, “buy me a coffee” makes sense. If you’re building a community, go with Patreon. Launching a film? Use Kickstarter.

Mixing platforms is okay, but don’t overwhelm your audience. One clear call-to-action works better than five.

👉 Learn more about the tricks to turn viewers into subscribers and subscribers into paying supporters.

Benefits of Crowdfunding for YouTube Creators

Crowdfunding isn’t just another monetization tool, it’s your shortcut to creative freedom and income you can count on.

Fans become backers, not just viewers

When someone supports you on Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee, they’re not just tossing you a tip.

They’re saying: “I believe in what you’re building.” That kind of connection runs deeper than likes or comments, and it lasts.

No more CPM rollercoasters

Tired of guessing what you’ll make this month? Crowdfunding brings stability. Whether YouTube’s algorithm changes or ad rates dip, your core supporters have your back.

You make the rules

No brand scripts. No monetization flags. Just you, your content, and your terms. Offer what you want, early access, bonus clips, live chats, and build your own creator economy.

Start earning, even with a small audience

No need to wait for 1,000 subs or 10 million Shorts views. With crowdfunding, you can start making money today. All it takes is a few loyal fans to kick things off.

Crowdfunding for YouTube creators isn’t just about money, it’s about freedom, flexibility, and fans who stick with you for the long haul.

Freedom, Loyalty, and Steady Income

Risks and Challenges to Consider

Crowdfunding is powerful, but it’s not a magic button. Here’s what to watch out for before diving in:

Crowdfunding fatigue is real

If every video is a pitch, people tune out. Ask too often, and your audience starts to feel more like a wallet than a community. The fix? Lead with value. Give more than you ask. Make support feel rewarding, not required.

Fees can eat into your earnings

Most platforms take a cut, usually 5% to 12%, plus payment processing. It adds up. Build those costs into your pricing tiers or campaign goals so you’re not caught off guard.

The pressure to deliver never stops

Monthly supporters expect monthly rewards. Miss a perk, and you risk churn. That’s why consistency matters. Don’t overpromise, build a schedule you can realistically maintain.

Yes, you’ll need to deal with taxes

Every dollar earned is taxable income. Whether it’s tips, pledges, or merch, you’re running a business now. Keep clean records, track income by platform, and prepare for tax season early.

Crowdfunding gives you control, but it also comes with responsibility. Plan smart, stay transparent, and always put your audience first.

Best Practices for Launching a Crowdfunding Campaign

Want your crowdfunding to succeed? Treat it like a launch, not a side note. Here’s how to do it right:

Give before you ask

Don’t just say “Support me.” Show what’s in it for them, bonus content, early access, shoutouts, behind-the-scenes. Make the value clear and exciting.

Make it part of your channel, not an afterthought

Drop your crowdfunding link in every video description, banner, and bio. Mention it naturally in your videos, especially when showing what support helps you create. Visibility drives action.

Start small and build momentum

You don’t need hundreds of patrons to see results. Three to five loyal backers can give you early validation, and a much-needed confidence boost.

Use your best tool: video

Film a short, personal video explaining your “why.” Let your viewers see your passion, your goals, and how their support makes a real impact. A great crowdfunding YouTube channel video converts.

Deliver on your promises

Whether it’s extra content or exclusive access, make sure perks go out on time. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds retention.

👉 Looking for other revenue options? Discover more about the merch that sells: how small creators turn fans into buyers.

Your Income, Your Control

Get paid your way, bank, card, e-wallet, or crypto. With MilX, YouTube income moves fast and free. No waiting. No fuss.

Combining Crowdfunding with YouTube Monetization

You don’t have to choose one or the other.

Smart creators stack income:

Patreon for superfans;
AdSense for passive views;
Brand deals for spikes;
Affiliate links for evergreen content;
Kickstarter for big launches;

Treat crowdfunding as a layer, not a replacement. Think of it as your financial buffer when ads dip or CPM drops.

Case Studies: Creators Who Boosted Income Through Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding isn’t just theory, it’s working right now. Here’s how YouTubers turned fan support into serious income and long-term growth.

Ali Abdaal’s Patreon Success

Ali Abdaal didn’t just rely on YouTube ads, he leaned into crowdfunding as a key pillar of his income.

He offered content breakdowns, early-access videos, and deep-dive reports exclusively for patrons. Those became premium perks that his most engaged fans would pay for.

Over time, his monthly Patreon (Channel Freshly Grounded) income eclipsed what he made from ads, for whole stretches of months. That means his community funding became a more dependable baseline revenue than ad views.

Here’s how he made it work:

He turned Patreon into a product, exclusive content, clear value, and behind-the-scenes access.
He sold the mission, not just perks.
He grew with his audience, not ads

This model illustrates a powerful lesson: you don’t need millions of views to generate meaningful income. With a few hundred patrons giving $5–$20 a month, your Patreon revenue can rival what ads bring in.

Ten Hundred’s Playing Cards Campaign and Kickstarter Win

Artist and YouTuber Ten Hundred launched a campaign called Vivid Kingdoms – Playing Cards. He’d built an audience on YouTube and used that base to promote the campaign.

Ten Hundred’s custom card deck hit $10,000 in just 3 minutes, then soared past $2.1M (from 23,000 backers), becoming Kickstarter’s top-funded playing card campaign ever.

He documented the design and creation process in a series of videos, letting fans vote, comment, and feel involved.

Because the community felt ownership, the campaign soared off the launch.

Lessons you can borrow:

Use your existing audience to build momentum;
Share process content before launch to build anticipation;
Let your fans participate (polls, feedback, sneak peeks).

Reef Beef Masters Uses Buy Me a Coffee for Fan Support

Reef Beef Masters, hosts of a niche podcast, leverage Buy Me a Coffee to build fan support in smart, creative ways.

What they do well:

Tiered options + extras: They offer multiple membership levels and special extras, e.g. personalized video calls, so fans can choose what fits their budget.
Engagement over asking: They mix content with calls to support, making patronage part of how they engage listeners, rather than treat it as a hard sell.
Inclusive perks: Even lower tiers get meaningful value, boosting community inclusion, not just rewarding big spenders.

Reef Beef shows that Buy Me a Coffee is more than a tip jar. With tiered options, personal perks, and seamless integration with podcast content, they turn passive listeners into active supporters.

Ludwig’s Subathon and Twitch 31-Day Subathon

Streamer and creator Ludwig Ahgren launched a live-streaming marathon, known as a “subathon”, on Twitch in March 2021. His unique format: every subscription added time to a ticking countdown clock.

The result? He hit Twitch’s all-time sub record with 282,191 subscribers and streamed nonstop for 31 days. Sub revenue alone brought in $1.4M+, with Ludwig donating nearly a third to charity.

He streamed everything, games, chats, even sleep, and let moderators run content during breaks. Fans didn’t just watch; they became part of the event.

Because the format was interactive, unpredictable, and fun, the campaign exploded past anything Twitch had seen before.