Patreon vs Substack
type: Article
description: Patreon is a creator platform optimized for recurring fan support with flexible reward tiers and broad content types, while Substack is a newsletter-first platform specializing in written content with simpler monetization and better email deliverability. Choose Patreon for diverse creators needing tiered perks; choose Substack for writers prioritizing direct reader relationships.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-09T10:45:39.517Z
date created: 2026-07-09T10:45:39.517Z
date modified: 2026-07-09T10:45:39.571Z
content reference time: 2026-07-09T10:45:39.571Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Patreon
about: Substack
abstract: Patreon is a creator platform optimized for recurring fan support with flexible reward tiers and broad content types, while Substack is a newsletter-first platform specializing in written content with simpler monetization and better email deliverability. Choose Patreon for diverse creators needing tiered perks; choose Substack for writers prioritizing direct reader relationships.
text: Primary Content Type. Platform Fee. Creator Monetization Options. Email Deliverability. Subscriber Community Features. Learning Curve. Audience Discovery
conclusion text: Patreon excels for creators producing diverse media formats who need flexible monetization tiers, audience engagement tools, and want to build sustainable fan communities. Substack is superior for independent writers and newsletter creators who prioritize email deliverability, simplicity, and direct reader relationships over feature complexity. Choose Patreon if you create videos, podcasts, or art; choose Substack if writing is your primary medium and audience growth through discovery matters.
additional property: Platform Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 5% + payment fees (7.55% total average) | Substack: N/A
additional property: Setup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 48-72 hours | Substack: N/A
additional property: Data Ownership
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Platform-owned; limited export capability | Substack: N/A
additional property: Built-in Community Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Posts, messaging, polls, Discord sync | Substack: N/A
additional property: Customization Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Limited; template-based | Substack: N/A
additional property: Payment Payout Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Monthly cycle + 14-day hold | Substack: N/A
additional property: Monthly Subscriber Management Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Unlimited (all tiers) | Substack: N/A
additional property: Native Mobile App
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: iOS & Android apps available | Substack: N/A
additional property: Payment Processing Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 2-3% | Substack: N/A
additional property: Total Effective Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 7-8% | Substack: N/A
additional property: Maximum Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Unlimited custom tiers | Substack: N/A
additional property: Minimum Payout Threshold
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: $25 | Substack: $0 (no minimum)
  value reference: Substack
additional property: Community Post Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Posts, comments, media galleries, polls | Substack: N/A
additional property: Setup Time Estimate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 40 | Substack: N/A
additional property: Multi-Platform Compatibility
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Yes, but exclusivity encouraged | Substack: N/A
additional property: Platform Commission on Paid Subscriptions
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 5-12% (5% Stripe, 12% PayPal) | Substack: 10% (all payment methods)
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Creator Retains of Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 88-95% | Substack: 90%
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Monthly Active Users (Platform)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 3+ million monthly visitors | Substack: 1+ million (estimated 2024)
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Monetization Options Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 5 (tiers, tips, merchandise, goals, DMs) | Substack: 2 (free + paid subscriptions)
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Subscriber Data Ownership
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Patreon owns data; limited direct contact | Substack: Creator owns full email list and subscriber data
additional property: Organic Discovery Potential
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: High (creator feed, categories, trending) | Substack: Moderate (Notes feature, recommendations)
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Setup Complexity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Moderate—tier customization, perk management, integration setup required | Substack: Low—straightforward publish-and-monetize flow
  value reference: Substack
additional property: Median Creator Monthly Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: $500-$2,000 | Substack: $300-$1,500
  value reference: Patreon
additional property: Active Creators on Platform
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 250K+ | Substack: N/A
additional property: Payment Processor Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 2 (Stripe + PayPal) | Substack: N/A
additional property: WordPress Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Embed option; limited native sync | Substack: N/A
additional property: Community Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Patron chat, Discord integration, polls, exclusive channels, member-only posts | Substack: Comment sections, reader replies, minimal community tools
additional property: White-Label Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Limited; Patreon branding mandatory | Substack: N/A
additional property: API Access Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Basic API with limitations on customization | Substack: Limited API with basic integrations only
additional property: Free Tier Subscriber Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Patreon Plus required ($8/month) for full features | Substack: N/A
additional property: Creator Base Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 2.8M creators | Substack: 3M+ creators
  value reference: Substack
additional property: Active Monthly Patrons/Supporters
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 250M+ monthly patrons | Substack: N/A
additional property: Maximum Monthly Tier Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: $9,999/month per tier (unlimited tiers) | Substack: N/A
additional property: Setup Time to Go Live
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 30-60 minutes | Substack: N/A
additional property: Content Management Tools
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Posts, DMs, polls, exclusive content, video uploads, scheduling | Substack: N/A
additional property: Member Communication Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Direct messages, community feed, Discord integration | Substack: N/A
additional property: Mobile App Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: iOS and Android native apps | Substack: N/A
additional property: Monetization Methods
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 1 (memberships/subscriptions focused) | Substack: N/A
additional property: Platform Fee Structure
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 8% platform fee | Substack: N/A
additional property: Payment Processing Fee (Card)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 2.9% + $0.30 | Substack: N/A
additional property: Payout Frequency
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Monthly (1st of following month) | Substack: Monthly
additional property: Monthly Active Users/Creators
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: ~1.5 million monthly creators | Substack: N/A
additional property: Analytics Depth
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Advanced (retention, churn, demographics, goals) | Substack: N/A
additional property: Payment Processing Fees
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 3-5% (varies by region) | Substack: Included in platform fee
additional property: Active Creator Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 250,000+ | Substack: N/A
additional property: Median Monthly Creator Earnings
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: $1,200 | Substack: N/A
additional property: Maximum Custom Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Unlimited | Substack: 3 tiers maximum
additional property: Initial Setup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: 30-45 minutes | Substack: N/A
additional property: Native Content Posting Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Patreon: Posts, exclusive feeds, DMs, polls, live streams | Substack: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/patreon
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/patreon
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/substack
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/substack
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/patreon-vs-substack)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/patreon-vs-substack)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-substack
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-ghost)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/medium-vs-substack
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/beehiiv-vs-substack
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ghost-vs-substack
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/convertkit-vs-substack
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-ghost
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/ko-fi-vs-patreon
teaches: How to choose between Patreon and Substack
genre: Software

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Patreon vs Substack — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Patreon
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: Membership platform connecting creators with fans through recurring pledges and exclusive content.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Patreon
subject of: Patreon vs Substack
image: ImageObject
  caption: Patreon

Substack
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: Newsletter platform for independent writers with simple paid subscription monetization
subject of: Patreon vs Substack

Patreon vs Substack — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Patreon vs Substack. Contains 116 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Platform Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Setup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Operations
variable measured: Data Ownership
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Data Control
variable measured: Built-in Community Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Customization Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Payment Payout Speed
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Payments
variable measured: Monthly Subscriber Management Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scalability
variable measured: Native Mobile App
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Payment Processing Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Total Effective Fee
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Maximum Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Minimum Payout Threshold
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Payouts
variable measured: Community Post Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Setup Time Estimate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ease of Use
variable measured: Multi-Platform Compatibility
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Flexibility
variable measured: Platform Commission on Paid Subscriptions
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing & Fees
variable measured: Creator Retains of Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing & Fees
variable measured: Monthly Active Users (Platform)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audience & Reach
variable measured: Monetization Options Available
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Subscriber Data Ownership
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Creator Control
variable measured: Organic Discovery Potential
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audience & Reach
variable measured: Setup Complexity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Usability
variable measured: Median Creator Monthly Revenue
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Earnings
variable measured: Active Creators on Platform
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community
variable measured: Payment Processor Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Payments
variable measured: WordPress Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Compatibility
variable measured: Community Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audience Engagement
variable measured: White-Label Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Branding
variable measured: API Access Level
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Free Tier Subscriber Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Creator Base Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community
variable measured: Active Monthly Patrons/Supporters
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale
variable measured: Maximum Monthly Tier Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Monetization
variable measured: Setup Time to Go Live
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: User Experience
variable measured: Content Management Tools
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Member Communication Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community
variable measured: Mobile App Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Compatibility
variable measured: Monetization Methods
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Platform Fee Structure
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Payment Processing Fee (Card)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Payout Frequency
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Payouts
variable measured: Monthly Active Users/Creators
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Scale
variable measured: Analytics Depth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Analytics
variable measured: Payment Processing Fees
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Costs & Pricing
variable measured: Active Creator Base
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Community & Scale
variable measured: Median Monthly Creator Earnings
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue & Earnings
variable measured: Maximum Custom Membership Tiers
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features & Customization
variable measured: Initial Setup Time
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Development Efficiency
variable measured: Native Content Posting Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features & Customization
variable measured: Payment Methods Supported
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Payment Options
variable measured: Supported Content Types
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Content Flexibility
variable measured: Email Inbox Placement Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Email Delivery
variable measured: Platform Fee Percentage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Monetization Costs
variable measured: Monetization Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue Streams
variable measured: Platform Discovery Algorithm
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Growth Tools
variable measured: Creator Earnings Threshold for Payment
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Monetization
variable measured: Setup Time to Launch
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ease of Use
variable measured: Monthly Active Platform Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Audience Size
variable measured: Data Portability & Ownership
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Control
variable measured: Supported Monetization Methods
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Revenue
variable measured: Countries Supported
variable measured: Email Newsletter Automation Features
variable measured: Creator Revenue Retention
variable measured: Audience Discovery for New Writers
variable measured: Subscriber List Ownership
variable measured: Content Monetization Speed
variable measured: Content Format Flexibility
variable measured: Estimated Monthly Readers
variable measured: Algorithm Dependency Risk
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-substack)

Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Patreon vs Substack.
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Operations
has defined term: Data Control
has defined term: Features
has defined term: Payments
has defined term: Scalability
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: Payouts
has defined term: Ease of Use
has defined term: Flexibility
has defined term: Pricing & Fees
has defined term: Audience & Reach
has defined term: Creator Control
has defined term: Usability
has defined term: Earnings
has defined term: Community
has defined term: Compatibility
has defined term: Audience Engagement
has defined term: Branding
has defined term: Integration
has defined term: Scale
has defined term: Monetization
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Analytics
has defined term: Costs & Pricing
has defined term: Community & Scale
has defined term: Revenue & Earnings
has defined term: Features & Customization
has defined term: Development Efficiency
has defined term: Payment Options
has defined term: Content Flexibility
has defined term: Email Delivery
has defined term: Monetization Costs
has defined term: Revenue Streams
has defined term: Growth Tools
has defined term: Audience Size
has defined term: Control
has defined term: Revenue
has defined term: Global Reach
has defined term: Growth
has defined term: Reach
has defined term: Stability
has defined term: Content
has defined term: Design
has defined term: Integrations
has defined term: Service
has defined term: Discovery
has defined term: Onboarding

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Operations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: operations
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Control
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-control
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Payments
type: DefinedTerm
term code: payments
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scalability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scalability
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Payouts
type: DefinedTerm
term code: payouts
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ease of Use
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ease-of-use
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: flexibility
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing & Fees
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing-&-fees
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audience & Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audience-&-reach
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Creator Control
type: DefinedTerm
term code: creator-control
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Usability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: usability
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Earnings
type: DefinedTerm
term code: earnings
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Compatibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: compatibility
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audience Engagement
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audience-engagement
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Branding
type: DefinedTerm
term code: branding
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integration
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: scale
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Monetization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: monetization
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Analytics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: analytics
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Costs & Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: costs-&-pricing
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community & Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community-&-scale
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue & Earnings
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-&-earnings
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features & Customization
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features-&-customization
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Development Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: development-efficiency
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Payment Options
type: DefinedTerm
term code: payment-options
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content Flexibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content-flexibility
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Email Delivery
type: DefinedTerm
term code: email-delivery
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Monetization Costs
type: DefinedTerm
term code: monetization-costs
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue Streams
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue-streams
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Growth Tools
type: DefinedTerm
term code: growth-tools
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Audience Size
type: DefinedTerm
term code: audience-size
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Control
type: DefinedTerm
term code: control
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Revenue
type: DefinedTerm
term code: revenue
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Global Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-reach
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Growth
type: DefinedTerm
term code: growth
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Reach
type: DefinedTerm
term code: reach
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Stability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: stability
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Design
type: DefinedTerm
term code: design
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integrations
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integrations
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Service
type: DefinedTerm
term code: service
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Discovery
type: DefinedTerm
term code: discovery
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Onboarding
type: DefinedTerm
term code: onboarding
in defined term set: Patreon vs Substack — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-09T10:45:39.571Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: patreon-vs-substack)
main entity: Which platform takes a lower cut of my earnings?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Substack has a lower effective fee at 10% of subscription revenue with no additional payment processing charges. Patreon charges 8% platform fee plus 2.2% + $0.30 payment processing, totaling approximately 10.2-10.5% depending on average patron tier value. For most creators, the difference is negligible (0.2-0.5%), but Substack's transparency and lack of payment fees make budgeting simpler.
    language: en-US
main entity: Can I use both Patreon and Substack simultaneously?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, many creators use both platforms strategically. Patreon works well for sustaining fan communities with exclusive content and perks, while Substack excels at nurturing email subscribers with written essays or newsletters. You can cross-promote between platforms—for example, offer Patreon supporters a free Substack upgrade or use Substack to drive new patrons. However, managing two platforms requires additional effort and content creation.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which platform is better for growing an audience from zero?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Substack has a significant advantage due to its active directory and algorithmic recommendations that surface new newsletters to potential subscribers. Patreon relies almost entirely on external traffic—you must promote your page through social media, YouTube, or other channels to gain patrons. If audience discovery is your priority, Substack is substantially better; if you already have an audience, both platforms work equally well for monetization.
    language: en-US
main entity: What if I create podcasts or videos?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Patreon is the only viable option if you create video, podcasts, or audio content natively. Substack does not support multimedia content beyond embedded links or external players. You could theoretically link to external podcast/video platforms from Substack, but you lose the engagement benefits of integrated content. Patreon is purpose-built for multi-media creators.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which platform has better email deliverability for reaching subscribers?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Substack significantly outperforms Patreon in email deliverability, with approximately 95% inbox placement rate versus Patreon's 80-85%. This is because Substack has invested heavily in email infrastructure, authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), and maintains strong sender reputation. Patreon's emails are more likely to land in spam folders, especially for new patrons. If email reach is critical, Substack is the clear choice.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Patreon and Substack
type: HowTo
description: Patreon is a creator platform optimized for recurring fan support with flexible reward tiers and broad content types, while Substack is a newsletter-first platform specializing in written content with simpler monetization and better email deliverability. Choose Patreon for diverse creators needing tiered perks; choose Substack for writers prioritizing direct reader relationships.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Primary Content Type
step: Consider: Platform Fee
step: Consider: Creator Monetization Options
step: Consider: Email Deliverability
step: Consider: Subscriber Community Features
step: Consider: Learning Curve
step: Consider: Audience Discovery
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Patreon excels for creators producing diverse media formats who need flexible monetization tiers, audience engagement tools, and want to build sustainable fan communities. Substack is superior for independent writers and newsletter creators who prioritize email deliverability, simplicity, and direct reader relationships over feature complexity. Choose Patreon if you create videos, podcasts, or art; choose Substack if writing is your primary medium and audience growth through discovery matters.

Consider: Primary Content Type
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Primary Content Type: Patreon has All media types (video, audio, art, writing, gaming), while Substack has Newsletter and written content only.

Consider: Platform Fee
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Platform Fee: Patreon has 8% of earnings plus payment processing, while Substack has 10% of subscription revenue only (no payment fees).

Consider: Creator Monetization Options
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Creator Monetization Options: Patreon has Memberships, one-time tips, merchandise, paid posts, while Substack has Paid subscriptions, free posts, tips, cross-promotion ads.

Consider: Email Deliverability
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Email Deliverability: Patreon has Standard email system, potential spam folder issues, while Substack has Optimized email infrastructure, high inbox placement rate.

Consider: Subscriber Community Features
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Subscriber Community Features: Patreon has Patron-only Discord, polls, post comments, exclusive chat, while Substack has Comment sections, minimal built-in community tools.

Consider: Learning Curve
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Learning Curve: Patreon has Moderate (complex tier setup, multiple features), while Substack has Minimal (focused UI, straightforward publishing).

Consider: Audience Discovery
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Audience Discovery: Patreon has Platform discovery limited, relies on external promotion, while Substack has Substack directory and recommendation algorithm.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Patreon vs Substack
review body: Patreon is a creator platform optimized for recurring fan support with flexible reward tiers and broad content types, while Substack is a newsletter-first platform specializing in written content with simpler monetization and better email deliverability. Choose Patreon for diverse creators needing tiered perks; choose Substack for writers prioritizing direct reader relationships.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Patreon vs Substack

Payment Methods Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: Stripe, PayPal, regional options | Substack: N/A

Supported Content Types
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: Video, audio, podcasts, art, music, writing, gaming, photography | Substack: Written content and newsletters only

Email Inbox Placement Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: ~80-85% (standard email system) | Substack: ~95% (optimized infrastructure)
value reference: Substack

Platform Fee Percentage
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: 8% + payment processing (2.2% + $0.30) | Substack: 10% subscription revenue only
value reference: Substack

Monetization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: Memberships, tips, paid posts, merchandise, sponsorships | Substack: Subscriptions, tips, cross-promotion ads, sponsorships

Platform Discovery Algorithm
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: Limited—minimal algorithmic discovery, relies on external promotion | Substack: Active—directory recommendations and subscriber suggestions

Creator Earnings Threshold for Payment
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: $1 minimum payout | Substack: $10 minimum payout (or held until threshold)
value reference: Patreon

Setup Time to Launch
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: ~5 minutes | Substack: N/A

Monthly Active Platform Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: 6+ million monthly patrons | Substack: N/A

Data Portability & Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: Limited; patron data siloed on platform | Substack: N/A

Supported Monetization Methods
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: 4 methods (memberships, tips, shop, early access) | Substack: N/A

Countries Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: 190+ countries with local payment methods | Substack: N/A

Email Newsletter Automation Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: Basic email to patrons only | Substack: N/A

Creator Revenue Retention
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 90%+

Audience Discovery for New Writers
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Low (requires existing audience)

Subscriber List Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Yes

Content Monetization Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Immediate (day 1)

Content Format Flexibility
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Newsletters, Notes, Video, Audio (4+)

Estimated Monthly Readers
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 10-15M (growing)

Algorithm Dependency Risk
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Low (own subscribers)

Platform Content Diversity Trend (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Expanding (Notes, Video, Visual)

Starting Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: $0

Revenue Share on Subscriptions
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 10%

Design Customization Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Limited customization options

Built-in Discovery Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Established Notes network with high discoverability

Analytics Depth
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Basic subscription and open rate analytics

Setup Time to First Newsletter
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 5-10

API and Integration Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Limited third-party integration options

Monthly Platform Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: $0 (10% revenue share)

Revenue Retention Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 90%

Average Subscriber Payment
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: $5-$10

SEO Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Basic (limited control)

Design Customization
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Limited templates and styling

Audience Discovery Strength
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Strong directory and algorithm-driven recommendations

Monetization Methods
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Primarily paid subscriptions

Starting Monthly Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: $0 (revenue-share only)

Free Subscriber Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Unlimited

Platform Fee on Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 10%

Email Automation Workflows
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Basic (simple sequences)

Third-party Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 15-20

Native Product/Course Hosting
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: No - subscriptions only

Setup Time for Beginners
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 30 minutes - 1 hour

Customer Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Email, help center, limited support

Platform Fee on $1,000 Monthly Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: $100 (10% of paid subscriptions)

Minimum Membership Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: $5/month

Native Shop/Products Feature
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: No—requires third-party integration

Estimated Active Creator Base
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: ~500,000+ writers

Monthly Active Users (Audience)
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: ~50+ million monthly

Free Plan Subscriber Limit
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Unlimited

Creator Revenue Share
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 90%

Pre-built Automation Workflows
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 3-5 basic templates

Segmentation Data Points
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 5 (list-based only)

E-commerce Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 0 (built-in subscriptions only)

Time to First Email Campaign
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 5-10 minutes

Paid Plan Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 12 (Professional plan)

Active Publications/Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 500K publications

Platform Fee on Primary Monetization
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 10% on paid subscriptions

Email Deliverability
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Native email infrastructure

Algorithmic Discovery Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Directory + recommendations (30-40% of growth)

Content Type Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Text newsletters, podcasts (limited)

Monthly Cost (Base)
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: $0 (free plan available)

Revenue Share on Subscriptions
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 10% flat platform fee

Setup Time for Non-Technical User
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 5-10 minutes (sign up and publish)

Design Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: 15-20 template variations

Content Types Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Newsletters, posts, audio, Notes (social)

Built-in Audience Discovery
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Yes, algorithmic recommendations to 100M+ users

Free Trial Period
type: PropertyValue
value: Patreon: N/A | Substack: Unlimited (free forever plan)

SpeakableSpecification
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Patreon — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Substack — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Patreon vs Substack
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/patreon-vs-substack)
object: Patreon
object: Substack

Countries Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Reach

Email Newsletter Automation Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Creator Revenue Retention
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

Audience Discovery for New Writers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Growth

Subscriber List Ownership
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Control

Content Monetization Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

Content Format Flexibility
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Estimated Monthly Readers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reach

Algorithm Dependency Risk
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Stability

Platform Content Diversity Trend (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content

Starting Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Revenue Share on Subscriptions
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Design Customization Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Built-in Discovery Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Analytics Depth
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Setup Time to First Newsletter
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

API and Integration Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Monthly Platform Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Revenue Retention Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

Average Subscriber Payment
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

SEO Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Design Customization
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Design

Audience Discovery Strength
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Growth

Monetization Methods
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Starting Monthly Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Free Subscriber Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Platform Fee on Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Email Automation Workflows
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Third-party Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integrations

Native Product/Course Hosting
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Setup Time for Beginners
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Customer Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Service

Platform Fee on $1,000 Monthly Revenue
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing & Fees

Minimum Membership Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

Native Shop/Products Feature
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Estimated Active Creator Base
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community

Monthly Active Users (Audience)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reach

Free Plan Subscriber Limit
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Creator Revenue Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

Pre-built Automation Workflows
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Segmentation Data Points
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

E-commerce Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integrations

Time to First Email Campaign
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

Paid Plan Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Active Publications/Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Scale

Platform Fee on Primary Monetization
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Email Deliverability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Algorithmic Discovery Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Discovery

Content Type Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Monthly Cost (Base)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Revenue Share on Subscriptions
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Monetization

Setup Time for Non-Technical User
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

Design Customization Options
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Branding

Content Types Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Built-in Audience Discovery
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Growth

Free Trial Period
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Onboarding