Patreon is evolving beyond its roots as a crowdfunding platform, steadily building out features that position it as a full-fledged social network for creators.
The latest addition? Native live streaming, now in early access and set to roll out to all users this summer. This new feature allows creators to stream directly within the Patreon app, eliminating the need for external software like OBS.
Here’s what the live streaming feature brings to the table:
- Interactive Chat: Streams come with a built-in chat featuring reactions and moderation tools, fostering real-time engagement with audiences.
- Flexible Monetization: Creators can host both free and paid streams, offering exclusive content to patrons or opening up to a broader audience.
- No Time Limits: Unlike platforms like TikTok or Twitch, Patreon imposes no restrictions on stream duration, giving creators full flexibility.
- Archiving and Sales: Streams can be saved and sold separately, creating additional revenue streams for creators.
While co-hosting isn’t supported yet — requiring OBS for multi-person streams — this move marks a significant step toward a self-contained creator ecosystem.
By cutting out external platforms, Patreon minimizes distractions like third-party ads and hands creators greater control over their content and audience experience.
This isn’t just a feature drop; it’s a signal of Patreon’s broader ambition to become a one-stop hub for creators, blending the intimacy of direct fan support with the interactivity of a social platform.
As the feature exits early access, it’s poised to reshape how creators connect with their communities.
