Patreon's New Social Features Raise Concerns Over Platform Evolution
In an effort to further establish itself as a healthier alternative to algorithmic social media platforms for content creators, Patreon has introduced several new features aimed at enhancing user engagement and interaction. The membership service is now incorporating a discovery feed, called Quips, which allows creators to share non-paying updates that can include text, photos, or videos.
This development has raised concerns about Patreon's evolving approach, as the platform now seems to be blurring the lines between its own social media features and traditional platforms like Instagram. According to Jack Conte, Patreon CEO, this is a deliberate strategy aimed at allowing creators to grow their audience without relying on other platforms that may not prioritize their success.
"I don't think of it as competing with Instagram... I feel like we're competing with what Instagram should have and could have become, but did not," Conte said in an update shared on his Patreon page. By providing a platform for creators to share updates in a more social format, Patreon is effectively challenging the algorithms that dominate mainstream social media.
While the new features may seem similar to those found on existing platforms, Patreon has taken steps to maintain its core mission of supporting creators. The membership-only "home" feed will still deliver updates only from creators that users are already following, ensuring a focus on long-term relationships between artists and their audiences.
Initially, the results appear promising, with beta testers reporting significant increases in new free memberships through the Quips feature. However, paid subscribers have seen a more modest rise, ranging around 5-10 percent. Conte remains optimistic about the potential of Quips to drive paid growth, but this fine-tuned balance between discovery and subscription models will likely be closely monitored.
Patreon plans to roll out these updates gradually, with full availability expected sometime next year. For those eager to access Quips sooner, a waitlist has been established for beta testers. As the platform continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Patreon's bold move will ultimately succeed in providing creators with an alternative to mainstream social media platforms.
In an effort to further establish itself as a healthier alternative to algorithmic social media platforms for content creators, Patreon has introduced several new features aimed at enhancing user engagement and interaction. The membership service is now incorporating a discovery feed, called Quips, which allows creators to share non-paying updates that can include text, photos, or videos.
This development has raised concerns about Patreon's evolving approach, as the platform now seems to be blurring the lines between its own social media features and traditional platforms like Instagram. According to Jack Conte, Patreon CEO, this is a deliberate strategy aimed at allowing creators to grow their audience without relying on other platforms that may not prioritize their success.
"I don't think of it as competing with Instagram... I feel like we're competing with what Instagram should have and could have become, but did not," Conte said in an update shared on his Patreon page. By providing a platform for creators to share updates in a more social format, Patreon is effectively challenging the algorithms that dominate mainstream social media.
While the new features may seem similar to those found on existing platforms, Patreon has taken steps to maintain its core mission of supporting creators. The membership-only "home" feed will still deliver updates only from creators that users are already following, ensuring a focus on long-term relationships between artists and their audiences.
Initially, the results appear promising, with beta testers reporting significant increases in new free memberships through the Quips feature. However, paid subscribers have seen a more modest rise, ranging around 5-10 percent. Conte remains optimistic about the potential of Quips to drive paid growth, but this fine-tuned balance between discovery and subscription models will likely be closely monitored.
Patreon plans to roll out these updates gradually, with full availability expected sometime next year. For those eager to access Quips sooner, a waitlist has been established for beta testers. As the platform continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Patreon's bold move will ultimately succeed in providing creators with an alternative to mainstream social media platforms.
. They're really thinking about what creators need and how they can grow their audience without relying on other platforms that might not have their best interests at heart 
. The Quips feature seems like a great way for creators to connect with fans in a more organic way, and I think it's awesome that Patreon is prioritizing those relationships 
. Of course, there are some concerns about how this will affect the balance between discovery and subscription models, but overall, I'm optimistic that Patreon can make this work 
. And hey, even if it doesn't completely disrupt the social media landscape, it's still a step in the right direction for creators to have more control over their own platforms 
.
... I mean, on one hand, it's cool that they're trying to help creators connect with their audience in a more organic way 
. But at the same time, it feels like they're just copying what other platforms already do 
. Like, why not introduce Quips first and see how it goes before adding all these extra features? I'm also curious to see if this will help Patreon become even more profitable... or if it'll just give them a headache trying to keep up with the algorithm changes 
.
I'm low-key obsessed with this new Quips feature on Patreon!!! 
It's like they're trying to create their own Instagram alternative but for creatives only 
. But at the same time, I'm not sure if it's gonna work out in the long run... I mean, Patreon's still gotta make those paid subs work, right? 
Fingers crossed they figure it out tho! 
The Quips discovery feed seems like a great way for creators to connect directly with their fans, and the fact that it's still focused on long-term relationships between artists and audiences is music to my ears 
The 5-10% increase in paid subscriptions is also pretty modest, so we'll have to see how this plays out over time 
they're trying to say it's not competing with instagram but honestly idk bout that i mean if its so different why does it look like instagram 
. I mean, isn't Quips just another discovery feed, though? 
Still, it's definitely interesting to see Patreon experimenting with different approaches to engagement and community-building 
. Maybe this is the future we've been waiting for? 
. i mean who needs discovery feeds when u have actual meaningful interactions w/ ur favorite creators? this Quips feature sounds like a total snooze fest 
. plus, if it's so great, why r u only seein a 5-10% increase in paid subs? that's not exactly the kinda growth patron wants 
I mean, on one hand, it's awesome that they're trying to level the playing field for creators and give them more control over their content 
. The key will be to fine-tune this discovery feed to ensure it doesn't cannibalize its paid subscription model 