TikTok, Patreon launch new subscription features as creator monetization heats up

The news: TikTok has launched its revamped “Subscription” monetization feature to eligible creators in countries including the US, UK, Germany, and Brazil, with plans to expand in the coming weeks. Creators can now offer three different subscription tiers at varying price points, giving fans access to exclusive videos, LIVEs, custom perks, and more.

• In other creator economy news, Patreon’s Autopilot feature identifies free members likely to upgrade and offers them discounts, . This initiative reportedly increased conversion rates by 19% in testing.
• Both companies’ moves come in the wake of YouTube overhauling its TV app to help creators earn more CTV revenues from their content.

Why it matters: The revamped feature is a significant move for TikTok as it looks to diversify monetization options for creators beyond ad revenues. The feature lets creators offer exclusive content to paying subscribers, making TikTok a competitor to Patreon, Instagram, and YouTube Channel memberships.

• Subscription-based earnings for US creators are set to rise significantly, with revenues projected to reach $350 million by 2025, reflecting 27.4% year-over-year growth (see chart below). This highlights the increasing importance of subscriptions as a sustainable income stream for creators.
• While subscriptions are increasing, other revenue streams like tipping and gifting (39.8% growth) and merchandise sales (32.6% growth) are outpacing traditional sponsored content, which only saw a 16% increase. This trend emphasizes creators' shift toward direct fan support rather than relying solely on brand deals.
• For macro creators—those with over 250,000 followers—subscriptions are a dominant revenue source, with 63% of respondents citing them as a key income channel, compared to 47% for creators overall. This suggests that larger creators find more value in recurring revenue models that deepen fan engagement.

Our take: This is a pivotal time in the ongoing race to support creators’ financial independence.

TikTok and Patreon are aiming to meet creators’ demand for income beyond ads and deeper audience connections. As platforms compete, creators benefit from more tools to control earnings and engage fans, with success depending on providing value that sustains the creator economy.