Discover the Best MakerSupport Alternatives for Creators and Patrons
For creators and supporters who remember MakerSupport, a platform that aimed to foster uncensored content and direct creator funding, its discontinuation in 2018 left a void. While MakerSupport offered a simple way to earn money and support creators with a focus on free speech and lower fees than competitors like Patreon, its absence means many are now seeking robust and reliable alternatives. If you're looking for platforms that champion creators, offer various monetization models, and facilitate strong community connections, you're in the right place.
Top MakerSupport Alternatives
Whether you're a creator seeking sustainable income or a patron eager to support your favorite artists, the following platforms offer excellent alternatives to the defunct MakerSupport, each with unique features and benefits.
Liberapay
Liberapay is an excellent open-source, web-based alternative to MakerSupport, especially for those who prioritize ethical and transparent funding. It allows for recurrent donations with no cut taken from payments, meaning recipients get the full amount. Its features include GitHub and GitLab integration, support for multiple currencies, and a strong community-based, free speech ethos, making it a truly creator-centric option.
Flattr
Flattr is a commercial web, Android, and Chrome-based micropayment service that allows users to 'flatter' things they like on the internet. While different from MakerSupport's direct monthly pledges, it offers a unique way to support content creators through passive contributions, making it ideal for those who prefer to support a wide range of content effortlessly.
Patreon
Patreon is arguably the most well-known commercial web, Android, and iOS platform for artists and creators to gain sustainable income and connect with fans. Similar to MakerSupport's original intent, it offers donations, allows subscriptions, handles credit card processing, and supports tiered rewards, crowdfunding, and even developer tools, making it a comprehensive solution for creators.
Partelo
Partelo is a commercial web platform focused on personalized video answers, allowing users to ask questions to creators they follow. While not a direct crowdfunding site like MakerSupport, it provides a unique monetization avenue for content creators to engage deeply with their audience through video, offering a different form of value exchange.
Cloud Patron
Cloud Patron is a free and open-source, self-hosted membership platform. Similar to MakerSupport's membership model, it allows fans to support creators with monthly subscriptions. Creators can customize support levels and set goals, providing flexibility and control over their monetization strategy, making it a great choice for those seeking an open and customizable solution.
GURUCAN
GURUCAN is a commercial web, Android, and iPhone Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that empowers influencers to create their own apps, publish content, and monetize their audience. While it extends beyond simple donations, offering a full-fledged platform for content delivery and education, it provides a powerful monetization tool for serious creators similar to MakerSupport's goal of earning money from content.
BackersBox
BackersBox is a free web platform that leverages subscription commerce to help artists and creators achieve fan-funded, predictable, recurring income. Its focus on subscription-based crowdfunding aligns well with MakerSupport's original model, offering a consistent revenue stream for creative endeavors.
BackMyArt
BackMyArt is a free Software as a Service (SaaS) platform made exclusively for artists, offering a paid membership community to help them gain financial peace of mind. Similar to MakerSupport, it focuses on creator support through crowdfunding, but with a specialized niche for artists, ensuring a dedicated and relevant audience.
Podfan
Podfan is a freemium web platform designed for podcasters to set up a single page for listeners to subscribe, support, share, and engage with their show. While niche-specific, its crowdfunding features offer a direct path for podcasters to monetize their content, similar to how MakerSupport enabled direct creator support.
pixivFanbox
FANBOX is a free web community where fans can support their favorite creators through regular pledges, offering a direct parallel to MakerSupport's core functionality. With features like allowing subscriptions and crowdfunding, it provides a simple yet effective way for creators, particularly those in the art and illustration space, to gain consistent support from their audience.
With MakerSupport no longer active, the landscape of creator support platforms has evolved. From open-source, no-fee options to specialized platforms for specific creative fields, there’s a diverse range of alternatives available. We encourage you to explore these options and find the best fit for your unique needs, whether you're a creator looking for sustainable income or a patron eager to support the content you love.