Want to use Kickstarter as a means of launching your Youtube Channel?
Or how about using crowdfunding for your online business?
In this video, I’ll share some ways to use crowdfunding to raise money for your Youtube channel, along with some other potential alternatives.
We’ll break down how this can work for you, and also reveal a unique way that Youtubers can use crowdfunding.
Did you like this video?
Did you find it to be helpful?
Get more content like this by subscribing to my Youtube channel!
There, I’m always putting out the best crowdfunding tips and advice for you.
For now, let’s dive into how platforms like Kickstarter can help you to launch a Youtube channel of your own.
Is Kickstarter a Good Fit For Youtube?
Kickstarter is a platform designed for you (the creator) to deliver perks and rewards to your backers in exchange for a donation.
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, you have to ship out all the perks and rewards you promised upon reaching your fundraising goal.
You have to be mindful of this process. What perks/rewards can you offer as a Youtuber?
Especially if you are launching an entirely new Youtube channel, you don’t have a bunch of subscribers already lined up to support you.
Therefore, you’re probably going to have to offer ‘insider perks’ that aren’t available to the casual Youtuber surfer.
Without compelling perks and a feeling of exclusivity, it’s not going to be beneficial to the backer to support your campaign. You’d basically be asking for charity—which isn’t going to happen for Youtube.
Remember that Youtube is a business. There are a ton of ways to make money through ads, partnerships, and more. You can’t get it started through charity!
If you have specific, compelling rewards to offer your backers—then Kickstarter might work out. But if you’re just looking for a handout, you shouldn’t use Kickstarter to launch your channel.
Kickstarter is a One-Time Event
Let’s say you’ve set a $5,000 funding goal for things like a nice camera, microphone set, lighting fixtures, marketing/branding, etc.
Further, let’s say that you meet this $5,000 goal. This is super exciting! You then distribute rewards to your backers, launch your channel, and never look in the rearview.
However, there are problems with this. As your Youtube channel scales, you won’t be able to dip back into that crowdfunding well.
You would either have to launch another campaign (which is very labor-intensive and might not do as well the second time around) or find a different means of funding.
If you are certain that you need just $1,000-$5,000 for the long-term success and monetization of your Youtube channel, then Kickstarter could be a good bet.
But if you are looking for more long-term funding, there are better alternatives.
Alternative Funding Methods For Youtubers
Platforms like Drip and Patreon are subscription-based crowdfunding platforms, meaning that the donation is not one-time but recurring monthly.
You can get funding on an on-going basis to create, in effect, a subscription-based online business for your Youtube channel.
So why are people supporting creators on Drip and Patreon?
Well, for the same reason as Kickstarter: they gain insider access.
You might give access to behind-the-scenes content, bloopers, or a deeper dive in order to compel people to back your channel through a subscription.
For a further breakdown of Kickstarter vs. Patreon and how it can go to work for you, check out this article.
If you’re already sold on Patreon, find out how to be successful on the platform here.
Kickstarter For Established Creators
If you are a Youtuber who already has a strong subscription base, Patreon can be a great way to further monetize your channel.
However, there is also a more realistic place for established creators on Kickstarter than those who are launching a brand new channel.
Let’s say you’ve written a book, or created a product, or want to sell merchandise. Using your name as social proof, you can take this new idea to Kickstarter.
For example, internet marketer Pat Flynn launched a Kickstarter campaign for the SwitchPod, a device for vloggers to have more versatility.
This campaign raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and was largely made possible by Pat Flynn’s foundational following.
Conclusions
Crowdfunding is a great way to raise funds for creative projects such as a Youtube channel—it’s just about finding the right platform for you.
If you’re ready to launch a Youtube channel or take your existing channel to the next level through crowdfunding, I’m here to help!
Book a free coaching call with me to get started.
Still could use a little bit more information?
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel and browse around for all the best tips and advice for platforms like Kickstarter, Patreon, Drip, and more.
Crowdfunding can go to work for your Youtube dream project!
It’s time to take the leap and get started today.
