Patreon Says 'For You' Feeds Aren't for Creators

The Ongoing Struggle Against Algorithmic Feeds

Patreon’s latest State of Create report details the challenges creators face with algorithmic feeds, and the findings suggest a growing desire among creators for alternative solutions.

Decreased Reach for Creators

A recent survey conducted by the membership platform, encompassing 1,000 creators and 2,000 fans, revealed that 53% of creators believe reaching their audience is now more difficult compared to five years prior.

This observation aligns with the experiences of high-profile individuals. Even celebrities, such as those within the Kardashian family, have voiced concerns regarding Instagram’s algorithm and its impact on their ability to connect with followers.

Fan Preference for Long-Form Content

The shift towards short-form video and “For You” feeds, popularized by TikTok, is causing frustration among fans. Patreon’s data indicates that while fans are exposed to more short-form content, 52% actually value long-form content more highly.

Furthermore, a majority of fans expressed a greater willingness to financially support long-form content. Platforms like YouTube often provide greater revenue opportunities through ad revenue sharing for longer-form videos, as monetization of short-form content remains a challenge.

The Creator Economy's Core Conflict

Platforms like TikTok have simplified audience building, but the sheer volume of algorithmically curated content makes retaining a fan’s attention increasingly difficult. Followers may miss a significant portion of a creator’s posts due to the prioritization of content from non-followed accounts.

Consequently, creators are shifting their focus from superficial metrics – such as follower counts, likes, and views – to cultivating quality content and fostering deeper connections with their audience, a notable change from trends observed five years ago.

The Power Dynamic of Algorithms

Patreon CEO Jack Conte expressed concern over platforms controlling the creator-subscriber relationship. He stated that algorithmic feeds grant platforms the authority to dictate content delivery, potentially undermining the communities creators have painstakingly built over years.

Algorithmic Influence and Creative Discouragement

The report highlights the significant impact of algorithms on creator output. A substantial 78% of creators acknowledge that “The Algorithm” influences their content creation process.

Moreover, 56% of creators admitted that algorithmic pressures have discouraged them from pursuing their passions and exploring new creative avenues.

Instability and the Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Platforms

The current social media landscape is marked by instability, with TikTok facing legal challenges, Meta revising its content moderation policies, and X exhibiting controversial content practices. This has led to increased creator dissatisfaction.

Direct-to-consumer platforms like Patreon, Substack, and OnlyFans offer creators greater control over their content and monetization strategies. However, connecting with potential paying audiences remains a significant hurdle.

Attention vs. Desire

Karen X. Cheng, a creator on Patreon, succinctly summarized the issue in the survey: “The Algorithm” doesn’t measure what people want; it measures what people pay attention to.