Patreon is persisting in its opposition to algorithmic feeds, as reflected in its recent “State of Create” report, which examines trends within the creator economy based on internal data. This initiative appears to have garnered support from content creators.
In a survey conducted among 1,000 creators and 2,000 fans, the membership platform revealed that 53% of creators believe it is more challenging to connect with their audience now than it was five years ago.
This trend aligns with broader industry observations, particularly among celebrities who have criticized Instagram’s video-oriented, algorithm-driven feed. It has reportedly become difficult even for notable figures like the Kardashians to engage with their followers. If someone like Kylie Jenner struggles to connect with her audience, the situation is even more challenging for lesser-known creators.
Fans express dissatisfaction with social platforms’ emphasis on short-form videos and the “For You” feed style, both popularized by TikTok. According to Patreon’s findings, fans encounter more short-form content on social media compared to long-form content; however, 52% feel that long-form content holds more value and express greater willingness to pay for it. Long-form content is also more financially beneficial through ad revenue sharing on YouTube, as platforms continue to face challenges in monetizing short-form content.
This situation highlights a central issue in the current creator economy: platforms like TikTok have made audience-building more accessible, yet the vast amount of algorithm-centric content makes it difficult for creators to maintain audience engagement. Even when fans follow creators on platforms like TikTok or Instagram, they may not see a significant portion of the creator’s posts due to content saturation from other users.
Consequently, creators are shifting their focus toward fostering quality and deeper fan connections rather than prioritizing metrics such as follower counts, likes, and views, a noteworthy change from five years ago.
In comments to TechCrunch during Instagram’s 2022 algorithmic adjustments, Patreon CEO Jack Conte criticized the platform’s role in controlling creator and subscriber relationships. Conte argued that placing the decision-making in the hands of the platform undermines the creators’ effort, noting that he has invested years in cultivating communities on these platforms.
As more creators endeavor to sustain themselves financially online, finding effective ways to engage fans remains crucial for business monetization. However, algorithm dominance often obstructs this path, requiring creators to modify their content to suit platform demands. According to the report, 78% of creators acknowledged that algorithms influence their content, while 56% confessed that these algorithms have deterred them from pursuing their genuine interests.
These obstacles are further intensified by the instability of social media platforms. With TikTok facing legal challenges, Meta revising its content moderation practices, and X accused of supporting fringe extremism, creators are increasingly frustrated with the state of social media. Despite platforms like Patreon, Substack, and OnlyFans providing avenues for creators to manage and monetize their content, connecting with paying audiences remains a complex task.
Patreon creator Karen X. Cheng commented in the survey that algorithms focus on measuring attention rather than consumer desires.