The creator economy is hot (an estimated $250 billion hot, to be exact). But how exactly are influencers making those 250 billion dollars?
In this article, we’ll go through the top influencer monetization platforms and tools for content creators, including:
- Free influencer monetization platform and tools
- Platforms for influencers to connect with brands
- Influencer platforms for micro-influencers
- The best influencer marketing platform for small business creators
When it comes to monetizing your content online, there are key monetization models that even the top-earning creators consider.
Our top 20 picks for influencer monetization platforms and tools fall into these four key monetization models: premium content, fanbase, content monetization, and ad revenue.
Skip ahead:
20 Influencer monetization platforms and tools
- The Leap
- Thinkific
- Udemy
- Substack
- Patreon
- Kickstarter
- Ko-fi
- Spotify for Podcaster (fka Anchor)
- Acast
- Medium Partner Program
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
- YouTube
- Vimeo OTT
- TikTok
- Influence.co
- YouTube BrandConnect
- Amazon Affiliate Program
- ShareASale
- Google AdSense
- Media.net
Top premium content and fanbase monetization platforms
The premium content monetization model is when you sell premium content directly to your audience.
The fanbase monetization model is when you create and sell products to your audience, accept donations, or offer exclusive content.
Monetizing your fanbase often overlaps with the premium content model.
Top AI-powered all-in-one creator store
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The Leap
From the minds behind Thinkific, The Leap is a new creator monetization platform that functions as a link-in-bio storefront, an AI-powered digital product builder, an email list builder, and an all-in-one email marketing hub. In other words: everything a creator needs to create, market, and sell their digital products, all in one place and free of charge.
Unlike its competitors, The Leap is one of the rare 100% free influencer monetization platforms and tools. When you sign up for a free account, you gain access to all of its premium features, including its supercharged digital product builder.
The Leap’s AI-powered digital product builder enables creators to create a myriad of the best digital learning products, including mini-courses, tutorials, guides, and challenges. Its generative AI technology creates comprehensive drafts of your digital products for you, saving you tons of time and brain power. Creators can even use The Leap’s authoring tool to quickly create lead magnets, which helps you grow your email list — and your pile of cash.
The Leap also offers creators an array of audience analytics, including sales and leads reports, that give you the insights you need to build and sell the digital products your audience will love.
Key features:
Pricing:
Free! Once you start making sales from your Leap store, all you pay is a standard 2.9% Stripe transaction fee.
Try The Leap today to quickly build your creator store and start monetizing your expertise.
Top online course creation platforms
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Thinkific
The leading platform for online course creation, Thinkific is designed specifically for monetizing knowledge. This all-in-one platform is designed to enable creators, educators, coaches, and infopreneurs to build online courses and start making money from their expertise.
The platform is designed specifically for content educators and comes equipped with simple, ready-to-use templates to get you started. Thinkific tools include features to design, market, and sell your courses online, along with access to Thinkific Studio, a community of successful course creators to lean on for support and advice when setting up your course academy.
Key features:
- Multimedia capabilities (video, interactive files, externally hosted content)
- Built-in marketing and e-commerce features
- Thinkific App Store offers a wide range of product integrations
- 24/7 customer care
Pricing:
Thinkifc offers a free test-drive plan with limited features. For more advanced features, you’ll need to upgrade to its Basic plan ($36/month), Start plan ($74/month), or Grow plan ($149/month).
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Udemy
Udemy has over 65 million students enrolled in its courses and an instructor base of over 75,000. To monetize your courses, Udemy requires that you apply to become a premium instructor. Once you’re approved, you can start creating your first course following a basic set of guidelines.
Udemy allows you to add quizzes, assignments, coding exercises, discussion prompts, and more. The Udemy Teaching Center offers plenty of tips and tricks on how to create and market your course. The platform also has several marketing features like an affiliate marketing program, as well as marketplace insights.
Key features
- Large Udemy audience base
- Affiliate marketing program
- User-friendly course creation tools
- Flexible pricing options
Pricing
It’s free to publish free courses in under two hours. The platform charges a 3% revenue share on course sales that are made by coupons offered by the instructor and a 63% revenue share on all other course sales.
Keep in mind that revenue share does not include payment processing fees or mobile platform fees for mobile course sales.
Top subscription-based platforms
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Substack
Substack is a paid newsletter platform that helps writers start free or subscription-based paid newsletters. Users own all their content and all their subscribers. Rather than be reliant on an algorithm or ad revenue, users can connect directly to their paying audience.
This is huge since not all paid newsletter platforms allow you to take your subscriber email list with you. Should you ever decide to migrate from Substack to a new platform, you can bring your audience with you.
Key features:
- User-friendly
- Fees are based on a fixed percentage of a user’s profit
- There is already a large community of 20 million readers on Substack
Pricing:
It’s free to start and send a newsletter with Substack.
Substack will only start charging for their service once the user turns on paid subscriptions. When that time comes, Substack charges a 10% fixed fee, plus Stripe takes an additional 2.9% + $0.30 per charge.
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Patreon
Established in 2013, Patreon is one of the original creator-first content platforms. It’s familiar to many, has years of iteration and expansion under its belt, and supports a wide variety of content publishing within the platform including videos, music, podcasts, and writing.
Similar to Substack, Patreon allows users to bypass finicky algorithms and connects creators directly to their paying audience. Patreon users own their content and subscriber lists as well, which as we already discussed, is a major plus.
Key features:
- Incentive-based subscription tiers
- Built-in features for video creators, audio-first creators, and gamers
- Option to link Patreon account to a custom domain
Pricing:
Patreon is free to use until you start charging a subscription fee. Once paid subscriptions are enabled, Patreon charges between 5%-12% based on which subscription plan you choose. There’s also a payment processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 for donations over $3, and 5% + $0.10 for donations of $3 or less.
Top crowdfunding platforms
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Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a great platform for creators looking to fund a project within a set timeframe. The platform operates on an all-or-nothing model, meaning if you meet your funding goal within your deadline, you’ll get the money. If not, no funds are collected, and your backers aren’t charged.
Similar to receiving an artist’s grant, the expectation with Kickstarter is that you deliver the promised item at the end of your campaign. This platform may not be designed for generating long-term recurring income but it’s a perfect fit for crowdfunding a single project or early product release with a defined timeline.
Pros:
- Upfront funding
- Offers a rewards system to incentivize donors
- Kickstarter Discover Page increases exposure
Pricing:
Kickstarter takes a 5% commission if your project is fully funded and an additional 3-5% processing fee.
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Ko-fi
Ko-fi is first and foremost a platform for selling digital products. But in addition to digital downloads like ebooks and online courses, Ko-fi also allows creators to sell subscriptions and tiered memberships, paywall premium content, and even take commissions directly through their storefront.
Ko-fi also allows creators to receive tips and donations from their fans (and takes 0% transaction fees on them).
Key features:
- Online storefront
- Sell memberships and exclusive content
- Accept tips and donations
- Take commissions
- Receive crowdfunding
Pricing:
Ko-fi offers a free plan with 5% transaction fees. If you want to ditch the fees (and gain a few extra perks), you’ll need to upgrade to Ko-fi Gold for $6 to $8/month.
Top content monetization platforms
The content monetization platform model includes any platform that allows you to monetize your content by publishing directly to your audience.
Top podcast monetization platforms
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Spotify for Podcasters (fka Anchor)
Formerly known as Anchor, Spotify for Podcasters gives podcast influencers the advantage of having access to one of the biggest audiences out there. You can expect that a big name like Spotify also comes with robust audience analytics, which helps ensure your words are being heard.
Spotify for Podcaster is free to use and offers all-in-one services for podcasters, including recording, hosting, editing, engagement, and more all from one dashboard. It also offers several monetization options, as well as membership and donation options via its Podcast Subscriptions and Listener Support (but only if your podcast is hosted on the platform).
Key features
- Global audience reach
- Multiple monetization options
- User-friendly interface
- Advanced analytics
Pricing
Free to use but influencers only earn 50% of ad revenue. You also have to be invited to the ad program to earn any revenue at all. Important to note: Spotify’s donation feature is only available in the US.
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Acast
Acast is a leading podcasting platform that provides influencers with powerful tools to monetize their audio content effectively. As one of the top choices for podcasters, Acast combines innovative technology with an expansive network to help creators reach a global audience and maximize their revenue potential.
The platform offers multiple channels for monetization including the ability to sell monthly subscriptions, one-time purchases, ad-free listening, bonus content, early access, extended episodes, and paid access to your archive.
Key features
- Multiple monetization channels
- Dynamic ad insertion
- Global audience reach
Pricing
Acast’s Basic plan is free. For more advanced features and monetization tools, you’ll have to upgrade to a premium plan which starts at $14.99/per month.
Top writing and publishing platforms
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Medium Partner Program
The Medium Partner Program is designed for influencers looking to monetize their written content through a highly engaged reader base. Medium is a simple and effective platform that offers writers the ability to monetize content based on the engagement their stories receive from Medium members.
This engagement-driven model is simple: your earnings will accumulate based on reading time. The platform also offers in-depth metrics to help writers understand their audience’s preferences and refine their content for improved monetization.
Key features
- Reader-based revenue
- Built-in audience
- Simple monetization structure
- Content analytics
Pricing
The Medium Partner Program is free to join and start publishing stories. Influencers earn a portion of the subscription fees collected from Medium’s paying members.
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Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon is a towering presence in the ebook market and for good reason.
Amazon’s KDP has a robust infrastructure and expansive audience reach, making it a top choice among many content creators diving into the digital publishing world. With its unparalleled reach and familiar interface, KDP has a high potential to increase the visibility and sales of your ebook. The platform also comes equipped with analytics, flexible pricing, and promotional tools.
Key features:
- Global audience reach
- Flexible pricing and promotion options
- User-friendly interface
- Robust analytics including sales metrics
Pricing:
It’s free to list your books on Amazon through KDP but it will take a cut of your sales. Depending on the price of your ebook, you can choose between a 35% royalty and 70% royalty structure.
Top video monetization platforms
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YouTube
For content creators, YouTube is one of the OG creator spaces that offers the ability to share your passions, talents, and unique perspectives with a global audience. Whether you’re into gaming, tutorials, vlogs, music, or DIY hacks, YouTube can host it all.
Through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, YouTube can help you turn your passion into a paycheck. As your channel grows and gains subscribers, your earnings potential increases. YouTube also provides tools like YouTube Premium, Super Chat, and channel memberships that allow fans to directly support you, giving you even more ways to monetize your content.
Key features:
- Multiple content monetization opportunities
- Analytics and insights
- Audience engagement
- Live streaming
- Customization and branding
Pricing:
While YouTube is free to use, the platform takes a 45% cut of the ad revenue you generate.
Hot tip: Use The Leap’s YouTube Money Calculator to estimate your earning potential!
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Vimeo OTT
Already a well-respected online video platform with extensive global reach, Vimeo OTT now allows influencers to monetize video content.
In addition to helping you monetize videos, the platform allows you to create marketing content, offer video subscriptions, build branded apps, and host live events. Vimeo OTT can even help you build a website to feature your content.
Set up for global audiences, Vimeo OTT’s payment processor accepts over 100 currencies. The platform supports TVOD and SVOD, as well as a live-streaming monetization model. You can also offer your audience incentives such as free trials and free-to-view content.
Key features:
- Global audience reach
- Trusted platform with a strong reputation
- Thousands of video templates
- No upfront monthly fees
Pricing:
Pay $1/per subscriber/per month + 10% processing fees on each transaction. Custom enterprise plans are available.
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TikTok
It’s hard to exist in this world without encountering a TikTok video. The short-form video platform has become one of the top video monetization platforms for video creators to showcase themselves, and for good reason too. One of the most popular creator economy platforms, TikTok has become a launchpad for content creators to shine and, yes, make some serious money.
Through the TikTok Creator Fund and Creativity Program, you can earn money based on video performance and views. Brands and businesses are also eager to collaborate with TikTok influencers for sponsored content. Plus, you always have the option of using TikTok as a space to sell merch and digital products or promote affiliate products to your engaged audience.
Key features:
- Content monetization opportunities
- Short-form video creation
- Editing and effects tools
- Discoverability
Pricing:
TikTok is completely free to use. The Creator Rewards Program pays creators a portion of TikTok’s revenue based on views. The exact amount depends on several factors but some creators report that TikTok pays around $0.50 to $1 per 1,000 views.
Hot tip: Use The Leap’s TikTok Money Calculator to estimate your earning potential!
Top advertising platforms
The advertising monetization model is when advertisers pay you to direct your audience to their product. This can be done in many ways including product placement, affiliate marketing, or by including ads with your content (PPC advertising).
Top sponsorship and partnership tools
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Influence.co
One of the first professional networks designed for influencers and creators to connect with brands, Influence.co now has a social network and marketplace with over 250,000 members — 150,000 of which are influencers and at least 70,000 businesses.
The platform offers multiple ways to monetize your influence including product reviews, sponsored posts, social media campaigns, and more. It also offers several opportunities to network, collaborate, and knowledge share.
Key features
- Strong creator community network of influencers and marketers
- Robust analytics tools
- Free plan
Pricing
Influence.co offers a free Basic plan with limited networking resources per week. Its Pro plan starts at $4/month and gives influencers access to 30 member and campaign contacts/per month, plus unlimited results and lists, Instagram follower data, and more.
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YouTube BrandContent
YouTube BrandConnect is a self-service platform that connects creators with opportunities for branded content campaigns. Brands use YouTube’s proprietary influencer dashboard to find creators to work with, while creators earn money on branded campaigns that are aligned with their preferences.
YouTube BrandContent is a great way for YouTube influencers to manage brand campaigns with brands they actually want to work with, all while retaining creative control. To take advantage of YouTube BrandContent, you’ll have to already be a member of the YouTube Partner Program among other eligibility requirements.
Key features:
- Manage campaigns directly within YouTube Studio
- Customizable Media Kit with audience insights to pitch to brands
- Tons of resources and best practice guides
Pricing:
It’s free to sign up for YouTube BrandConnect and browse sponsorship opportunities. However, the platform charges a service fee for successful collaborations. The exact percentage can vary but generally ranges around 10% of the deal value.
Top affiliate marketplaces
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Amazon Affiliate Program
The Amazon Affiliate Program is one of the most popular and widely used affiliate programs, allowing influencers to earn commissions by promoting products available on Amazon. Since the platform is one of the biggest household names in the world, its reputation can help increase conversion rates as consumers are already familiar with and comfortable with the platform.
Key features:
- Familiar user-friendly interface
- Extensive product range
- Third-party integrations
Pricing:
There are no fees to join the Amazon Affiliate Program. Commission rates vary depending on the product category but usually range from 2-10%.
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ShareASale
ShareASale is a well-established affiliate network offering a wide variety of merchants across different niches, making it particularly ideal for influencers. Thanks to its diverse merchant base, influencers can find products from a broad range of advertisers in several different content niches.
Key features:
- Easy-to-navigate dashboard and robust tracking tools simplify management and performance
- Reliable and timely payment structure
Pricing:
Creators can join the platform without any upfront fees. Commission rates are set by individual brands. Minimum payout threshold of $50.
Top ad revenue platforms
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Google AdSense
Google AdSense enables content creators to generate revenue by displaying targeted ads on their websites, YouTube channels, or mobile apps. Well-known for its accessibility, Google AdSense offers many benefits for influencers looking to monetize their online presence through ad revenue.
Particularly useful for its targeted advertising, Google AdSense delivers relevant ads based on factors like user interests, demographics, and browsing behaviors.
Key benefits:
- Monetization flexibility
- Targeted advertising
- Easy integration
- Performance insights
Pricing:
Creators earn revenue through a pay-per-click (PPC) or pay-per-impression (PPM) model, depending on the type of ad displayed and the advertiser’s preferences. Google retains a portion of the ad revenue that varies depending on factors like ad format, ad placement, and the advertiser’s bidding strategy.
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Media.net
Leading contextual advertising platform, Media.net offers influencers a powerful tool for monetizing their online content through targeted ads.
Because Media.net specializes in delivering highly relevant ads based on the context of the content, the platform ensures a more seamless and non-intrusive advertising experience. This hopefully translates to higher earnings.
Key features:
- Premium Advertisers
- Customizable ad formats and placements
- Performance tracking including ad impressions, clicks, earnings, and more
Pricing:
Creators earn revenue through a pay-per-click (PPC) model. The exact revenue share percentage varies depending on factors like format, traffic quality, and advertiser demand.
Ready to take The Leap?
The Leap is Thinkific’s latest brainchild that caters specifically to creators who want to monetize their knowledge and expertise by transforming them into digital products.
The Leap’s AI-powered authoring tool is kitted out with everything you need to monetize your knowledge via engaging digital learning products like mini-courses, guides, tutorials, and more.
Try The Leap free today to build your creator store and sell your digital products.
