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itch.io

Description

itch.io is an online marketplace where independent creators can sell games, digital tools, game assets, music, e-books, and other creative projects. It is especially popular with indie game developers, but you do not have to make a full video game to use it. You can also sell sound effects, game art, digital comics, tabletop role-playing games, and other downloadable content.

itch.io webpage

Getting started is simple. Create an account, set up a project page, upload your files, add screenshots or previews, and choose your price.

You can charge a fixed amount, offer your work for free with an optional payment, or let buyers pay what they think it is worth above your minimum price. You can also publish demos, offer early access, and take part in bundles or crowdfunding campaigns.

Want to earn your first dollar online, but don’t know where to begin? Download the Free First Dollar Checklist to help you decide where to start.

One useful feature is itch.io’s open revenue sharing system. You choose what percentage of your sales goes to itch.io, from 0% to 100%. The default suggested share is 10%, but you can change it. Payment processor fees still apply, so choosing a 0% platform share does not mean you keep every dollar a buyer pays.

There are two main ways to receive money. With direct payments, buyers pay through your connected PayPal or Stripe account, and the money goes to that provider. With itch.io’s payout system, the platform collects the money, and you request a withdrawal later.

This second option requires tax information, a minimum available balance of $5, and a review before payment. Earnings normally become available seven days after a sale, and payout reviews usually take 10 to 14 days.

itch.io has operated for years and is a genuine marketplace for independent creators. However, its recent public reviews include complaints about delayed payouts, account restrictions, and slow customer support. These complaints do not prove that every seller will have problems, but they are worth considering before you depend on the platform for income.

Want to earn your first dollar online, but don’t know where to begin? Download the Free First Dollar Checklist to help you decide where to start.

If you create games or other digital products, itch.io gives you a low-cost way to reach buyers without building your own website. Your earnings depend on the quality of your work, the price you set, and whether people choose to buy or support your projects.

Pay
You set your prices and choose the percentage of sales shared with itch.io. Payment processor fees and applicable taxes are deducted separately.
How You Make Money
Create a project page, upload a game or digital product, add screenshots and a clear description, and set a price or optional donation amount. Promote the page so people can discover your work. You earn when buyers purchase your product or choose to support it. You can also sell demos, paid downloads, game assets, sound files, digital books, and tabletop games. Your earnings depend on sales and the price you set.
Payment Method
PayPal or Stripe for direct payments, or PayPal and Payoneer through itch.io's payout system. Availability depends on your country and account eligibility.
Minimum Payment
$5 USD for itch.io's payout system. Direct payments go to your connected payment provider, which may have its own rules.
Withdrawal Speed
With itch.io's payout system, sales usually become available after seven days. Payout requests are reviewed for at least seven days and typically processed within 10 to 14 days, although extra checks can cause delays. Direct payments follow your payment provider's schedule.
Skill Level
Beginner to Advanced
Pros
Free to create an account and upload projects.
Let creators set their own prices and offer pay-what-you-want options.
Allows sellers to choose their platform revenue share.
Supports games, sound files, artwork, ebooks, and other digital products.
Offers project pages, download hosting, and sales analytics.
Supports demos, early access, bundles, and crowdfunding.
Has an established audience interested in independent games and creative work.
Cons
Recent reviews include complaints about delayed payouts and slow customer support.
Sales are not guaranteed, even if your project is published.
Payment processor fees and taxes reduce your earnings.
The payout system requires tax checks and a review before funds are released.
Best For
Indie game developers, digital artists, musicians, writers, and creators who want to sell downloadable products directly to an interested audience.
Website Reviews
Country Availability
International.

Platform FAQs

Is itch.io free to join?

Yes. You can create an account and upload projects without paying a registration fee. You choose the percentage of sales you share with itch.io, although payment processing fees and applicable taxes still apply.

How does itch.io pay creators?

You can connect PayPal or Stripe to receive direct payments, or use itch.io's payout system to collect earnings and request withdrawals through PayPal or Payoneer. The available option depends on your country and account setup.

What is the minimum payout on itch.io?

The minimum available balance for a payout request through itch.io's payout system is $5. Your tax information must be completed and validated, and your payout must pass the platform's review.

Is itch.io reliable for earning money?

itch.io is an established marketplace, but public reviews include complaints about payout delays and customer support. It can be useful for selling digital products, but read the payout rules, keep records of your sales, and avoid relying on it as your only income source.

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