Ko-fi

Ko-fi is a creator platform that lets people earn money from their audience through tips, memberships, products, and services.

It works well for artists, writers, musicians, YouTubers, streamers, bloggers, developers, teachers, and other creators who already have people following their work.

You can create a Ko-fi page and use it as a simple place where supporters can pay you directly. You can ask for one-time tips, set up monthly memberships, sell digital or physical products, or offer paid services.

The platform is also useful if you sell digital products. Ko-fi Shop lets you sell things such as ebooks, templates, printables, tutorials, wallpapers, and other downloadable files without paying listing fees.

You can also use Ko-fi for custom work. For example, an artist could offer custom illustrations, while a writer could sell proofreading or editing services. You set the price, terms, available slots, and delivery details.

Memberships give you another way to build recurring income. You can create different membership levels and offer supporters exclusive content, perks, or access to your community.

Ko-fi does not hold your money in a platform balance. You connect PayPal, Stripe, or both, and payments go directly into your chosen account.

The fee depends on how you use Ko-fi. The current standard setup charges a 5% service fee on tips, memberships, shop sales, and commissions. Ko-fi Gold costs $12 per month and removes the service fee.

There is one useful exception. Creators who opt out of the standard setup can receive one-time tips with a 0% Ko-fi service fee. Normal PayPal or Stripe processing fees still apply.

Ko-fi does not provide the same built-in audience discovery as a marketplace like Etsy. You will usually need to bring supporters from your blog, YouTube channel, social accounts, email list, or other audience.

That makes Ko-fi more useful for creators who already have an audience or are actively building one.

The platform gives you plenty of control over your prices, products, memberships, terms, and supporter data. You can also add Ko-fi links to websites and social profiles so people have an easy way to support your work.