Where the creator subscription economy is heading
Platform consolidation, rising commissions, the rise of self-hosting: three trends and what they mean for you.
The paid membership model is ten years old. It's entering a phase where positions are settling into place, and where conditions are getting tougher for creators.
Three underlying shifts
Rising commissions for new entrants, first: established platforms no longer need to recruit at cut-rate prices.
The rise of self-hosted solutions, next: your own domain name, a payment provider wired up directly, an email list you own outright. Technically more demanding, but with no middleman.
And geographic fragmentation, finally: European requirements around data, VAT and payment methods are opening up space for regional players.
Indicative trend, for illustration purposes.
What this means for you
- Own your domain name and your list: the only transferable assets.
- Don't depend on a single discovery channel.
- Check your exit terms before you sign up.
The question is no longer which platform is cheapest, but which one lets you leave without losing anything.