Patreon, the service that lets artists and creators provide exclusive content to subscribers, is launching a new tool that enables creators to livestream natively on the platform.
The company said the feature intends to let creators connect with their audiences in real time, whether it's an author hosting a Q&A about a newly published book or musicians testing out new music for their fans.
The tool directly competes with similar offerings on platforms like Twitch, but a focus on creator-owned communities and fewer distractions.
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"Until now, creators have had to go live on platforms that weren't designed to prioritize their businesses," the company said in a statement. "We're changing that: because it's built directly within Patreon, creators won't need to compete with crowded feeds, distracting ads, or anything else that gets in the way of connecting creators with their core fans."
Creators will be able to go live via the Patreon mobile app or desktop, with options for free or paid member access, allowing them to tailor streams for audience growth or earnings, according to the company.
The platform is also adding a live chat for real-time conversations, emoji reactions that appear over the video player and moderation tools that let creators set the tone for their communities.
Creators will also have the option to share livestream recordings with fans who missed the event or download the videos for use on other platforms.
Patreon said some creators will receive early access to the feature as soon as this week with a wider rollout planned for later this summer.