Patreon Steps Up its Game for 18+ Creators

The platform unveils new search and accessibility upgrades, giving adult creators more visibility and fans more access to their favorite content.

Patreon, a significant player in the creator-driven economy, is moving to set itself apart from platforms like OnlyFans, Fansly, and even Twitch. 

The big news? Patreon is rolling out significant search and discovery upgrades to give 18+ creators better visibility. But that’s not all—it’s adding flexibility for creators to sell digital products, a feature that could change how fans interact with their favorite creators. OnlyFans, while largely known for its subscription-based model, rakes in a massive chunk of its revenue from one-time purchases. 

“60% of the money OnlyFans makes comes from single-time purchases,” according to Fenix International Limited.

More Visibility, More Flexibility

Patreon isn’t holding back. They’ve launched a revamped Explore tab, making it easier than ever for users to browse through popular categories and find creators they’ve never heard of. This tab is a game-changer for people who want to find the best content curated by creators, not just a faceless algorithm. Forget endless scrolling through auto-suggestions — now it’s all about human-driven discovery. Creators get to highlight their favorite peers, meaning fans get a real taste of the platform’s diverse content. 

Patreon is taking a page from OnlyFans’ book and introducing the ability to charge one-time fees for exclusive posts. This means creators now have a fresh way to make money without locking fans into monthly subscriptions. Think of it as a way to sell digital products — whether a jaw-dropping art piece, an exclusive video, or premium access to content you don’t need a subscription to see.

It’s not just about what creators can sell — Patreon gives fans more reasons to buy. The new Autopilot discount tool is shaking things up. Now, first-time buyers can get special offers if they’re subscribed to a creator’s free tier. It’s a clever way to convert casual lurkers into paying fans while rewarding those who’ve been loyal. Creators have complete control over this feature, deciding when and how to use it.

“I love the new recommendations feature… It’s a way to have discovery, but completely human-driven,” content creator KarenxCheng said.

18+ Creators Get the Love They Deserve

Adult creators are a crucial part of the community, and Patreon wants to help them grow. This is especially interesting because these creators have often been caught in the crossfire of stricter platform rules. Now, with improved search tools, Patreon is putting resources into expanding search access and exploring improvements for 18+ content creators.

With these features, creators working in more risqué genres can feel more confident that their content won’t be shuffled into the background. It’s about time that platforms like Patreon recognize the value and diversity of the creator economy beyond just the family-friendly zones.

For all the talk about subscriptions, the real buzz is around digital products — and they’re not just for adult platforms like OnlyFans anymore. Whether it’s exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, one-time art drops, or unique downloads, digital products are booming. Patreon is now leading the charge by giving creators new flexibility to sell exactly what they want, how they want.

Will One-Time Purchases Take Over?

Patreon is clearly leveling up. Its new search features, digital product options, and recommendation tools make itself more attractive, especially to adult creators who have historically been overlooked. 

With 60% of OnlyFans’ revenue coming from single transactions, there’s a clear sign that fans love one-off purchases. Patreon is betting on single payments, which could be the start of a bigger trend across creator-driven platforms. YouTube and Twitch have already dabbled in these waters, but the future could see them go all-in with one-time payment models for exclusive digital content. One thing’s for sure: the world of digital products is getting more competitive, and creators have more tools than ever to boost their income streams.