Patreon has begun testing its own native livestreaming feature, introducing an option for creators to broadcast directly to their audiences around the clock if they choose. The company is currently rolling out this new capability to a select group of users as part of a pilot program, with wider availability expected later in the summer.
The native livestreaming setup includes a live chat feature, where viewers can interact with creators using both messages and emoji reactions, enhancing audience engagement during broadcasts. Creators also gain the ability to schedule livestreams in advance and select moderators to manage the live chat.
Until now, Patreon users have mostly relied on external services like Crowdcast, YouTube, OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), and Vimeo to livestream content. Patreon highlights that offering built-in livestreaming tools will allow creators to escape from the cluttered advertising and distractions common on other platforms. With this new implementation, creators can start livestreaming directly through Patreon’s web interface or using the Patreon mobile app.
Notably, Patreon has not placed any upper limit on how long streams can run, enabling creators to stream continuously without interruption, even up to 24 hours a day if they choose. In comparison, platforms like TikTok Live enforce a 60-minute duration limit, while Twitch caps continuous streams at 48 hours. YouTube allows unlimited livestream durations but puts a ceiling on the number of separate streams permitted each day.
The native integration of live video also offers expanded monetization strategies for creators. They can opt to host exclusive livestreams available only to paying subscribers, or broadcast freely to attract a larger audience. Post-event recordings can be made available, optionally placed behind a paywall as a standalone paid offering.
However, there’s a notable absence of a native co-hosting feature in this initial rollout. Creators that wish to have multiple hosts on-screen simultaneously will still need to utilize integrated third-party software such as OBS or Streamlabs.
While specific future plans for the live video feature were not detailed, a Patreon spokesperson suggested the company continues to investigate additional monetization avenues and hinted at the possible future integration of tools similar to its recently introduced membership-gifting feature.
