Patreon’s recent State of Create report highlights the challenges faced by creators in the face of algorithmic feeds prevalent on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The report emphasizes the growing difficulty for creators to reach their followers effectively.
Based on a survey conducted among 1,000 creators and 2,000 fans, Patreon found that 53% of creators believe it has become more challenging to connect with their audience compared to just five years ago. This aligns with concerns raised by celebrities, such as the Kardashians, who have struggled to reach their fans due to changes in these platforms’ algorithms.
Fans, too, express dissatisfaction with the shift towards short-form videos on social media. While they acknowledge the presence of more short-form content, 52% of fans prefer long-form content and indicate a willingness to pay for such material. Long-form content also tends to generate higher ad revenue on platforms like YouTube, as monetization strategies for short-form content remain underdeveloped.
The report reveals a paradox within the creator economy. Platforms like TikTok have simplified audience building but also introduced excessive content, making it difficult for creators to maintain engagement. This is because algorithmic feeds prioritize posts from accounts a user follows, potentially burying content from creators they may enjoy.
Consequently, creators are prioritizing quality and personal connections with fans over metrics like follower counts. Patreon CEO Jack Conte criticized platform algorithms for disrupting the creator-subscriber relationship and giving platforms control over content distribution.
Additionally, the report suggests that 78% of creators are influenced by algorithms in their creative process, and 56% feel discouraged from pursuing their passions because of them. Creators also face uncertainties due to legal and policy changes on social media platforms, leading to concerns about maintaining stable connections with their audiences.
“The Algorithm’ does not reflect what people want,” said Patreon creator Karen X. Cheng. “It only measures what people pay attention to.”
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
