Feb 12, 2026 · Insight
What we’re learning about creator income stability
- Recurring support is valued 3x more than one-off spikes.
- 70% of creators feel platform algorithms threaten their stability.
- Direct-to-fan sales are the highest trust usage of funds.
“I can make $5000 one month and $500 the next. It’s impossible to plan a life around that.”
Aggregated, anonymized participant data.
Feb 05, 2026 · Insight
What makes fan support feel meaningful
- Personal acknowledgment matters more than physical goods for many.
- Transparency on where the money goes increases willingness to pay.
- Fans want to feel they are "building" something with the artist.
“Knowing my subscription pays for their studio rent makes me feel like a patron, not a customer.”
Aggregated, anonymized participant data.
Jan 28, 2026 · Insight
Ownership vs access: where beliefs diverge
- Older demographics value file ownership significantly higher.
- Younger demographics prioritize access and convenience but fear "delisting".
- Both groups agree that "renting" music feels precarious.
“If the service shuts down, my library is gone. That scares me.”
Aggregated, anonymized participant data.