Whether you’re posting videos, exclusive content, or educational materials, getting paid is a key part of sustaining a creative business. But each platform handles payouts differently — from processing time to revenue splits. Here’s a look at how some of the most popular platforms compare.
Patreon: Flexible Tiers with Monthly Payouts
- Earnings model: Monthly or per-post subscriptions
- Creator share: 88% to 95% (depending on plan and payment fees)
- Payout timing: Payments are processed on the 1st of the month, with 1–5 day processing
- Payout methods: PayPal, bank transfer
- Minimum threshold: $10
Patreon offers flexible membership models ideal for artists, podcasters, and educators who want recurring support from fans.
YouTube: Ad Revenue + Creator Tools
- Earnings model: Ads, memberships, Super Chats, merch, and YouTube Premium views
- Creator share: ~55% of ad revenue (Google keeps 45%)
- Payout timing: Paid monthly (typically between the 21st–26th)
- Payout methods: Direct deposit via AdSense
- Minimum threshold: $100
YouTube is highly scalable, but earnings are tied to views and advertiser demand. It’s most effective when paired with other revenue sources.
TikTok Creator Fund / Creativity Program
- Earnings model: Video views + bonuses
- Creator share: Variable (based on views, engagement, region)
- Payout timing: ~30 days after views occur
- Payout methods: PayPal
- Minimum threshold: $10
TikTok pays less predictably and rewards short-form video success, but top creators supplement income with sponsorships and brand deals.
OnlyFans: 80/20 Revenue Split + Weekly Payouts
- Earnings model: Subscriptions, pay-per-view (PPV), tips, and live streams
- Creator share: 80% (OnlyFans takes 20%)
- Payout timing: Funds are held for 7–21 days depending on region, then made available for withdrawal
- Payout methods: Bank transfer, e-wallets (depending on location)
- Minimum threshold: ~$20
OnlyFans is known for direct monetization and relatively fast payouts. It’s best suited for creators selling exclusive content to subscribers.
Substack: Direct-to-Audience Email Monetization
- Earnings model: Paid newsletters and subscriptions
- Creator share: 90% (Substack takes 10%)
- Payout timing: Rolling (Stripe-based)
- Payout methods: Bank transfer via Stripe
- Minimum threshold: None
Substack is built for writers and educators building a loyal, email-based audience. It offers solid income potential with fewer platform distractions.
Key Takeaways
- Revenue splits vary: OnlyFans and Substack are more generous to creators; YouTube and TikTok take higher cuts.
- Timing matters: Platforms like Patreon and YouTube follow fixed monthly cycles, while OnlyFans and Substack offer more frequent access to earnings.
- Payout methods differ: Most offer bank transfers, but PayPal and Stripe availability can vary by country.
- Diversification is smart: Many top creators use two or more platforms to balance income and audience types.
Understanding each platform’s payout system is crucial when choosing where to focus your content efforts.
Whether you're a podcaster, video creator, or educator, aligning your monetization strategy with how and when you get paid can make a big difference in cash flow and creative freedom.
