State of Create in 2025

There’s never been a better time to be a creator. More people than ever are making a living online, turning their creativity into real careers. It’s honestly incredible. But that success also brings uncertainty. Platforms change constantly, money can come fast but doesn’t always last, and reaching your audience? That’s harder than ever. Posts get buried, and even the people you follow often don’t see your work anymore.

A few years ago, we started noticing a shift. Creators who had spent years building communities were seeing their reach dwindle. Engagement wasn’t what it used to be, and the issue wasn’t with their work - it was the breakdown of the very systems designed to help them connect. The "follow" function, once a reliable way to reach the audience they built, was being systematically deprioritized. For creators, when your livelihood depends on that connection, the fear that you no longer have control over it - or that it’s being taken away - can feel paralyzing.

This shift is exactly why we put together the State of Create report. After months of research, talking to thousands of creators and fans, and really digging into how people are engaging online today, we’ve got a clearer picture of the why - why the internet feels tougher to navigate, why the creator economy is shifting, and, most importantly, why there’s still plenty of reason to be excited about what’s ahead.

It turns out, creators are more resilient than ever. In fact, almost 90% told us they’d still recommend being a creator to others, even with all the challenges. Why? Because signs point to a new shift underway toward a healthier, more creator-first future. A future where they’re in control.

Wherever you are in your creative journey, if you’re struggling to reach your community and questioning your own sense of worth, we hope this report brings you the same feeling of relief and energy it brought us.

Building what’s best for creators has been at the heart of everything Patreon has done since day one. Our goal with this report isn’t just to share what creators and fans want, but to use this information to build the future they deserve.

Check it out and let us know what you think.