Kickstarter
Project crowdfunding platform used for albums, vinyl runs and tours; funding is all-or-nothing, so backers are only charged if a campaign reaches its goal.
- Best for
- Funding vinyl or album projects from proven fan demand. Artists with proven an demand and a specific, well-budgeted project (i.e. vinyl or album) that can be packaged around compelling rewards such as signed vinyl, exclusive tracks, listening sessions, credits or private performances.
- Skip if
- Your list cannot drive the first forty-eight hours, you need to keep partial funding after missing the goal, lack an existing fan community, cannot reliably manufacture and ship rewards or need money immediately without running a concentrated campaign.
- First move
- Size a realistic goal from your mailing list. Calculate the minimum amount required to complete and fulfill the project after fees, taxes and contingency costs. Secure likely commitments for roughly 25–30% of the goal before launch, then build a strong video, campaign story, reward ladder and promotional calendar.
- Watch out
- All-or-nothing: missing the goal means receiving nothing, while reaching it makes the artist responsible for every promised reward. Failed payments can reduce the final payout, and underestimated shipping, taxes or manufacturing costs can eliminate the budget. Kickstarter does not guarantee fulfillment or generally mediate the creator’s obligations to backers. Note that a failed campaign is public.
- Reach
- Mainstream scale
- When
- Worth it once you are growing an audience.
- Based in
- United States