With exponential growth in the creator economy, more people are turning their passions into full-time careers. From artists and writers to podcasters and influencers, creators now have many ways to earn online. However, with so much free content everywhere, it’s getting harder to build a steady income. Today, creators now leverage membership platforms to guarantee their earnings.
These platforms let creators offer exclusive content to their most loyal fans through subscription services. Be it behind-the-scenes videos, premium articles, or members-only chats, exclusive memberships help creators get paid for their best work. Fans are happy to support creators they love, and in return, they get unique perks and closer connections.
Create your own free link in bio page
Ready to simplify your online presence?
With Pushbio, you can;
- Link all your social media profiles together effortlessly.
- Showcase all your content, products, and services in one space.
- Share everything through a single link.
Create your own free link in bio page
Ready to simplify your online presence?
With Pushbio, you can;
- Link all your social media profiles together effortlessly.
- Showcase all your content, products, and services in one space.
- Share everything through a single link.
In this post, we’ll compare the best platforms for creators to offer exclusive memberships and build a community. We’ll look at popular tools like Patreon but we’ll also show you why Pushbio stands out as a top choice for creators who want more control, better tools, and an all-in-one solution.
What to look for in a membership platform
Membership platforms operate by gating content. This means the audience has to pay a certain fee to access content from a particular creator. While their mode of operation is the same, each platform differs from one another.
With more and more platforms springing up, it’s important that creators know exactly what to look out for when picking a platform to host their gated content on. To that end, here are a few pointers to always check before making your decision on a subscription platform to sue as a creator:
Ease of use and quick setup
When choosing a membership platform, how easy it is to get started matters a lot. As a creator, your time is best spent making content, not figuring out complex tools. A great platform should offer a smooth onboarding process with simple steps to build your page, set up pricing tiers, and start offering exclusive content right away. It should work even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Look for membership platforms that guide you through each setup step without confusion. The faster you can go live, the sooner you can begin offering your subscription services to your audience. Platforms like Pushbio make it easy by giving you a user-friendly dashboard to manage everything in one place. This saves you time and energy while letting you focus on your creative work.
Customization and branding options
Your membership page should look and feel like your brand. Good platforms give you full control over how your content is presented, allowing you to use your colors, logo, and messaging. This helps fans feel like they’re entering your world and not just another website.
When a platform allows real branding control, you can stand out and build a stronger connection with your audience. It also makes it easier to build trust with potential members. Pushbio, for example, gives creators beautiful, customizable layouts that match their style, helping creators build their brand and make a lasting impression.
Payment processing partners
The right payment system can make or break your membership success. Membership platforms should support trusted payment processors like Stripe or PayPal. These partners ensure your transactions are safe, smooth, and accessible globally.
Therefore, creators should look for platforms that let them offer different pricing plans for their subscription services and automatically handle recurring payments. This saves you the hassle of managing memberships manually. Reliable payment partners also improve your audience’s trust, knowing their personal and financial information is secure encourages more people to sign up and support your exclusive content.
Platform fees and value for money
Every membership platform charges some kind of fee, but what you get in return is what really matters. Some platforms take a percentage of your earnings, while others charge monthly subscription fees. It’s important to compare these costs and choose one that gives you the best value without cutting too deeply into your income.
Think about what tools and features are included in the price. A slightly higher fee might be worth it if you’re getting more tools to manage exclusive content, engage your audience, or customize your membership experience. Pushbio, for example, offers a wide range of premium features at a competitive price, helping creators keep more of what they earn while delivering top-quality content to subscribers.
Community engagement features
A strong creator-audience relationship is key for long-term success when it comes to offering exclusive memberships. That’s why the best membership platforms give you tools to connect directly with your fans. Features like private messaging, comment sections, live streams, or group chats help you build a sense of community. This connection encourages more people to stay subscribed over time.
When fans feel like they’re part of something special, they’re more likely to keep supporting your subscription services. It also gives them a reason to check in regularly for updates and exclusive content. Platforms like Pushbio focus on simple but powerful tools that help creators stay close to their members and make engagement easy.
Social media and tool integration
Your membership platform should work with the other tools you use every day. Whether it’s Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or your email list, a good platform lets you share links, embed content, or drive traffic from social platforms to your membership page. This helps you grow your audience and convert casual fans into paying members.
Integration with social media also makes it easier to promote exclusive content and boost visibility. For example, Pushbio combines link-in-bio tools with subscription services, letting you direct fans from your profile straight to your membership offers. This keeps everything connected and makes your content journey smooth for your followers.
Analytics and audience insights
Knowing what works and what doesn’t is essential for growing your memberships. That’s why it’s important to choose a platform that gives you clear analytics and insights. You should be able to see how many people viewed your page, what content they liked most, and which membership tiers are performing best.
These insights help you plan better, create more of the content your fans love, and increase the value of your subscription services. With Pushbio, you can track performance at a glance and adjust your strategy to grow faster. When you understand your audience, you can serve them better and earn more.
Content delivery options
The way you deliver your content matters just as much as the content itself. A great platform gives you multiple ways to share your exclusive content including videos, newsletters, audio files, or downloads. This flexibility helps you meet your audience where they are and keep your offerings fresh.
Look for a membership platform that supports scheduled posts, secure file sharing, and mobile-friendly delivery. The easier it is for your subscribers to access your content, the more likely they are to stay engaged. Pushbio allows creators to deliver all types of content smoothly, making it easy to run a full subscription service without juggling multiple tools.
The best platforms for creators to offer exclusive memberships
Make no mistake, there are hundreds, if not thousands of platforms that allow creators to offer exclusive memberships. However, with the teeming numbers comes the challenge of picking one platform to use.
Picking one platform requires patience, and due diligence. To help creators out, we’ve done the research and here we will share with you our findings. Here are the top platforms for creators to offer exclusive memberships:
1. Pushbio
If you’re a creator looking for one tool that does it all, exclusive content, subscription services, digital products, and community-building, Pushbio is the all-in-one membership platform you’ve been waiting for.
Unlike many other platforms, Pushbio combines the best features in one place without the steep price tags or complex setups. You can create multiple membership tiers, accept payments directly via multiple payment processor integrations, and deliver secure content like videos, files, and private links.
Where Pushbio truly shines is in its creator-first pricing model. While Patreon takes a cut of your earnings and platforms like Kajabi or Mighty Networks charge premium prices, Pushbio keeps it budget-friendly, no hidden fees, no commissions. You own your income. For creators just starting or scaling up, that’s a game-changer.
Pushbio also gives you total control over your brand. Customize beautiful landing pages without needing to write a single line of code. With Pushbio, your brand stays front and center. Built-in email marketing tools are another huge plus. Pushbio lets you nurture your audience from day one, no third-party tools needed. Automations, newsletters, and community updates can all be handled in-platform.
You also won’t need to juggle tools for coaching, courses, or tipping. Pushbio handles all of that with more simplicity and at a fraction of the cost. It’s ideal for solopreneurs, influencers, coaches, and creators who want to run workshops, launch products, and share gated content all under one roof.
Pricing
- Pro plan – $14.99/month
- Agency Plan – $59/month
Why you should consider Pushbio for offering exclusive contents
Budget-friendly
Pushbio offers a low-cost way to launch your subscription services without overwhelming upfront costs. Unlike some membership platforms that charge high monthly fees or require long commitments, Pushbio is designed with affordability in mind. This makes it an excellent choice for new creators or solopreneurs who want to test out offering exclusive content without risking too much. Pushbio gives you a strong foundation to begin earning from your work. It’s perfect for creators who want professional tools without breaking the bank.
Zero fees
While platforms like Patreon and Memberful often take a cut of your income, Pushbio charges zero transaction fees. That means more money stays in your pocket from every subscription service you offer. For creators, this difference adds up quickly, especially as your audience grows and more fans subscribe to your exclusive content. Pushbio is built to support creators long-term, not eat into their profits.
All-in-one tool for digital business
Pushbio isn’t just a membership platform, it’s an all-in-one solution for creators. You can manage subscriptions, sell digital products, offer coaching, accept tips, and even launch courses, all from the same dashboard. This saves time and reduces the need for juggling multiple services or software tools. Pushbio helps you run your entire business smoothly. It’s ideal for creators who want less tech hassle and more time creating.
Strong branding control without coding
Pushbio lets you customize your pages and design to match your brand without needing coding skills. You can adjust colors, fonts, layout, and more so that your membership platform reflects your personality and professionalism. This helps build trust with your audience and gives a great first impression. With Pushbio, you don’t need to hire a designer or web developer to create a beautiful and functional membership experience.
Built-in email marketing
Pushbio comes with email marketing tools built right in. That means you can send newsletters, launch announcements, or personalized updates without needing an extra service. Staying connected with your audience helps increase engagement and keeps your subscription services top of mind.
Scale your revenue as you grow
As your business expands, Pushbio grows with you. It supports multiple membership tiers, digital product bundles, coaching sessions, and more. This ensures creators are not limited to one income stream. You can start simple, then add new subscription services or products when you’re ready. Pushbio helps you build and manage your monetization strategy step by step. This flexibility makes it great for both beginners and experienced creators looking to scale their online income without needing to switch platforms down the road.
Eliminate third-party tools
With Pushbio, you don’t need to pay for extra tools like email platforms, tip jars, landing page builders, or course software. Everything is already included, which saves time and money. It’s a smart choice for creators who want to simplify their workflow and focus on delivering great exclusive content. Having fewer tools also means fewer chances for technical problems or integration issues.
Ideal for brands and creator communities
Pushbio is made for individuals building a strong personal brand or exclusive online community. Whether you’re a coach, influencer, artist, or writer, it gives you tools to monetize your audience without needing a big team. Its easy-to-use membership platform puts you in full control.
You can create exclusive content, offer community perks, and build deeper relationships with your fans or clients. It’s especially helpful for creators who want to keep things personal, while still using professional tools to grow. Pushbio helps you connect, share, and earn on your own terms.
2. Podia
Podia is a user-friendly membership platform that helps you build a website, sell products, and manage emails. You can create different membership levels, offer exclusive content, and schedule your posts in advance. Podia also gives you unlimited video hosting, downloadable files, and tools to engage with your community.
One thing that stands out about Podia is its built-in email marketing tools, which include automations, newsletters, and analytics. However, these email features are not fully free. The first 100 email subscribers are free, then paid plans start at $7/month.
Pricing
- Mover Plan – $39/month, 5% transaction fees.
- Shaker Plan – $89/month.
Both plans come with a 30-day free trial and access to Podia Email.
3. Thinkific
Thinkific is one of the most popular membership platforms for creators who focus on online courses. It’s easy to use and lets you build custom course pages with videos, PDFs, and quizzes. You can even release your lessons slowly over time (called “drip content”) to keep students engaged. There are also options to add coaching, digital downloads, and even create a paid community.
One of Thinkific’s strengths is that it supports different types of subscription services, not just courses. You can also use it for webinars, memberships, and community spaces. It has an app store where you can connect other tools you already use. However, to unlock membership features, you’ll need the Start Plan, which begins at $99/month. That might be a big step if you’re just starting out.
Pricing
- Basic Plan – $49/month.
- Start Plan – $99/month
- Grow Plan – $199/month.
4. Patreon
Patreon is a big name when it comes to platforms for creators who want to earn through exclusive content. Fans subscribe to your page and pay monthly or annually to access special perks. You can create different membership tiers and offer things like bonus videos, early access, or merchandise at each level.
It’s designed to help you build a close-knit fan community, but it’s not ideal for creators who want to offer full online courses or coaching programs. The platform also doesn’t give much freedom to design your page. Also, if you don’t already have an audience, it can be tough to grow on Patreon alone. And unlike some other subscription services, Patreon always takes a cut of your earnings.
Pricing
- Pro Plan – 8% of your earnings.
- Premium Plan – 12% of your earnings.
5. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one tool made for creators who want to sell more than just exclusive memberships. With Kajabi, you can offer online courses, digital downloads, coaching, podcasts, newsletters, as well as set up paid communities. You can set up subscription services with weekly, monthly, or yearly billing and share exclusive content either all at once or little by little to keep members engaged.
Kajabi also lets you build private communities by creating “Access Groups,” so only certain members can see specific content. However, Kajabi has limits on how many products and contacts you can have, depending on your plan. This could make it harder to grow without upgrading. Also, Kajabi’s pricing is on the higher end, which might be too much for beginners or creators working with smaller budgets.
Pricing
- Kickstarter Plan – $89/month.
- Basic Plan – $149/month.
- Growth Plan – $199/month.
- Pro Plan – $399/month.
6. Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is a strong choice for creators focused on building an active community. It combines memberships, online courses, and events in one place. You can create member profiles, host live sessions, and set up subgroups around shared interests. It’s packed with features that help boost engagement and bring your audience together in a meaningful way.
The platform supports exclusive content delivery and community chats, but it can be a bit complex to manage. It’s ideal for creators who want to run an active, full-featured community but might feel overwhelming for beginners. Mighty Networks doesn’t include email marketing or blogging tools, so you may need extra software for lead generation and sales. Also, more advanced features like white-labeling and automation come at higher prices.
Pricing
- Community Plan – $49/month.
- Courses Plan – $119/month.
- Business Plan – $219/month.
- Path-to-Pro Plan – $430/month.
7. MemberPress
MemberPress is a WordPress plugin that turns your site into a full membership platform. It’s perfect for creators who already use WordPress and want to add exclusive content for paying members. You can offer unlimited membership levels, set up subscription services, use content dripping, and even offer free trials or discounts. MemberPress also comes with a course builder for creating structured lessons, and higher-tier plans include quizzes and certificates.
The downside? MemberPress only works with WordPress. If you’re not a fan of WordPress or want an easier setup, this might not be the best fit. Also, email marketing isn’t built in, you’ll need to connect other tools to send emails to your members.
Pricing
- Basic Plan – $359/year.
- Plus Plan – $599/year.
- Pro Plan – $799/year.
8. Squarespace
Squarespace is mainly known as a website builder, but it also lets creators sell exclusive content through paid memberships. You can use it to lock virtual events, workshops, and newsletters behind a paywall. On top of that, Squarespace gives you a full website with blog tools, landing pages, and templates to make launching fast and easy. It also works well for eCommerce if you want to sell physical items.
That said, many of the “all-in-one” features come as paid add-ons. As your audience and needs grow, your costs might go up too. Squarespace’s designs look great, but they aren’t super flexible, so heavy customization can be tricky.
Pricing
- Personal Plan – $16/month.
- Business Plan – $23/month (3% transaction fee).
- Basic Commerce Plan – $28/month.
- Advanced Commerce Plan – $52/month.
Final thoughts
When it comes to picking the best tool to offer exclusive content, it’s important to choose a platform that fits your goals, not just one that’s popular. Every creator is different. Some may want to sell coaching or courses as add-ons while others focus on community building or subscription services. The right membership platform should support what you want to grow.
If you want a simple, powerful tool that gives you ease, control, and room to grow, Pushbio is a smart choice for creators at any stage. It lets you own the audience’s experience. With full control over your brand, pricing, and communication, you’re not just renting space, you’re building something real.
