From Financialexpress · Sugandha Mukherjee · · 1m 20s
Fan Funding Shifts Creator Revenue Models
Social media creators now charge fans directly for exclusive content, badges and access.
In brief
Social media creators now charge fans directly for exclusive content, badges and access. Social media creators and platforms are introducing paid subscription models to generate recurring revenue beyond ads. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
New Revenue Model for Creators
Social media creators now charge fans directly for exclusive content, special badges and closer access to their lives.
Retired Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal
Retired Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, with 3 million Instagram followers, charges Rs 199 monthly for iPhone users and Rs 180 for Android users.
Subscribers Get Exclusive Benefits
Subscribers receive exclusive content, special badges, access to social channels, question-and-answer sessions and coaching.
Monthly Revenue Estimate
At Rs 199 a month, 1,000 subscribers would generate Rs 1.99 lakh in gross monthly collections.
Meta's Instagram Subscriptions
Meta introduced Instagram Subscriptions to help creators earn predictable monthly income from their most engaged followers.
YouTube Channel Memberships
YouTube offers channel memberships with 70% revenue share after taxes and fees, as highlighted by CEO Neal Mohan.
Twitch Subscription Success
American creator Kai Cenat crossed 1 million active subscriptions during his September 2025 Mafiathon 3 live streaming event.
Patreon for Musicians
Musician Amanda Palmer uses Patreon to offer monthly payments for exclusive material and benefits.
The short version
Social media creators and platforms are introducing paid subscription models to generate recurring revenue beyond ads.
