Is Kickstarter still a good crowdfunding option for musicians?
Kickstarter’s annual report reveals that many other categories have received backing above music, but why is that?
In 2012, Amanda Palmer raised nearly $1.2 million on Kickstarter to fund her album, tour, and book. At the time, many believed crowdfunding would transform the music industry. Fast forward to today, and Kickstarter’s latest ‘Creative Download’ report suggests that music has taken a backseat to other creative categories like games, comics, and film.
The report highlights the biggest trends on the platform over the last year, but you’ll find just one mention of music throughout the whole piece. This singular reference is a case study of the top-funded theatre project, a musical called Cinderella’s Castle. While music remains the second-largest category in Kickstarter’s history – boasting 35,855 successfully funded projects – it no longer appears to be a major driver of activity on the platform.
Despite this, crowdfunding is far from dead for musicians, and many independent artists continue to raise funds through Kickstarter. For example, British artist and TikTok star Casey Lowery recently ran a successful campaign. However, when looking at Kickstarter’s biggest music projects, most of the top-funded campaigns are from the 2010s, including De La Soul, TLC, and the Voyager Golden Record 40th Anniversary Edition.
This shift suggests that established artists are exploring alternative platforms to fund projects. Additionally, independent artists are . Direct-to-fan marketing has become an increasingly popular strategy, allowing artists to build stronger connections with their audience and generate revenue beyond crowdfunding. If you’re considering new ways to fund your next release, check out our guide on direct-to-fan marketing.
All this is not to say that Kickstarter isn’t a great option for funding projects and getting fans excited about future plans.
Kickstarter remains a valuable tool, especially for emerging artists looking to engage their fanbase. However, musicians may need to get more creative to stand out among the platform’s dominant categories. With Kickstarter reporting $706.4 million in pledges across all successful projects in 2024, there’s still potential for musicians willing to experiment.
If you’re thinking about crowdfunding, make sure you understand the process and how to maximise your campaign’s success. Our crowdfunding guide for musicians offers useful tips to help you get started.