Instead, many creators are funneling their followers into new spaces and experiences to build a sense of community β and simultaneously monetize it. Luckily for them, there's an entire ecosystem of creator-economy and consumer-tech startups with the mission to do just that. Traditional social-media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become "awareness engines," as Louderback put it, to shepherd creators' most loyal fans into more intimate spaces on and offline.
Louderback pointed to a few examples of platforms helping creators do that, like online course platform Kajabi which acquired community startup Vibely in or Nas. Other platforms, like Uscreen , which was built for on-demand video content, have become hubs for creators like Adriene Mishler of "Yoga with Adriene," who hosts her Find What Feels Good community using the platform. Uscreen's head of partnerships and community, Rob Balasabas, said fans "come for the content" but "stay for the community.
To help creators navigate the growing number of community platforms, BI compiled a list of 11 startups that creators use to turn their audiences into communities. BI narrowed down the list based on each company's presence in the creator economy, tools offered, and reputation among creators and industry experts.
While many creators still use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to connect with their audiences in comments, DMs, and groups, this list is focused on startups building community tools. What it is: Circle is a community platform used by creators and brands to sell memberships, founded by two former Teachable employees, Andrew Guttormsen and Sid Yadav, as well as Rudy Santino. Teachable's founder, Ankur Nagpal, who has since left the company, invested in Circle and recently highlighted it as a startup to watch.
What type of community tools it offers: Group chats, events, courses, and livestreaming. How creators make money: Creators can charge one-time fees and recurring membership subscriptions. What it is: Discord is a group chat platform that gained popularity among gaming communities and now hosts communities across many niches, from sports betting to mental health.
