The fediverse has been hailed as a potential game-changer in the world of social networking, offering the promise of enduring and interoperable networks. However, one of the major challenges faced by creators and businesses in the fediverse is the difficulty in monetizing their content. This has led many to rely on closed platforms that offer direct ways to make money from their audiences. Sub.club, a new platform, is aiming to address this crucial issue by providing a solution that allows users on ActivityPub-based platforms like Mastodon to offer paid subscriptions and premium content while taking a small percentage cut.
One of the main hurdles for creators in the fediverse is the lack of streamlined monetization options. Unlike closed platforms such as Patreon, it is not easy for creators to earn a living solely through their content on the fediverse. Many content creators are forced to direct their followers back to closed platforms, limiting the potential for growth and independence within the fediverse ecosystem.
The founders of sub.club recognize the importance of bringing money into the fediverse ecosystem as a means of empowering creators. Bart Decrem emphasizes that enabling creators to get paid is crucial for those who believe in the promise of the internet. By providing a platform where creators can monetize their content effectively, sub.club aims to create a vital building block for the future of the fediverse.
Anuj Ahooja, a sub.club adviser, envisions a scenario where the fediverse experiences a “last network effect,” where users join platforms built on open protocols. This would enable seamless interaction online, with the flexibility to move between networks and platforms at will. By fostering innovation in social media, the fediverse could potentially transform the way people engage with online content.
At its core, sub.club offers creators the ability to set up paid subscriptions and offer premium content to their audience. Currently available only for Mastodon users, sub.club provides different integration options depending on the client used. Creators can direct users to a subscription page on Mastodon web clients or add a subscribe button on profiles that lead to a subscription webpage. Additionally, sub.club aims to integrate with other subscription products, emphasizing standardization and portability across multiple services.
As sub.club launches as a developer preview, the team is focused on building a robust platform that can seamlessly integrate with existing services. The platform also offers an API that allows the creation of premium bots, expanding the range of possibilities for creators. In the future, sub.club plans to enable Mastodon server admins to utilize the platform for fundraising maintenance, eliminating the need to rely on external platforms like Patreon or Ko-Fi for support.
Sub.club has the potential to revolutionize the way creators monetize their content in the fediverse, offering a streamlined solution that aligns with the principles of open protocols. By providing a platform where creators can easily monetize their content, sub.club has the opportunity to drive innovation and growth within the fediverse ecosystem. As the platform continues to evolve and expand its features, it has the potential to become a key player in reshaping the landscape of social networking on the internet.