Stores & marketplaces

Kickstarter

Pre-sell a game, book or gadget. Needs an audience before the campaign starts.

Visit kickstarter.com
Cost
Revenue share

Platform fee and payment processing come out of pledges. The current rates could not be checked. Check current pricing.

Verdict
long shot

Long shot: needs an audience before the campaign starts.

Difficulty
Hard

Gatekept or reviewed, or needs an existing audience or reviews first.

Effort
High

About 10 or more hours a month, mostly during launches or a regular posting habit.

First result
3 to 6 months (campaign prep)

A rough range for one person working on it part-time.

Payoff
Spike

a burst of traffic, then it fades.

Best for

Hardware, games and books with an existing audience.

Not for

Pure software products.

Pros

  • Pre-sells physical products and games
  • Built-in backer community

Cons

  • Needs an audience before launch
  • Fees on pledges

The full guide

Last verified 2026-10-30

Links checked 2026-10-30 · The site blocks automated checks, so its links are unconfirmed

01What it is and who is there

Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform where creators pre-sell projects such as hardware, games, books and design products. Backers pledge money, and the creator is funded only if the goal is reached. Most successful campaigns bring their own audience to the page; Kickstarter's browsing adds to it.

02Cost and what you actually pay for

Kickstarter takes a platform fee and payment processing fees from funded campaigns. The current rates could not be checked; see Kickstarter's fee page before planning.

03Is it right for you?

It fits hardware, games, books and physical design products with an audience before launch. It fits poorly for pure software and for creators with no audience. Launching without a list of interested people is risky.

04Before you start

  • An email list or community of people waiting for the project.
  • A prototype, video and clear reward tiers.
  • A realistic budget for production and shipping.
  • Read Kickstarter's rules on what projects are allowed.

05Step-by-step: how to distribute here

  1. Build a pre-launch page and collect emails for months.
  2. Make a video that shows the product working.
  3. Set a goal you can deliver with.
  4. Launch to your list on day one.
  5. Post updates during the campaign.
  6. Deliver on time, and communicate delays honestly.

06What to post or submit

Campaign headline:

[Product]: [what it does] for [who]

07Common mistakes and do-nots

  • Do not launch with no audience.
  • Do not promise rewards you cannot produce.
  • Do not hide production risks.

08How to measure it

  • Track pre-launch sign-ups and campaign conversion.
  • Track funding over time.
  • A realistic test: pre-launch list size before you launch.

09Time budget

  • Before: 40 or more hours over months.
  • During: 2 to 4 hours a day.
  • After: fulfillment.

10Pair it with

11Sources

Sources