When it comes to crowdfunding, Kickstarter and Indiegogo are two of the most popular platforms, each with its own set of strengths. Deciding between the two can be a daunting task for entrepreneurs and creators. In this 2024 update, we’ll break down the key differences to help you choose the best fit for your campaign.
1. Funding Models
- Kickstarter: All-or-nothing funding model, meaning if you don’t reach your funding goal, you don’t get any of the pledged funds. This encourages urgency and makes your campaign more appealing to backers, as they know their money is safe if the goal isn’t met.
- Indiegogo: Offers both all-or-nothing and flexible funding models. The flexible option allows creators to keep the funds even if the goal is not met, which can be helpful for campaigns that require funding regardless of the goal.
2. Campaign Types and Categories
- Kickstarter: Primarily known for creative projects, including technology, design, films, and art. If your project fits within one of these categories, Kickstarter's community is highly engaged and supportive.
- Indiegogo: More versatile in terms of campaign types. While it also caters to creative industries, Indiegogo is open to a wider variety of projects, including personal fundraising, nonprofits, and technology innovations.
3. Backer Community
- Kickstarter: Has a more tightly-knit, dedicated backer community that tends to be more passionate about supporting creative projects. This is ideal for projects that focus on design, technology, and innovation.
- Indiegogo: Offers a more diverse set of backers, including those interested in non-profit causes, personal projects, and more unconventional ideas. It's better for creators who want to tap into a wider audience.
4. Global Reach
- Kickstarter: Available in over 20 countries, Kickstarter has a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Australia. However, it has limited access in some countries, particularly in Asia and certain parts of Africa.
- Indiegogo: Known for its global reach, Indiegogo supports campaigns in more countries and provides international shipping options, making it an appealing choice for creators looking to reach a broader, global market.
5. Fees
- Kickstarter: Charges a 5% fee on funds raised, in addition to processing fees (around 3-5% depending on the location and payment methods).
- Indiegogo: Also takes a 5% fee, but its payment processing fees can be slightly higher than Kickstarter's. Additionally, Indiegogo’s flexible funding option can come with slightly higher fees.
6. Post-Campaign Support
- Kickstarter: After a successful campaign, Kickstarter’s focus shifts to the fulfillment of the rewards and delivering on promises. It’s a platform focused on getting projects off the ground, and creators are expected to handle the logistics after funding is complete.
- Indiegogo: Offers more post-campaign support and tools for ongoing marketing. With options like "InDemand," creators can continue accepting backers and funding even after the campaign ends, which can be a huge benefit for ongoing product development or sales.
7. Campaign Duration
- Kickstarter: Most campaigns on Kickstarter last between 30 and 60 days. This duration creates a sense of urgency, pushing backers to pledge quickly.
- Indiegogo: Offers flexible campaign durations, allowing creators to choose their campaign length, and making it more adaptable for different project timelines.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Kickstarter if:
- Choose Indiegogo if:
Final Thoughts
Both Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer unique advantages for crowdfunding campaigns. If you have a clear, creative product or project, Kickstarter’s dedicated community might be the better option. However, if you need more flexibility and global outreach, Indiegogo could be the platform to help you scale.
Are you ready to start your crowdfunding journey? Reach out to learn how to successfully launch your campaign on the platform that best fits your goals! ??
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