Patreon's proposed new offerings might position it as a genuine competitor to Twitch.

      Rode

      Patreon has historically provided a platform for creatives similar to Twitch, though with distinct implications. Typically, Twitch is associated primarily with gaming (though that's not exclusively the case), while Patreon focuses on a more artistic community. The company recently announced that it plans to introduce a livestreaming service this summer, which could establish it as a genuine competitor to Twitch, and it is currently in the midst of extensive testing.

      Patreon states that it aims for this feature to "enhance real-time fan engagement and offer new experiences that encourage conversion from free to paid memberships." It serves as an excellent option for users interested in creating video content, whether it's streaming their favorite games or offering tutorials on various crafts.

      According to the platform, "Video ranks as one of the highest earning categories on Patreon and is a fundamental offering for its creators. We look forward to seeing how creators and artists incorporate livestreams into their exclusive Patreon perks and experiences." Moreover, it is not merely an ancillary feature; Patreon intends for creators to go live directly within the app without needing third-party tools, allowing different access levels for both free and paid members.

      Alongside the live video feature, there will also be a chat system for creators to interact with fans, complemented by moderation tools to manage potential disruptive elements. Furthermore, Patreon indicates that the service will be compatible with third-party tools such as OBS and Streamlabs, with VOD downloads made available post-stream for cross-posting on other platforms or for selling as one-time purchases.

      Currently, Live Video is being tested with “select creators” in a limited-access beta. Unfortunately, if you haven’t received an invitation, you cannot sign up at this moment. Thankfully, Patreon plans to roll out the service to all its users over the summer, opening up numerous opportunities for all types of content creators.

      Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technologies, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it’s a...

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      Get started with drawing today: enjoy your Simply Draw 7-day free trial.

      Have you ever wanted to learn how to draw, only to feel overwhelmed about where to start? Maybe it's the blank page staring back at you, or the inner critic telling you that you can't even draw a straight line. You're not alone in this. Simply Draw, a guided drawing app developed by the creators of Simply Piano and Simply Guitar, is designed to change that, and right now you can try it for free with a 7-day trial.

      What is Simply Draw?

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