Patreon’s algorithm is changing to help smaller creators get discovered

Patreon has announced a number of new and overhauled features that are designed to “build a better network – and a better internet,” according to CEO Jack Conte. The Patreon roadmap includes discovery algorithm updates, platform and security improvements, and new features for both creators and fans.

In a lengthy blog post, Conte outlines each of the changes and says they aim to address how the last generation of tech companies “have enshittified” by positioning Patreon as a better example of online creative and community platforms:

“The current version of the web is a failed promise for creators and fandoms. As creators, we can’t even reach our followers on the platforms anymore. Social media has created mass polarization, addiction, and made it increasingly difficult to build a creative community and business. I refuse to believe that this is the best way that the internet can work for creators and fans. I believe it can be better.”

The biggest change, according to Conte, is an overhaul of Patreon’s discovery algorithm. This will shift away from recommending creators based on who fans already follow — a system that favored suggesting larger creators — and will instead focus on comparing posts to other posts instead. The update will compare post content, including topic, style, craft, themes, and more, which Patreon believes will make it easier for smaller creators to get discovered.

Patreon is also introducing some short-form video features that can help the platform to better compete with TikTok and YouTube Shorts. There’s a Clips tool rolling out to iOS users that “automatically finds great moments” in long videos that creators can turn into short clips. These can be shared off platform, or on Patreon as Quips, the tweet-like feature Patreon introduced last year. Video previews and creator page layouts are also getting more customizable, and custom unblurred thumbnails can now be added to any public posts.

Additional updates in development include Niches, which are dedicated topic-based communities that sound like subreddits, alongside bolstered verification checks for user sign-in, and anti-scraping features to protect creators’ work from “AI thieves and scoundrels.” These are just the highlights of what has been announced, so check out Conte’s blog for full details of the roadmap.

Several of the updates announced are still in development and may not be fully released, subject to community feedback as they start to roll out for testing. This roadmap follows Patreon laying off 20 percent of its staff in January 2026. At the time, Conte said he doesn’t believe “AI replaces humans,” but that embracing the technology has “fundamentally transformed” how the company operates.