Platform Comparison Worksheet
How to Use This Worksheet
Before you pick a crowdfunding platform, you need to compare your options side by side. Print this page or fill it in on screen. Research 3 to 4 platforms that interest you, then fill in each column. By the end, the best fit for your project should be obvious.
Tip: Check the platform’s music category before committing. Look at recent music campaigns to see how they performed. A platform that works great for tech gadgets might not have the right audience for your album.
Side-by-Side Platform Comparison
Fill in one column for each platform you are considering. Leave blank anything you cannot find, and follow up with the platform’s support team if needed.
| Feature | Platform 1 | Platform 2 | Platform 3 | Platform 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Name | ||||
| Platform Fee (%) | ||||
| Payment Processing Fee (%) | ||||
| Total Fees (Platform + Processing) | ||||
| Funding Model | ||||
| Music Projects Available? | ||||
| Built-in Audience Size | ||||
| Payout Timeline | ||||
| Minimum Goal Amount | ||||
| Maximum Campaign Length | ||||
| Reward/Tier Options | ||||
| Notes / First Impressions |
Decision Factors Checklist
After filling in the comparison table above, work through these questions. Check off each one and write down which platform wins for that factor.
| Check | Decision Factor | Winner (Platform Name) |
|---|---|---|
| Which platform has the lowest total fees (platform fee + processing fee combined)? | ||
| Which platform’s audience matches my genre? (Look at similar music projects on each platform.) | ||
| Which funding model am I more comfortable with? (All-or-nothing creates urgency but carries risk. Keep-it-all is safer but may reduce backer motivation.) | ||
| Does the platform allow the reward types I want to offer? (Physical products, digital downloads, experiences, early access?) | ||
| What is the platform’s reputation with music projects? (Search for reviews and success stories from other musicians.) | ||
| How quickly does the platform pay out funds after the campaign ends? (Some take 2 weeks, others are faster.) | ||
| Does the platform have good campaign update and communication tools? (You will need to post updates and message backers.) | ||
| Does the platform offer built-in discovery or promotion for music campaigns? (Some platforms actively feature campaigns, others do not.) | ||
| Are my fans already active on this platform? (The easiest backers to convert are people who already have accounts.) | ||
| Does the platform support international backers? (If you have fans outside the US, make sure the platform accepts their payments.) |
My Final Decision
The platform I am choosing:
The top 3 reasons I chose this platform:
Remember: There is no single “best” platform for every musician. The right choice depends on your specific project, your existing fanbase, your comfort level with risk, and the type of rewards you want to offer. If you are still unsure, start with the platform where your fans already spend time.