What is Kickstarter? We’re the world's largest funding platform for creative projects.

We help people fund creative projects.

Kickstarter is the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. Every week, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.

Each and every Kickstarter project is the independent creation of someone like you! Have an idea that you think might work on Kickstarter? Tell us about it!

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How Kickstarter Works

Our Simple Formula
Kickstarter is a new form of commerce and patronage. In our world, the best way to inspire support is to offer people great rewards. Everyone loves limited editions, one-of-a-kinds, and fun experiences (parties, screenings, balloon rides!). Spend some time brainstorming your rewards and people will respond. No one needs another coffee mug.
Why is Kickstarter funding all-or-nothing?
On Kickstarter, a project must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. Why? It protects everyone involved. This way, no one is expected to develop a project with an insufficient budget, which sucks. Remember you set your own funding goal, so aim to raise the minimum amount you'll need to create your vision. Projects can always raise more than their goal, and often do.
“Kickstarter is an incredible platform. Its obvious purpose is funding, but we find ourselves gaining so much outside of collecting pledges. For us, Kickstarter has been a powerful tool to connect with a community passionate about our work.” — LUMI Co.
What percent of Kickstarter projects are successfully funded?
A little less than half. Over 15,000 already!
What are the most popular/biggest projects ever?
Check out our Most Funded projects.
What fees does Kickstarter charge?
Kickstarter collects a 5% fee from the project’s funding total if and only if a project is successfully funded. Amazon (our payments processor) also charges credit card processing fees that generally work out to 3-5%.
Does Kickstarter take some percentage of ownership or intellectual property?
Absolutely not. You’ll keep 100% ownership of your work.
Creative projects only
Kickstarter cannot be used to fund for charity projects or causes. While there are countless causes worthy of support, we believe that creativity deserves its own space. See our guidelines for more.
Where does the money come from?
Each month millions of people visit Kickstarter to discover great projects, but momentum always starts with people you know. Who? Your friends and fans, and the people in the on and off-line communities that you're a part of. If they like it, they’ll help spread it to their friends and fans, and so on and so on. A good idea, communicated well, can spread fast and wide.
“Kickstarter is kicking off a wave of impulse patronage.” WIRED
How much should I ask for?
The average project is raising under $10,000, but many projects have raised significantly more. The key is understanding your reach. Think about your network and how your project and rewards might appeal to them.
What’s the average pledge per person?
Average pledge is $71, and the most common pledge is $25.
Can I raise more than my project’s goal?
Yep. There's no limit to how much you can raise – projects continue to accept pledges until time runs out. 94% of successful projects raise more than their funding goal.
I'd like to use Kickstarter to get my project out there, but I don't really need money. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Kickstarter is about more than just money. A Kickstarter project is a great way to connect with your audience and spread the word about your work.
Can Kickstarter be used to solicit investment or loans?
Nope. Kickstarter is a new form of commerce and patronage, not a place for investment or lending. You’ll never give up ownership or pay back any funds raised on Kickstarter. Ever.
“...an unexpected influence on indie culture, a new model for a D.I.Y. generation.” The New York Times
My ideas aren’t “big and important.” Is Kickstarter for me?
Absolutely! Kickstarter is for creative projects big and small, serious and whimsical, traditional and experimental. Small projects that you (or you and a few friends) can do over a weekend are perfect for Kickstarter. Check out Small Projects.
What kind of projects do well on Kickstarter? What’s the secret?
Audiences respond to passion, sincerity, and an ability to execute. They want to see you communicate this in your video, and they want you to offer creative rewards that are fairly priced.
How do I start a project?
Click the “Share Your Project” button (above) and we’ll ask you a few quick questions about your project. It shouldn't take us more than a day or two to get back to you. We're not screening for taste at all, we only take this step to ensure that no one violates our guidelines.
Does it cost money to start a project?
Not at all. Starting a project is free.
Am I eligible to start a Kickstarter project?
To be eligible to start a Kickstarter project, you need to satisfy the requirements of Amazon Payments:
Be a US resident and at least 18 years of age with a social security number (or EIN), a US bank account, US address, US state-issued ID (driver’s license), and major US credit or debit card.
Please note that anyone, anywhere (with a major credit card) can pledge to Kickstarter projects.
We’re working hard to open up to more countries. If you’ve been waiting, we really appreciate your patience.
“We all know that dreaming is free, but converting fantasies into reality can be pretty expensive and that's where a new Web site, kickstarter.com can help.” NPR