Nearly a year after it was first teased, Patreon is finally launching its own video hosting feature.

The change marks a shift in how video content can be shared. Previously, creators had to share links to their videos with subscribers on third party platforms. Video sharing outside of paying subscribers was similar to uploading to a third-party app.

The native and ad-free Patreon player allows creators to upload their content directly to the platform, select thumbnail for their videos, and view audience data. It will be possible for creators to choose who can see the video and not worry about links being shared outside of subscribers. Beginning today, all creators on the pro and premium plans will be able to play the player.

The vision is to give creators a more direct connection with their fans. There is a direct relationship between the content and community tools that they give them.

Three phone screens show the Patreon player on the creator landing page.
Creators can make public preview clips to entice viewers to subscribe.
Image: Patreon

The ability to make custom clips of up to two minutes in length is one of the main features. Gutman believes that previews can convert people into paying subscribers by showing them what a creator has to offer.

500 hours of uploads will be given to creators on pro and premium plans by the end of the year. According to Gutman, creators will get a six-month extension to use their allotted 500 hours, as well as a more detailed payment structure. Before the pricing structure is in place, creators can request more if they run out of video hours.

Video creators are the largest group of people on the platform. Being forced to use a third-party hosting platform has made it difficult for some creators.

Screens show horizontal videos on multiple devices, with features like video title, comments, and picture in picture.
Patreon videos can be up to 12 hours in length.
Image: Patreon

Several popular Patreon creators who used Vimeo for hosting were shocked to learn that the price of keeping videos on the platform was going up. Thanks to its tools for protecting content and reputation as an independent alternative to YouTube, Vimeo has long been a favorite for creatives. If creators didn't pay up they would lose their work.

Many creators uploaded their videos to Vimeo through a longstanding partnership. Some creators said that they weren't given enough warning when fees jumped unexpectedly.

Gutman says thatimeo has been a great partner. When you rely on a third-party company to power some of your core features, it is not predictable. There can be changes at that company.

The creators of Vimeo will still be able to use the platform.

The video player should be seen as the first version of a product the company will beerating on. Mobile uploading is one of the things that is being worked on by Patreon.