New Tools For Backers: Pledge Splitting Now Available On Kickstarter

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New Tools and Features from Kickstarter

Kickstarter has announced a range of exciting new tools aimed at improving the experience for both backers and creators. These features are designed to make funding projects easier, increase engagement, and help people find campaigns that align with their interests.

Key New Feature: Pledge Over Time

One of the standout features introduced is called Pledge Over Time. This tool allows backers to spread their financial support for a project over several weeks. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, backers can divide their pledge into four installments that are automatically deducted from their bank account every two weeks. This setup is similar to popular payment plans offered by services like Affirm or Klarna.

Benefits for Backers and Creators

Easier Financial Commitment: Many backers may hesitate to pledge due to the financial burden of a single large payment. Dividing the total into smaller payments makes it more manageable.
Increased Engagement: As more individuals can afford to back projects, creators are likely to see an increase in overall pledges.
Availability: While Pledge Over Time is currently available to select campaigns, it is expected to roll out to all creators by spring.

This new feature follows the introduction of another tool last year, which allows backers to support projects even after the campaign has officially ended.

Improved Search and Discovery Features

Kickstarter is also working on enhancing the ways backers can find projects that interest them. New search filters and sorting options are set to launch on both web and mobile platforms, providing users with better ways to navigate through the plethora of projects. This update is anticipated to arrive in the upcoming spring.

Mobile App Enhancements

To further improve user experience, the mobile app will undergo updates by the end of 2025. These updates will allow backers to view all of their funded, live, and unsuccessful projects in one unified location, making project tracking much simpler.

Increased Project Transparency

To boost backer confidence, Kickstarter is implementing measures that provide more transparency about project fulfillment. If a project experiences significant fulfillment issues, it will receive a visible warning on its main page. Backers will be notified about the situation, detailing the problems faced and actions taken by Kickstarter to address them.

Additionally, project pages will soon showcase a creator’s overall track record, giving potential backers insight into previous successes and failures. This is similar to a feature already existing on Indiegogo that uses a Trust-Proven badge to instill confidence in backers.

Support for Creators with New Add-Ons

Kickstarter is also focusing on supporting creators themselves. One of the new features being introduced is add-ons, which lets backers purchase extra perks after the initial campaign funding is achieved. This creates more opportunities for backers to spend money and receive additional benefits, enhancing their overall experience with the project.

Streamlined Shipping and Tax Collection

In addition to these features, Kickstarter plans to simplify the shipping management system and improve the tax collection process. These updates are intended to lessen the burden on creators, enabling them to focus more on bringing their projects to life and less on administrative tasks.

Conclusion

With these new tools and features, Kickstarter is taking significant steps to improve the experience for both backers and creators. The introduction of payment plans, enhanced search capabilities, and increased project transparency are likely to foster a stronger community and lead to more successful campaigns. These changes reflect Kickstarter’s continued commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. As both backers and creators adapt to these new tools, there is potential for even more engaging projects and fruitful contributions in the crowdfunding space.

Kickstarter’s enhancements not only aim to make the platform more accessible but also to ensure that all parties feel secure and supported in their crowdfunding journey. Whether you’re a backer looking to support inspiring projects or a creator eager to share your passion, these updates are set to make a positive impact on your experience on Kickstarter.