Crowdfunding platforms compared
Backed vs Kickstarter
Both platforms help creative projects find early supporters. The central difference is funding: Backed uses flexible funding, while Kickstarter uses an all-or-nothing campaign model.
At a glance
| Feature | Backed | Kickstarter |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Reward and preorder crowdfunding for independent products and creative projects. | Campaign crowdfunding for creative projects. |
| Funding model | Flexible funding. The creator can receive successful backing proceeds without reaching the goal. | All-or-nothing. A project must reach its goal by its deadline to collect funds. |
| Payment timing | Backers are charged immediately. | Backers are charged only if the project reaches its goal by the deadline. |
| Platform fee | 5% of successful backing amounts, plus payment processing. | 5% on successfully funded projects, plus payment processing fees of 3–5%. |
| Rewards | Optional rewards, custom backing amounts, and backing without a reward. | Creators can offer project-related rewards to backers. |
| Funding goal | Tracks progress but does not determine whether successful proceeds are received. | Determines whether the project is funded and backers are charged. |
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How they work
Backed records each successful backing immediately and lets creators offer optional rewards. Kickstarter collects pledges only when a campaign reaches its stated goal by the deadline.
When Backed may fit
Consider Backed when you are launching an independent product or creative project and want each successful backing to contribute funds, even if the visible goal is not reached.
When Kickstarter may fit
Consider Kickstarter when an all-or-nothing goal is important to the project's plan and you want a traditional time-bound creative crowdfunding campaign.
Have something you want to bring to life?
Start a projectFree to launch. Backed takes 5% of what you raise.