Patreon's latest State of Create report has shed light on the frustrations of creators in the digital economy, with a majority feeling that algorithmic feeds are hindering their ability to connect with their audiences. The report, based on a survey of 1000 creators and 2000 fans, reveals that 53% of creators believe it is more difficult to reach their followers today than five years ago.

This sentiment is echoed by celebrities, who have also struggled with Instagram's video-centric, algorithmic feed. Even influencers with massive followings, like the Kardashians, have found it challenging to reach their fans. The struggle is even more pronounced for lesser-known creators, who face an uphill battle in getting their content seen by their target audience.

Fans, too, are expressing dissatisfaction with the shift towards short-form video and the "For You" feed, popularized by TikTok. According to the report, fans are seeing more short-form content on social media than long-form content, but 52% of fans value long-form content more and are willing to pay for it. This preference is also reflected in ad revenue share on YouTube, where long-form content tends to generate more income.

The report highlights the fundamental tension in today's creator economy: while platforms like TikTok have made it easier to build an audience, the sheer volume of algorithmically-served content makes it difficult for creators to maintain their fans' attention. As a result, creators are prioritizing quality and deeper connections with fans over metrics like follower counts, likes, and views – a significant shift from five years ago.

Patreon CEO Jack Conte has been vocal about the issue, stating that when platforms control the relationship between creators and subscribers, they are giving the platform the power to decide what content to serve to whom, when. This, Conte argues, undermines the creators' ability to build meaningful communities on these platforms.

The report's findings are particularly relevant in today's digital landscape, where more creators than ever are trying to make a living online. A clear path towards connecting with fans is essential for monetizing their businesses, but the dominance of algorithms often obstructs this path, forcing creators to adapt their content to fit platform preferences. In fact, 78% of creators in the report said that 'The Algorithm' impacts what they create, and 56% admitted it has discouraged them from exploring their passions and interests.

The challenges faced by creators are further compounded by the broader instability of social media platforms themselves. With TikTok facing legal challenges, Meta overhauling its content moderation precedents, and X platforming fringe extremism, creators are growing increasingly frustrated with the current state of social media. Direct-to-consumer content platforms like Patreon, Substack, and OnlyFans have made it easier for creators to control their content and earn money, but it's becoming harder to connect with the people who want to pay for their content in the first place.

As Karen X. Cheng, a Patreon creator, aptly put it, "‘The Algorithm’ doesn't measure what people want; it measures what people pay attention to." The report serves as a stark reminder of the need for creators to prioritize direct connections with their fans and to find alternative platforms that allow for more meaningful interactions.

In conclusion, Patreon's State of Create report paints a vivid picture of the frustrations faced by creators in the digital economy. As the landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that creators must adapt and find new ways to connect with their audiences, lest they risk being drowned out by the algorithmic noise.