The creator economy is on fire, and if you want to monetize your expertise, membership sites might be the answer. The industry was valued at $104 billion in 2024 and projected to hit $200 billion by 2026, so now is the time to get in.
But here’s the thing: launching a membership site isn’t just about picking a platform and hoping for the best. It’s about building a business model that allows you to share your expertise while building genuine relationships with your audience. And that’s what we’re going to talk about today.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your existing membership site, this guide will cover everything you need to know about the top sites in 2025. Plus, we’ll show you how professional video editing services like Vidpros can help you create content that keeps your members coming back for more.
Why Membership Sites Are for Creators
Let’s be honest, content creation is time-consuming, and finding ways to monetize it consistently is a full-time job. That’s where membership sites are a game-changing solution for content creators looking to build a business. To create a membership site, you need to follow specific steps such as understanding your audience, curating premium content, and choosing the right membership model. The benefits include enhanced online presence, exclusive access to content, and increased income.
Think about it this way, instead of constantly chasing one-off sales or relying on unpredictable ad revenue, membership sites give you a monthly income stream. Your members subscribe because they value your expertise, and as long as you keep delivering great content, they’ll stick around.
But it’s not just about the money.
Creating a membership is a strategic approach to generate recurring revenue and foster an online community. It helps establish authority and build customer loyalty.
Membership sites create something even more valuable– community. People who pay for your content are more invested in it than fellow members. This creates a positive feedback loop where members contribute to discussions, share insights and make your community more valuable for everyone involved.
Video is a big part of this ecosystem. Whether you’re creating in-depth tutorials, sharing behind-the-scenes footage of your process, or hosting live Q&A videos, video helps you connect with your audience more personally and meaningfully.
That’s where having a professional video editing partner like Vidpros comes in– they make sure your content looks great, and you can maintain the high standards your paying members expect.
Top Features
Before we discuss specific sites, let’s discuss what makes a membership site work. Think of these as the foundation of your membership site– get them right, and you’ll be set.
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A user-friendly interface isn’t lovely, but it’s necessary. You want a platform that lets you focus on creating content, not wrestling with technical issues. Look for easy setup processes and full branding options to make the site yours.
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Choosing the right membership plugin is crucial for managing memberships and enhancing user experience. The best platforms offer flexible payment options, secure processing, and easy subscription management. After all, you want to make it as easy for members to pay you as possible.
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Content delivery is where versatility is key. Your platform should easily handle multiple content types, especially video content. This is where professional video editing comes in– you want your content to look great no matter how members access it.
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Community engagement tools turn your membership site from a content library into a community. Look for features like discussion forums, commenting systems, and direct messaging. These tools create a sense of belonging that keeps members coming back long-term.
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Analytics might be boring, but it is your secret weapon for growth. Detailed tracking of member activity, content performance, and revenue helps you make informed decisions about your content.
Top Membership Sites for Creators
Uscreen

For video-first creators, Uscreen is a dream come true. This platform is built for video content delivery and has features that make other platforms’ video capabilities look basic.
Think of Uscreen as your personal Netflix-style platform. You get advanced video hosting, multiple monetization options, and even the ability to create custom apps for mobile devices and smart TVs– all without writing a line of code. Nice huh?
The platform excels at monetization flexibility. You can sell individual videos, offer subscription access to your entire library, or combine different revenue models to maximize your earnings. With support for multiple devices, your members can watch your content wherever they want, and you can provide exclusive members only content to enhance user engagement.
Here’s where partnering with Vidpros becomes valuable. Their professional video production services ensure your content looks great on all devices with custom branding and smooth playback that keeps viewers engaged.
The downsides? Uscreen is more expensive, and if you’re looking for strong community features, you might find the platform a bit lacking. But these might be a fair trade-off for creators focused on delivering premium video content.
Patreon

Patreon is the platform of choice for creators across many fields, and it’s easy to see why. The platform gets the basics right and has enough flexibility for different types of creators, whether you’re a musician, artist, educator, or content creator.
What makes Patreon stand out is its tiered subscription model. You can create different membership levels, each with perks and content access, making it an ideal members only site. This allows you to cater to different audience segments from casual supporters to super fans who want everything you create.
The platform comes into its own when it comes to community building. Creators like Amanda Palmer and The Try Guys have built communities by sharing exclusive content and behind-the-scenes material. These success stories show how powerful the platform can be when used well.
But let’s be honest– Patreon isn’t perfect. The platform fees (5-12% plus payment processing) take much of your earnings. And if you’re looking for many customization options, the platform might be a bit limited.
Kajabi: Online Courses

If you want an all-in-one solution, Kajabi might be the one. Think of it as your digital business command center– it handles everything from course creation to email marketing under one roof. As a comprehensive membership site software, Kajabi offers robust features for creating and managing membership sites efficiently.
What sets Kajabi apart is its course creation system. You can structure your content into modules and lessons, perfect for creators who want to offer structured learning experiences. Plus, the platform has built-in email marketing tools so you can nurture your audience and automate your communications.
Here’s something nice about Kajabi– you don’t need to worry about third-party video hosting. The platform handles video content beautifully with native hosting that keeps everything secure and organized. You can upload your videos directly, track how members engage with them, and ensure that only paying members can access your premium content.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room, Kajabi isn’t cheap. The platform’s complete feature set has a higher price tag than the other options. And if you’re starting, the learning curve might be steep. But many creators find it’s worth the investment once they see how much time they save having everything in one place.
Working with Vidpros can help you amplify your Kajabi presence. Their professional video editing services can help you create instructional videos, webinar content, and promotional materials that make the most of Kajabi’s video features.
Thinkific

For educators and course creators who want to focus on teaching rather than tech, Thinkific is a breath of fresh air. The platform strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality, making it ideal for those who want to sell courses and get their educational content up and running without a PhD in web development.
What makes Thinkific special is its template system. Instead of starting from scratch, you can choose from pre-designed layouts for different types of courses. Whether you’re creating a comprehensive certification program or a quick mini-course, there’s a template for you.
Video management on Thinkific is easy. You can drag and drop your files, import content in bulk, and even add interactive elements to keep your students engaged.
If you’re working with Vidpros for your video editing, you’ll love how their professionally edited content integrates with the platform.
The trade-off? Thinkific’s marketing tools aren’t as robust as some of the other options, and the community features might feel basic if you want to build a highly interactive learning environment. But for many creators, the platform’s focus on course delivery makes these limitations worth it.
Podia

Ever wanted a platform that lets you create without getting bogged down in the technical stuff? That’s precisely what Podia does. This platform takes the “keep it simple” approach very seriously, and creators who value simplicity will love it.
Podia’s strength is in its three-pronged approach: courses, digital products, and memberships are all managed through a clean and intuitive interface. The platform’s flexibility in offering different types of memberships aligns with evolving membership site models, providing tailored plans that enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction. You won’t find yourself clicking through endless menus or getting lost in complicated settings, everything is where you’d expect it to be.
The platform’s video hosting is worth a special mention, there are no complicated bandwidth restrictions or storage limits. Just upload your videos, and Podia takes care of the rest. This is especially useful when you’re working with professionally edited content from services like Vidpros, you want your high-quality videos to play smoothly for your members.
But here’s the thing: if you want deep customization options or advanced features, you might find Podia lacking. The platform prioritizes simplicity over complexity, so some of the more advanced tools you might find on other platforms aren’t available here.
Mighty Networks

For community-focused creators, this one’s for you. Mighty Networks takes a different approach to most membership platforms by putting community engagement at the forefront. It’s not just about delivering content, it’s about connecting members. Mighty Networks is particularly suitable for membership organizations, including alumni communities, offering features that support member management, event organization, and fundraising capabilities tailored to their needs.
What sets Mighty Networks apart is its AI-powered networking tools. The platform helps members find and connect with others who share their interests, creating organic networking opportunities that add value to your membership offering. With customizable onboarding experiences, you can make new members feel welcome from day one.
The video capabilities are impressive, too. Every subscription level includes live streaming, and you can upload recorded content for members to watch on their own time. The platform handles both virtual and in-person event management, so it’s perfect for creators who want to blend online and offline community building.
Working with Vidpros can take your Mighty Networks presence to the next level. Their professional editing services can help you create live stream graphics, community update videos, and high-quality educational content that keeps your members engaged.
The main drawback? Premium features come with premium pricing, and some creators might find the marketing tools limited compared to other platforms. But if building a community is your priority, these trade-offs might be worth it.
MemberSpace

Here’s a platform that takes a different approach: instead of asking you to build everything from scratch, MemberSpace lets you add membership capabilities to your existing website, functioning seamlessly as a WordPress membership plugin for managing memberships. This could be the perfect solution if you already have a WordPress or Squarespace site you love.
What’s interesting about MemberSpace is its flexibility. You can create different membership tiers and offer free trials, one-time payments, or subscriptions, all while having complete control over your site’s design. It’s like adding a membership superpower to your existing website.
The content gating is clever, too. You can selectively protect specific content to offer a mix of free and premium content. With established payment processors like Stripe and PayPal handling money, you don’t have to worry about payment security.
But here’s something to consider, you need an existing website to use MemberSpace. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll want to set up your site first. Also, while the platform handles membership management beautifully, you won’t find built-in marketing tools like some all-in-one solutions offer.
Working with Vidpros can help your MemberSpace offering. Their professional video editing services can help you create premium content that stands out, whether you’re producing courses, tutorials, or exclusive member updates.
Other Membership Site Examples You May Want to Try
Circle

Community builders, you’ll want to pay attention to this one. Circle combines the best parts of social platforms with membership features. What’s remarkable is how it integrates with other platforms like Teachable and Thinkific, you can create courses on one platform and build your community on Circle.
Circle is excellent for creating engaging and profitable membership websites. The platform is excellent for member interactions through forums, events, and messaging tools. When you add professionally produced video content from Vidpros, you have a winning formula for keeping your community engaged and active.
Substack

If you’re a writer at heart but want to mix things up with multimedia content, Substack is worth your attention. Think of it as your publishing platform with a built-in monetization engine. What makes Substack so appealing is its simplicity, you can start for free and focus on what matters most– your writing.
The platform is excellent for newsletter delivery and functions as a membership website, offering exclusive content and community engagement. You can add videos to your newsletters, and Vidpros can help with this. Imagine sending out newsletters with video summaries or exclusive video updates that make your subscribers feel like they’re getting insider access.
Ghost

Ghost is an interesting option for creators who want complete control over their own membership site. It’s like having your custom-built membership site without the hassle of building everything from scratch. The platform’s minimalism means you can focus on what matters– creating and delivering great content.
Ghost’s clean design makes it perfect for creators who care about looks. While it may take a bit more technical knowledge to get started, the result is worth it– a completely custom membership site that perfectly matches your brand.
Gumroad

Sometimes, simple is better, and that’s where Gumroad shines. It’s the platform of choice for creators who want to start selling fast and launch their own business without getting bogged down in a complicated setup. With low fees and a simple interface, you can have your digital products and memberships for sale quickly.
The beauty of Gumroad is its flexibility, you can sell anything from digital downloads to recurring memberships. When you add professional video content from Vidpros, you can create products that stand out in the market.
Tips for Creators to Maximize their Membership Sites
Let’s talk about making your membership site great. Success in this space isn’t just about choosing the right platform, it’s about how you use it to deliver value to your members.
Content Quality and Consistency
Here’s something every successful creator knows: consistent, high-quality content is non-negotiable. Creating a positive experience for only members through high-quality content is essential. Your members are paying for value and expect to get it regularly. This means:
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Stick to a consistent publishing schedule that your members can count on.
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Creating content that solves real problems or delivers real value.
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Keeping high production standards, especially for video content.
Working with a professional video editing service like Vidpros can help you keep those standards without burning out. They can handle the technical side of video production while you focus on sharing your expertise.
Member Engagement Strategies: Members Only Content
Want to know the secret to keeping members long-term? It’s all about engagement. The most successful membership sites create opportunities for member interaction through:
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Behind-the-scenes content that makes members feel like insiders.
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Live Q&A sessions that give members direct access to you.
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Personal updates that help members connect with your journey.
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Regular communication that keeps everyone in the loop.
Data-Driven Improvements
The best membership sites aren’t built on guesswork but refined through data. Pay attention to:
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Which content gets the most engagement?
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When members cancel (and why)?
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What is your community saying?
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How does different content perform?
Use these to improve your offerings and serve your members better.
FAQs
Let’s answer some of the creators’ most common questions about membership sites. Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your existing site, these will help point you in the right direction.
What is a membership site, and why should I have one?
A membership site is your digital VIP room. It’s a gated online space where you offer exclusive content, resources, or community access to paying members. This model creates predictable recurring revenue and lets you build deeper connections with your most engaged audience members.
I’m ready to go, what’s the first step in setting up a membership site?
Setting up a membership site is like building a house, you need a base. Start by choosing a platform that fits your needs (we’ve covered good options like Uscreen, Patreon, Kajabi, and Mighty Networks above). Then, plan your content strategy, set up your pricing tiers, and customize your space to fit your brand. You don’t need everything perfect from day one, you can start simple and build over time.
What kind of content should I offer?
The best content mix is up to you and your audience. You might include:
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In-depth video tutorials that go deep into your topic.
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Live Q&A sessions where members can get direct access to you.
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Downloadable resources that help members implement what they’ve learned.
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Private community discussions where members can connect and share.
Whatever content you choose, keep it professional, especially video content, which is where services like Vidpros can help.
How do I keep my members engaged long-term?
Member engagement is like tending a garden– it needs regular watering. Host live sessions, create interactive content, and, most importantly, listen to your members’ feedback. Regular community discussions and behind-the-scenes content can help members feel connected to your journey.
What if I need to change my membership platform later?
Platforms are like shoes– sometimes, you outgrow them. Most platforms allow you to export your member data and content so you can switch if needed. Just communicate clearly with your members about any changes and make the transition as smooth as possible for them.
How do I set my pricing?
Pricing is more art than science, but here’s a practical approach: look at the value you’re providing, research what others are charging, and start with a lower price while you build content and community. You can constantly adjust prices for new members as your offering grows.
What analytics should I be looking at?
Focus on the metrics that tell the story of your membership:
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Member engagement rates (how often are they logging in?)
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Content performance (what are they watching/reading most?)
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Retention rates (how long do members stay?)
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Revenue trends (is your income growing?)
These will help you make decisions about your content and community strategy.
Why is professional video content so important?
Today, video is often the difference between good and great membership sites. Professional video content:
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Makes complex topics simpler.
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Creates a personal connection with your audience.
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Shows you mean business.
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Justifies your membership pricing.
How can Vidpros help my membership site?
Think of Vidpros as your professional video production partner. They can help you:
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Create professional course content that stands out.
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Produce promotional videos that bring in new members.
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Develop consistent branding across all your video content.
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Save time on editing so you can create.
What to do when members cancel?
Treat cancellations as opportunities, not failures. Set up an easy cancellation process, ask for feedback (without being pushy), and use what you learn to improve your offerings. Sometimes, members leave and return later– make sure they leave with a good impression.
Capping off
Building a membership site is a journey, not a destination. As you’ve seen from our exploration of the different platforms and strategies, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is finding the right combination of platform, content, and community features that work for you and your members.
Your membership site is more than a business model– it’s a way to build lasting relationships with people who value your expertise. Whether you choose an all-in-one solution like Kajabi, a community-focused platform like Mighty Networks, or a specialist tool like Uscreen, success comes down to consistently delivering value to your members.
Don’t feel like you need to do everything at once. Start with the basics: choose your platform, create great content (especially video content– it’s worth investing in professional help like Vidpros here), and focus on building genuine relationships with your members. As your community grows, you can evolve your offerings based on your members’ wants and needs.
The creator economy is growing, and membership sites are becoming a more significant part of it. By focusing on quality, consistency, and community and using professional tools and services, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success in this space.