Can Patreon Build a Better Internet?

Can Patreon Build a Better Internet?

From What Next: TBD | Tech, power, and the future by Slate Podcasts

May 22, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges and potential of Patreon in creating a better internet for niche communities and independent creators.

The promise of an “internet for niche communities” and “the empowered independent creator” has been taking a beating as the web has become less open and increasingly dominated by a few platforms and players. But does it have to be that way? Guest: Jack Conte , CEO and cofounder of Patreon. Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Evan Campbell, and Patrick Fort. Need to set up your Slate Plus feed? If you subscribed through Slate.com, check out our FAQ at slate.com/podcastfaqs for easy instructions. Members subscribed via Apple Podcasts get automatic access—no setup required. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Guest: Jack Conte

Topics covered

  • internet
  • niche communities
  • independent creators
  • platform dominance
  • technology

Keywords

  • Patreon
  • internet
  • niche communities
  • independent creators
  • platforms
  • technology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Patreon, Slate Podcasts

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