Uncanny Valley | WIRED BIG INTV: Patreon CEO Jack Conte Wants You to Get Off of Your Phone
11 snips
Oct 7, 2025 
Jack Conte, co-founder and CEO of Patreon, discusses the future of creators in an AI-driven world. He believes that technology can enable fair compensation for artists, challenging platforms that undervalue their work. Conte envisions a 'surrealist' collaboration between human creators and AI, emphasizing the need for ethical practices in AI development. He shares insights on transitioning from musician to CEO, the importance of authenticity in creativity, and why remaining a private company is vital for Patreon's mission.
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Patreon Born From Personal Struggle
- Jack Conte started Patreon after struggling to monetize Pomplamoose despite large audiences and low ad revenue.
- He built Patreon to let fans directly pay creators rather than rely on brittle ad systems.
Algorithms Prioritize Breadth Over Bonding
- Algorithmic feeds favor breadth over depth, surfacing hundreds of creators but preventing deep fan relationships.
- That shift makes building sustainable creator businesses and communities much harder.
Design For Long-Term Fan Value
- Build platforms and offerings that optimize for long-term fan value, not mere time spent.
- Focus on things fans will pay for and that deepen connection over months and years.
