Liberapay Expands Its Reach with New Features and USD Support

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Liberapay has recently introduced several new features to make it easier for creators to receive support from their fans. One of the most significant updates is the addition of USD support.

This means that creators can now receive donations in US dollars, making it more convenient for international supporters to contribute. The platform has also improved its user interface and added new features to enhance the overall experience.

Creators can now easily track their donations and see how much they've received, making it easier to manage their finances.

What is Liberapay

Liberapay is an open-source, decentralized funding platform that allows creators to receive recurring donations from their fans and supporters. It's designed to be a more equitable alternative to traditional crowdfunding platforms.

Liberapay was created by hackers and free software enthusiasts, and its name is a play on the word "liberal" and "pay." It's a community-driven project that's open to anyone who wants to contribute.

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The platform is built on top of a simple and transparent system, where creators can set up a profile and receive donations from their supporters. Donations are processed through a decentralized network of volunteers.

Liberapay doesn't take a cut of the donations, unlike some other crowdfunding platforms. This means that creators can keep more of the money they raise.

Features and Improvements

Liberapay is a platform that allows users to support their favorite creators with recurring donations. It's a simple and transparent way to show appreciation for the work of others.

One of the key features of Liberapay is its low fees, which range from 2% to 5% of the donation amount. This is significantly lower than other platforms that can charge up to 10% or more.

The platform also allows users to create profiles and showcase their work, making it easier for donors to find and support the creators they care about.

Now Supports USD

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We're excited to announce that Liberapay now supports US dollars. This change allows creators to receive donations in their preferred currency.

In December, Patreon's fee structure modification caused a surge in traffic on Liberapay as people looked for alternatives. The volume of donations on Liberapay jumped by 50% in just one week.

We spent a lot of time answering questions and support requests in December as a result of the "Patreon feeasco".

Other Improvements

We've made some significant changes to the platform in 2017, and I'm excited to share them with you.

A new look for profile pages and lists of profiles was introduced, making it easier to navigate and find the information you need.

Better profile metadata was added, which now shows avatar, title, and description when links are posted on social networks, making it more visually appealing.

Revamped donation forms were implemented to make it simpler and more efficient to donate.

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Nicer input of payment card details was also added, making the payment process more secure and user-friendly.

New homepage sections were created to explain how the platform works and showcase its top features, helping new users get started.

Custom amounts are now available when adding money to fund donations, and the form for withdrawing earnings has been improved for a smoother experience.

The type of an account can now be changed from "individual" to "organization" or vice versa, giving users more flexibility.

A redirection was implemented when an account's name (and thus its URL) is modified, and name changes are now possible for team accounts.

Proper cancellation of bank wires was added for donors who change their mind about using this payment method.

Reception and Growth

Liberapay has gained recognition for its unique features.

One of the distinguishing factors of Liberapay is its target audience, which is focused on Open Source projects.

Liberapay's lack of fees on payments has also been a notable aspect of its reception.

F-Droid, a popular platform for Open Source apps, has announced support for Liberapay and integrated its support for apps.

Elaine A. Clark's 2020 book Voice-Overs for Podcasting recommends Liberapay as one of six funding platforms.

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Highlights from Last Year

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Liberapay's growth has been impressive, with donations reaching €8000 per week in January 2021, a 150% year-over-year increase.

This significant growth can be attributed to the platform's ability to support multiple currencies, with the addition of the US dollar in December 2017 and 31 other currencies in 2018.

In 2018, Liberapay also had to adapt to changes in its payment processing, adding support for two new payment processors after Mangopay withdrew its services.

Despite these challenges, the platform continued to grow, with 5977 patrons and 912 creators on board by January 2021.

Liberapay's commitment to supporting open-source projects is evident in its collaboration with other projects, such as Mastodon, which implemented linking a Mastodon account to a Liberapay profile in 2017.

The platform's ability to interact with other platforms, including Twitch and YouTube, was also added in 2017, expanding its reach and capabilities.

In 2017, the platform also added a new payment method, direct debits, which is currently only available to users in the euro area.

Liberapay's use of machine translation services to automatically complete website translations in 2022 is a testament to its commitment to accessibility and user experience.

The platform's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and its focus on supporting open-source projects have been key factors in its growth and success.

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Reception

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Liberapay has gained recognition for its unique features, including its target audience of open-source enthusiasts and its non-profit status.

Its lack of fees on payments is a significant advantage, making it an attractive option for those looking to support their favorite projects.

F-Droid, a popular app store, has announced support for Liberapay, and even integrated it into their app support system.

This integration makes it easier for users to support their favorite apps on F-Droid.

Liberapay has been recommended by Elaine A. Clark in her 2020 book "Voice-Overs for Podcasting: How to Develop a Career and Make a Profit", alongside five other funding platforms.

This endorsement speaks to the platform's growing reputation and credibility in the industry.

Jason van Gumster, writing for RedHat's Opensource, highlighted Liberapay's distinguishing factors, including its target audience and non-profit status.

His article provides valuable insights into the platform's unique features and benefits.

The reception of Liberapay has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users and developers embracing its innovative approach to funding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is LiberaPay legit?

Liberapay is a legitimate platform, compliant with European Union financial regulations and using licensed payment processors to ensure secure transactions

How does LiberaPay work?

Liberapay allows you to make regular donations to creators whose work you appreciate, with no expectations or influence. Payments are capped at $100/week to maintain a fair and anonymous giving experience.

What payment methods does Liberapay accept?

Liberapay accepts payments through Stripe and PayPal. For more information on payment processing, please see our payment terms.

Angel Bruen

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Angel Bruen is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision. Her expertise spans a variety of sectors, including finance and insurance, where she has honed her skills in crafting clear and concise content. Specializing in articles about Insurance Companies of Hong Kong and Financial Services Companies Established in 2013, Angel ensures that each piece she edits is not only accurate but also engaging for the reader.

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