Kickstarter vs Indiegogo: Which Platform Is Best for Your Project?

Crowdfunding has become a powerful way to launch innovative products and creative ideas. But before starting your campaign, you must decide between Kickstarter vs Indiegogo — the two leading crowdfunding platforms in 2025. Each has unique features, fees, and audiences that can influence your campaign’s success.

Explore our Kickstarter and Indiegogo design portfolio to see examples of successful campaigns.

Kickstarter vs Indiegogo: Which Platform Is Best for Your Project?

Table of Contents

Kickstarter vs Indiegogo Overview: How Each Platform Works

Kickstarter launched in 2009 and has become the most recognized crowdfunding platform worldwide. It focuses heavily on creative projects like gadgets, games, and art.

Indiegogo, founded in 2008, offers more flexibility, including options for ongoing funding and different project categories.

Understanding Crowdfunding Funding Models

Kickstarter uses an All-or-Nothing model:

  • You must meet your funding goal to receive any money.

  • This model creates urgency and motivates backers.

Indiegogo offers two options:

  • Fixed Funding (All-or-Nothing)

  • Flexible Funding (you keep whatever you raise, even if you don’t hit the goal)

Platform Fees and Costs Compared

  • Kickstarter Fees:

    • 5% platform fee

    • 3–5% payment processing fee

    • You only pay fees if you hit your goal

  • Indiegogo Fees:

    • 5% platform fee (fixed or flexible funding)

    • 3% + $0.30 payment processing fee

    • If you choose flexible funding and don’t hit your goal, you still pay fees

Kickstarter and Indiegogo Audiences

  • Kickstarter has a larger, more engaged community of backers actively browsing for new projects. Many creators report higher organic discovery here.

    Indiegogo attracts a broader range of campaigns, including technology, social impact, and health. It’s also known for its InDemand option, letting you continue raising funds after your campaign ends.

Rules and Approval Process for Creators

  • Kickstarter:

    • Must be a creative project (products, art, games, etc.)

    • No charity, equity fundraising, or open-ended campaigns

    • Requires project approval before launch

    Indiegogo:

    • Fewer restrictions on project types

    • Easier approval process

    • Accepts charitable and cause-related campaigns

Which Crowdfunding Platform Should You Choose?

  • Choose Kickstarter if:
    ✅ You have a clear funding goal
    ✅ Your project fits creative/product categories
    ✅ You want higher visibility among backers
  • Choose Indiegogo if:

        ✅ You prefer flexible funding
        ✅ You want to keep raising funds after your campaign
        ✅ You have a cause-related or unconventional project

Success Rates and Campaign Results

Wondering which platform gives you better odds? Kickstarter has a higher success rate overall — around 37% of campaigns reach their goal — while Indiegogo’s flexible funding attracts ongoing sales even after launch. Each platform has its own strengths depending on your campaign strategy.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Platform for You

Choosing between Kickstarter and Indiegogo comes down to your funding needs, project type, and long-term goals. Both platforms have launched thousands of successful products—but the right choice can give your campaign a significant head start.

Need help designing your campaign page? Our team specializes in creating high-converting crowdfunding campaigns that stand out and inspire backers to take action.

Ready to launch your crowdfunding campaign?

Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help you succeed.
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FAQ: Common Questions About Crowdfunding Platforms

Can I run my project on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo?

Generally, you should choose one platform per campaign to avoid splitting your audience. However, some creators launch on Kickstarter first and later move to Indiegogo InDemand.

Which platform is better for tech products?

Both work well, but Indiegogo is popular among hardware startups because of flexible funding and post-campaign options.

Is Kickstarter or Indiegogo better for startups?

Kickstarter is great for creative and innovative projects, while Indiegogo offers flexible funding and supports startups testing new ideas.

What are the main differences between Kickstarter and Indiegogo?

Kickstarter requires reaching your full goal to get funds, while Indiegogo allows partial funding. Indiegogo also has an InDemand option for continued sales.