Free downloads are items available to all users without a subscription or having to log in. These downloads allow creators to showcase their work to a broader audience while still earning from the creator pool when their free content is downloaded.
How do creators earn from free downloads?
Free downloads are funded by a dedicated portion of the earnings. Specifically, 10% of the creator pool (which equals 5% of total subscription revenue) is set aside exclusively for free content creators. This ensures you still earn when your free items are downloaded.
Do other marketplaces pay for free downloads?
No, Motionstyles is one of the only platforms that actually pays creators for free item downloads. Most other marketplaces treat free content as purely promotional with no compensation, but we believe creators should be rewarded for contributing value to the platform regardless of the item's price point.
Do free downloads compete with paid content earnings?
No, free downloads have their own separate funding pool. The 10% allocation for free content comes from the creator side of the revenue split, but it doesn't reduce earnings for paid content creators since it's a dedicated allocation.
How are free download earnings calculated?
Free download earnings work the same way as regular downloads—your share is based on what percentage of total free downloads your content received. If your free items got 100 downloads out of 1,000 total free downloads, you'd earn 10% of the free content pool.
Should I offer free downloads?
Free downloads can be a great way to attract new audiences, showcase your style, and build recognition on the platform. Many creators use free items as a portfolio piece to encourage users to seek out their premium content.
Is there a limit to how many free items I can offer?
There's no strict limit, but we encourage a balanced approach. Free items should complement your premium offerings rather than replace them, ensuring the platform remains sustainable for all creators.
If you have any questions about free downloads, please reach out at [email protected].