The Most Profitable Online Niches for Online Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular method for individuals and businesses to raise funds for their projects or ventures. With the rise of online platforms, it has become easier than ever to connect with potential backers and reach a global audience. While crowdfunding can be a viable option for any type of project, certain niches have proven to be more profitable than others. In this article, we will explore the most profitable online niches for online crowdfunding.

Technology

The technology niche has always been a popular area for crowdfunding. Backers are eager to support innovative projects that solve problems and improve their daily lives. From smart home devices to innovative health tech, the possibilities are endless. One successful example is the Pebble smartwatch, which raised over $10 million on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the Coolest Cooler, which raised over $13 million, and the OUYA gaming console, which raised over $8 million.

Film and Video

Crowdfunding has become a popular way for independent filmmakers to raise funds for their projects. Backers are drawn to unique and original film concepts, and are willing to support them with their money. One successful example is the Veronica Mars movie, which raised over $5 million on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the indie film Blue Ruin, which raised over $250,000, and the documentary Inequality for All, which raised over $1.4 million.

Food and Beverage

The food and beverage niche has also proven to be profitable for crowdfunding. Backers are interested in supporting innovative and unique food and beverage products, and are willing to invest in the development of new flavors and products. One successful example is the Zoku Quick Pop Maker, which raised over $2 million on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the Craft Beer Advent Calendar, which raised over $300,000, and the Vessyl Smart Cup, which raised over $1 million.

Fashion

The fashion niche has become increasingly popular for crowdfunding. Backers are interested in supporting unique and innovative clothing and accessory designs, and are willing to invest in the development of new products. One successful example is the BauBax Travel Jacket, which raised over $9 million on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the BOLDR Journey watch, which raised over $1 million, and the Wool & Oak Duffle Bag, which raised over $1.3 million.

Games

The games niche has also proven to be profitable for crowdfunding. Backers are interested in supporting innovative and unique game concepts, and are willing to invest in the development of new games. One successful example is the Exploding Kittens card game, which raised over $8 million on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the Kingdom Death: Monster board game, which raised over $12 million, and the Dark Souls: The Board Game, which raised over $5 million.

Music

The music niche has always been a popular area for crowdfunding. Backers are eager to support independent musicians and help them fund their projects. One successful example is the Amanda Palmer album Theatre is Evil, which raised over $1.2 million on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the Pomplamoose video album, which raised over $100,000, and the Veruca Salt album Ghost Notes, which raised over $80,000.

Publishing

The publishing niche has also become increasingly popular for crowdfunding. Backers are interested in supporting unique and original book concepts, and are willing to invest in the development of new books. One successful example is the Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer project The Art of Asking, which raised over $1 million on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the graphic novel Nimona, which raised over $370,000, and thecookbook The Joy of Cooking, which raised over $350,000.

Art

The art niche has proven to be profitable for crowdfunding, particularly for emerging artists looking to gain recognition and support for their work. Backers are interested in supporting unique and original art projects, and are willing to invest in the development of new art pieces. One successful example is the Marina Abramović Institute project, which raised over $661,000 on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the The Sketchbook Project, which raised over $77,000, and the Creative Capital Foundation, which raised over $2 million.

Travel

The travel niche has also become increasingly popular for crowdfunding. Backers are interested in supporting unique and innovative travel projects, such as documentaries, books, and online travel guides. One successful example is the Atlas Obscura travel guide, which raised over $600,000 on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the Chasing Ice documentary, which raised over $300,000, and the Indie Travel Guide online travel guide, which raised over $12,000.

Health and Wellness

The health and wellness niche has become increasingly popular for crowdfunding, particularly for products and services that offer innovative solutions to health problems. Backers are interested in supporting products that improve their well-being and promote a healthy lifestyle. One successful example is the Lumo Lift posture tracker, which raised over $1.2 million on Kickstarter. Other successful projects include the Vi personal trainer, which raised over $1.6 million, and the Molekule air purifier, which raised over $1.3 million.

In conclusion, while crowdfunding can be a viable option for any type of project, certain niches have proven to be more profitable than others. The technology, film and video, food and beverage, fashion, games, music, publishing, art, travel, and health and wellness niches have all seen successful crowdfunding campaigns. However, it's important to note that success on crowdfunding platforms relies on a combination of factors, including the quality of the project, the marketing efforts of the campaign, and the engagement of the backers. With careful planning and execution, anyone can create a successful crowdfunding campaign in these profitable niches.