A Backer’s Guide to Crowdfunding
Everything You Need to Know to Support Creative Projects with Confidence
So, you just backed your first Kickstarter project. Maybe a friend told you to do it. Perhaps you saw something on social media that caught your eye (hopefully, you’re following @Kickstarter too). Or perhaps you’re not even sure how you got here—you just knew you had to support an idea that felt too good to pass up.
Regardless of how you arrived, you’re now part of the Kickstarter community, a platform where millions of people have helped bring creative projects to life. But you might have some questions if you’ve never backed a project. What happens now? When do you get your reward? And how is this different from just buying something online? Why do we keep saying the word “backed”?
This guide will walk you through the essentials—how Kickstarter works, what to expect as a backer, and why this isn’t just about funding a project but about supporting creativity in a way that matters.
Becca Sangwin
After You Back a Campaign
Backing a campaign on Kickstarter is different from making a regular online purchase. You’re not buying something already in stock and ready to ship. Instead, you are pledging money to help make an idea a reality. If the project meets its funding goal, the creator gets the funds to start production. If it doesn’t, you won’t be charged.
Once a campaign is successfully funded, the creator begins work. This may involve finishing a product, producing a film, printing a book, or improving a prototype. Depending on the project's complexity, this process can take weeks or months. Creators should keep their backers updated along the way. Some will send detailed progress reports, while others may share behind-the-scenes looks at their work. Every project is different, but communication is essential.
Backing Is Not Buying (and That’s a Good Thing)
It’s easy to look at Kickstarter and assume it’s just another e-commerce site. There are products, rewards, and a checkout process that feels familiar. But unlike traditional online stores, we operate on an all-or-nothing crowdfunding model, meaning projects only come to life with the support of backers like you.
This means a few things. First, when you pledge to a project, you’re not pre-ordering a finished product—you’re funding the journey. That’s why the timeline isn’t instant. Second, because Kickstarter is built for independent creators, projects don’t always have the kind of large-scale manufacturing infrastructure that big companies do. Your support helps make production possible.
But the most exciting part? You get to be part of something before the rest of the world even knows it exists. Today's biggest brands, like Allbirds, Oura Ring, and Peloton, started as Kickstarter projects. The next big thing might be the very project you just backed.
FA(B)Q: Frequently Asked Backer Questions
Because crowdfunding projects are often at the early stages of development, things don’t always go perfectly according to plan. Sometimes, manufacturing takes longer than expected. Sometimes, creators need to refine their products before mass production. These delays aren’t necessarily a sign of failure—they’re part of making something from the ground up.
Many creators provide regular insights into their progress, sharing wins, setbacks, and revised timelines. You can always reach out via the project’s comments section if there's radio silence. Kickstarter encourages transparency, and successful creators understand the importance of keeping their backers in the loop.
What to look for before supporting a project
Backing a project means supporting a creative journey, and while delays can happen, researching the creator can help you make an informed decision.
Before pledging, take a moment to:
- Check the project page for precise details, realistic timelines, and transparent risks.
- Explore the Creator Tab to see their past projects and history of fulfillment.
- Read the comments and updates to gauge how the creator engages with their backers. If the creator is a repeat creator, check out older campaigns too.
- Search beyond Kickstarter to learn more about their work and credibility.
- Ask questions—creators who respond openly inspire confidence.
Key Terms for Backers
All-or-Nothing Funding
Our funding model where a project must reach its full funding goal in order for funds to be collected. If the goal isn’t met, backers aren’t charged, and the project does not move forward.
Backer
Someone who pledges money to a Kickstarter project to help bring it to life. Backers may receive rewards, but their support is ultimately a vote of confidence in a creator’s idea.
Campaign Page
The project’s main page on Kickstarter where creators explain their idea, outline funding goals, showcase rewards, and share updates.
Creator
The individual or team behind a Kickstarter project who is responsible for developing, producing, and delivering the project and rewards.
Funding Goal
The amount of money a creator needs to successfully bring their project to life. If this goal isn’t met, the project does not receive any funds.
Pledge
The financial commitment a backer makes to a project. A pledge can be tied to a specific reward tier or made as a general contribution.
Reward
An item, experience, or perk offered by a creator to backers who pledge at a certain level. Rewards vary by project and can include early access to products, limited-edition items, or personalized experiences.
Superbacker
To be considered a Superbacker, one must have backed 25 or more projects with a pledge of at least $10 within the past year. Recognized for their active participation in the crowdfunding community, Superbackers often have a deeper understanding of how crowdfunding works and provide helpful feedback to creators.
Update
A post from the creator shared on the campaign page to keep backers informed about progress, challenges, or milestones. Successful creators update their backers regularly.
Brandon Smithwrick
How to Discover More Projects That Match Your Interests
If you’re curious about exploring more, we’ve made it easy to find projects tailored to your tastes. Our advanced project discovery search tools allow you to find precisely what sparks you—from categories to sub-categories to any term or keyword imaginable. The Projects We Love section highlights standout campaigns that have caught the attention of Kickstarter’s team. You can also browse by category if you are a superfan of new tech gadgets, limited-edition comic books, or immersive RPGs.
Following creators you love is another excellent way to stay in the loop. If you back a project from an artist, filmmaker, or designer you love, you can get notified when they launch something new. Many Kickstarter creators return to the platform repeatedly, building communities around their work.
Kickstarter Staff
Welcome to Kickstarter—Discover what’s next
Backing your first Kickstarter project is an exciting first step into a world fueled by creativity, innovation, and collective support. Whether you decide to back one project or a hundred, you’re now part of a global community that believes in funding ideas at their earliest, most exciting stage.
So keep an eye on your project updates, explore what else is out there, and—most importantly—enjoy the journey. Kickstarter isn’t just a platform. It’s a movement, and you’re now part of it.
Ready to find your next project? Start exploring here.
