With people carrying around less cash and more content creators utilizing livestreaming services, virtual tipping is surging as the preferred method of payment. Unlike brand sponsorships or endorsements, virtual tipping through livestreaming allows musicians and content creators to earn money no matter how many followers or social media views they have. This rise in “digital gratuity” makes it easier than ever for nontraditional creators to make money with every performance and post. Accelerated by the recent pandemic, the unanticipated influx of virtual events created a “new normal” for individuals who carry a smartphone, but not cash.

According to a recent study, virtual tippers are tipping anywhere from $5 to $20 to their favorite live streamers, with musicians clocking in a little higher at $15 to $50 for virtual performances. Though livestreams have been around for some time, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted social platforms to try an address this issue. However, PickleJar took a different approach and has emerged as the simplest and most secure way for content creators to make more money on any stage or livestream.

Now more than ever, a little gratitude goes a long way. PickleJar was founded to give back to the talented musician – whether they perform in-person or virtual shows – and provides the ability to accept payment from their followers directly through their artist account. Through PickleJar, not only do artists receive 100% of the money sent to them by fans, but they can also set tip types and amounts that allows their fans to unlock experiences like song shoutouts, VIP access, venue specials, merchandise and unique performances. Plus, PickleJar rewards fans and artists with PickCoins for every transaction.

PickleJar is also the best way for artists to connect with fans across the world. Our centralized performance tools let Fans know where and when an artist is livestreaming in real time, so artists never miss an opportunity to make more money. The PickleJar artist profile serves as a tool to manage livestreaming and in-person performance schedules, so fans stay up to date on where to catch their favorite artist next! Fans that follow a PickleJar artist account will be notified every time that artist adds a new performance to their profile or a link to access their livestream. Make a last-minute decision to livestream a little Friday night solo jam sesh on the back porch? PickleJar lets artists instantly notify 100% of their fans they are “Going Live Now”. No limitations. No fees. Just fans tapping the link to that stream for that “impromptu” performance.

The more virtual tipping is made widely available, the more audiences can support the work they know and love from musicians and content creators who can now monetize their unconventional portfolio of talents, side hustles, and talent-driven hobbies. This democratizes the existing financial limitation which so often disproportionately impacts the creative community and makes success even more accessible, ushering in an era of the Gratitude Economy, which embodies thoughtfulness, genuineness, and inventiveness. The future for successful musicians lies in cashless payments, and PickleJar is proud to be at the forefront of that movement.