TLDR; The first full cycle of the new Civitai Creator Program is now complete. We're happy to report that over $43K was paid out to creators in March, with 254 Creators banking their Buzz to earn a share of the Compensation Pool. The top earner made $8.5K, and the average payout was $226. Creators earned more per Buzz than in the Beta Program, and April’s pool is even bigger. The future’s looking bright for Civitai creators!
In March, we launched the new Civitai Creator Program - a scalable, sustainable compensation model designed to reward creators based on their contributions to the platform. Now, with the first full cycle completed, we’re pleased to report that the program has exceeded our expectations and laid a strong foundation for future growth!
Cycle One by the Numbers
During the first cycle, which included one full Banking Phase, Extraction Phase, and Payout, we saw significant engagement and participation from our Creator community:
Total March Compensation Pool Value: $43,387.51
254 Creators banked a combined total of 58,303,374 Buzz
62 Creators chose to extract their Buzz during the Extraction Phase, totaling 5.3 million Buzz
After splitting the Compensation Pool, Creators received $0.81 per 1,000 Buzz Banked
Performance Highlights
The highest-earning creator received $8,505.72 from 10.5 million Banked Buzz
The average payout among all participants was $226
The median payout - representing the most typical experience - was $81.00
This distribution reflects a healthy mix of engagement across tiers, with high-performing creators seeing meaningful returns, and newer or lower-volume contributors earning as well - without the restrictions of our Beta Program.
This month, due to continued platform growth, the Compensation Pool Value has increased slightly to $46,471.66 - an indicator of both the program’s success and our commitment to supporting creators as the platform, and the Creator Program, scales.
A Major Milestone: Surpassing the Beta
One of the most important outcomes from this cycle is that the total value of Buzz paid to creators exceeded the earnings distributed during the Beta Phase of the Creator Program. Under the previous model, Creators effectively received $0.70 for every 1,000 Buzz.
As a result, participants in the new program are, on average, earning more than they would have under the old structure - based on data from the first payout cycle. While these early results are promising, it’s important to note that the Buzz-to-Dollar value may fluctuate from month to month, depending on overall participation. We’re encouraged by this strong start, but we remain committed to monitoring the system closely and making adjustments to ensure it remains fair and sustainable over time.
Looking Ahead
As the Creator Program moves into its next cycle, we're actively working to improve the experience and expand its potential. One of our key priorities is increasing transparency - including more detailed reporting on the Compensation Pool value, Banked Buzz totals, and previous month payout stats. The steady growth of the pool, paired with strong creator participation, reinforces that this is a sustainable model for the future. We're committed to evolving the program alongside our creator community, and will continue refining it based on your feedback!
Addressing Questions and Feedback
We understand that change often brings questions. Here are a few important points:
Why use a variable Buzz-to-Dollar value?
A dynamic value allows us to ensure the program is scalable. By tying creator compensation to overall platform performance, we protect the long-term health of the program while still offering meaningful returns.
Is the median payout too low?
While the median for the March cycle was $81.00, this reflects a wide range of participation levels. The system is inclusive, allowing creators of many sizes to earn - and the opportunity to grow earnings is entirely in the hands of the Creator.
Why not return to the fixed-rate Beta model?
The Beta model, while well-intentioned, was neither financially viable nor scalable. It limited participation to a small group of creators, and continuing it at scale would have jeopardized the sustainability of the entire platform. In contrast, the new Creator Program is designed to grow alongside Civitai - opening the door to far more participants while ensuring that rewards remain fair and the system remains financially stable.
How can I earn more?
By engaging consistently, growing your following, releasing quality content on a regular schedule, and banking Buzz strategically, you can increase your share of the monthly pool.
My funds are showing as “Pending Settlement.” How do I withdraw them?
Congratulations! If you have at least $50 in Pending Settlement, you’ll receive an invitation to withdraw via email and on-site notification. This will arrive shortly before your funds are eligible for withdrawal on the 15th of the month. The invitation will include instructions to sign up with our Payment Partner, where you can complete the process and receive your earnings.
Final Thoughts
We are thrilled with the results of the first Creator Program cycle and deeply grateful to the community of Creators who made it a success. This new system not only provides fair compensation - it creates a path for Creators to grow alongside Civitai, sharing in the platform’s success.
As we move into the April's cycle, we remain focused on scaling the program responsibly, supporting creators at all levels, and continuing to invest in features that empower your creativity.
If you haven't yet joined the program and are curious about how it all works, take a look at our Creators Info page!
Thank you for being a part of this journey!