Nicky Saunders on Fanbase: What She Said and the Community’s Take


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When it comes to discussions about Fanbase, a common thread emerges: the app’s challenges, branding, and potential. These are the very topics that sparked a lively and solutions-focused conversation in a social audio room I hosted. Inspired by Nicky Saunders’ recent analysis of Fanbase and its positioning, we sought not to vent frustrations but to devise actionable steps for improvement. Here’s what we explored, framed by Nicky’s insights and the community’s contributions.

The Problem: What’s Wrong with Fanbase?

Nicky Saunders, a trusted voice in branding, shared a candid breakdown of Fanbase during her live session. She acknowledged its unique positioning as a Black-owned platform with monetization features but noted a lack of clarity in its messaging and user experience. Key critiques included:

  1. Complexity for New Users: Fanbase is multifunctional, combining elements of TikTok, Patreon, Instagram, and Clubhouse. While this is a strength, it’s also intimidating for newcomers who struggle to navigate.

  2. Monetization-Centric Messaging: The app’s heavy emphasis on earning money alienates casual users who just want to consume content without the pressure of monetization.

  3. Community Spotlighting: Isaac Hayes III, the platform’s founder, is a strong advocate for Fanbase, but there’s no consistent internal voice amplifying user stories, content, and wins within the app.

  4. Technical Challenges: Glitches and a lack of polish compared to major platforms deter new users from committing.

The Solutions: A Community-Driven Approach

We turned these pain points into actionable strategies, emphasizing what can be done by Fanbase, creators, and the community. Here’s the roadmap we proposed:

Q1: Immediate Improvements

  • Enhanced Onboarding: Introduce short, engaging tutorials tailored to specific user types (e.g., content creators, casual users, business owners). The goal: make the app’s functionality clear and easy to adopt.

  • Dedicated Community Liaison: Identify or hire a “Fanbase face” who consistently highlights creators, answers questions, and promotes the app’s unique value. Think “Tom from MySpace” but for Fanbase.

  • Performance Updates: Invest in addressing app glitches to ensure smoother navigation and a more reliable user experience.

Q2: Building the Base

  • Youth Outreach: Engage younger audiences through partnerships with smaller influencers and creators who can authentically promote the app to their peers.

  • Content Discovery Enhancements: Revamp the algorithm to better showcase diverse creators and relevant content to individual users.

  • Highlight Rising Stars: Regularly spotlight creators making waves on Fanbase to inspire and attract both creators and consumers.

Long-Term Goals (6-12 Months)

  • Consumer-Focused Messaging: Shift branding from solely “monetize your content” to “discover amazing creators.” Balance creator monetization messaging with consumer-friendly content discovery.

  • Advertising Done Right: Introduce non-intrusive advertising to boost revenue without compromising user experience.

  • Streamlined Features: Ensure all features—from Flix to audio rooms—are well-integrated and intuitive, reducing the learning curve for users.

Key Contributions from the Room

Several participants enriched the discussion with valuable insights:

  • Marshall: Advocated for a “dual-pronged approach” where Isaac focuses on external investment while an internal leader builds community engagement.

  • Jam: Highlighted the importance of showcasing “wins” by creators already succeeding on the platform, using their stories as a draw for others.

  • Christy: Stressed the need for consistent tutorials and branded messaging, noting that Fanbase’s diverse functionality must be communicated effectively to all user types.

  • Tim: Raised a thought-provoking point about “Fanbase fame” versus practical monetization. While Fanbase offers creators a path to financial success, it’s vital to balance this with the allure of gaining visibility and credibility. He emphasized that many users prioritize fame over financial gain, making it crucial for Fanbase to demonstrate how both goals can coexist.

  • Olivia: Underscored the need to attract younger audiences to ensure the app’s longevity and cultural relevance. She proposed focusing on relatable content and leveraging smaller influencers to create an authentic buzz.

The Closing Takeaway: Fanbase’s Potential

Nicky’s analysis, combined with the community’s passion, revealed a central truth: Fanbase has enormous potential, but it needs to refine its identity and prioritize user experience. The solutions proposed—clearer onboarding, stronger internal branding, and balanced messaging—can propel Fanbase into its next phase of growth.

Isaac has done the heavy lifting by building the platform and attracting investors. Now, it’s up to the community, creators, and a strategic vision to make Fanbase not just a niche app but a cultural and creative powerhouse.

Let’s see what Q1 2025 brings. Will we rise to the challenge? We think so.

What do you think? Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how Fanbase can evolve into a game-changing platform for creators and consumers alike!


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