Webtoon, the online comics platform and subsidiary of Korean IT giant Naver, is bumping up payments to its English-language creators. The company, which debuted in the U.S. in 2014, first introduced its creator monetization program stateside in 2019 and has since increased payouts by 75%. According to a press release obtained by Forbes, Webtoon reveals that its payments to English-language comic artists have grown to surpass $27 million since 2020, averaging over $1 million per month.
With 15 million monthly active users in the U.S., and 82 million users around the world, Webtoon allows comic creators to have their work translated, reach global audiences, and monetize their content in various ways. On the platform itself, creators can generate income through an ad revenue sharing program. Additionally, the company has announced a new tipping system for fans to contribute to their favorite creators directly. Even more exciting for creators, the platform offers monetization opportunities in the form of TV, book, and film adaptation deals.
“We’ve built something truly special at Webtoon: a platform where every comic creator can build a global fandom and make money from their work,” David Lee, VP of Content at Webtoon says in a statement. “We’ve honed our creator-first business model since 2004 in Korea, and now we’re bringing those learnings and earnings to our incredible U.S. creators. But we’re just getting started, and you’re going to see more creators making more money on Webtoon as we grow the local market to help creators earn money doing what they love.”
For those looking to kickstart their journey as a comic artist, head to Webtoon’s website to learn more about how you can be rewarded for your work.
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