Notice

Our convenient Patreon integration has long helped readers quickly and easily reach your individual Patreon via the WEBTOON Patreon buttons. Our Product team designed this user flow knowing that ease and convenience are important factors in getting your readers to your Patreon. 

Unfortunately, Google has informed us that their Play Store policies do not allow apps to direct users to any form of payment other than the Google Play payment system. Specifically, Google’s Payment policy notes that: “all developers selling digital goods and services in their apps are required to use Google Play’s billing system. Apps using an alternative in-app billing system will need to remove it in order to comply with the Payments policy.”  

So what does this mean? For Android users only, in our next app update, readers who click on any WEBTOON Patreon button will be directed to the Google Play Store to download or open the Patreon app. This change will only impact Android app users.

We understand that Patreon is critically important for Creators, which is why we’re making changes required by Google, while still ensuring readers can reach Patreon. Creators can directly help fans find your Patreon in a number of ways: 

• Include the URL to your Patreon account in the Creator Notes at the end of your episodes

• Make sure your Patreon is linked on all your other social channels

• Encourage your readers to download the Patreon app to their Android devices

Our teams take enormous pride in building a product and fan experience that can help you make money. We understand these adjustments may be inconvenient for users, but are required by Google to change the user flow based on their policies. Our teams worked to find the simplest solution that would easily get readers to the Patreon app, and we apologize for any inconvenience. 

If you have questions or concerns, or need to report any issues accessing Patreon through the Patreon Button please reach out to creatorsupport@webtoon.com.

###

FAQ for Patreon update to Android Devices

WEBTOON has always had Patreon integration. Why is this happening now? 

A: Our Patreon integration--which conveniently directed readers to your Patreon --was recently flagged by Google as a violation of  Play Store payment policies. Our teams worked quickly to find a solution and ensure we can still direct your readers to your Patreon. In the new user flow, users will be prompted to either download or open the already installed Patreon app on their phones.  

Why is it necessary to make these changes? I’m worried readers won’t get to my Patreon. 

A: We understand these adjustments may be inconvenient for readers, but are required by  Google to change the user flow based on their policies. Our teams worked to find the simplest solution that would easily get readers to the Patreon app, and we apologize for any inconvenience. 

Why weren’t creators informed about this change sooner? 

A:  Our teams have been working closely with Google to ensure our solution did not violate their Play Store payment policies. As soon as the solution was approved by Google, we began informing creators. 

What buttons will be impacted by this change?

A: All Patreon buttons and links in our Android app will now direct readers to the Patreon app on the Google Play store. 

How long will it take for the update to roll out to all Android users?

A: The update has started to roll out to all Android users. We expect it will take a few days before all Android users see this change.  

Are iOS users impacted by this change?

A: No, this update is exclusive to Android app due to Google Play Store policies.

Are there any other ways to promote my Patreon on WEBTOON outside of the buttons? How can I minimize the impact of this change? 

A: We understand Patreon is critically important for Creators and while the current updates is a necessary change as required by Google, there are continued ways for Creators to promote their Patreon accounts. 

• Include the URL to your Patreon account at the end of your episodes 

• Make sure your Patreon is linked on all your other social channels

• Encourage your readers to download the Patreon app to their Android devices

How many users are impacted by this update? How many users read WEBTOON on Android devices?

A: We don’t share the number of users across operating systems. 

Is this related to your Patreon removal earlier this year? 

A: No. Earlier this year the Patreon was temporarily unavailable on some CANVAS profiles as the result of an app update. The button was still available on PC and mobile-web, and was quickly restored for users in the app.