Top Platforms to Host and Sell Live Virtual Events for Creators and Influencers

As a content creator or social media influencer, hosting live virtual events offers an excellent opportunity to monetize your audience beyond traditional content. Whether you’re planning webinars, workshops, Q&A sessions, or exclusive performances, choosing the right platform is crucial for success. This guide breaks down the best platforms for hosting and selling tickets to your virtual events.

Why Host Virtual Events?

Before diving into platform options, it’s worth understanding the benefits of virtual events:

• Additional revenue stream beyond content creation
• Deeper audience engagement through real-time interaction
• Expanded global reach without geographic limitations
• Scalable attendance from intimate gatherings to large audiences
• Valuable content creation that can be repurposed later

Top Platforms for Hosting and Selling Virtual Events

1. Zoom

Best for: Professional webinars, workshops, and large-scale events

Key Features:

• Host events for up to 10,000 attendees
• Customizable registration pages
• Interactive tools: polls, Q&A, chat, and breakout rooms
• 24-hour meeting capacity for extended events like day-long workshops or conferences

Monetization Options:

• Requires third-party integration for ticket sales (typically Eventbrite)
• Payment processing via external platforms (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction through Stripe/PayPal)

Pros:

• High-quality video streaming with reliable performance even for large audiences
• Free tier available for small events (up to 40 minutes)
• Familiar interface that reduces technical barriers for attendees
• Versatile for different event formats from intimate masterclasses to large conferences

Cons:

• Limited native monetization tools—you’ll need to piece together solutions
• Requires external platforms for ticketing and payment processing
• Basic branding customization options compared to dedicated event platforms

2. Eventbrite

Best for: Ticketing, registration, and event promotion

Key Features:

• Comprehensive ticketing and registration system with customizable forms
• Customizable event pages with detailed analytics on attendee engagement
• Promotional tools for marketing including email campaigns and social media integration
• Integration with various video platforms for seamless event delivery

Monetization Options:

• Direct ticket sales with 2% service fee + payment processing (2.9% + $0.30)
• Promoter fees for paid advertising to expand reach

Pros:

• Robust ticketing infrastructure with multiple pricing tiers and discount codes
• Built-in audience targeting through Eventbrite’s marketplace
• Global reach with promotional capabilities across social platforms
• Detailed analytics for understanding audience demographics and optimizing future events

Cons:

• Higher fees compared to free platforms, which impacts your profit margins
• Requires integration with streaming platforms like Zoom for the actual event delivery
• More complex setup process for creators new to virtual events

3. Patreon

Best for: Subscription-based exclusive events and community building

Key Features:

• Tiered membership levels with exclusive event access at different price points
• Community engagement tools including discussion boards and direct messaging
• Recurring revenue model that provides financial stability

Monetization Options:

• Subscription-based access (5% platform fee + payment processing)
• Multiple membership tiers for different event access levels (from casual fans to super-supporters)

Pros:

• Predictable recurring revenue that isn’t dependent on one-off ticket sales
• Strong community building features that foster deeper connections with your audience
• Ideal for exclusive, premium content that rewards your most dedicated followers
• Creates an ecosystem where live events complement your other content offerings

Cons:

• Requires existing audience willing to commit to monthly payments
• Limited customization for event delivery—often need to direct members elsewhere
• Better suited for ongoing content series than one-time spectacular events

When comparing platforms like Gumroad vs Patreon, Patreon offers stronger community features that benefit live events, while Gumroad excels at selling digital products that complement your events.

4. YouTube Live

Best for: Free, ad-supported streams with donation capabilities

Key Features:

• Unlimited audience size with global reach
• Free live streaming with integrated recording for later viewing
• Super Chat donations where viewers can pay to highlight their messages
• Interactive tools including chat, polls, and live Q&A functionality

Monetization Options:

• Ad revenue (55% to creator) from pre-rolls and mid-roll advertisements
• Super Chats and channel memberships for direct viewer support
• No direct ticketing (requires external solutions for paid access)

Pros:

• Massive built-in audience with algorithmic recommendation potential
• Free to use with no upfront costs for creators
• Searchable content that continues generating views after the live event
• Familiar platform for most viewers reducing technical friction

Cons:

• No direct ticket sales capabilities for exclusive access
• Revenue sharing with YouTube (45% of ad revenue goes to the platform)
• Limited control over who can access your content—challenging for premium events

5. Instagram Live

Best for: Quick, casual events with direct audience engagement

Key Features:

• 60-minute live streams ideal for shorter sessions
• Badge purchases (virtual tips) that viewers can give during broadcasts
• Interactive tools like polls, questions, and live reaction animations
• Shopping tags for product promotion during your event

Monetization Options:

• Badges (ranging from $0.99 up to $5 per badge) as virtual tips from viewers
• Affiliate links in bio for external ticket sales or product promotion
• No direct ticketing options within the platform itself

Pros:

• High engagement potential with real-time comments and reactions
• Easy setup for creators already active on Instagram
• Free to use with no technical requirements beyond a smartphone
• Strong for visual/interactive content with your existing follower base

Cons:

• Short session limits (60 minutes) that require restarting for longer events
• Limited monetization options compared to dedicated event platforms
• No native ticketing system for premium or exclusive access

Similar to the comparison between OnlyFans vs Patreon, Instagram Live offers more direct, intimate fan interaction like OnlyFans, while lacking the structured monetization tools of platforms like Patreon.

How to Choose the Right Platform

Consider these factors when selecting your virtual event platform:

1. Event Type: Different formats require different features. A workshop with breakout sessions works well on Zoom, while a performance might be better suited for YouTube Live.

2. Audience Size: Some platforms cap attendance or become prohibitively expensive at scale. Make sure your choice can accommodate your expected audience.

3. Monetization Goals: Are you looking for one-time ticket sales, donation-based revenue, or building a subscription community? Your business model should guide your platform choice.

4. Technical Requirements: Consider bandwidth needs, integration capabilities, and what level of technical support you’ll need during the event.

5. Audience Familiarity: Using platforms your audience already knows reduces friction. If your followers are mainly on Instagram, starting there might make more sense than building from scratch elsewhere.

6. Marketing Tools: Some platforms offer built-in promotion while others require you to drive all traffic yourself through your existing channels.

BlurBay: An All-in-One Solution for Creators

While the platforms above excel in specific areas, BlurBay offers a comprehensive solution designed specifically for creators:

Key Features:

• Complete event hosting and ticketing system in one place
• Set flexible pricing, seat limits, and access windows for maximum control
• Integration with any meeting platform (simply copy-paste your event link)
• Community features via Telegram groups for pre and post-event engagement
• SEO-optimized creator profiles that help new audiences discover your events

BlurBay stands out by allowing you to:

• Create and sell access to live events with flexible pricing models
• Build a custom creator page that links your social media presence and content offerings
• Monetize through multiple channels (subscriptions, digital products, and live events)
• Create paid communities to maintain engagement between events and foster audience connections

Tips for Hosting Successful Virtual Events

Regardless of platform, these strategies will help maximize your virtual event success:

1. Test your setup thoroughly before the event—run a practice session with friends to identify potential issues

2. Promote early and often across all your channels with a consistent messaging strategy

3. Price appropriately based on content value and audience size—consider surveying your audience about willingness to pay

4. Create exclusive incentives like early-bird pricing or bonus content for first purchasers

5. Engage attendees throughout with polls, Q&A, and interactive elements to prevent passive viewing

6. Record your event for repurposing or selling afterwards as on-demand content

7. Follow up with attendees to gather feedback and promote future events while engagement is high

Conclusion

The best platform for your virtual events depends on your specific needs, audience, and monetization goals. While Zoom offers professional webinar capabilities and Eventbrite excels at ticketing, platforms like Patreon are better for subscription-based exclusive events. For social media influencers looking for an all-in-one solution, BlurBay provides comprehensive tools to host, sell, and promote virtual events while building your creator brand.

By choosing the right platform and implementing effective strategies, you can transform your influence into successful virtual events that provide both value to your audience and revenue for your business. As virtual events continue to grow in popularity, creators who master this medium now will have a significant advantage in building sustainable, diversified income streams.