410 lines
37 KiB
Markdown
410 lines
37 KiB
Markdown
# Kickstarter Project Creation & Pre-Launch Editor — Field Inventory
|
||
|
||
**Research window:** 2025–2026 (help articles last-seen dated **August 6, 2026**; rules/prohibited list current as of fetch **2026-09-23 WAT**)
|
||
**Scope:** Draft creation → editor completion → **Submit / Send to review** → approval → pre-launch (Promotion) → launch readiness.
|
||
**Method:** Official Kickstarter Help Center, Creator Handbook, Rules, Updates blog, Discover category URLs. Cloudflare blocked some `WebFetch` calls; content retrieved via direct HTTP to help.kickstarter.com / kickstarter.com.
|
||
**Confidence:** Fields marked **CONFIRMED** cite official sources. **UNKNOWN** = not found in public docs (UI labels may still exist in-product).
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 0. Ordered UI flow (Start → Submit for review → Pre-launch)
|
||
|
||
| Step | UI surface | When it appears | Notes |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| 0 | Account | Before create | Must have Kickstarter account **not** Apple-ID-only signup (`Continue with Apple` cannot start a project). [help: start a project](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236659-how-do-i-start-a-project) |
|
||
| 1 | **Create your project** wizard (`/start`) | First visit | Select **primary category** + **subcategory**, then optional **additional subcategory**. [kickstarter.com/start](https://www.kickstarter.com/start), [category help](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236767-how-do-i-choose-the-right-category-for-my-project) |
|
||
| 2 | Project editor — **Basics** | Draft | Title, subtitle, image, videos, location, categories, duration, Late Pledges toggle, Target Launch Date, currency (where eligible), etc. |
|
||
| 3 | **Story** | Draft | Campaign story (Text Editor 2.0) + **Risks and Challenges** (mandatory) + **Use of AI** disclosure prompts (on submit / page) + **Environmental Commitments** (Design & Tech, voluntary). |
|
||
| 4 | **Plan** *(conditional)* | Draft | Product-development milestones for select Design / Technology / Games hardware subcategories. Creator-only; not shown to backers. [Plan tab](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236806-what-is-the-plan-tab) |
|
||
| 5 | **Rewards** | Draft | Sub-nav: **Items** → **Reward tiers** → **Add-ons** (+ Late Pledge settings if enabled). |
|
||
| 6 | **People** | Draft | Creator profile completeness, **Collaborators**, optional demographic survey (~38 Qs). |
|
||
| 7 | **Funding** | Draft | Funding goal; Project Budget spreadsheet tool (Design, Technology, Arts, Fashion). Currency choice may appear here for Euro Flexibility. |
|
||
| 8 | **Preferences** | Draft | At least **Shipping collection preference** (charge shipping at pledge time vs later via Pledge Manager / third-party). [shipping options](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236769-what-options-do-i-have-for-charging-shipping-costs) |
|
||
| 9 | **Payment** / **Payments** | Draft | Raise-as (individual / business / nonprofit) → Stripe onboarding: identity, tax, bank, payment source card. **Blocks launch** if incomplete. |
|
||
| 10 | Checklist / overview | Draft | All required sections need completion (green checks). Submit via **“Send to review”** / **“Submit for review”**. [prepare to launch](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236409-how-do-i-prepare-to-launch-my-project) |
|
||
| 11 | Trust & Safety review | Post-submit | Auto-approve **or** manual review (≤ ~3 business days; longer if revisions). **All Design & Technology projects are manually reviewed.** |
|
||
| 12 | **Promotion** | After submit (repeat creators: earlier access); first-timers after approval | Generate/confirm **project URL**, activate **pre-launch page**, Pre-Launch Editor content, Google Analytics / pixels (optional). |
|
||
| 13 | Launch | After approval | **I’m ready to launch** → confirm rules checkbox → **Launch project** (manual; not schedulable). |
|
||
|
||
**FAQ note:** Public FAQ Q&A on the live project page is **not** a pre-launch required editor section. Creator-community guidance (Stonemaier) states FAQ cannot be created until the project is live — prepare offline and paste at launch. Official campaign-page guides list FAQ as a live-page section you can grow during the campaign. Treat FAQ as **post-launch optional**, not a submit blocker. **UNKNOWN** whether a draft FAQ UI exists in 2026 editor.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 1. Step 1 — Create wizard (`/start`)
|
||
|
||
| Field | Type | Limits | Required | Validation / notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Primary category | Single-select enum | 15 categories | **Yes** | Art, Comics, Crafts, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film & Video, Food, Games, Journalism, Music, Photography, Publishing, Technology, Theater | [start](https://www.kickstarter.com/start), [rules](https://www.kickstarter.com/rules) |
|
||
| Primary subcategory | Single-select enum | Category-dependent | **Yes** (UI prompts subcategory) | Project lists under both category and subcategory | [category help](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236767-how-do-i-choose-the-right-category-for-my-project) |
|
||
| Additional / second category + subcategory | Optional second pair | — | Optional | **Does not** appear on project page or search; used for Kickstarter guidance only. Editable while live. | Same |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 2. Basics tab
|
||
|
||
| Field | Type | Limits | Required for submit/launch | Validation / notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Project title | Text | **≤ 60 characters** | **Yes** (for a complete page / URL generation) | Used to slugify project URL after “Generate my URL” | [level-up 2024](https://updates.kickstarter.com/level-up-your-campaign-in-2024/), [publishing guide](https://updates.kickstarter.com/how-to-create-a-great-kickstarter-publishing-project-page/), [URL help](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236439-can-i-get-my-project-s-url-before-i-launch) |
|
||
| Subtitle / blurb | Text | **≤ 135 characters** | **Yes** (shown under video; treated as core page element) | Often called subtitle or short description | Same |
|
||
| Project image (main) | File upload | **1024×576 recommended (16:9)**; max **50 MB**; JPEG/PNG/GIF/BMP recommended | **Yes** for complete Basics | Replace via up arrow; delete via trash. Avoid text-heavy overlays | [help/images](https://www.kickstarter.com/help/images) |
|
||
| Project video (horizontal) | File upload | Formats: **MOV, MPEG, AVI, MP4, 3GP, WMV, FLV**; max **5120 MB (5 GB)**; encoded display **640×360 16:9** | **Optional** (strongly recommended) | Not required to launch | [video required?](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236743-is-a-project-video-required-to-launch) |
|
||
| Discovery Mode / vertical video | File upload | Same formats; **9:16**; max **5120 MB**; aim **60–90 s** | Optional | Basics tab; reviewed at submit | [video help](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236743-is-a-project-video-required-to-launch), [Mobile Discovery PDF](https://start.kickstarter.com/hubfs/Mobile%20Discovery%20Mode%20-%20Creator%20Guide%20final.pdf) |
|
||
| Captions / subtitles | Media accessibility | — | Optional | Separate help for adding captions | [captions](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236802-how-do-i-add-subtitles-and-captions-to-my-videos) |
|
||
| Project location (city / place) | Location picker | — | **Yes** (public location; can differ from verification country) | Verification address must still be in supported creator country | [who can use](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236650-who-can-use-kickstarter), [eligibility](https://updates.kickstarter.com/who-is-eligible-to-use-kickstarter/) |
|
||
| Primary category / subcategory | Selects | — | **Yes** | Changeable while live | Category help |
|
||
| Second category / subcategory | Selects | — | Optional | Guidance only | Category help |
|
||
| Campaign duration mode | Enum | **Fixed end date+time** OR **N days from launch** | **Yes** | Range **1–60 days**; recommend ≤30. Locked after launch. | [duration](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236742-what-is-the-maximum-project-duration), [funding handbook](https://www.kickstarter.com/help/handbook/funding) |
|
||
| Duration value | DateTime or integer days | 1–60 | **Yes** | End time = launch clock time if “days” mode | Duration help |
|
||
| Target Launch Date | Date | — | Optional | Guides when to verify / submit; **does not** auto-launch | [awaiting review](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236415-my-project-is-awaiting-review-how-does-this-work) |
|
||
| Enable Late Pledges | Toggle | — | Optional | Must enable in draft or while live; cannot enable after campaign ends. Then configure per reward. | [Late Pledges](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236699-how-do-i-add-late-pledges-to-my-project) |
|
||
| Project currency | Enum (native vs EUR) | Country-dependent | Required where shown; else auto from country | **Euro Currency Flexibility:** DK, NO, SE, CH, PL can choose native or EUR. Locked once bank account added. May appear on Basics **or** Funding. | [Euro flexibility](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236801-what-is-euro-currency-flexibility-and-who-can-use-it), [display currency](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236796-can-i-choose-my-project-s-display-currency) |
|
||
| Tags / keywords | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | Marketing copy mentions keywords in description; dedicated Basics tags field **UNKNOWN** | — |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 3. Story tab
|
||
|
||
### 3.1 Campaign story (Text Editor 2.0)
|
||
|
||
| Field / capability | Type | Limits | Required | Validation / notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Project story / description | Rich text blocks | Hard char limit **UNKNOWN** | **Yes** (empty story fails automated completeness) | Headings auto-create TOC; images-as-headers supported | [TOC](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236730-how-do-i-add-a-table-of-contents-to-my-project-s-story), [text editor 2.0](https://updates.kickstarter.com/text-editor-2-0/) |
|
||
| Inline images | Upload | ≤ **50 MB**; JPEG/PNG/GIF recommended; **not** TIFF/BMP/HEIC/HEIF; scale ≥ ~700px width; WEBP for animation | Optional | Alt text supported; compressed on upload | [media help](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236740-how-do-i-include-images-or-other-media-in-my-project-description-and-updates) |
|
||
| Embedded video | URL embed | YouTube/Vimeo/etc. | Optional | Story embeds are URL-only (not direct upload into story) | Media help |
|
||
| Embedded audio | URL embed | SoundCloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, etc. | Optional | Bandcamp: use `*.bandcamp.com` URL | Media help |
|
||
| Livestream embed | URL | YouTube / Twitch / Facebook Live | Optional | During funding period | Media help |
|
||
| Image caption / link / alt text | Contextual toolbar | — | Optional | | [text editor 2.0](https://updates.kickstarter.com/text-editor-2-0/) |
|
||
| Heading / TOC entry | Block type | — | Optional | `+` → Heading | TOC help |
|
||
|
||
**Recommended story content (not separate fields):** who you are, what you’re making, history, plan/timeline, budget breakdown, why you care. [story handbook](https://www.kickstarter.com/help/handbook/your_story)
|
||
|
||
### 3.2 Risks and Challenges
|
||
|
||
| Field | Type | Limits | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Risks and Challenges | Text (title fixed by Kickstarter) | Char limit **UNKNOWN** | **Yes** (mandatory page section) | Text-only; cannot rename section | Campaign guides + Stonemaier anatomy (community) confirming mandatory |
|
||
|
||
### 3.3 Use of AI (disclosure)
|
||
|
||
Asked during **project submission**; accepted projects show a public **“Use of AI”** section.
|
||
|
||
| Prompt / field | Type | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Does project use AI to generate outputs / develop generative AI / other AI use? | Questionnaire | **Yes if AI involved**; honesty required | Excessive AI with little human involvement prohibited | [AI policy](https://updates.kickstarter.com/introducing-our-new-ai-policy/), [AI guidelines](https://updates.kickstarter.com/kickstarter-project-guidelines-for-ai-generated-content-and-ai-technology/), [AI help](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236759-can-i-use-ai-generated-content-or-create-ai-technology-in-my-project), [rules](https://www.kickstarter.com/rules) |
|
||
| What AI tech; how incorporated; original vs AI elements | Free text | If AI tools used | | Same |
|
||
| Databases/sources; consent & credit mechanisms | Free text | If developing AI tech | Without consent safeguards, project unlikely allowed | Same |
|
||
| Consent from owners of works used to train/produce AI portion | Yes/No + detail | Asked in submission flow | | AI policy update |
|
||
|
||
Exact UI control labels/char limits: **UNKNOWN** beyond published question themes.
|
||
|
||
### 3.4 Environmental Commitments (Design & Technology)
|
||
|
||
| Field | Type | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Commitments across 5 areas | Check/commit + public display | **Voluntary** | Areas: (1) long-lasting design (2) reusability & recyclability (3) sustainable materials (4) environmentally friendly factories (5) sustainable fulfillment & distribution. Originally US/CA/MX Design & Tech; expansion plans noted historically | [EDF](https://business.edf.org/insights/kickstarters-new-features-put-sustainability-top-of-mind-for-creators/), [Medium/KS](https://medium.com/the-fourth-wave/new-features-on-kickstarter-encourage-creators-to-think-green-b17a05f41bab) |
|
||
|
||
Exact 2026 editor widget + whether Publishing sees it: **UNKNOWN** (docs still center Design & Tech).
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 4. Plan tab (conditional)
|
||
|
||
**Visible when** primary subcategory ∈: Product Design, Toys, Gaming Hardware, 3D Printing, Camera Equipment, DIY Electronics, Fabrication Tools, Flight, Gadgets, Hardware, Robots, Sound, Space Exploration, Wearables.
|
||
[Plan tab](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236806-what-is-the-plan-tab)
|
||
|
||
| Milestone group (summary) | Type | Required for submit? | Notes |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Functional + appearance + combined prototypes | Mark complete | **UNKNOWN** if hard-required for submit; strongly expected for D&T honesty rules | Backers cannot see Plan tab |
|
||
| Manufacturing review, BOM, MOQ sign-off | Mark complete | UNKNOWN | |
|
||
| Regulatory/compliance plan; replication process; QA test runs | Mark complete | UNKNOWN | |
|
||
| Produced/assembled all rewards | Mark complete | Post-campaign oriented | Locked after launch once marked |
|
||
|
||
Hardware/product design **rules:** show **working prototypes**; **no photorealistic CGI** standing in for nonexistent functionality; disclose unfinished software/hardware integration. [hardware rules](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236428-what-are-the-rules-for-hardware-and-product-design-projects), [rules](https://www.kickstarter.com/rules)
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 5. Rewards tab
|
||
|
||
### 5.1 Items
|
||
|
||
| Field | Type | Limits | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Item title | Text | UNKNOWN | **Yes** per item | Clear short name; don’t embed project title | [itemize](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236437-how-do-i-itemize-my-rewards) |
|
||
| Item image | Upload | **3:2**; ≥ **348×232**; ≤ **50 MB** | Optional | | Itemize help |
|
||
| Save item | Action | — | — | Build items **before** tiers/add-ons | Handbook rewards |
|
||
|
||
### 5.2 Reward tiers & Add-ons (shared field set)
|
||
|
||
| Field | Type | Limits | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Title | Text | UNKNOWN | **Yes** | | [add rewards](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236688-how-do-i-add-rewards-to-my-project) |
|
||
| Amount / pledge price | Money | **Min–max by country** (US **$1–$10,000**; see §11) | **Yes** | | [max reward](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236756-is-there-a-maximum-reward-tier-value) |
|
||
| Description | Text | UNKNOWN | **Yes** | | Add rewards |
|
||
| Estimated delivery | Month/year (or date UI) | Future | **Yes** (mandatory per tier) | When **all** items in tier will be delivered | [estimated delivery](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236744-what-does-estimated-delivery-date-mean) |
|
||
| Items included | Multi-select + qty | — | Expected | Quantities set on bundle, not on item master | Itemize + add rewards |
|
||
| Includes physical goods? | Boolean | — | **Yes** (contents) | Food/drink **not** counted as “physical goods” for this flag | Add rewards |
|
||
| Shipping mode | Enum | No shipping (digital) / Local pick-up / Limited countries / Worldwide + outliers | **Yes** if collecting shipping at pledge | Local pick-up needs location; cannot combine Ship + Pickup on same tier | [shipping options](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236769-what-options-do-i-have-for-charging-shipping-costs), add rewards |
|
||
| Shipping destinations + rates | Country/region × money | EU region list defined in help | Conditional | Country rate overrides region | Shipping options |
|
||
| Local pick-up location | Text/place | — | If local | Title should clarify “City pick-up only” | Add rewards |
|
||
| Project quantity | Unlimited / Limited (integer) | — | Optional limit | Limited early-bird style | [schedule/limit](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236455-can-i-schedule-a-reward-or-limit-the-quantity) |
|
||
| Availability start/end | Launch / custom datetime / campaign end | — | Optional | Scheduling mid-campaign | Schedule/limit |
|
||
| Audience | All backers / Select backers only (**Secret Reward**) | — | Optional | Secret Rewards get unique private link; desktop/mobile web only; not for Late Pledges/PM | [secret rewards](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236377-what-are-secret-rewards) |
|
||
| Reward image | Upload | 3:2; ≥348×232; ≤50MB | Optional | | Add rewards |
|
||
| Feature reward | Toggle | One featured tier | Optional | Featured appears at top of Rewards tab | Add rewards |
|
||
| Duplicate / Import from past project | Action | — | Optional | Import copies associated items | Add rewards |
|
||
| Late Pledge amount | Money | — | If Late Pledges enabled | Recommend +10% vs campaign price | Late Pledges help |
|
||
| Late Pledge availability window | Datetime range | Must start at/after campaign end for ≥1 reward | If Late Pledges | | Late Pledges help |
|
||
|
||
**Always present system tier:** “Pledge without a reward” (default amount location-based, e.g. **$10 US**; backer-editable).
|
||
|
||
**Prohibited as rewards (rules):** financial returns, equity, crypto/NFTs, resale of others’ goods, etc. See §13.
|
||
|
||
### 5.3 Preferences — shipping strategy
|
||
|
||
| Field | Type | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Collect shipping at pledge time vs later (KS Pledge Manager / third-party) | Preference enum | **Yes** (decide before building rates) | If third-party later, disclose clearly on story | [shipping options](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236769-what-options-do-i-have-for-charging-shipping-costs) |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 6. People tab
|
||
|
||
| Field / section | Type | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Creator profile (name, photo, bio, location, website, social links) | Profile fields | Strongly expected; public on Creator tab | Editable in People and/or Settings → Edit profile | [About the creator](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236550-what-information-can-be-found-in-the-about-the-creator-section) |
|
||
| Collaborators — invite by Kickstarter account | Email/username + permissions | Optional | Permissions: edit project (basics/story/rewards/FAQs/Spotlight); manage community (updates/comments/messages*); coordinate fulfillment (surveys/backer report); pledge manager; analytics/dashboard. Cap **100** collaborator-projects per user. All collaborators listed publicly. | [collaborators](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236794-what-is-the-project-collaborators-tool-and-how-do-i-use-it) |
|
||
| Demographic / preparedness survey | ~**38** questions | **Optional**; not required to launch | One-shot; not editable after submit (email support to delete) | [demographics](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236577-why-are-you-asking-for-my-demographic-information-and-what-will-you-do-with-it) |
|
||
|
||
Exact demographic question list: **UNKNOWN** (not published).
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 7. Funding tab
|
||
|
||
| Field | Type | Limits | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Funding goal | Money | Must be achievable minimum to deliver; **locked after launch** | **Yes** | All-or-nothing | [funding handbook](https://www.kickstarter.com/help/handbook/funding), [set goal](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236709-how-to-set-the-right-funding-goal-for-your-kickstarter-campaign) |
|
||
| Project Budget spreadsheet | Google Sheet via email | Design, Technology, Arts, Fashion only (as of help) | Optional | Email → “Generate my spreadsheet”; optional public Project Budget graphic | [Project Budget](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236713-using-project-budget-to-calculate-your-project-s-funding-goal) |
|
||
| Budget graphic share on page | Toggle/refresh | — | Optional | Encouraged for featuring odds | Same |
|
||
| Currency (Euro Flexibility) | Enum | See Basics | If eligible | Locked when bank linked | Euro flexibility help |
|
||
| Stretch goals | Not a dedicated locked field | — | Post-goal marketing | Cannot change goal; stretch goals are story/update content | Funding handbook |
|
||
|
||
**Fees (US example):** Kickstarter **5%** + payment processing ~**3% + $0.30**/pledge (micropledge discount under $10). No fees if unsuccessful. [fees](https://www.kickstarter.com/help/fees)
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 8. Payment tab (account verification blockers)
|
||
|
||
Flow: choose **Individual / Business / Nonprofit** → **Continue to Stripe**.
|
||
|
||
| Field / requirement | Type | Required to launch | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Funding entity type | Enum: individual, business, nonprofit | **Yes** | Hard to change after selection (community reports) | [verify info](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236412-how-do-i-verify-my-information-and-what-should-i-do-if-it-s-not-working) |
|
||
| Government-issued ID | Document / Stripe Identity | **Yes** | Same country as launch (EU ID flexibility within EU) | [who can use](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236650-who-can-use-kickstarter) |
|
||
| Legal name, DOB, address | Text | **Yes** | Must match documents exactly | Verify help |
|
||
| Tax ID (SSN/ITIN/EIN/local) | Text | **Yes** (as prompted by country/entity) | Entity + all verified persons | Eligibility / verify |
|
||
| Entity legal name, address, tax ID | Text | If business/nonprofit | Representative must be owner/executive actively creating project | [entity representative](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236406-i-m-launching-a-project-on-behalf-of-a-business-or-nonprofit-entity-who-should-complete-the-verification-process) |
|
||
| Additional owners (≥25% stake) + directors as requested | Identity set | If applicable | Stripe/regulatory “additional owners” | [owners](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236401-why-does-kickstarter-need-to-know-about-my-company-s-owners-what-information-do-i-need-to-provide) |
|
||
| US business URL **or** 2-sentence product description | URL/text | US companies when prompted | URL must show product/service funded; public `https://…` | Verify help |
|
||
| Bank account | Checking / Futsuu (JP) / IBAN (EUR cases) | **Yes** | Same country as project (EUR IBAN flexibility list); ACH in US; no savings/virtual/wires | [bank account](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236646-what-type-of-bank-account-can-i-use) |
|
||
| Payment source (chargeback card) | Visa / Mastercard / AmEx credit **or** debit | **Yes** | Discover/JCB/Maestro/Visa Electron **not** accepted. Canada: credit only (eligibility article). Locked until successful end. | [credit card why](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236391-why-do-creators-need-to-add-a-credit-card-when-setting-up-their-project), eligibility |
|
||
| Age | Constraint | **Yes** | Creator **18+** | Who can use |
|
||
|
||
**Supported creator countries:** Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US.
|
||
Verification typically updates within days; contact support if no update after **5 business days**. Identity/bank **lock after verification** (support to change pre-launch).
|
||
|
||
**Tax note:** Funds generally income; US 1099-K via Stripe above thresholds — informational, not a pre-launch form in editor beyond Stripe tax fields. [taxes](https://www.kickstarter.com/help/taxes)
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 9. Submit for review & launch
|
||
|
||
| Control | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Send to review / Submit for review | Runs automated completeness + cursory rules check | [prepare](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236409-how-do-i-prepare-to-launch-my-project), [review blog 2016](https://www.kickstarter.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-project-review-process) |
|
||
| Auto-approve vs manual | Algorithm uses category, description, rewards, goal, prior launches; **all Design & Technology → manual** | Prepare / awaiting review |
|
||
| Manual SLA | Up to **~3 business days** (+3+ if revisions) | Awaiting review |
|
||
| Edit while pending / after approval | Allowed | Review blog |
|
||
| I’m ready to launch → Launch project | Manual; checkbox confirm rules; **no scheduled launch** | [launch after approved](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236427-how-do-i-launch-my-project-after-it-s-been-approved) |
|
||
|
||
**Locked after launch (selected):** funding goal, campaign duration/deadline, bank & verified identity details, profile name (policy), rewards already backed (incl. their shipping). [edit after launch](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236599-can-a-project-be-edited-after-launching)
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 10. Promotion / Pre-launch (post-submit)
|
||
|
||
| Field / action | Required | Notes | Source |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Generate my URL | Soft-required for sharing | Slug from **title** + vanity/user segment; confirm once; support to reset (breaks old links) | [URL before launch](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236439-can-i-get-my-project-s-url-before-i-launch) |
|
||
| Activate pre-launch page | Optional but recommended ≥1 week pre-launch | First-timers: after approval; repeat: Promotion earlier | [pre-launch setup](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236379-setting-up-your-project-s-pre-launch-page), [Pre-Launch Editor](https://updates.kickstarter.com/pre-launch-editor/) |
|
||
| Pre-Launch Editor body | Optional | Text, images, videos, links (revamped editor features) | Same |
|
||
| Auto-included on pre-launch | — | Title, subtitle, category, creator name/avatar, location | [craft pre-launch](https://updates.kickstarter.com/how-to-craft-a-pre-launch-page/) |
|
||
| Notify me on launch / followers | — | Follower count shown at ≥10; creator cannot DM followers; pre-launch **updates** email followers | Pre-launch help |
|
||
| Deactivate pre-launch | Optional | Followers retained if reactivated | Pre-launch help |
|
||
| Preview share link | Optional | Different URL from pre-launch URL | Pre-launch help |
|
||
| Google Analytics ID | Optional | Promotions tab or dashboard | [GA](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236686-what-is-google-analytics-and-how-do-i-set-it-up), funding handbook |
|
||
| Meta Pixel / CAPI | Optional | Separate help articles | Help collection Promoting / live |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 11. Media specs (quick reference)
|
||
|
||
| Asset | Spec | Max size | Required |
|
||
|:--|:--|:--|:--|
|
||
| Main project image | 1024×576 (16:9) recommended; JPEG/PNG/GIF/BMP | 50 MB | Yes |
|
||
| Story images | ≥~700px wide; JPEG/PNG/GIF (WEBP anim); no TIFF/BMP/HEIC/HEIF | 50 MB | No |
|
||
| Item / reward / add-on image | 3:2; ≥348×232 | 50 MB | No |
|
||
| Project / Discovery video | MOV/MPEG/AVI/MP4/3GP/WMV/FLV; Discovery **9:16** | 5120 MB | No |
|
||
| Story-embedded video | URL embed | n/a | No |
|
||
| Update-uploaded video | Same formats | **3 GB** | Post-launch |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 12. Publishing / Books category notes
|
||
|
||
**Category:** Publishing (one of 15).
|
||
**Subcategories observed on Discover (2026-09):** Academic, Anthologies, Art Books, Audiobooks, Calendars, Children, Comedy, Fiction, Letterpress, Literary Journals, Literary Spaces, Nonfiction, Periodicals, Poetry, Radio & Podcasts (slug `radio%20`), Translations, Young Adult, Zines.
|
||
**New (May 2026 release notes):** **Audiobooks** (plus Games: TTRPG, STL) — creators “soon” able to select while building; Discover filters already live. [release notes](https://start.kickstarter.com/kickstarter-release-notes/new-games-publishing-subcategories-ttrpg-stl-and-audiobooks)
|
||
|
||
**Publishing-specific guidance (not unique fields):**
|
||
- Title ≤60 / subtitle ≤135; book cover often used as project image.
|
||
- Video optional but recommended; keep ~1–2 minutes.
|
||
- Rewards centered on the book + digital/low-ship perks; estimated delivery with buffer.
|
||
- Prototype rules for hardware **do not** apply; still must create something **new** and honest.
|
||
- Plan tab **not** for typical Publishing (hardware subcategory list only).
|
||
- Project Budget spreadsheet **not** listed for Publishing (Design/Tech/Arts/Fashion).
|
||
Sources: [publishing hub article](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236657-i-m-looking-to-run-a-publishing-project), [publishing project page guide](https://updates.kickstarter.com/how-to-create-a-great-kickstarter-publishing-project-page/), [creator’s book guide](https://updates.kickstarter.com/a-creators-guide-to-launching-a-book-on-kickstarter/).
|
||
|
||
**Charity:** Up to **10%** of campaign funds may be donated if disclosed **at submission**; reward donations allowed. Nonprofits: specific projects only, not general operating support. [entities/charity](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236787-can-business-and-nonprofit-entities-raise-funds-for-projects), [rules](https://www.kickstarter.com/rules)
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 13. Crypto / NFT / prohibited (submit blockers)
|
||
|
||
From [Our Rules](https://www.kickstarter.com/rules) (Prohibited Items/Applications), fetched 2026-09-23:
|
||
|
||
1. **Cryptocurrencies and NFTs** — explicitly prohibited
|
||
2. Service Providers (project centered on providing services)
|
||
3. Marketplaces (primary purpose sell/re-sell)
|
||
4. AI companions (romantic/sexual; or primarily advertising to children/parents)
|
||
5. Items claiming to diagnose/cure/treat/prevent serious illness (incl. sexual dysfunction)
|
||
6. Items claiming to prevent serious injury or death
|
||
7. Contests, raffles, gambling
|
||
8. Energy food/drinks (except coffee-bean or herbal-tea primary)
|
||
9. Alcohol
|
||
10. **Equity**
|
||
11. Live animals
|
||
12. Human/animal body parts or fluids
|
||
13. Fighting/gambling spaces
|
||
14. Drugs & paraphernalia (nicotine, tobacco, kava, psychedelics, cannabis)
|
||
15. Weapons / replicas / weapon accessories; certain knives
|
||
|
||
Also: create something **new**; rewards produced/designed by project/collaborators; honest presentation; no misleading CGI for D&T; mature/pornographic content restricted (also subject to **Stripe** prohibited lists — Stripe may block even if KS allows). [mature/Stripe note in rules](https://www.kickstarter.com/rules), [Stripe mature reviews help](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236755-navigating-stripe-mature-content-reviews)
|
||
|
||
**AI companions** banned; **AI as a tool** allowed with disclosure and human creative involvement.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 14. Reward price floors/ceilings by country
|
||
|
||
| Country | Min tier | Max tier |
|
||
|:--|--:|--:|
|
||
| United States | $1 | $10,000 |
|
||
| United Kingdom | £1 | £8,000 |
|
||
| Canada | $1 CAD | $13,000 CAD |
|
||
| Australia | $1 AUD | $13,000 AUD |
|
||
| New Zealand | $1 NZD | $14,000 NZD |
|
||
| Mexico | $10 MXN | $200,000 MXN |
|
||
| Japan | ¥100 | ¥1,200,000 |
|
||
| NL/DE/IT/AT/BE/LU/FR/ES/IE/GR/SI | €1 | €8,500 |
|
||
| Sweden | 5 SEK | 85,000 SEK |
|
||
| Denmark | 5 DKK | 65,000 DKK |
|
||
| Norway | 5 NOK | 80,000 NOK |
|
||
| Switzerland | 1 CHF | 9,500 CHF |
|
||
| Hong Kong | 10 HKD | 75,000 HKD |
|
||
| Singapore | 2 SGD | 13,000 SGD |
|
||
| Poland | 5 PLN | 37,250 PLN |
|
||
|
||
Source: [max reward tier](https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236756-is-there-a-maximum-reward-tier-value)
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 15. UNKNOWN / gaps (need live editor or KS support to confirm)
|
||
|
||
- Exact **Submit** checklist itemization (which fields flip green).
|
||
- Story / Risks / reward description **hard character limits**.
|
||
- Whether **FAQ** editor exists pre-launch in 2026 UI.
|
||
- Full **demographic** question list.
|
||
- Whether **Environmental Commitments** expanded beyond Design & Tech / NA.
|
||
- Exact Stripe field names per country (tax form variants).
|
||
- Whether **Preferences** tab contains more than shipping strategy (pixels sometimes listed under Promotion).
|
||
- **Pledge Over Time** creator-side Basics toggles (backer feature FAQ exists; creator enablement UI **partially UNKNOWN**).
|
||
- Start wizard “Next: Additional subcategory” microcopy exact requiredness.
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 16. Primary citations
|
||
|
||
| Resource | URL |
|
||
|:--|:--|
|
||
| Create wizard | https://www.kickstarter.com/start |
|
||
| Creator Handbook hub | https://www.kickstarter.com/help/handbook |
|
||
| Funding handbook | https://www.kickstarter.com/help/handbook/funding |
|
||
| Rewards handbook | https://www.kickstarter.com/help/handbook/rewards |
|
||
| Story handbook | https://www.kickstarter.com/help/handbook/your_story |
|
||
| Project image specs | https://www.kickstarter.com/help/images |
|
||
| Our Rules | https://www.kickstarter.com/rules |
|
||
| Fees | https://www.kickstarter.com/help/fees |
|
||
| Taxes guide | https://www.kickstarter.com/help/taxes |
|
||
| Help: category | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236767-how-do-i-choose-the-right-category-for-my-project |
|
||
| Help: duration | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236742-what-is-the-maximum-project-duration |
|
||
| Help: video | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236743-is-a-project-video-required-to-launch |
|
||
| Help: add rewards | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236688-how-do-i-add-rewards-to-my-project |
|
||
| Help: itemize | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236437-how-do-i-itemize-my-rewards |
|
||
| Help: shipping options | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236769-what-options-do-i-have-for-charging-shipping-costs |
|
||
| Help: Late Pledges | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236699-how-do-i-add-late-pledges-to-my-project |
|
||
| Help: verify | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236412-how-do-i-verify-my-information-and-what-should-i-do-if-it-s-not-working |
|
||
| Help: bank | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236646-what-type-of-bank-account-can-i-use |
|
||
| Help: card | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236391-why-do-creators-need-to-add-a-credit-card-when-setting-up-their-project |
|
||
| Help: who can use | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236650-who-can-use-kickstarter |
|
||
| Help: collaborators | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236794-what-is-the-project-collaborators-tool-and-how-do-i-use-it |
|
||
| Help: Plan tab | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236806-what-is-the-plan-tab |
|
||
| Help: pre-launch | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236379-setting-up-your-project-s-pre-launch-page |
|
||
| Help: AI | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236759-can-i-use-ai-generated-content-or-create-ai-technology-in-my-project |
|
||
| Help: Publishing | https://help.kickstarter.com/en-us/articles/16236657-i-m-looking-to-run-a-publishing-project |
|
||
| Updates: eligibility | https://updates.kickstarter.com/who-is-eligible-to-use-kickstarter/ |
|
||
| Updates: AI policy | https://updates.kickstarter.com/introducing-our-new-ai-policy/ |
|
||
| Updates: Pre-Launch Editor | https://updates.kickstarter.com/pre-launch-editor/ |
|
||
| Updates: campaign page guide | https://updates.kickstarter.com/kickstarter-lessons/guide-to-kickstarter-campaign-page/ |
|
||
| Discover Publishing | https://www.kickstarter.com/discover/categories/publishing |
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
*Inventory compiled for internal campaign ops (AiBook / WeOwnNet). Re-verify in live editor before submit; Kickstarter UI and Stripe prompts can vary by country and change without handbook updates.*
|
||
|
||
|
||
---
|
||
|
||
## 17. Live `/start` UI confirmation (browser pass, 23 Sep 2026 WAT)
|
||
|
||
Observed without login (account gate after location). Screenshots under `/workspace/screenshots/`.
|
||
|
||
### Wizard order
|
||
1. **What are you making?** — primary category + subcategory
|
||
2. **Select one more subcategory** — optional second category/subcategory (“Next: Location” works with none)
|
||
3. **Last one—set a location for your project** — **Select your country** (legal residence or entity tax-ID country). Continue disabled until country chosen.
|
||
4. Then **Log in or sign up** (email / Apple / Facebook recovery). Editor not reachable without account.
|
||
|
||
Footer copy: “Nothing is public until you launch. You can edit or delete this project anytime before then.”
|
||
|
||
### Publishing subcategories (exact labels)
|
||
`--No subcategory--`; Academic; Anthologies; Art Books; Audiobooks; Calendars; Children's Books; Comedy; Fiction; Letterpress; Literary Journals; Literary Spaces; **Nonfiction**; Periodicals; Poetry; Radio & Podcasts; Translations; Young Adult; Zines.
|
||
|
||
### Creator countries shown
|
||
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States.
|
||
|
||
### Other live notes
|
||
- Apple-ID-linked accounts cannot currently start projects (Help: How do I start a project?).
|
||
- Rewards handbook recommends **≤ 5 reward tiers** for a first project (guidance, not a hard cap).
|
||
- `/help/handbook/creating` 404 → use `/help/handbook/getting_started`.
|