Introduction
Choosing between Redbubble vs Society6 can make or break your print-on-demand income. Both platforms let artists sell designs on 50+ products, but their fee structures, audiences, and quality differ sharply. In 2023, Redbubble hosted 700k+ artists, while Society6 paid out $100M+ to creators since 2009. This guide breaks down royalties, product quality, SEO strategies, and real artist earnings to help you decide where to invest your time.
Redbubble vs Society6: Platform Overview
- Redbubble: Founded in 2006, it’s a global marketplace with 17M+ monthly visitors (SimilarWeb). Artists upload designs for stickers, apparel, and home decor.
- Society6: Launched in 2009, focuses on premium home goods (e.g., framed art, rugs) and boasts a design-first community.
Pricing & Fee Structures
Redbubble Royalty Rates
Artists earn 10–30% per sale, depending on product type. For example:
- Stickers: 20% (0.50–0.50–1 profit).
- T-shirts: 20% (3–3–6 profit).
Set custom markups via Redbubble’s Artist Guide.
Society6 Artist Margins
Society6 pays a flat 10% commission (or 20% with a $6.99/month Artist+ plan). Example earnings:
- Throw pillows: 10% (4–4–6 profit).
- Framed prints: 10% (8–8–12 profit).
Product Range & Print Quality
Redbubble’s Print-on-Demand Selection
Offers 70+ products, including masks, leggings, and phone cases. Users report mixed print quality—vivid colors on posters but occasional fabric fading.
Society6’s Exclusive Offerings
Focuses on premium decor:
- Acrylic wall art.
- Organic cotton duvet covers.
Print quality earns higher reviews for durability (Printful vs Society6 study).
Audience Reach & Traffic Sources
- Redbubble: 60% traffic from Google searches for niche keywords (e.g., “cat stickers”).
- Society6: 40% of users arrive via Pinterest/Instagram, favoring interior design buyers.
Marketing & SEO Strategies for Your Shop
- Redbubble: Optimize titles/descriptions with keywords like “vintage band posters.” Use all 15 tags.
- Society6: Leverage Pinterest-friendly product images and seasonal collections (e.g., holiday pillows).
Pros and Cons: Redbubble vs Society6 Profit Potential
Redbubble Pros ✅
- Lower barrier to entry; no subscription fees.
- Global audience (+70% sales outside the US).
Redbubble Cons ❌
- Crowded marketplace; harder to stand out.
Society6 Pros ✅
- Premium pricing attracts higher-spending shoppers.
- Artist+ plan doubles margins.
Society6 Cons ❌
- Requires subscription for competitive royalties.
Case Studies & Real-World Examples
- Case Study 1: Artist “GeoJango” earns $1,200/month on Redbubble selling travel-themed stickers (Etsy vs Redbubble interview).
- Case Study 2: Painter “Lila Prints” nets $800/month on Society6 after switching to Artist+ for framed art.
Actionable Insights & Next Steps
- Test Both: Upload 10 designs to each platform.
- Track Sales: Use Redbubble’s dashboard and Society6’s analytics.
- Double Down: Focus on the platform with higher ROI after 90 days.
Call to Action: Tried Redbubble or Society6? Share your earnings tips below—or tag us in your shop’s launch on social media!
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