Kit, formerly ConvertKit, is an email platform for creators. Its free Newsletter plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers, and the platform offers several ways to earn: paid recommendations inside the Creator Network, the Kit Sponsor Network for larger lists, paid newsletters and digital product sales through Kit Commerce.
At a glance
| What it is | Email platform for creators |
| Free plan | Newsletter plan, up to 10,000 subscribers |
| Paid plans | Creator and Pro, priced by subscriber count |
| Paid recommendations | $1 to $4+ per subscriber, through SparkLoop |
| Recommendation fees | 20% service fee plus 3.5% transaction fee |
| Sponsor Network | For lists of 10,000+ engaged subscribers |
| Commerce | Paid newsletters and digital products |
How it works
You build your list with Kit’s forms and landing pages and send broadcasts to subscribers. To earn, you can join the Creator Network and switch on paid recommendations, apply to the Sponsor Network, or sell paid subscriptions and products through Kit Commerce. Each path is separate, so you can start with one and add others.
Paid recommendations
When someone joins your list, Kit can show them other creators to subscribe to. With paid recommendations, other creators pay you for each new subscriber you send, typically between $1 and $4 or more. The feature runs through SparkLoop, which you connect from the Earn tab. Kit takes a 20% service fee and a 3.5% transaction fee on each successful referral. Paid recommendations do not display on the free Newsletter plan, so you need a paid plan to earn from them.
The Kit Sponsor Network
For larger creators, Kit runs a sponsor service that finds, negotiates and manages sponsorship deals for you. Kit originally set the bar at 10,000 or more engaged subscribers and a weekly publishing rhythm. You apply, and Kit places a form on your site for incoming sponsor requests.
Commerce
Kit Commerce lets you sell paid newsletters, digital downloads and other products to your list. Kit bundles its fee and card processing into one transaction fee.
Pricing in 2026
The free Newsletter plan covers up to 10,000 subscribers. Kit raised paid prices in 2026: Creator now starts at $39 a month at 1,000 subscribers, or $33 a month billed annually, and Pro at $79. Prices rise with list size.
Getting started
Start free, grow your list and join the Creator Network to trade free recommendations. When you upgrade, switch on paid recommendations and test which partners convert best with your readers.
Common mistakes
Some creators stay on the free plan and wonder why paid recommendations do not show. Others recommend partners that do not match their readers, which lowers confirmation rates and payouts. A third mistake is applying to the Sponsor Network before the list is large or engaged enough.
Combining streams
Kit works well when the newsletter supports a business. Many creators use paid recommendations for steady income from new signups, sponsorships when the list is large, and Commerce for their own guides, templates or courses.
Final tip
Use Kit’s paid recommendations calculator to estimate earnings before upgrading. It shows whether recommendation income alone could cover the plan at your current growth rate, which makes the upgrade decision much easier.
Keeping track
Kit reports how many subscribers each recommendation sends and how much each partner pays. Review it monthly and keep the partners your readers actually accept.
Owen’s take
Kit’s free plan is the most generous for a growing list, and paid recommendations are an easy extra income once you upgrade. The Sponsor Network is worth applying to only once you clear the size bar.
Who it suits
It suits creators who sell products or courses alongside a newsletter. It suits less well writers who want a native ad network like beehiiv’s.
Similar options
- beehiiv offers a native Ad Network.
- SparkLoop powers Kit’s paid recommendations.
- Substack is free to start with a reader network.
- Gumroad sells digital products to any audience.
More options are in Newsletters.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free plan up to 10,000 subscribers
- Several earning paths
- Strong for product sellers
Cons
- Paid recommendations need a paid plan
- Paid prices rose in 2026
- Sponsor Network has a size bar
FAQ
Is Kit the same as ConvertKit?
Yes. ConvertKit rebranded as Kit.
How much do paid recommendations pay?
Typically $1 to $4 or more per subscriber.
What does Kit take from recommendations?
A 20% service fee and a 3.5% transaction fee.
Who can join the Sponsor Network?
Creators with around 10,000+ engaged subscribers.
Can I sell products on the free plan?
Kit’s free plan includes its commerce features; check current limits.
