I’ve always loved comedy, whether it’s movies, TV shows, or stand-up performances. There’s nothing better than a good laugh to brighten your day. In the past, I’ve found myself enjoying hilarious content from smaller comedians on Instagram and TikTok, with quick sketches, funny one-liners, and relatable jokes that never fail to crack me up. As much as I appreciate their work, I’ve often wished there was a way to support these creators beyond just a like or double-tap. They’re putting in real effort to make us laugh, and they deserve more than just fleeting engagement.

Unfortunately, on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, that’s all these comedians get. The system is designed to reward the platforms far more than the creators. Comedians pour their time and creativity into their content, but until they reach massive followings and qualify for monetization, they don’t see any real financial support. Even when they do, these platforms take a large cut of their earnings.

This is why Nostr deserves serious consideration. It’s a platform that allows comedians to connect with their audience in a meaningful way, offering something traditional platforms simply don’t: direct peer-to-peer support. Fans can show their appreciation instantly through zaps, small Bitcoin payments sent over the Lightning Network, giving creators the recognition and reward they truly deserve.

Why Legacy Platforms Fall Short Legacy platforms like Instagram and TikTok have built systems that work against creators, especially smaller ones. The promise of going viral is enticing, but the reality often looks very different:

Algorithms dictate visibility Your content is at the mercy of algorithms that prioritize trends, ads, and whatever keeps users scrolling, instead of rewarding genuine creativity or talent.

No pay until you’re big enough Monetization only kicks in after you reach high thresholds for followers and engagement. Even then, the platform takes a big slice of your earnings.

Working for exposure Creators end up giving away their work for free. Likes and shares might feel rewarding, but they don’t pay the bills.

Limited control over your audience The platforms control your reach and can restrict your visibility or even ban your account at any time, cutting you off from your followers.

How Nostr Offers a Better Alternative Nostr is different. It’s decentralized, meaning no algorithms or gatekeepers decide who gets to see your content. For comedians, this creates a space where every laugh can turn into real, direct support from fans.

Direct rewards with zaps Fans can zap you small amounts of Bitcoin in real time as a way to say thank you for your jokes, sketches, or stand-up clips. It’s direct, instant, and completely yours, with no middlemen taking a cut.

No waiting for monetization Unlike legacy platforms, Nostr doesn’t require you to hit follower milestones before you can start earning. Even with a small but loyal audience, you can receive meaningful support right away.

Full control over your content Nostr puts the power back in your hands. You decide how to engage with your audience, without worrying about algorithms or platform rules interfering.

A global audience Zaps work over the Bitcoin Lightning Network, making it easy for fans from anywhere in the world to support you instantly. This opens up a truly global fan base for comedians.

Why It’s Time to Pay More Attention to Nostr For comedians, especially those just starting out or working with smaller audiences, Nostr offers something that legacy platforms can’t: a direct connection to your fans and a way to get paid for your creativity without jumping through hoops.

If you’re tired of chasing likes and shares that lead to nothing, tired of working for exposure while platforms profit off your work, and ready to focus on making people laugh, Nostr is worth exploring. Even a small number of dedicated fans can make a big difference when they’re able to support you directly.

Laughter is priceless, but with Nostr, at least you can finally get rewarded for it.