Itch.io is one of the most flexible platforms for selling games, ebooks, magazines, guides, art packs, and more. It’s especially popular with indie creators because you set your own terms and connect directly with readers and buyers.
1. Create Your Free Account
- Go to itch.io.
- Click Register in the top-right corner.
- Choose a username (this will be part of your public profile URL).
- Confirm your email and log in.
👉 Pro Tip: Pick a username that matches your author or brand name for consistency across platforms.
2. Set Up Your Creator Page
Your creator page is like your storefront. To make it stand out:
- Add a profile image (your logo or author photo).
- Write a short bio (who you are, what kind of work you create).
- Add links to your website, Discord, or socials.
- Customize your page colors and background under “Theme.”
👉 A polished creator page builds trust with potential buyers.
3. Prepare Your Digital Files
Before uploading, make sure your files are ready:
- Formats supported: PDF, EPUB, ZIP folders, or even MP3/MP4 if selling media.
- File size limits: By default 1GB per file (larger if you request).
- Give your file a clear name like
StoryTitle_By_Author.pdf.
👉 Keep a readme.txt in ZIPs if you’re bundling multiple files (instructions, credits, license).
4. Create a New Project
- From your dashboard, click Upload new project.
- Enter your title and a short tagline (what the buyer gets).
- Choose a classification: Game, Book, Tool, Comic, etc. (for ebooks, “Book” works).
- Upload your cover image (recommended size: 630×500px or larger).
- Paste your description — be clear, short, and benefit-driven.
👉 Example: “An interactive romance novella where your choices shape the ending. Includes bonus art pack.”
5. Set Your Pricing
Itch.io lets you be flexible:
- Free (good for exposure, tips optional).
- Pay what you want (buyers can pay $0+).
- Fixed price (set your standard ebook or bundle price).
👉 Many authors start with Pay What You Want to grow an audience, then switch to fixed pricing later.
6. Upload Your Files
- Scroll down to Uploads.
- Drag and drop your PDF/EPUB/ZIP file.
- Tick the “This file is…” option (so itch.io knows what’s inside).
- Save your changes.
👉 Double-check: If it’s an ebook, mark it as “Downloadable file” so readers know exactly how to get it.
7. Preview & Publish
- Use the Preview button to see how your page looks.
- Check for typos, broken links, or missing cover art.
- When ready, click Publish.
🎉 Your first digital project is now live on Itch.io! Share the link on socials, Discord, Reddit, or anywhere your readers hang out.
8. Promote Your Work
Itch.io doesn’t do a lot of built-in promotion — most sales come from you driving traffic. Some ways to promote:
- Share your Itch.io link on Twitter, Tumblr, or TikTok.
- Post updates in relevant Reddit communities.
- Join Itch.io community jams (great exposure).
- Offer bundle deals if you have multiple ebooks or guides.
9. Get Paid
- Go to Dashboard → Payouts.
- Link your PayPal account.
- Choose between direct payouts (you get the full cut, minus PayPal fees) or revenue share (itch.io takes a small %).
👉 Tip: Many creators set Itch.io’s cut to 0% for maximum earnings, but you can also leave them a small % to support the platform.
AuthorMeta’s Final Thoughts
Publishing on Itch.io is simple, but the real magic comes from:
- Consistent uploads (don’t stop at one release).
- Building your creator page like a storefront.
- Promoting smartly across communities.
Start small, refine your process, and you’ll quickly have a catalog of products earning income on Itch.io.