Sketchfab is a service that allows you to publish and embed interactive 3D models just about anywhere on the internet. The site supports twenty-eight files formats and it only takes a minute to sign up. You can use the service for free or sign up for pro (at $10 per month) which offers options like uploading custom backgrounds, 24 hour email support, private or password protected models, etc.
A 3D Printing Industry post says that Sketchfab has shared more than 100,000 3D models since its launch two years ago. CEO Alban Denoyel responded to this success by saying that, “Our goal at Sketchfab is to be the go to platform for publishing 3D content online, as YouTube is for video, or SoundCloud for music.”
Several highly funded Kickstarter projects have used Sketchfab to create 3D models for their campaigns with great success. Hexo+ used Sketchfab to release a 3D model of their drone; the project met their $50,000 goal in one hour and went on to raise over $1.3 million. Lima, who raised over $1.2 million (with an initial goal of $69,000), also used Sketchfab to create a model to show potential backers how the circuit board in their storage device worked.
Overall, Sketchfab has been used by 32 crowdfunding campaigns, and 93% of them were successful. Most of the campaigns who use 3D models from Sketchfab raise 3 times more than their original goal. In a blog post, Sketchfab explains that their 3D models attract backer interest with in-depth illustrations of products:
“Sure, photos are a great way to showcase your product or prototype. But why not go one step further? By using Sketchfab’s 3D viewer, backers get a real-life product experience without your product even being real yet. Backers can zoom, pan, rotate, and experience your product at all dimensions and angles…all in glorious 3D.
Sketchfab’s viewer promotes your product with more visuals and less text. Less reading. More product engagement. More backers.”
They also urge those who use their service (and specifically those looking to promote a crowdfunding campaign) to take advantage of their strong online community. Many of their users are hardware and 3D enthusiasts, and their newer options allow you to follow, comment, and interact with other users in a number of ways.
Other ways that the service offers help to creators of crowdfunding projects is by connecting them to a network of great 3D modelers who can help creators improve their design strategy. Their blog post also notes:
“We love to share the word about awesome projects, and will help you promote your campaign to our social channels: on twitter, facebook & G+ (with more than 10k relevant followers).”
If you think a 3D model is a great way to spice up your crowdfunding campaign and give possible backers a look into your unfinished product, Sketchfab is the way to go. It is clear that they are willing to go the extra mile to be a leader in their field and help out their users.
