Kickstarter projects allow creators to pitch their work to friends, family and strangers in a bid to raise money so they can develop their creations.
Project categories range from art and dance to film and food, with 57,670 - almost half - of projects having been funded by the 5.8m people who have donated money.
Creations range from homemade postcards to Oscar-winning documentaries, and the site has hosted more than 100,000 projects.
More than a billion dollars has been pledged to Kickstarter creations, which is more than any other crowd-funding site combined.
People from all walks of life around the world have put their work on the site, but we've rounded up some of the best UK-based student projects.
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The creations range from feminist magazines to cartoon invasions, and students from London to Edinburgh have come up with work designed for their graduation or dissertations, to improve awareness of cultural issues or simply to send out a creative message.
The projects vary hugely in design and intention; The Most Dangerous Game is a dark film adaptation, whilst Neffy focuses on individual hopes and dreams. Similarly, King Eider features "Bird-watching, tea, seaside and murder", whilst Toonocalypse focuses on a cartoon-based invasion.
Many of the projects are films, and this category is the second most popular, with $200 million pledged and a total of over 13,000 successfully funded projects.
The two publishing projects address feminism in differing ways, with Cuntry Living describing how there is not one right way to be a man or a woman, whilst Ladybeard Magazine focusing on how the media makes us look at ourselves.
The money donated will be invaluable for the students, with funds going towards locations for filming, printing, developing online presences and recruiting cast members.
Seven of the best student kickstarter projects
The Most Dangerous Game: Short Film - London(01 of07)
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Students from London have created a short film adaptation of Robert Connell's novel "The Most Dangerous Game".The tale, which has also been adapted by The Hunger Games and Battle Royale, tells the tale of Rainsford, a hunter who is taken in by the eccentric Zaroff. He asks if he can participate in the hunt, but when he reveals he has been hunting human prey, Rainsford refuses. Zaroff banishes him to the forest, where he can hunt "the most dangerous game".24 backers helped the 5-person team raise £566, which will enable them to record in locations they couldn't previously afford after buying equipment, costumes and other resources. (credit:kickstarter.com/projects/1156757969/student-film-the-most-dangerous-game?ref=live)
Neffy - Sheffield(02 of07)
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Neffy is a webseries created by student Melissa Blake that questions the representation of black women in British television. It tells the story of Nigerian washroom attendant Neffy, who isn't living the dream as she undertakes dismal shifts catering to the drunk and disorderly. However, she crosses paths with 17 year old Allie Pearson, and meets with her on multiple occasions. They soon discover each others' secrets and life ambitions, and make plans to pursue their dreams.£520 was donated from 9 backers, which will help to generate a talented cast and crew, and develop the project's online presence. (credit:kickstarter.com/projects/1843002241/neffy-working-title-mini-webseries?ref=live)
Cuntry Living - Oxford(03 of07)
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Oxford University students have generated a free print zine that addresses feminism and states that sexism still exists. In the (Wo)manifesto, it explained that feminism and gender equality cannot live without each other and there is not one right way to be a man or a woman. Anyone can submit a piece to the self-funded publication.The project has received £30 over their £1,000 goal and any who have pledged over £500 have been promised "a full feminist outfit". (credit:cuntrylivingmagazine.tumblr.com/)
Absolution - Birmingham(04 of07)
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Birmingham City University film students have developed a project which tells the story of David, an office clerk with an unsatisfying life. He observes mysterious actions from a delivery man, Axel, who explains that we shouldn't have to live life by the rules and takes him on a liberating journey of self-discovery.The graduation film is the result of efforts on the team's part to make it into the industry, and the funds are needed to secure some additional locations. They have received donations from 60 backers and awarded artwork to those who pledged £20 or more. (credit:facebook.com/pages/Absolution/414457015347286)
Toonocalypse - Edinburgh(05 of07)
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Edinburgh students have come up with a film which follows two students as they learn to deal with the arrival of small cartoon animals, called "Toons". However, these creatures don't stay small for long, and a year later, the two students begin to learn what the Toons' true intentions were as they attempt to survive in the streets of Edinburgh.People can do more than pledge money for this project - the team have said that any who are interested in designing an alien, painting a destroyed landscape or help with animation should email info@the2dworkshop.com. (credit:the2dworkshop.wordpress.com/)
King Eider - Leeds(06 of07)
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Final year students from Leeds University have created a black comedy which has been summed up as "Bird watching, tea, seaside and murder. Just your average British holiday."The story involves 30-year old Newt, who wishes to go to the seaside to find King Eider and be with his three closest friends. However, when one of his friends accidentally kills a hiker, he discovers how dedicated his companions are to ensuring he has a good day.The film is part of the students' dissertation piece, and raised £763. The funds will allow the team to film in Flamborough. (credit:kickstarter.com/projects/kingeidershort/king-eider-short-film?ref=live)
Ladybeard Magazine - Cambridge(07 of07)
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This student-run feminist magazine offers an alternative perspective from magazines such as Marie-Clare, Vogue and Cosmopolitan. It aims to question how the media makes us look at ourselves, and targets all gender identities. They wish to explore and celebrate the body and give the reader "breathing space" from the fast-moving and convoluted messages the media sends out, which makes it hard to know what to believe.The project has received £4,269, which will help with printing costs, as they will not charge for the first edition. (credit:facebook.com/Ladybeardmagazine?fref=ts)