Abstract The deadline effect and threshold effect are common in product development and group buying. We consider these two effects also exist in crowdfunding, affecting the crowdfunding performance in the future. We conduct an empirical study using a dataset from Kickstarter.com to examine these two effects and their interactive relationship on the following crowdfunding performance. We find the threshold effect exists in crowdfunding and has a positive influence on the following contribution behaviour. The deadline effect also can stimulate the crowdfunding behaviour via limited fundraising time. Furthermore, we find the threshold effect and deadline effect are complements that increase the amount pledged.