video monetization Archives - VdoCipher Blog Secure Video Streaming Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:06:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.5 https://www.vdocipher.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-VdoCipher-logo2-32x32.png video monetization Archives - VdoCipher Blog 32 32 Content Monetization Policies for Global Creators in 2024 https://www.vdocipher.com/blog/content-monetization/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 09:41:30 +0000 https://www.vdocipher.com/blog/?p=17041 Making money from online content, or “content monetization,” has become a key way for websites and social media users to earn income. It started with what we call user-generated content, where regular people began sharing their own videos, posts, and pictures on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Over time, these platforms have changed a […]

The post Content Monetization Policies for Global Creators in 2024 appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

]]>
Making money from online content, or “content monetization,” has become a key way for websites and social media users to earn income. It started with what we call user-generated content, where regular people began sharing their own videos, posts, and pictures on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Over time, these platforms have changed a lot, making it easier for anyone to turn their hobbies into careers by creating content that others want to watch or read.

These platforms offer various ways for creators to make money, like showing ads, offering subscriptions, or getting direct payments from fans. This has turned into a big business, not just for the creators but for the platforms themselves. Today, anyone with a good idea and a camera can try to make a living by sharing their content online. This has led to a new kind of economy called the “content creator economy

But making money from online content isn’t just about earning an income, it also brings up important questions about the rules and rights on these platforms. For example, what can be shared or sold, and who gets to decide? These are big questions that affect not only the people making the content but everyone who uses the internet.

Online Content Business Model Opportunities

The online content business offers several ways for digital publishers to generate revenue by strategically offering their content. Here’s a simple breakdown of these models:

Implement a Paywall – Publishers can limit access to their content to paying customers only. They might allow free access to some content, like the first few articles, before charging.

Tiered Access Offerings – This model allows users to start with free or limited content access through registration or a trial. Paying more unlocks higher levels of access, offering more content and features.

Subscriptions and Micropayments – Many content creators and platforms are shifting towards subscription models where users pay a recurring fee for access to content. This model is popular among streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, as well as among individual creators on platforms like Patreon.

Regular subscriptions provide a consistent revenue stream and usually involve a commitment from the subscribers. On the other hand, micropayments allow consumers to pay for individual items. Both models can be used together to cater to different consumer preferences.

“35% of beginner creators have monetized but earned below what can be considered as a ‘livable income’”

Premium Content – Occasionally, publishers might offer exclusive content that can be purchased as single items or collections. This approach has been especially successful with digital magazine subscriptions on devices like iPads.

Tools and APIs – Publishers can make their content available through APIs, maintaining control over their distribution. This method lets them monetize both new and archived content.

Archive Access – Access to older or archived content might be included as a free perk with a subscription.

Multi-platform Access – It’s important for publishers to ensure that their content is accessible and provides a seamless experience across all devices and platforms, as technology and user habits evolve.

“Failing to disclose sponsored content can lead to legal issues and loss of trust among followers. Always adhere to advertising standards and guidelines”

Advertising-Based Revenue – Despite the growth in subscription services, advertising remains a significant source of revenue for many content platforms. This includes traditional display ads, sponsored content, and native advertising. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook heavily rely on ad revenues.

E-commerce and Affiliate Marketing – Influencers and content creators are increasingly leveraging their platforms to promote products and earn commissions through affiliate marketing. This includes direct product placements, reviews, and dedicated e-commerce stores linked to social media platforms.

Microtransactions and Pay-Per-View – This model is particularly popular in gaming and live streaming, where users can pay small amounts for specific content pieces, like special in-game items or access to a particular live event. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube enable such transactions.

Licensing and Syndication – Content, especially professional and high-quality content like that produced by major media houses, can be licensed to other platforms or syndicated to reach a broader audience, thereby generating additional revenue.

Crowdfunding – Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow creators to fund their projects directly through audience contributions. This has been particularly successful for niche and independent projects.

Digital Products and Online Courses – Many content creators, especially in educational and professional fields, are creating their own digital products, such as e-books, online courses, and webinars. These products provide high value and can be sold to audiences at a premium.

Content monetization policies

Category Description
Intellectual Property Rights
Laws protecting creators’ work, varying by country. Includes global treaties for some standardization.
Data Privacy Regulations
Rules on how user data can be used and protected, like GDPR in Europe and CCPA in the U.S. Affects advertising and data-driven monetization strategies.
Digital Single Market
EU policy to reduce barriers for digital content across Europe, influencing how content is distributed and monetized.
Advertising Regulations
Country-specific rules on advertising content and methods, including required disclosures for influencer marketing.
E-commerce and Trade
Laws affecting online sales of digital goods and services internationally, including taxation and regulatory compliance.
Content-Specific Regulations
Includes broadcasting licenses and censorship laws that dictate what content can be shown and monetized in different regions.
Platform-Specific Policies
Policies set by platforms like YouTube or Facebook that govern what content can earn money and how it’s shared among creators and the platform.

Direct /Indirect content monetization

Direct content monetization refers to strategies where content creators earn revenue directly from their content itself, rather than through associated or secondary sources. This approach involves charging users directly for access to the content or receiving payments based on the content’s consumption. Here are some of the most prevalent forms of direct content monetization:

Subscriptions – Users pay a recurring fee to access content. This model is widely used by streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, as well as online publications and specialized content platforms like Patreon, where subscribers receive exclusive access to content.

Pay-Per-View or Pay-Per-Access – Users pay a one-time fee to access a specific piece of content, such as a movie, article, or live event. This model is common in digital media distribution platforms like iTunes or Google Play Movies and live streaming of special events.

Sales – Selling digital content outright, such as eBooks, music files, digital art, software, or games. This can occur on personal websites, digital storefronts, or platforms like Amazon and Steam.

Content monetization infographic

Freemium with Paid Upgrades – Offering basic content for free while charging for premium features or content. This model is common in software and apps, including mobile games and productivity tools, where users can pay for additional features, functionality, or content.

Micropayments – Charging very small amounts for content access or per use, often used for online articles or services. This allows users to pay small, manageable amounts for content they consume rather than committing to a subscription.

Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) – Similar to pay-per-view, this model involves users paying for each piece of video content they wish to watch. Platforms like Vudu and Google Play operate on this model, offering movies and TV shows that users can rent or buy.

E-learning Courses and Webinars – Charging fees for educational content, courses, or live webinar access. This can be a significant source of revenue for experts and educators in various fields.

Direct monetization provides content creators with a clear link between content creation and revenue, potentially leading to a more predictable and sustainable income stream, depending on the audience’s willingness to pay for content.

“57% of beginner creators haven’t monetized yet”

Indirect content monetization refers to earning revenue through methods that are not directly tied to the sale of the content itself. Unlike direct monetization, where creators earn money by selling access to their content (like pay-per-view or subscriptions), indirect monetization involves strategies that generate income from related activities or secondary sources. Here are some common forms of indirect content monetization:

Advertising – This is one of the most common methods. Content creators earn money by allowing ads to be displayed alongside their content. This can be through display ads on a website, sponsored content, or advertisements during videos and podcasts.

“Overdependence on ad revenue can be risky as platforms frequently change their monetization criteria and algorithms, impacting earnings significantly”

Affiliate Marketing – Creators promote products or services and earn commissions for every sale that is made through their referral. This is common among bloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers who link to products in their content.

Merchandising – Selling branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, or other physical goods that relate to their brand or content but aren’t the content itself.

Licensing – Creators might license their content to other platforms or services for use. This can include syndicating a popular blog post or selling a high-quality photo for use in publications or other media.

Sponsorships and Partnerships – Engaging in partnerships with brands that pay to be associated with the creator’s content, often through integrations or mentions that aren’t direct advertisements.

Donations and Crowdfunding – Gaining support from the audience through donations or crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, where fans can contribute financially to support the creator’s ongoing work.

Events and Appearances – Earning income by hosting events, workshops, or speaking at conferences which are promoted through their content channels.

Monetization Type Description Examples Benefits Considerations
Direct Monetization Creators earn revenue directly from their content. Subscriptions, Pay-per-view, Sales Predictable income, direct relationship with revenue
Requires content that consumers are willing to pay for directly, potential barrier for audience growth
Indirect Monetization Revenue is earned from activities or sources related to the content, but not from selling the content itself. Advertising, Affiliate marketing, Merchandising Allows free access to content, broader audience reach
Less predictable income, dependent on external factors like ad rates and affiliate deals

Indirect monetization is particularly attractive because it allows creators to make money from their content while often keeping it free for consumers, broadening their audience reach and engagement.

Digital content monetization strategy

Content monetization involves several key steps and considerations that can greatly influence the effectiveness and profitability of your efforts. Whether you’re monetizing a blog, a YouTube channel, a podcast, or any other digital content, here’s a general outline of the steps and considerations to keep in mind:

Content Quality and Consistency

Ensure your content is high-quality, engaging, and delivers value to your audience. High-quality content is more likely to attract and retain a loyal audience. Also, regularly Regular posting schedules help build an audience and maintain engagement. Consistent content creation also supports SEO efforts and audience expectations.

Understand Your Audience

Knowing who your audience is and what they care about can help you tailor your content and monetization strategies effectively. Keep track of how your audience interacts with your content. This can guide you in optimizing your content strategy and improving engagement.

Compliance and Legal Considerations

Each platform has its own set of rules regarding monetization. Understanding these is crucial to avoid penalties or bans. For content monetization, make sure all content is original or properly licensed. Copyright infringement can lead to demonetization and legal issues. Monetizing content often counts as income, so it’s important to understand the tax implications in your jurisdiction.

Monitor Analytics

Use analytics to track how your content performs. This includes views, engagement rates, click-through rates on ads, and more. Based on analytics, adjust your content and monetization strategies to optimize revenue and audience satisfaction.

Expand and Diversify

Don’t rely on a single monetization method or platform. Diversifying can provide more stable income streams and reduce risk. As your platform grows, look into more sophisticated monetization strategies like partnerships with bigger brands, merchandising, or creating your own digital products.

Marketing and Promotion

Use social media platforms to promote your content and interact with your audience. Implement search engine optimization techniques to improve visibility and attract more traffic to your content. Connect with other creators and professionals in your field to leverage cross-promotion and collaboration opportunities.

Feedback and Adaptation

Regularly seek and listen to feedback from your audience to improve your content and adapt your monetization strategies. Stay updated on trends within your niche and platform changes that could affect your monetization capabilities.

By systematically following these steps and regularly reviewing each aspect, you can effectively monetize your content and create a sustainable revenue stream from your digital assets.

Content monetization platform guidelines for various platforms

Platforms Monetization Programs
Program Criteria
YouTube YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
Minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours over the past 12 months
TikTok TikTok Creator Fund
Minimum of 10,000 followers and 100,000 video views in the last 30 days
Twitch Twitch Affiliate & Partner Programs
Affiliates need at least 50 followers and 500 total broadcast minutes in the last 30 days; Partners need more extensive viewership
Instagram IGTV Ads, Badges in Live
Must comply with Instagram’s Partner Monetization Policies and meet specific eligibility criteria depending on the region
Facebook Facebook In-Stream Ads, Fan Subscriptions
Pages must adhere to Facebook’s Partner Monetization Policies and have enough followers/views
Patreon Subscription Services
No specific entry criteria, but must provide regular content that offers value to subscribers
Medium Medium Partner Program
Active Medium account; earnings based on engagement from Medium members
Spotify Spotify Podcast Monetization
Must be a part of Spotify’s podcast program and meet criteria for podcast streams
X(Twitter) Super Follows, Tip Jar
Account must be notable, active, and have a good-standing history; Specific follower counts may be required
LinkedIn LinkedIn Live, LinkedIn Newsletters
Must be a LinkedIn member with a good standing history and apply for access to live features
Blogs/Websites Google AdSense, Affiliate Marketing, Sponsorships, Paid Subscriptions
AdSense requires website compliance with Google policies; Affiliate marketing varies by program; Sponsorships and subscriptions depend on audience size and engagement

DRM in content monetization

DRM is a set of access control technologies used by publishers, copyright holders, and distributors to enforce their policies on the use of digital content. This technology plays a critical role in content monetization strategies by helping to ensure that only legitimate, paying customers can access and use digital media, such as music, films, software, and ebooks.

Protection of Intellectual Property – DRM protects copyright by preventing unauthorized distribution and copying of digital content. This helps maintain the value of the content and ensures that creators and rights holders are compensated for their work.

Revenue Generation – By controlling access to content, DRM helps create scarcity in the digital environment where copying is otherwise easy and nearly cost-free. This controlled access allows publishers and content creators to monetize their products through various models, such as sales, rentals, and subscriptions.

Consumer Experience and Market Impact – While DRM helps in monetizing content, it can also affect consumer experience and market perception. Overly restrictive DRM can lead to consumer frustration, driving some to seek out non-DRM alternatives, which might be illegal copies. Balancing protection with a positive consumer experience is critical for successful content monetization.

Data Analytics – Modern DRM systems can collect data on how and when content is being accessed, which can be invaluable for marketing and customer insight. This data helps content providers tailor their offerings to better match consumer demand, potentially leading to increased revenue.

How VdoCipher is helping creators in monetization

VdoCipher is a video streaming service specifically designed to provide a secure platform for video content monetization. It is tailored for businesses and content creators who want to distribute and monetize their video content without the risk of piracy. VdoCipher achieves this through a robust implementation of DRM (Digital Rights Management) and other security features. Here’s how VdoCipher works for content monetization:

DRM Protection – VdoCipher employs strict DRM policies to ensure that video content is securely encrypted. This prevents unauthorized downloading and sharing of the video content. The Multi-DRM solution is integrated with industry standards like Google Widevine and Apple FairPlay, covering a wide range of devices and ensuring compatibility and security.

Dynamic Watermarking – In addition to DRM, VdoCipher offers dynamic watermarking capabilities. This means that personal information (like the user’s email or IP address) can be overlaid on the video during playback. This acts as a deterrent against screen capture and redistribution, as the watermark can help trace the source of a leak.

Secure Video Hosting and Delivery – VdoCipher provides secure video hosting and delivers content over a content delivery network (CDN). This ensures that videos load quickly and efficiently from anywhere in the world, providing a smooth viewing experience that is essential for retaining paying customers.

Analytics and Reporting – VdoCipher offers comprehensive user-based Video Analytics for Piracy Tracking and Hacker Identification that help content owners understand viewer behavior, such as watch time, geographical distribution, and device usage. This data is crucial for making informed decisions about content strategy, marketing, and customer engagement.

API and Customization – The service provides a robust API that allows businesses to integrate VdoCipher seamlessly with their existing platforms and customize the player to match their branding and user experience requirements. This flexibility is essential for businesses that need to provide a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints.

“VdoCipher caters to over 3000 businesses and content creators across 120+ countries who are serious about protecting their video content from piracy while monetizing it through secure streaming. By combining DRM, watermarking, secure delivery, and live streaming , VdoCipher offers a comprehensive solution for content monetization in a digital age where content security is paramount.”

FAQs

Does monetize mean to make money?

Yes, to monetize something means to convert it into or establish something as a source of income. This typically involves finding ways to earn money from a product, service, or content that was previously non-revenue generating.

What are examples of monetization?

Examples of monetization include advertising, affiliate marketing, selling services/products, licensing content, subscription models are more.

How to monetize video content?

To monetize video content, you can ad platforms, sponsorships, fan funding, merchandise sell, offering exclusive content, paywall or membership models

Can I earn without monetization?

Yes, you can earn without traditional monetization methods through donations, crowdfunding, exchanging skills.

The post Content Monetization Policies for Global Creators in 2024 appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

]]>
How to do Video Monetization on your Website OTT or eLearning platform https://www.vdocipher.com/blog/video-monetization Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:56:38 +0000 https://www.vdocipher.com/blog/?p=8895 According to Statista, sales by OTT platforms and streaming providers will globally see 11% growth. eMarketer estimates nearly half of the video ads served on video platforms. The most significant chunk of this ad spend happens on YouTube. Marketers report videos to have the best ROI and help in getting better customer retention rates. With […]

The post How to do Video Monetization on your Website OTT or eLearning platform appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

]]>
According to Statista, sales by OTT platforms and streaming providers will globally see 11% growth. eMarketer estimates nearly half of the video ads served on video platforms. The most significant chunk of this ad spend happens on YouTube. Marketers report videos to have the best ROI and help in getting better customer retention rates. With videos having the highest penetration rate, you should not miss the opportunity to monetize them. As technology is evolving, the methods of online video monetization have increased. Implementing the right video monetization strategy will maximize the revenue and make the most out of your video content.

Basics on Video Monetization

Video monetization is the process of generating income from the videos you publish online. Creators get paid when someone performs any of the activities described in the ‘How to Monetize Videos’ section while, before, or after watching their videos. The more people watch your videos or take a subscription, the more earning potential you have. Broadcasters can make significant revenue from their videos in a number of ways. This includes ad insertion, incorporating sponsorships, offering paid subscriptions, and more.

YouTube has been the first choice of creators to monetize their content online owing to its vast reach. In 2020, YouTube advertising generated $19.77 billion compared to $15.5 billion in 2019. YouTube has its own content monetization guidelines which were recently revised. To get videos monetized, the channel should come under the YouTube Partner Programme.

In the case of video platforms like YouTube, ads get placed via the platform’s own javascript. In other cases like embedding videos on your website, it gets done via Video Ad Network-specific javascript.

There are other modes too without the inclusion of any such code. They are specific to the video platform choice you make and they have been discussed in the below section.

How to Monetize Videos

There are multiple ways, some require code, some do not. Some are platform-specific and some are applicable for all. So now let us discuss them one by one.

Own platform or Website

Video services are booming with a growth of 73% between 2018 and 2019. The figures are sharply rising. Building your cloud video platform can bring many benefits to your business. It is also a good start for beginners who are interested in making it from scratch. You can develop the roadmap, freely gate the content, own your audience, and have complete control over the payments. To build an eLearning platform, you can use our guide here. After creating a website or platform, you can decide among several ways discussed in the later section on ‘How to monetize your hosted videos.’

Video Advertisement Network

We know of YouTube, which uses its own partner program to run ads on your videos. Even platforms like Facebook allow you to monetize via their own audience network. With such increased popularity of videos, many publishers now offer their Ad network services for creators. The popular one includes Facebook Audience Network, Primis, AdPlayer.Pro, OpenX, Magnite, Select Media, Verizon Media, and AdMedia.

Sponsored streams

A sponsored stream is a live event on the internet funded or produced by companies who want to associate their image with you. In recent times, the live stream format has gained immense popularity, with brands using it for lead conversion. Sponsored streaming is highly engaging and has some eye-opening statistics. For example, 40% of live-stream viewers admit the media improves the chances of making a purchase. Companies that go live report a 41% increase in their search traffic.

Merchandise or Video Commerce

We can use video content to market and sell products or services to the target audience. Any product available for sale and purchase is merchandise. These promotional items may include T-shirts, mugs, hoodies and more. This is most popular among YouTube creators, and probably you may have encountered merchandise selling channels.

Affiliate links

One of the most common ways for online money making is by using affiliate links. Companies growing customer base generally offer affiliate links to promote. When someone purchases by clicking on that link, you receive a commission from the sale. The commission rates vary from around 4-60% of the sale. You might often see such links in the bio of a video. Popular affiliate programs are Amazon Associates, ShareASale and more. Make sure to use affiliate marketing software to track your campaigns and check results.

Subscriptions

The subscription-based video on demand (SVOD) monetization model is one where the users pay a recurring monthly or annual fee to access the video library. Subscribers need to pay upfront in exchange for 24×7 access to a wide video content range. Netflix, HBO Now are some popular subscription-based video platforms.

Video Monetization Tools, Websites, and YouTube Alternatives

There is no doubt that YouTube is considered the first choice as a video monetization site globally. On the other hand, making money on YouTube isn’t as easy as it seems. From February 2018, creators must meet YouTube guidelines to apply for YouTube monetization or have ads on their videos. As of 2021, In the last 12 months, creators must have 4,000 valid public watch hours and 1000 plus subscribers. This rule has put a lot of pressure on new and small creators who flock to YouTube to earn money. YouTube monetization is getting tougher with increasing competition, strict guidelines and legal actions with being a YouTuber. If you find it hard to generate income from YouTube, here are some best YouTube monetization alternatives with better monetization features, security and ease of use.

1- Patreon

Patreon is a creator membership platform where subscribers support the content creators through a monthly or annual subscription model. The platform hosts artists, video creators, writers, educators, podcasters, photographers, musicians and more. Those who subscribe to a creator’s work are known as Patrons. In turn, the fans or subscribers get ad-free or exclusive access to events, personalized interaction with creators, and much more.

Patreon generates revenue by charging content creators for hosting their content on the platform. While signing up, creators have the choice of three plans:

  • Lite – Patreon chargers 5% of the creator’s monthly income
  • Pro – charges 8% of the monthly income
  • Premium – charges 12% of the monthly income. This plan gives additional options to sell branded merchandise.

Patreon does not host videos on its platform. This means the video needs to be uploaded on a video hosting platform before posting on Patreon.

2- Vimeo

Vimeo is a popular alternative to YouTube offering high-quality video streaming solutions. After the launch of Vimeo OTT and Vimeo On Demand, there is a significant influx of YouTubers on the platform to sell videos online. Vimeo offers multiple ways for online video monetization, but it’s not free like YouTube. Instead, monetizing your video content requires a subscription fee that varies with the plan.

2.1- Vimeo OTT: It offers SVOD-based streaming monetization under three paid plans, Starter, Growth and Enterprise. Creators can earn on a monthly or annual basis by live stream monetization and launching subscription services. Some tools available with Vimeo OTT are Integrated CMS, human support, advanced selling options and more. Creators can even blend the TVOD model with Vimeo live pay per view events. Additionally, it includes one-off payments to rent and buy specific titles.

2.2- Vimeo On Demand: You can rent, buy, or subscribe to viewership under this monetization option. You also get complete control over the pricing. 90% of the revenue goes to the creator after transaction costs. Customers can watch via Android, iOS, and other platforms via the Vimeo app. One needs to have at least Vimeo Pro membership for Vimeo On Demand monetization.

3. Dailymotion

Launched in 2005, Dailymotion is a platform to create and share video content, having 300M monthly active users. Dailymotion offers some decent online video monetization options for publishers and advertisers. However, to earn revenue from video monetization or uploaded videos, you have to become a partner. To start with, one needs to reach 1000 views from your channel’s uploaded content.

Many videos on the platform serve in-stream advertisements, i.e., ads that run before, during or after a video. The higher the view count, the more is revenue generation. The video monetization features include Compatible with third-party trackers and multiple ad-servers. It also includes Dailymotion inventory promotion to own buyers and Video monetization on third-party websites, and more. Creators can even earn by embedding Dailymotion videos on their verified websites.

4. Kaltura

Kaltura MediaSpace is a fully customizable site, serving as a repository of videos. MediaSpace has collaborative communities, channels with contributors, moderators and viewers. Within the MediaSpace instance, content owners can monetize specific titles or channels via SVOD or PPV models. To do so, the InPlayer’s monetization module offers full integration with Kaltura MediaSpace.

5. Wistia

At Wistia, you can monetize videos by adding a paywall and content gate. Just get your video on Wistia, pick a paywall platform (Cleeng & InPlayer) and start monetizing. Wistia integrates with both Cleeng and InPlayer paywalls. Cleeng monetization platform offers PPV, subscriptions and passes monetization methods. Using InPlayer, monetize Wistia videos and accept payments by granting access to the videos.

6. IBM Watson Media

Cloud-based IBM video streaming offers solutions to monetize videos and maximize ROI. IBM has a range of monetization options for live streaming and VOD libraries. IBM offers direct monetization methods like PPV and advertising models for premium content, including Google Ad Manager. In addition, there are mix and match monetization methods like ad-friendly sponsorship or accepting donations via Patreon or PayPal.

Monetize your hosted videos on an eLearning website, LMS or Media platform

For EdTech platforms, monetization strategy should be a top priority to get a good ROI. The right content monetization approach will not only attract visitors but also provide revenue. Below are the well-proven video monetization strategies for an eLearning video platform.

Subscription Model

Subscription is the most popular way to monetize an eLearning platform. In essence, members will be only able to access your learning content library after opting for a monthly or yearly subscription. In addition, members can be subscribed based on the number of courses available, number of users and more.

Premium access

A type of subscription model offering members accesses to exclusive content, perks or VIP access. Usually, for premium content, a one-time payment is implemented.

Corporate or Group accounts

This model offers multiple access to users under the same entity (company or college). Often eLearning platforms give bulk discounts based on the number of members listed. Thus, learners from a company are enrolled in a single course, interacting with one another.

Freemium

In this business model, eLearning platforms offer users free training or limited features but charge for additional features. For example, some offer free courses but to receive a completion certificate, the users will have to pay an amount. Some learning platforms instead provide paid feedback, mentoring or final exams. In such cases platform charges for the things most valuable to a user.

Charging commission from Authors

For hosting a trainer or coach’s premium content on your platform, a commission is set. This charge varies with the course’s popularity, pricing, subject, trainer expertise and more.

Online advertising or Ad-supported learning

If you have many daily visitors on your website, you can use video ads or web banners. You can inject them via Video Ad Network-specific Javascripts with customization of your choice.

At advertising spots, you can even display educational videos or ebooks. These advertisements may distract the visitors from taking your site seriously. Content on such platforms is often free, and the revenue is generated through advertising or affiliate partnerships.

Note: Do keep your premium hosted videos secure from piracy using DRM solutions by platforms like VdoCipher. This will also help you in creating multiple encrypted copies of your videos for global distribution via CDN and different bandwidth supported bitrates.

OTT Platform Video Monetization

In recent years, there has been a massive shift of viewers from traditional broadcasting services to Video On Demand (VOD) platforms and OTT networks. For broadcasters and streamed video content, there are three monetization business models to choose from, namely, SVOD, AVOD and TVOD for your video monetization platform.

Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD)

With SVOD, users pay a recurring monthly or annual fee to get unlimited access to a platforms video content library. A very popular example of SVOD is Netflix. Users pay monthly to access the complete video content whenever and wherever they choose and when they stop paying, the access is revoked. Therefore, SVOD is one of the most profitable monetization models as these platforms generate recurring revenues as long as users enjoy their video content. In addition, viewers can watch different types of video content without annoying video ads by opting for one easy recurring payment.

In the first quarter of 2021, Netflix had 207.64 million paid subscribers globally, with 73.95 million coming from the United States and Canada. Popular streaming service Hulu reported 42.8 million paid subscribers in the third quarter of 2021 compared to 35.2 million in the previous fiscal year. According to Statista, the revenue from SVOD is projected to cross US$71,506m by 2021.

Transactional Video On Demand (TVOD)

TVOD or transactional video on demand is another method to monetize your videos. In this model, consumers purchase content on pay-per-view or pay-per-video or pay-per-series. In other words, the audience pays upfront for each watched video or digitally downloadable video content. TVOD is offered in two ways. One is by granting users lifetime access to a piece of content with a one-time payment (electronic sell-through (EST)). Other is download to rent (DTR), where customers can access a selection of content for a limited time by paying a smaller fee.

Common examples of TVOD include Google Play, Amazon Prime Video and Apple’s iTunes. Although the TVOD model seems restrictive, it can be highly profitable. In 2020, TVOD had a substantial holding as most films were released through this method due to cinema halls being shut. Recently BookMyShow ventured into the TVOD model with BookMyShow Stream, where users have to only pay for the content they watch. TVOD is designed for a larger audience who is not consistent and interested in only paying for the content they watch. There is no joining fee, and anyone can buy the content.

TVOD platforms generate higher revenue per viewer by timely offering consumers live sports and fresh releases. However, TVOD is not just restricted to entertainment and is now making a way in the education sector. TVOD is a great model for students who want to enrol in individual courses offered by the eLearning platform and learn at their own pace. Udemy, Coursera are some of the popular TVOD eLearning platforms.

video monetization statistics

Image source: Statista

Advertising Video On Demand (AVOD)

AVOD is free to consumers, unlike SVOD and TVOD monetization models. AVOD is a sponsorship model where the advertisers put their ads in front of the audience. Here, the viewers have to watch ads in order to watch the free video content. Here, YouTube is a classic example. You are often presented with an advert commercial at the beginning or somewhere within the video on YouTube. More the people view or interact with the video adverts, the more profitable they are. In such a case, creators who have a large audience base have more potential to earn money from videos. With more users preferring an ad-free experience and all the ad blockers around, AVOD is considered inferior to other monetization models. As a result, premium content creators rarely use AVOD as it generates lower revenue than SVOD and TVOD

Make Sure You Don’t Lose Your Revenue To Piracy

So far you’ve come across different ways to monetize your videos in this blog. But one thing as crucial as monetizing your videos is protecting them from piracy.

As the video platforms continue to grow, so does the piracy associated with them. Annually platforms lose up to billions of dollars in revenue. So it is quite imperative that you make sure that make certain preparation against piracy. After all, money saved is money earned.

In order to protect your videos from piracy, you need to ensure that your videos have DRM encryption, which saves your videos from any sort of downloads. Thus protecting you from any loss in revenue due to piracy.

This is where Vdocipher plays a big part, we know how much effort a content creator puts into their work. This is what we value and in order to get them the right return for their effort, we make constant efforts on our end to make sure that these videos don’t get downloaded. Our key security features include Hollywood grade video DRM, Dynamic watermarking, and screen recording protection on Android and iOS. On top of it, you can put restrictions on video playback in terms of IP, Geo & Time Based, giving you absolute control over who watches the video, where they watch it and how many times.

FAQs:

What if someone’s YouTube’s channel is rejected for monetization?

In case of rejection, one can re-apply after 30 days of rejection email.

Can videos be uploaded directly from a device on Patreon?

Patreon does not directly host video content on its website. Before posting on Patreon, one needs to upload on video hosting sites like Vdocipher, YouTube or Vimeo.

Which are the most popular AVOD services in America?

According to Statista in the 2nd quarter of 2021, Facebook Watch is the most popular ad-supported VOD. Further leading is Ruku Channel, Peacock, Tubi TV and more.

What are the different methods to monetize live streams?

Pay-Per-View (PPV), play ads, sponsorships, donations, subscription-based model, companion ads or banners.

The post How to do Video Monetization on your Website OTT or eLearning platform appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

]]>