YouTube: No longer the Only Option for Monetization in 2020

Online video content consumption is currently at an all-time high. Today, every content creator has a chance for a windfall from video monetization. And if you've watched YouTube during the pandemic, you'll know that content creators are currently in overdrive to crank out more videos to meet new viewer demands.

This means that the trick is not merely content creation; it also comes down to using the right platforms. Youtube does pay, but there are other, less crowded platforms that pay better.

So what options are there? First, let’s take a look at what a content creator faces in 2020.

The state of video monetization in 2020

Video monetization is built around three core components. Content creators are either: selling access to their videos, audience, or their platform. All three make for an excellent business model, but you need to know how to make the most of them.

If recent surveys are anything to go by, publishers need to understand that it’s not all about YouTube. Reports from the industry indicate that 95% of content creators cannot support themselves via YouTube monetization. Creators are subject to the platform’s advertiser guidelines, view statistics, and volatile profit limits.

The good news is that video monetization platforms that offer more rewards with more freedom are increasingly becoming more accessible.

Channels for video monetization

Today, there are several platforms for video distribution with decent monetization opportunities for content creators and brands alike. Here is a rundown of the available avenues for video monetization:

Video ad monetization

Ads help content creators gross the biggest paychecks in the world of online video. Through AVOD, publishers can take advantage of a large selection of ad formats to engage viewers creatively. This includes options like overlay ads or companion ads, e.g., banners that run across the screen. There are also more pronounced 5 to 15-second clip video ads laced in pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll. These can be linear video ads as well.

Nevertheless, when selling access to an audience, it’s important to know which metrics matter to advertisers. It makes business sense to invest in technology that enables you to steer real-time ad performance optimization. This way, you can offer advertisers the right ad slots for their target audience and actually provide tangible ROI.

Branded Channels

Whether you specialize in on-demand video or live streams, there is something for everyone. Video distribution platforms with OTT services like the Amazon Fire Stick give you control over your pricing. With OTT, you are looking at a better chance of monetizing your video content through strategies like channel subscriptions. You can also create branded channels in order to cash in early on the surging growth of OTT services.

Custom CTV apps

The SVOD model for video monetization allows creators to make money with the content they already possess. This concept makes money off selling access to one’s platform, giving publishers an opportunity to create their own space in the world of CTV. Once you introduce your own CTV app, you possess more freedom on how you can monetize the videos. This will give publishers a more significant chunk of the revenue, unlike platforms with stringent monetization rules like Youtube.

Having a custom application on a platform like Roku significantly increases how much revenue creators can make and keep. With platforms such as Vlogblox, creators can now have fully branded apps without much hassle or the need to sell off a kidney. This company offers creators the most convenient development, support, and monetization services.

Putting your best foot forward

As much as content creators need artistic freedom, the freedom to earn as much revenue as possible also matters. All it takes is stepping out of the box and exploring other spaces where audiences and advertisers are willing to pay for content and access. It’s also essential to take a strategic approach, which includes marketing efforts to ensure you have ample visibility online.

Vivian Atwater having over one year of writing on topics like marketing, social media marketing, advertising, technical writing, website optimization, and similar topics.