Maximizing revenue: How to monetize content through streaming platforms

Today’s digital age content creators aren’t restricted to traditional revenue generation strategies. They can monetize content through streaming platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, Vimeo, and Tubi. This market is booming! According to statistics, US consumers streamed videos worth 21 million years in 2023, up 21% from 2022. The boom is enticing more and more creators. In order to reap the benefits, you’ll need the best content
monetization strategies to stand out. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you monetize content on the top-paying streaming platforms:

What is content monetization?

Content monetization is a revenue generation strategy for video content. Technology has transformed this booming niche. Today’s creators leverage the Internet, online platforms, and advanced apps to produce high-quality and artistic pieces. They can monetize documentaries, docuseries, short feature films, animated clips, how-to tutorials, and unboxing videos through social networks and streaming services, creating several revenue streams. However, today’s content monetization niche is hypercompetitive. Over 200 million self-identified creators compete for consumers’ attention in the market.

Understanding different content monetization models

Whether you’re a pro or beginner creator, you can make money through monetizing video content. But how do you leverage opportunities and thrive in the digital landscape? First, understand how different content monetization models work.

Here are five ways to monetize your videos:

1. Advertising-based video on demand (AVOD)

The AVOD model generates revenue by placing ads before and after your videos. As the creator, you’ll get paid by an advertising company or third-party ad network for posting their ads on your content. Most companies pay for advertising based on the number of views (cost/thousand views). So, create attention-grabbing content to attract more viewers and maximize your ad income. Some
companies pay ad fees per period (weekly and monthly).

2. Subscription-based video on demand (SVOD)

The SVOD model generates revenue via subscriptions. Viewers pay a recurring fee monthly or yearly to access or stream your videos. Adopt SVOD to create a predictable revenue stream. However, the SVOD model is suited for content creators with large and fast-growing video libraries. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ are the leading streaming platforms using SVOD.

3. Pay-per-view (PPV)

PPV is similar to transactional video on demand (TVOD). With the PPV model, viewers pay a one-time fee to watch or rent a video or bundled content for a limited period. It is the go-to option for monetizing exclusive, high-value content. You can create an online course and monetize specific or bundled units via the pay-per-view model.

4. Donation-based model

This approach generates revenue from viewers’ donations and tips. It encourages appreciation for the content creator through financial contributions. Leading social media platforms, like TikTok and Facebook, use this model.

5. Hybrid models

Content creators can combine two or more content monetization methods to boost revenue. You can blend PPV with SVOD to charge a flat subscription fee for basic-level content and an additional pay-per-view cost for premium content. This hybrid approach enhances flexibility. For example, Apple TV users pay a monthly rate plus extra fees to rent or buy new movies.

The video monetization sector has immense potential. Creative and innovative entrepreneurs take the lion’s share. For example, MrBeast made $82 million in 2023 and $264,000 from a single video on X (Twitter). You can also earn these mouthwatering figures. Partner with Production Masterminds to help you develop monetization strategies for your content.

How do you monetize content on YouTube and other streaming platforms?

Creators use on-demand video streaming platforms, like YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, Twitch, and Tubi, for users to access their content anywhere and at any time. They leverage over-the-top (OTT) media services to capitalize on the growing popularity of online videos. However, not all video streaming platforms are created equal. Each service has unique content creation, sharing, and ownership requirements. They also vary in streaming capabilities, ease of use, viewer engagement, and monetization models. Consider these factors to choose the best platform.

Here are the top five video monetization platforms:

1. YouTube

YouTube is the world’s leading online video platform and the first option for creators seeking to monetize their content. The main selling point of YouTube is that it is free for users to watch and post videos. You can use YouTube Studio to upload new content, edit videos, view your channel’s analytics, and create video playlists. Experienced full-service entertainment firms, like Production Masterminds, help creators leverage YouTube to monetize their content.

YouTube uses the AVOD model, generating revenue for content creators through video ads. The platform offers an average of $18 per 1,000 ad views and multiple monetization options. As a YouTube creator, you can earn through advertising, channel memberships, Super Chat,
and merchandise shelf integration. Customize your monetization strategy to suit your content and audience. Grow your YouTube channel to at least 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 watch hours, or 10M shorts views to join the YouTube Partner Program.

2. TikTok

TikTok is the go-to social media platform for sharing bite-sized videos. It is free to sign up and publish content on TikTok. As a TikTok creator, you can monetize videos through the AVOD model to earn from advertising and partner with brands to diversify your revenue stream. The platform also supports the paid-per-view (PPV) monetization method via the TikTok Creator Fund. Don’t forget to leverage TikTok’s Live Gifts and Diamonds system.

The Diamonds feature allows viewers to purchase your virtual gifts on TikTok. Then, you convert them into Diamonds and withdraw the cash.

3. Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading SVOD streaming service. The platform offers indie movies and series from independent filmmakers and creators. However, Netflix doesn’t accept unsolicited submissions. The best way to get your content onto Netflix is through reputable sales agents or distributors like Production Masterminds.

Production Masterminds helps individuals, filmmakers, content creators, and brands develop monetization strategies for their content through Netflix. The company has over 20 years of experience in the film sector. Filmmakers with film ideas, scripts, screenplays, or productions
can work with Production Masterminds to create the perfect pitch for Netflix. The company can leverage its connections with licensed agents, producers, managers, and industry execs to help you pitch to Netflix.

4. Vimeo

Content creators can leverage Vimeo OTT to monetize their video content. Vimeo supports several monetization methods, including SVOD, AVOD, and one-off transactions (TVOD). It pays $0.10/view for the first 1000 views and $0.15/view after you surpass 1000 views. Indie
filmmakers can monetize their movies through Vimeo On Demand, a premier platform for independent film distribution.

Vimeo On Demand creators set pricing for their content and retain 90% of the revenue. As an indie filmmaker, you can partner with Production Masterminds to produce high-quality movies or series to sell on Vimeo On Demand. Production Masterminds will also help you craft monetization strategies ensuring you maximize revenue.

5. Tubi

Tubi is a fast-growing AVOD platform with over 74 million monthly active users. It offers lucrative opportunities for filmmakers. Tubi pays based on several metrics, including hours watched, overall view count, ad impressions, and ads viewed. Creators on the platform earn $7-$9 CPM, representing the amount paid per thousand impressions or views of the ads. As a filmmaker, you can work with an experienced film producer and distributor like Production Masterminds to secure custom deals with Tubi.

Bottom Line

The content monetization market is booming! You just strategy to earn from your documentaries, docuseries, episodic, and narrative content. First, choose the appropriate monetization models then select the platform. You can partner with Production Masterminds to develop monetization strategies for your content through YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, Vimeo, Tubi, and other streaming platforms. Consult a Mastermind today to help you
capitalize on this booming market.