The 10 Best Video Monetization Platforms – What You Need to Know [2022 Update]

Although there are dozens of ways broadcasters can monetize video content, most efforts fall within one of three main categories: AVOD, SVOD, or TVOD. While all can be profitable, there are pros and cons to each. Depending on where you are in your business life cycle, the best option may change over time.

Advertising-Based Video On Demand (AVOD)

Advertising-Based Video on Demand (AVOD) is a sponsorship model where ad placement costs are typically based on audience size. AVOD is a classic monetization format where brands pay you to run video advertisements in front of your audience. Once again, YouTube serves as a prime example.

As stated, the larger the audience, the more revenue AVOD video can generate. Advertising video on demand also provides a low entry barrier as it is easy to set up and operate. Additionally, most online viewers prefer ad-supported free content as this is what they are already accustomed to. 

Subscription-Based Video On Demand (SVOD)

Subscription-Based Video on Demand (SVOD) is a monetization option where users pay a recurring fee to access video content. Netflix is an obvious example of SVOD in action. As long as user accounts remain current, members can access Netflix’s vast library of video content whenever and wherever they choose.

Although the name includes video-on-demand, SVOD can also apply to live-streaming content. Like for subscriptions to live sports packages or access to webinars from mentors or thought leaders. Subscription video on demand is one of the most profitable types of monetization as organizations can develop recurring revenue for as long as they see fit.  

Transactional Video On Demand (TVOD)

Transactional Video On Demand (TVOD), which is also known as “pay-per-view streaming,” is another monetization method that requires viewers to pay upfront for each video watched or digital download requested.

Common examples include iTunes and the Google Play Store for individual downloads and pay-per-view events for live streaming. TVOD is the opposite of AVOD, as viewers pay for every content they access.

Although transactional video-on-demand seems more restrictive, it can be highly profitable. Especially for broadcasters covering a large array of topics or those with specialized experience in a specific niche.

Once again, selecting a video monetization model is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Many organizations have success mixing and matching based on existing resources and the needs of their audience. Frequently using AVOD for general information and subscription or transactional video on demand for premium content.

How to Monetize Videos

There are several ways to monetize your streaming videos with the monetization methods we mentioned above. Let’s break down some specific strategies and use cases. 

Affiliate Marketing and Sponsored Ads

One of the easiest ways to get started with video monetization is by inserting ads or using “suggested” content links in your published media. Anyone who has ever watched a YouTube video will recognize this concept. As viewers engage with these sponsored links you earn income for each click or a percentage of completed affiliate sales.

Broadcasters can also look for sponsors and include targeted product placement throughout their content. You need to have a decent following to charge premium rates with sponsors. However, if you cater to a specific audience or niche, brands will still pay good money for advertising (even with a smaller following).

The key is ensuring any sponsors align with your live-streaming site’s values and audience interest. Otherwise, sponsored ads may do more harm than good.

As previously mentioned, product review videos can also be a good source of income. Companies will pay you to share honest feedback about their products or services to get their name out. Site owners can also earn “freebies” as many brands let you keep the reviewed items or services afterward. 

Furthermore – as long as your review is helpful and honest – it can bolster trust between you and your audience.

Create Your Own VOD Platform

A great way to monetize your streaming video content is to build a branded VOD streaming platform.

A VOD delivery platform is a media distribution system that hosts and shares content online. In other words, this is reserved internet property where visitors can gain direct access to your content.

It requires a fast and easy website to navigate, where content can be delivered to almost any device. The strengths of having a platform are setting your own prices, maintaining content distribution control, and adjusting your video marketing strategy based on user feedback and market demand.

Trying to build a VOD platform yourself is a lot of work. Fortunately, partnering with an existing video streaming platform makes the process easy. These ready-made solutions have the infrastructure, tools, and support to get you up and running fast. Many also include built-in monetization options and security controls to manage user access. 

Add Monetization Options to Existing Content

If you have not already, consider adding a paywall to charge users for access to your existing VOD library. Subscription models are an ideal way to get started with video monetization. Once the content is created, you can keep adding to your library and building your brand.

As your following continues to grow, so do your earnings. Even a small (but dedicated) audience can generate substantial income. 

Get Your Content in Front of More Eyes 

When it comes to video monetization, the more people who see your content, the better. One of the best ways to increase your reach is by partnering with an OTT provider with a proven video distribution network.

Over-the-top (OTT) technology allows viewers to access content on a wide range of equipment, including computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and smart TVs (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, etc.).

Rather than being limited to proprietary broadcast networks (like cable or satellite), OTT utilizes the public internet for end-to-end transmission. So long as audiences have a connection and compatible device, they can stream OTT content, and the provider can monetize their over-the-top content.

What Kind of Video Content Can I Monetize?

After learning how to monetize videos, you might wonder which content monetization platforms can help you achieve your goals and what type of content is best for video monetization. 

The video content industry is growing exponentially right now, meaning viewers are willing to pay a fee to access videos of all genres. 

Here are some types of video content that are trending right now and are great for video monetization:

• Podcasts
• Daily vlogs
• Tutorial videos
• Gaming content
• Product reviews
• Short video clips
• Educational content
• Music-related video content
• Videos about current affairs
• Economy and money-saving hacks

Regardless of the video monetization platform, you chose to monetize your streaming videos, make sure you understand the basics of how copyright laws work. Most monetization platforms maintain strict rules regarding plagiarism, copyrights, and spam.

That’s especially important if you utilize any content, video, or audio that isn’t your original creation. Secondly, ensure your content is always mindful of your target audience’s various religious and cultural sensitivities.

Original, well-researched, and engaging content is always the best candidate for monetization. It’s also the best way to ensure you maximize views and revenue for the videos you work so hard to create.

Where Can You Monetize Videos?

When people talk about monetizing videos, YouTube typically comes to mind. With their tremendous size, reach, and industry history, it’s no wonder. Yet, for organizations serious about the growth and scale of service, YouTube (and other common social media sites) are not the best option for video monetization platforms.

While it is true that sharing on these sites is one way to get exposure, you lose control of how your content is distributed. Your videos are drowned in ads you have no control over and buried deep on a site that decides whose content is and isn’t featured.

Members are also subjected to strict advertising guidelines and ever-changing revenue models. The fact is, you can end up losing viewers (and income) if your videos are tied to the wrong kind of advertising. 

Even if everything falls into place – the right audience size, messaging, and exposure you can still come up short. Research shows that over 95% of YouTubers can’t make ends meet. Whatever money you do make, the platform keeps a whopping 45% of it. 

Patronage crowdfunding sites like Patreon and Indiegogo also allow broadcasters to offer exclusive content to subscribers (for a fee). However, nothing beats using your website for video hosting. Especially when it comes to security, maximizing profits, and scalability. Working with an established online video provider makes the process easy.

What is a Video Paywall?