The 6 Best Video Monetization Platforms — What You Need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic is radically changing the business landscape. Though the pandemic brings challenges to millions of people, streaming businesses or OTT services have tremendous opportunities to entertain their audience through videos. Statistics show that by 2022, videos will account for over 82% of the entire Internet traffic- which is 15 times more than the value in 2017.
Thanks to modern technology, almost anyone can create high-quality videos. But creating perfect video content is something, and monetizing it is another. To start generating revenue from videos, high-quality content doesn’t not suffice. The platform you choose to host your videos plays a critical role.
If you are reading this blog, you would probably be interested in knowing how to monetize video content. We are going to discuss the smart ways you can make money from videos. But before diving into all of that, let’s understand what online video monetization is.
Video monetization is not getting paid for making and publishing videos. It’s all about generating revenue out of your videos on a video monetization platform, ideally your own website. You get paid for granting access to your users either to individual content, or your content library, or viewers ( in case of advertisements)
In other words, your users either pay you to watch your videos or to interact with your video audience. Typically, you make money through advertisements, subscriptions, or direct transactions and get paid when people view, like, or subscribe to your OTT video streaming platform.
What are different video monetization models?
There are plenty of OTT services currently serving unique content to their customers. All of the successful brands among these are using OTT monetization models to make money from their content. Let’s go through some of the best ways to monetize video content.
Monetizing with advertisements
This is one of the most common and popular video monetization models used by most streaming services. In this OTT platform revenue model content is offered to users for free, but the catch is the videos are served along with ads. The platform generates revenue by charging a specific fee to advertisers in exchange for placing their commercials in between the content. The ads are generally placed as video ads, sponsored content, and more.
Subscription-based
The subscription-based OTT business model charges a recurring subscription fee either, monthly or annually in exchange for complete content accessible to users. The subscription-based monetization model was first made popular by the OTT giant Netflix and still continues to rule popular streaming businesses today.
Running a subscription service means you know exactly where your money is coming from, and the revenue is predictable. Having predictable recurring revenue can help you have real growth plans to maximize your profits.
Transactional based content
Coming to the third model, it is the straightforward monetization model among all. IT works on a single give and take system like buying or renting a movie or show from a DVD shop. Users can either purchase or rent individual content for a specific time period according to their needs. This business model is mainly known as pay-per-view or download due to its mode of working.
This monetization model can be highly profitable if the correct type of business adopts it. It works great if your streaming service covers a wide variety of topics and industries. It doesn’t suit niche services. The model also helps creators boost their profits by selling access to special events like live streaming sports events or events of any sort.
Hybrid business model
In fact, a hybrid model is not a standalone business model. Many businesses are trying their chances mostly on the three monetization models discussed above to create a hybrid model that suits them. Some OTT services like Disney+ blend SVOD with TVOD by offering both business models to suit different types of audiences.
The top 6 video monetization platforms
As the incredible growth of video streaming is rising with the exploding use of smartphones and digital devices, the demand for OTT platforms increases as well. Modern technology equips both small businesses and enterprises to build and launch their own VOD service. However, selecting the best OTT providers is equally significant as it forms the foundation of your streaming business. While you must look for all advanced features, check for video monetization in the solution you pick.
Let’s explore the top 6 video monetization platforms to start a video on demand (VOD) business.
Streamhash is one of the best video streaming solutions that comes equipped with all essential features, both basic and advanced, to build a professional OTT platform for a competitive price. Streamhash’s Stream view is a white-labeled solution that facilitates in launching a highly scalable and customizable solution for you to start a profitable streaming service. The VOD solutions provide all standard features of Netflix, but it also allows customization of front-end UI, development, deployments, maintenance, and more.
As it is a white-labeled script, StreamView is a self-hosted solution where you must choose the hosting partner which matches your business needs. StreamView comes with a powerful Nginx service that converts HTTP to HLS and RTMP for different types of devices. The software solution offers support for monetization through pay-per-view and subscriptions so that users can indulge in videos according to their preferences.
Most importantly, StreamView helps to integrate secure payment gateways to your VOD platform. Besides, it features a robust admin dashboard to modify the essential features and capabilities.
Pros
Standard back end structure and in-built features for efficient and bufferless streaming
Access to complete source code and advanced tech stacks
one-time payment.
Cons
No hosting services available
2. UScreen
Uscreen is a simple yet powerful SaaS solution that allows video creators to distribute the content safely and in a profitable way. With Uscreen, video creators, both small and enterprise-level, have complete control over video monetization. It supports selling individual videos and setting up subscription plans too. The platform is intuitive yet simple to use for even people with little technical experience to use it.
The solution also features live streaming features to equip users to broadcast live through their platform. Live-streamed content can either be offered to users for free or solid along with existing packages.
Pros
● An all-in-one-OTT solution to manage and sell on demand content.
● Works on a subscription-based model.
● Live streaming integration for broadcasting events in real-time.
Cons’
● Doesn’t offer support for the advertising revenue model.
● The choices of website themes for customization are limited.
3. Brightcove
Brightcove is one of the comprehensive VOD solutions to meet extensive video publishing and distribution requirements for individuals and businesses. The solution offers services to both media and brands. Brightcove’s solution for media is specially designed for content publishers, owners, and broadcasters looking for the best way to monetize video content. At the same time, its services for brands focus a bit more on delivering good quality content and the marketing aspect of the content.
Pros
● Easy-to-use and straightforward UI.
● Robust back-end framework with multiple CDNs for efficient video delivery.
● YouTube synchronization option
Cons
Flash-based video players
Feature enhancements cost extra
4. Vplayed
Being a complete and customizable video-on-demand solution, Vplayed is the right solution to launch your video streaming business. The solution is perfect for maximizing your profits, featuring monetization models including advertisement, subscription, and transactional. The solution is highly scalable as it is compatible across different devices and applications. The VOD platform features a powerful video player, HD transcoding, social media integration, IP camera streaming, DRM (Digital Rights Management System, and a lot more.
Pros
● Compatible with AWS Cloud and Akamai server.
● High-end transcoding for buffer-free video streaming experience.
Cons
● No free trial
5. VdoCipher
One of the most affordable video hosting services that feature a proprietary encrypted video streaming system for content security is VdoCipher. The platform features a user-friendly dashboard for content upload and equips you to build video on demand services compatible across different device types. Powered by AWS and CDN infrastructure, VdoCipher guarantees smooth video playback.
Pros
● Excellent solution if content security is your priority.
● Content encryption to prevent illegal access and download
● Flexible pricing model and suits small businesses
Cons
● Preview of images is not supported.
6. Vidizmo
Yet another all-inclusive video solution for innovative streaming is Vidimzo. Leveraging AI, the solution offers robust services to both small businesses and enterprises. Equipped with business-ready solutions, the multi-tenancy platform has features to accommodate both internal and external users efficiently. The solution also supports different types of file formats for images, documents, audio, and video. It also suits different kinds of business niches, including training, entertainment, education, and more.
Pros
● On-demand HD video streaming.
● Integration with APIs.
● Multi-device compatibility.
Cons
● Live support is available only for enterprise-level users.
Conclusion
As video-on-demand services dominate the streaming space, investing in the market would be a sustainable and profitable decision. There is ample space for new players despite the already existing crowd in the streaming industry. The success mantra for new businesses is to focus on building a solid business strategy and collaborate with top VOD solution providers to run a profitable video streaming service. The service providers we have mentioned in this post are guaranteed to provide the best quality services to create your own VOD business.
