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You've might have seen the announcement that Substack is offering creators/podcasters a way in which you can directly upload videos to your page. Using a bit of magic in that the video, especially if it is a podcast episode, can be transcribed, split into a na audio only stream and placed as a new post all on its own. Is actually pretty cool. I wanted to know what the gotcha's were as this sounded a bit too true to be believable. https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/21093671091220-Guide-to-video-episodes-on-Substack That sounds great but, I wanted to know what you would have to give up or even how much all of this would be priced at. From what I can see is that there is no cost to the creator, just have to have your content living on Substack's infrastructure is all. What caught my eye though was the following. These restrictions are really livable for a platform to offer video hosting and storage essentially. With the maximum limit of 20GB, this is big, as many other places have a limit of maybe 10GB at the most. And that's a rare find. What are your thoughts with Substack getting into the video hosting side of things? Does it bring itself to be a competitor to other platforms?

Reading a recent article that YouTube has been degrading the user experience of users who were using adblockers. This just further solidifies that late-stage capitalism is in force. https://www.thurrott.com/music-videos/293361/youtube-acknowledges-degraded-experience-with-ad-blockers?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon

Been following several creators who have been bringing to light the large "creators" who are essentially stealing other creators' work from other platforms like TikTok. They take the videos and really don't add any transformative work to it. They just steal the views and in many cases, the revenue. Some call what they do fair use but that's really stretching it to a point in which it has no meaning. Saw this recent video from Jacksfilm which he's been doing a great job bringing to light what these thieves are doing.

Some really great announcements came out from today's YouTube event. New forms of creative expression on Shorts Taking the work out of video production so you can focus on what you love Get inspiration and reach new audiences with AI Take a look at the blog post itself posted on YouTube's blog, some great initiatives are being created for content creators. https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/made-on-youtube-2023/

There is so much back and forth with the react style content that is relevant throughout YouTube. We saw how H3H3 called out xQc in how he was essentially stealing content from other creators as his reaction to said video was simply reuploading the entire video, his camera in the corner, and him just walking out the room for a majority of the video. We see how SSniperwolf steals TikTok videos and does nothing to transform the work in order to be considered "fair use". Even going as far as just having the TikTok video playing and there is no footage of her at all. What many if not all of these content thieves have in common is that the original creator is not credited, or asked for permission to use, or even if they speak up about this, the thieves' community goes after them in a sort of revenge attack. Now, reacting to content is not inherently bad, it's the wholesale theft of the original content that is what is concerning. You can do successful, ethical reaction videos by seeking permission from the original creator. Offering compensation and not taking the entire video with just your camera overlaid in the corner but taking out certain talking points from the video and focusing on those. What are your thoughts on all of this and how it can affect smaller creators?

For many independent content creators, YouTube has long been the dominant platform for growing an audience and generating income from videos. However, relying solely on YouTube ads and monetization comes with risks as algorithm changes and policy updates are always looming. In this article, we will explore a variety of alternative methods creators can use to generate revenue and diversify their income streams beyond just YouTube. Patreon and Ko-Fi for Direct Fan Support Two popular crowdfunding platforms that have emerged as effective ways for creators to get direct financial support from their most engaged super fans are Patreon and Ko-Fi. With Patreon, creators can offer exclusive "patron-only" content like behind-the-scenes extras, early access to videos before public release, or exclusive live-streamed events in exchange for monthly pledges from supporters. Payment tiers can be tailored to the types of rewards offered at each level of support. Ko-Fi takes a simpler approach as a free service where fans can send one-time "tips" to a creator through individualized payment buttons added to blogs, YouTube descriptions, and more. Both Patreon and Ko-Fi allow creators to build reliable monthly income while also publicly recognizing their most generous supporters. This helps foster a sense of community around the content and gives fans a way to directly contribute financially with each new piece of work they enjoy. Sponsored Content Partnerships Another monetization method that scales with audience size and engagement is bringing on sponsors for individual videos or a series of videos. Getting started, creators can apply to join multichannel networks (MCNs) like Freedom! that help place them in sponsored content deals, usually involving read-along promotions in exchange for payment. However, it's also possible to pitch brands directly once a sizable following is built. Sponsored videos require disclosing the sponsorship upfront per FTC guidelines but allow brands to authentically integrate their products within the style and genre of content. Rates can vary significantly based on follower count and types of deliverables involved like social media posts. Ensuring sponsor messaging aligns with the taste and interests of the fanbase is key to keeping viewer trust. Livestreams for Tips and Subscriptions Just like top YouTube entertainers, content creators with engaging video styles can leverage live streaming to build authentic connections and monetization. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch let streamers charge monthly channel subscriptions, which retain viewers through exclusive subscriber chat rooms and other perks. Live audiences also freely send one-time tips or donations via services like Streamlabs. While live streams require an ongoing time commitment, regular interactions help foster devoted fan communities. Scheduling streams on a repeating basis lets subscribers make them part of their routine and look forward to coming back each week. Over time, dedicated streamers can earn substantial recurring income this way from a regular live audience without relying on ads alone. Merchandising Products Content about specific topics, hobbies, or companies naturally lends itself to merchandise sales. Podcasters, YouTubers, and bloggers promote branded wearables, accessories, book deals, and other physical products related to their expertise in online stores. Sites like Redbubble, Teespring, and Fanjoy handle printing, fulfillment, and transaction processing for YouTubers focused on apparel, mugs, or accessories. Merch sales have a higher upfront cost than digital content but provide ongoing passive income as loyal supporters proudly represent their favorite creators. Unique product designs or collaborations are more memorable than standard apparel offerings as well. Selling CDs, books, or other peripherals related to their body of work gives creators complete ownership of intellectual property from that revenue stream. Paid Online Courses and Membership Sites For educational, self-help, or instructional content, creators can offer their expertise through paid online course platforms like Thinkific, Kajabi, or Teachable. Pre-recorded video lessons remain accessible to paying students at any time and provide evergreen value after initial development. Courses allow niche experts to charge for personalized certifications or tutorials outside of YouTube’s reach. Some creators take the next step up by building their own members-only websites offering exclusive course libraries, training programs, or coaching content beyond what’s available for free online. Annual subscriptions paid upfront for access may include downloadable workbooks, project templates, and private online communities for ongoing support between “lessons.” High-level memberships allow creators more control and larger profit margins. Freelance Writing and Consulting Monetizing online video platforms alone isn’t sustainable long-term for many. Leveraging subject matter knowledge and audience connections off-platform expands income potential through freelance writing, consulting, public speaking, and business coaching related to the niche. Creators offer expertise to brands, publications, or individual entrepreneurs seeking guidance in areas like content strategy, social media marketing, or business development. This additional revenue stream adds diversification while providing an outlet for written or verbal communication skills outside of video. It further establishes thought leadership and authority in the niche for attracting future sponsor partnerships or paid promotion opportunities online. Regular columns, white papers, and eBooks can extend the value of hard-earned knowledge and sell for years. Recurring Revenue is King Clearly, diversifying into multiple monetization models spreads risk and takes advantage of different revenue streams. However, the most empowering and lucrative methods like fan contributions, online courses, memberships, subscriptions, and high-end consulting opportunities share a common thread - they generate recurring monthly or annual revenue through direct, tribally-supported business models outside the volatility of ad markets or algorithm changes on YouTube alone. With the right multi-pronged approach, content creators can build sustainable creative careers funded directly by dedicated audiences without investor pressures or reliance on the whims of social media platforms. Whether using their skills to inform, entertain, or educate others, independent-minded creatives hold the power to take control of their monetization potential beyond any single website. This allows focusing energy on the joy of the craft over artificial metrics or overt commercialization alone.