Post by Mathieas on Aug 9, 2014 14:12:15 GMT -5
Youtubers aren't happy with the money they make. Below are some rough ideas, this is very stream of conscious, for how they can create a sustainable income while still only working 3 or 4 hours a week.
This isn't aimed at the guy in his basement who decides he wants to become a vlogger in 2014, nor is it aimed at the big stars that have sold their channel to media companies. There are a lot of 'professional YouTubers' in the 200 to 1 - 1.5 million subscriber range and this seems to be the group from which most of the complaints about revenue originate.
This isn't aimed at the guy in his basement who decides he wants to become a vlogger in 2014, nor is it aimed at the big stars that have sold their channel to media companies. There are a lot of 'professional YouTubers' in the 200 to 1 - 1.5 million subscriber range and this seems to be the group from which most of the complaints about revenue originate.
1. Don't look at YouTube as a job: Youtube overs compensation beyond the pecuniary. Presumably, someone within the sphere of a 'professional YouTuber' is somehow connected to the entertainment industry: actor, singer, comedian, host or all of the above. If they view YouTube as a means to raise their profile, gain exposure, and ultimately paying jobs then whatever they make from their channel is bonus.
2. Leverage the audience: The romantic notion of the 'professional YouTuber' is that of a DYI entertainment entrepreneur. They are proactive, independent, motivated self-starters who forge their own path. The veracity of that image varies, but it is at least something they all seem to identify with. Like I said before, YouTube offers more than just money when it comes to compensation. Youtube lets a person attract eyeballs and offers a quantifiable metric of how many (subscriber total, view count) they have. Also, YouTubers for some reason have a strong connection to their audience, the audience trusts them and is loyal. These are things of great interest to people who want to sell things. They could simply contact companies directly, cold calling, and pitch themselves as the person to sell their product.
3. Sell their own stuff: Again, YouTube offers more than money. It allows a person to build an audience and it gives them a forum. Fans, especially teenagers who have cash a very little common sense, will buy crap. Set up a website selling funky socks or T-shirts with your witty sayings on them push it on your channel and you might be able to pad out your weekly income.
4. Beg for money: This appears to be the strategy most go to directly. I imagine it goes something like this: they look at their subscriber count and say, "Hey if just half of these people gave me a dollar I could (depending on the actual total) retire/buy a house/take a trip/go to dinner. So they make a video or setup a website where people can give them money.
Just a few ideas, more to come as I think about it. Feel free to discuss.
2. Leverage the audience: The romantic notion of the 'professional YouTuber' is that of a DYI entertainment entrepreneur. They are proactive, independent, motivated self-starters who forge their own path. The veracity of that image varies, but it is at least something they all seem to identify with. Like I said before, YouTube offers more than just money when it comes to compensation. Youtube lets a person attract eyeballs and offers a quantifiable metric of how many (subscriber total, view count) they have. Also, YouTubers for some reason have a strong connection to their audience, the audience trusts them and is loyal. These are things of great interest to people who want to sell things. They could simply contact companies directly, cold calling, and pitch themselves as the person to sell their product.
3. Sell their own stuff: Again, YouTube offers more than money. It allows a person to build an audience and it gives them a forum. Fans, especially teenagers who have cash a very little common sense, will buy crap. Set up a website selling funky socks or T-shirts with your witty sayings on them push it on your channel and you might be able to pad out your weekly income.
4. Beg for money: This appears to be the strategy most go to directly. I imagine it goes something like this: they look at their subscriber count and say, "Hey if just half of these people gave me a dollar I could (depending on the actual total) retire/buy a house/take a trip/go to dinner. So they make a video or setup a website where people can give them money.
Just a few ideas, more to come as I think about it. Feel free to discuss.