The Best Platforms for Online Video Creators Looking to Earn Beyond YouTube
While YouTube remains the largest and most popular platform for online video creators, there are several other platforms that offer opportunities for monetization and growth. Each of the following platforms caters to different types of content and audience segments, providing unique ways to earn revenue and grow your content creation career.
1. Twitch
Type: Live streaming platform focused on gaming, music, and IRL (In Real Life) content.
Monetization: Through subscriptions, ads, donations, and affiliate programs.
Ideal for: Gamers, musicians, and those creating interactive live content.
Twitch is the go-to platform for live streaming enthusiasts, especially those interested in gaming. Its unique subscription model and interactive features, such as emotes and chat interaction, keep viewers engaged and ultimately contribute to more tips and subscriptions. Twitch has also implemented features like affiliate programs, which allow creators to earn a percentage of every sale made through their unique links.
2. TikTok
Type: Short-form video content platform.
Monetization: Creator Fund, brand sponsorships, live gifts, and TikTok Marketplace.
Ideal for: Entertaining viral and short creative videos.
TikTok has exploded in popularity, especially among younger audiences. Its focus on short, engaging videos has made it a powerhouse in the world of online content creation. TikTok offers several monetization options, including the Creator Fund, which provides financial support, and brand sponsorships, catering to creators in the millions of followers category. Additionally, TikTok's marketplace allows users to sell products directly to their audience.
3. Patreon
Type: Membership platform.
Monetization: Fans subscribe to creators for exclusive content, including videos.
Ideal for: Creators with loyal fanbases who offer exclusive content like behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, or personal updates.
Patreon is a popular choice for content creators with dedicated fans. By offering exclusive content, creators can build a strong sense of community and encourage subscriptions. Patreon's recurring payment model allows creators to plan and grow their income by providing consistent value to their subscribers.
4. Vimeo OTT
Type: On-demand video platform with a focus on premium content.
Monetization: Charge for video rentals, subscriptions or sell videos directly.
Ideal for: Filmmakers, educators, and content creators with high-quality paid content.
Vimeo OTT is an excellent platform for creators looking to showcase high-quality, on-demand videos. It offers a subscription model, allowing creators to charge for their content. This makes it a great choice for those who create films, documentaries, or educational content that they want to sell exclusively.
5. Facebook
Type: Social media platform with a growing emphasis on video content.
Monetization: In-stream ads, fan subscriptions, and Stars (virtual currency).
Ideal for: Longer-form content, live streams, and community engagement.
Facebook's increasing focus on video content presents numerous opportunities for creators. It offers various monetization options, including in-stream ads, which allow creators to earn from the videos they post. Fan subscriptions and Stars (Facebook's virtual currency) also provide additional revenue streams, making it a versatile platform for content creators.
6. Instagram
Type: Visual platform with both short Reels and long-form IGTV video content.
Monetization: Sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, Instagram ads, and product sales through Shoppable Posts.
Ideal for: Lifestyle, fashion, beauty, fitness, and short video content creators.
Instagram is a visual platform that offers a range of monetization options. The Reels feature allows creators to share short, engaging videos, while IGTV caters to longer-form content. Brands often sponsor content on Instagram, providing a direct way for creators to earn money while reaching a larger audience. Additionally, Instagram's Shoppable Posts feature allows creators to increase their revenue by selling products directly to their followers.
7. Rumble
Type: Video-sharing platform similar to YouTube.
Monetization: Revenue from ads and licensing deals.
Ideal for: Creators looking for a less crowded platform than YouTube.
Rumble is a video-sharing platform that aims to provide creators with a more intimate and decentralized environment compared to YouTube. With its focus on revenue from ads and licensing deals, Rumble can be an attractive option for content creators who want a platform with less competition. This environment can foster stronger connections with viewers and provide more revenue opportunities.
8. Dailymotion
Type: Video hosting and sharing platform.
Monetization: Ad revenue sharing and branded content partnerships.
Ideal for: Video bloggers and creators with various content styles.
Dailymotion is a robust video hosting and sharing platform that caters to a wide range of content styles. It offers ad revenue sharing, which allows creators to earn from the ads that appear on their videos. Additionally, Dailymotion also partners with brands for sponsored content, providing creators with opportunities to gain additional income from their content.
9. Ko-fi
Type: Crowdfunding and donation platform.
Monetization: Fans donate one-time or subscribe for exclusive content.
Ideal for: Creators offering personalized or exclusive content, including videos.
Ko-fi is a versatile crowdfunding and donation platform that allows creators to earn from their audience. Fans can donate one-time or subscribe for exclusive content, providing creators with a direct way to foster a loyal community. This platform caters to creators who offer behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, or personal updates that fans are willing to pay for.
10. OnlyFans
Type: Subscription-based platform for exclusive content.
Monetization: Fans subscribe to see exclusive video content, tipping, and pay-per-view.
Ideal for: Content creators offering niche, often more personal or exclusive content.
OnlyFans is a platform where creators can offer exclusive content to their audience for a subscription fee. It is particularly popular among content creators who offer more intimate or specific content, such as personal updates, behind-the-scenes footage, or niche video content. OnlyFans provides a direct way for creators to connect with their audience and earn from their most loyal supporters.
11. LinkedIn
Type: Professional networking site with video features.
Monetization: Sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships.
Ideal for: Professional or educational video content creators.
LinkedIn is a professional networking site that offers video features, making it ideal for content creators who focus on educational or professional topics. Creators can monetize their content through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, and brand partnerships, providing them with additional income streams. This platform is particularly useful for those who create content that can help professionals improve their skills or advance in their careers.
12. Snapchat
Type: Social media app with short-form video content.
Monetization: Snap Ads, sponsored lenses, and Stories ads.
Ideal for: Short creative and engaging video creators.
Snapchat is a social media app known for its short-form video content and interactive features. Creators can monetize their content through Snap Ads, which appear in users' Snaps, and sponsored lenses, which are interactive experiences hosted by creators. Additionally, Stories ads provide another revenue stream for creators looking to reach a broader audience. This platform is perfect for creators who excel at sharing short, engaging video content.
Each platform has its unique strengths depending on the type of content you create and the audience you are trying to reach. Diversifying your presence across multiple platforms can also help maximize your earnings. By understanding the strengths and monetization opportunities of each platform, content creators can find the best fit for their content and audience, ultimately leading to a more successful and sustainable career in online video content creation.