In recent years, YouTube has emerged as a dominant player in the online video market, allowing content creators to monetize their videos and make a substantial income. However, there are several alternative platforms that offer similar opportunities for content creators to make money. In this article, we will explore the best YouTube alternatives for making money in 2017.
1. Vimeo
Vimeo is a popular video-sharing platform that offers a more professional and creative environment compared to YouTube. It allows content creators to monetize their videos through Vimeo On Demand, where viewers can pay to watch or download premium content. Additionally, Vimeo offers a membership program where subscribers can access exclusive videos, providing creators with a recurring revenue stream.
Furthermore, Vimeo provides excellent video quality, advanced analytics, and customizable video players, making it an attractive choice for content creators who want to showcase their work in a high-end environment.
2. Dailymotion
Dailymotion is a video-sharing platform with a large global audience, making it an excellent alternative for reaching a broader viewer base. Content creators can monetize their videos through Dailymotion’s partner program, where they receive a share of the advertising revenue generated by their videos. Additionally, Dailymotion’s OpenVOD program allows creators to distribute and monetize their video content through various video-on-demand platforms.
Dailymotion also offers advanced analytics, video promotion tools, and live streaming capabilities, making it a compelling choice for content creators who want to expand their audience and monetize their videos effectively.
3. Twitch
While Twitch is primarily known as a live streaming platform for gamers, it has evolved to include various other categories such as music, talk shows, and creative content. Content creators on Twitch can monetize their streams through subscriptions, donations, and advertising revenue. Additionally, Twitch offers an affiliate and partner program that provides creators with additional ways to monetize their content.
Twitch’s interactive features, such as chat rooms and emotes, create a unique and engaging experience for viewers. This, coupled with its large and active community, makes Twitch an attractive option for content creators looking to make money through live streaming.
4. Patreon
Patreon is not a video-sharing platform per se, but it provides a way for content creators to monetize their videos by offering exclusive content and perks to their subscribers. Creators can set up different membership tiers on Patreon, each with its own set of benefits. Subscribers pledge a monthly amount to a creator and, in return, gain access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage, merchandise, or personalized interactions with the creator.
Patreon’s model fosters a closer relationship between content creators and their audience, providing a sustainable revenue stream that is not solely dependent on ad revenue or view count. This makes Patreon a valuable platform for creators who want to establish a direct connection with their fans and monetize their content in a more personalized way.
5. Facebook Video
With its massive user base and emphasis on video content, Facebook has become a significant player in the online video market. Content creators can monetize their videos on Facebook through ad breaks, where short ads are placed within videos, and creators receive a share of the ad revenue. Facebook also offers branded content opportunities, allowing creators to collaborate with brands and earn money through sponsored videos.
As Facebook’s algorithm continues to prioritize video content, it provides content creators with an excellent platform to reach a wide audience and monetize their videos effectively.
6. Instagram IGTV
IGTV, a standalone video app within Instagram, offers content creators the opportunity to share long-form videos. While IGTV is still relatively new, it has the advantage of leveraging Instagram’s massive user base and engagement. Creators can monetize their IGTV videos through brand partnerships and sponsored content. Additionally, Instagram’s shopping feature enables creators to sell products directly through their videos, opening up new avenues for monetization.
As Instagram continues to invest in IGTV and expands its monetization capabilities, this platform holds significant potential as a YouTube alternative for content creators to make money.
7. Vevo
Vevo is a music video platform that allows content creators to monetize their music videos through advertising revenue. It has partnerships with major record labels, providing creators access to a vast library of licensed music videos. Vevo’s widespread presence across multiple platforms, including YouTube, makes it an attractive choice for music artists to monetize their content effectively.
Additionally, Vevo offers Vevo Originals, a program dedicated to producing exclusive and original music-related content. This provides content creators with the opportunity to create unique videos and generate additional revenue streams.
8. Metacafe
Metacafe is a video-sharing platform that pays content creators based on the number of views their videos receive. While the earnings potential may not be as high as some other platforms, Metacafe offers a straightforward and hassle-free way for content creators to monetize their videos. It also has a large user base and a diverse range of video categories, ensuring a wide reach for creators.
Metacafe’s simple monetization process, combined with its engaged user base, makes it a viable alternative for content creators looking to make money from their videos.
9. Break
Break is a video-sharing platform that offers content creators the opportunity to earn money through video views, advertising revenue, and branded content partnerships. It focuses primarily on humor and entertainment content, making it suitable for creators in those genres. Additionally, Break runs regular video contests, providing creators with a chance to win cash prizes.
Break’s specific focus on comedy and entertainment, combined with its monetization options, makes it an attractive choice for creators looking to make money from their lighthearted and engaging videos.
10. Vidyard
Vidyard is a business-focused video platform that allows content creators to host and share their videos with a focus on lead generation and sales enablement. While Vidyard’s primary purpose is not content monetization, it offers various features that can support this goal indirectly. Creators can embed calls to action, personalized video messages, and interactive elements in their videos, driving viewers to take desired actions.
Vidyard’s analytics and integration capabilities with marketing automation platforms provide content creators with valuable insights and enable them to leverage their videos to generate leads and revenue for their businesses.
11. Veoh
Veoh is a video-sharing platform that offers content creators the opportunity to monetize their videos through advertising revenue. It has a wide range of video categories, allowing creators to reach diverse audiences. Veoh also provides advanced video management tools, allowing creators to easily upload, organize, and promote their videos.
With its straightforward monetization options and user-friendly interface, Veoh is a viable alternative for content creators looking to make money from their videos.
12. TikTok
TikTok, a short-form video platform, has gained immense popularity, particularly among younger audiences. Content creators can monetize their TikTok videos through brand partnerships and sponsored content. Additionally, TikTok has a Creator Fund that financially rewards content creators based on their video views and engagement.
TikTok’s viral nature and growing user base make it an attractive platform for content creators looking to reach a broader audience and monetize their short and engaging videos.
13. Wistia
Wistia is a video marketing platform that provides content creators with advanced analytics, customizations, and lead generation tools. While Wistia’s primary focus is on helping businesses leverage video for marketing purposes, it offers various monetization opportunities indirectly. Content creators can embed CTAs, collect leads, and integrate with email marketing platforms to drive conversions and generate revenue.
Wistia’s business-oriented features and marketing-focused approach make it a valuable YouTube alternative for content creators who prioritize driving sales and generating leads.
14. YouNow
YouNow is a live streaming platform that allows content creators to monetize their live broadcasts through virtual gifts, fan subscriptions, and brand partnerships. YouNow’s unique monetization options, such as virtual gifts that viewers can purchase and send to creators during live streams, create an interactive and engaging experience for both creators and viewers.
With its focus on live interaction and creative monetization options, YouNow offers content creators a distinctive platform to make money through their live broadcasts.
15. Viddler
Viddler is a video hosting and management platform that offers content creators advanced customization options, analytics, and security features. While it does not have built-in monetization options like ad revenue or subscriptions, Viddler allows creators to integrate with external tools and services to monetize their videos indirectly.
Viddler’s robust video management capabilities and flexibility make it an attractive option for content creators who want complete control over their video content and monetization strategies.
In conclusion, while YouTube remains the dominant force in the online video market, there are several alternative platforms that provide content creators with opportunities to make money. The best YouTube alternatives for making money in 2017 include Vimeo, Dailymotion, Twitch, Patreon, Facebook Video, Instagram IGTV, Vevo, Metacafe, Break, Vidyard, Veoh, TikTok, Wistia, YouNow, and Viddler. Each platform offers unique features and monetization options, allowing content creators to diversify their revenue streams and reach broader audiences.
References:
1. Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/
2. Dailymotion: https://www.dailymotion.com/
3. Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/
4. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/
5. Facebook Video: https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/solutions/video
About the Author:
John Smith is a digital marketer and content creator with a passion for video production. He has over five years of experience working with various online video platforms and has helped numerous content creators monetize their videos effectively. John’s expertise lies in video marketing and audience engagement strategies. He enjoys sharing his knowledge through insightful articles and tutorials. The accompanying image is an original creation by John Smith.