In recent years, Youtube has become one of the most popular platforms for content creators and influencers to share their videos with a global audience. One particular feature that has gained immense popularity among creators is the Creative Commons license. This allows them to share and monetize their content while giving others the freedom to use and remix their work. In this article, we will explore various ways in which content creators can make money on Youtube using the Creative Commons license in 2019.
1. Ad Revenue
One of the most common ways for Youtube creators to make money is through ad revenue. By enabling monetization on their videos, creators can earn a percentage of the revenue generated from ads displayed before, during, or after their videos.
Many Youtube creators choose to license their videos under Creative Commons, which allows other users to include their content in their own videos. When these videos are monetized, creators receive a share of the ad revenue generated from those videos as well.
2. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations
Another lucrative opportunity for Youtube creators is securing sponsorships and collaborating with brands. With a Creative Commons license, creators can showcase their work and attract potential sponsors who are interested in advertising their products or services through their videos.
Creative Commons-licensed videos provide an excellent opportunity for brands to connect with a wider audience by incorporating the creator’s content into their marketing campaigns.
3. Crowdfunding and Donations
For creators who produce high-quality content that resonates with their audience, crowdfunding and donations can be a sustainable source of income. By licensing their videos under Creative Commons, creators can encourage viewers to support their work by making voluntary contributions.
Platforms like Patreon and Ko-fi provide a convenient way for content creators to receive regular payments from their audience, helping them to sustain and grow their channels.
4. Licensing and Distribution Deals
With a Creative Commons license, creators can also explore opportunities to license their content for use in other forms of media. This can include television shows, movies, documentaries, and even online platforms seeking unique and engaging content.
Licensing and distribution deals can provide creators with significant financial rewards, as well as further exposure for their work.
5. Merchandise and Product Sales
Many Youtube creators have built strong personal brands, often with a dedicated fan base. By licensing their videos under Creative Commons, creators can leverage their popularity to sell merchandise and products related to their content.
From t-shirts and mugs to books and subscription boxes, creative merchandise and product sales can provide content creators with an additional revenue stream.
6. Live Events and Speaking Engagements
As content creators establish their presence and credibility online, they often receive invitations to participate in live events and speaking engagements. These can include conferences, conventions, workshops, and festivals.
A Creative Commons license allows creators to share their videos widely, reaching a larger audience and increasing their chances of securing paid opportunities to speak or perform at such events.
7. Affiliate Marketing
Youtube creators can also monetize their videos through affiliate marketing. By including links to products or services in their video descriptions or through annotations, creators can earn a commission for every sale made through their referral.
With a Creative Commons license, creators can enhance the reach and visibility of their videos, increasing the likelihood of earning revenue through affiliate marketing.
8. Patreon and Ko-fi Exclusive Content
Patreon and Ko-fi offer content creators the ability to provide exclusive content to their dedicated subscribers. By offering behind-the-scenes footage, bonus videos, or exclusive Q&A sessions, creators can incentivize viewers to support their work through recurring payments.
The Creative Commons license ensures that creators can make their main content available to a wider audience while still providing exclusive perks to those who support them financially.
9. YouTube Premium Revenue Sharing
With the introduction of YouTube Premium, creators can earn a share of the revenue generated from premium subscribers who watch their content without ads. Content licensed under Creative Commons is included in this revenue-sharing program, providing an additional income stream for creators.
10. Video Syndication
By licensing their videos under Creative Commons, creators can enable others to distribute their content across various online platforms. This can lead to increased exposure and potential revenue-sharing opportunities.
Platforms like MSN, AOL, and Yahoo have programs that share ad revenue with creators whose videos are syndicated on their websites, expanding their reach beyond Youtube’s user base.
Conclusion
The Creative Commons license has opened up new avenues for content creators on Youtube to monetize their work. From ad revenue to sponsorships, crowdfunding to merchandise sales, licensing deals to speaking engagements, creators have a multitude of options to generate income in 2019. By understanding and utilizing these opportunities, Youtube creators can turn their passion into a sustainable and rewarding career.
References:
1. “Making Money on YouTube,” Youtube Help, https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72857?hl=en
2. “How to Make Money on YouTube: 7 Steps to Getting Paid,” Sprout Social, https://sproutsocial.com/insights/how-to-make-money-on-youtube/
Author: John Smith
John Smith is a digital marketing specialist with expertise in content creation and social media strategy. He has been actively involved in the Youtube community for over five years and has helped numerous creators grow their channels and monetize their content. He is passionate about helping content creators leverage their talents and create a sustainable income from their work.
Image Credit: John Smith (© John Smith)
