YouTube announced that it is bringing several new monetizing features substituting ads in its platform. The objective is to make up for the loss in the year, not just of itself but as well of the users.
One of the features is that video uploaders having over 100,000 followers can now be able to initiate paid fan clubs. Other features include paid memberships and expanded merchandise sales.
Videomakers get to choose the names of their member clubs and what kind of perks they want to offer. These will be approved by YouTube staffs. Members are asked to report on creators that fail to deliver promised benefits.
Customizing merchandise on Teespring the design service by the creators is also enabled by YouTube. The marketing can be done via a new section below the videos. Teespring is to lower fees as part of this deal, which will get creators an extra $1 profit per item until 2019 and will provide a commission to YouTube.
YouTube owner Google mentioned that it is on course to reduce dependency on advertisers who bring billions of dollars annually and are remaining more and more abide by the social standards in terms of contents.
Rohit Dhawan, senior director, product management, YouTube did not reveal any specific amount or target regarding the company’s latest efforts on alternative monetization. However, he did say that they are keeping $1.50 out of every $5 membership each month in order to justify the involved resources.
YouTube will further discuss with video creators in this week at VidCon in Anaheim, California regarding opening more spaces based on alternative monetization.
The company additionally wants to develop a software suite for the creators, one like sending personalized ‘happy birthday’ videos, and so on. This is to maintain fan relationships, and envisioned tools, but requires large human resources, as noted by Dhawan.
