Guide

The creator’s guide to building a streaming site

Calling all social media stars and content experts! Take control of your audience (and your revenue) with Vimeo OTT.

Taking control of your content

Creating consistent content for your platforms across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube – not to mention your own website – is no small feat. Piecing together different streams of revenue to fund your work and your life? That’s even harder.

Juggling sponsored posts and AdSense dollars requires you to collaborate with external brands and wrangle ever-changing algorithms. For creators looking to snag a bigger piece of the pie, owning your own channel is the key to building a sustainable business that doesn’t require an 80-hour workweek.

Vimeo OTT is empowering content creators across the globe to take control of their content, build a committed community, and drive reliable income. No matter what kind of content you’re producing, ask yourself these four questions to start streaming like an expert.

Why should I launch my own video channel?

For any creator sharing content on free-to-use social media sites like YouTube and Instagram, making a living means incorporating ads into a lot of what you make. Whether it’s pre-roll commercials ahead of your latest upload or an #ad on your TikTok, content creators have historically had to work closely with brands to generate income.

But in the age of streaming, many creators are taking control of their content by designing their own streaming sites. Imagine: a Netflix-style viewing destination with zero ads in sight. How does it work? Rather than relying on ad-driven revenue to support your content creation, you can offer a whole library of videos for a monthly subscription fee. This allows creators to set their own prices based on the size of their audience, the amount of content they make, and endless other variables.

How will I get people to subscribe?

The jump from free to subscription-based content might seem daunting – but there are a few key tactics you can invest in to make the transition a breeze.

  • Define what makes you special.
    • With as many big-name streaming services as there are letters in the alphabet, viewers have never had more options when it comes to what to watch. Finding your content niche – and defining it clearly – is a great way to highlight what you can offer.
  • Give your early adopters the VIP treatment.
    • The first few people who follow you from free channels to a subscription site are your biggest fans. Invest in that relationship by cultivating community, through special subscriber-only live sessions, discounts, and more.

Join the thousands of channels that use Vimeo OTT to monetize their videos

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How will I grow my revenue?

Having a branded site gives you access to a larger and more predictable share of the revenue by allowing you to charge a single subscription price for eachmember of your audience (a kind of monetization known as ‘Subscription video on demand,’ or ‘SVOD’ for short). This structure unlocks consistent, reliable income that helps you plan better content and get off the hamster wheel of algorithms and outreach.

How will I keep up with releasing content regularly?

Sharing new content 1 - 2 times a week is ideal, but for most creators, that cadence might feel unsustainable. Never fear! We’re willing to bet you’ve already got a library of content to pull from – so we recommend resurfacing and repackaging existing content for your subscribers on a regular basis.

Refresh your homepage monthly to give older content new life – and try setting one live event or publish date every few weeks to keep subscribers coming back for more.

You focus on the content. We’ll handle the tech.

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Vimeo OTT

Vimeo OTT helps take you to the next level

Stellar support

A dedicated account manager will guide you on brainstorming content strategies, selling subscriptions, and more. Plus, your patrons will receive our customer support for help with streaming, account, and more.

Streaming everywhere

Access global support including language and currency, and get step-by-step guidance on app development for on platforms like Apple iOS, Android, Apple TV, AndroidTV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and more.

Engage and grow your channel

Stream videos from your app and chat, comment, and engage directly with your audience. Get in touch with your audience at your leisure.

Sustainable pricing

The best bit? Vimeo OTT won’t cost you an arm and a leg – you can launch a channel for as little as $1 per subscriber.
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