Most people monetise their videos through platforms like YouTube, but believe it or not, you do not need these platforms to earn money with video. You can also run your own video on demand platform and monetise it through advertising, subscriptions or one-off purchases. This guide explains the main models, the difference between platforms and your own site, and how to choose.
| Method | Suits | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising (AVOD) | Content with a broad audience and many views. | Viewers pay nothing, so reach is high. | Revenue per view is low; too many ads make viewers leave. |
| Subscriptions (SVOD) | Large or regularly updated libraries, such as courses, fitness programmes or niche entertainment. | Predictable, recurring revenue. | You must keep adding content; viewers cancel when nothing new appears. |
| Pay-per-view and downloads (TVOD) | High-value individual videos, such as full courses, films or exclusive events. | Clear price per item; no commitment needed from viewers. | Every sale needs its own decision from the viewer; revenue is less predictable. |
| Sponsorships and brand integrations | Creators with a clearly defined audience in a niche. | Often earns more than ads for the same video. | You need to find sponsors, and too much sponsored content costs trust. |
| Memberships and fan support | Creators with a loyal community. | Independent of ad rates and algorithms. | Works only with an audience that feels a personal connection. |
| Licensing | Unique or high-quality footage. | Content earns money again after publication. | Needs clear rights and a licence agreement. |
| Video platforms | – | No technical work; a large built-in audience. | The platform sets the rules, takes a share of the revenue and can change its terms or demonetise videos at any time. You do not own the relationship with your viewers. |
| Your own video on demand platform | – | Full control over prices, ads and design; a direct relationship with your viewers, for example through your own newsletter; no platform rules on what you may earn. | You pay for hosting and bandwidth, handle payment and support and have to attract viewers yourself. |
Video monetisation means earning revenue from video content: tutorials, courses, entertainment, live streams, documentaries or any other format. The three classic models are usually described with short abbreviations:
Many services combine them, for example a free tier with ads and a paid tier without.
Ads play before (pre-roll), during (mid-roll) or after (post-roll) the video, or appear as overlays. You earn per impression or per completed view. On your own site, video ads are delivered through an ad server or network, usually using the VAST standard so that players and ad systems can work together.
Viewers pay a monthly or yearly fee for unlimited access to your library.
Viewers pay to rent a video for a limited time or to buy it permanently. Live events can be sold as single tickets.
A company pays to be mentioned or shown in your video. Sponsored segments must be disclosed to viewers in most countries.
Viewers support you with a regular payment in exchange for perks such as early access, extra videos or a community.
Other companies pay to use your footage, for example in news, advertising or other productions.
Platforms such as YouTube handle hosting, playback, ads and payment. Their partner programmes share ad revenue with creators who meet the eligibility requirements.
You host the videos on your own website or app, using a video hosting service or ready-made video platform software, and choose your own monetisation model.
Many creators use both: free videos on a platform to attract an audience, and premium content on their own site.