Just a few years ago, Video on Demand (VOD) meant pay-per-view via your cable provider. Then as online channels like YouTube became big, consumers got used to watching original, on demand content from people just like them. That consumer evolution inspired the creation of video streaming services like Netflix, which offers thousands of titles on demand with a subscription.
The next logical step after that was kicking out the middleman and creating companies that made it so anyone could publish streaming content online and sell it as individual downloads or streaming services. This revolution in digital content ecommerce instigated the creation of several online publishing platforms that host and help the “everyman” sell his content. The following are our top three platforms in order.
1. Uscreen
Uscreen offers a comprehensive set of benefits for entrepreneurs looking to make money from their video content. So far, Uscreen’s clients range from motivational speakers, to swim instructors, to fitness coaches. This platform offers the most significant package of benefits.
High Level Benefits:
- Native iOS & Android Apps – Uscreen offers a white-label app option that customers can use to stream and download content.
- Fully Customizable & White Label – The whole platform is 100% white label, which means it is completely branded with the content creator’s imagery. The creator can use HTML & CSS code, so it matches their website.
- Easy-to-use Backend – It’s easy for digital creators to upload content, create chapters, and set the price using Uscreen’s platform.
- Allows for Netflix-like Subscription – You can setup the pricing in a subscription/membership format like Netflix or charge for each video.
- Complete Billing System – Includes a system that allows for subscription renewals and billing.
- DRM Security – Uscreen’s security measures keep content safe from hackers and pirates.
- Versatile Platform – Uscreen is used as a platform for VOD, employee training, and other content distribution.
Price: Video publishing plans start at $99/month. Uscreen offers a 14-day trial.
The Bottom Line: Uscreen is our top pick because of its mix of affordability, versatility, and ease-of-use. This platform concept is simple, works on any device, and is secure. It’s hard to find such a comprehensive set of benefits as Uscreen offers.
2. PivotShare
PivotShare features a unique collaboration-based sale method – meaning multiple creators join together on a channel and split the profits. You can gain a lot of exposure through this method by applying to be a part of many of the other “channels.” This platform also hosts a wide-selection of topics. Keep in mind that the digital creator’s profit depends on how well the entire group (channel) is doing.
High Level Benefits:
- White Label Benefit – PivotShare offers a white-label benefit where the content creator purchases a custom URL that they can implement with the platform. Creators can also upload branded images.
- Straight Forward Setup – It’s easy to create an account and upload videos.
- Versatile Pricing Options – PivotShare allows publishers to create subscription or å la carte pricing options.
- Offers Recurring Billing – The platform has a basic recurring billing system that makes it easy to have subscribers.
- Versatile Platform – Can be used for VOD and numerous other types of content.
Pricing: PivotShare takes 30% of the revenue if you are the only publisher on a channel and 40% of the revenue if you collaborate.
The Bottom Line: PivotShare costs nothing to start up and there are no monthly fees, but the platform does take a healthy chunk of the profits. It is a good choice if you have no up-front cash to get started and the potential for growth is good. You can use it to sell just about any kind of video content. There is a learning curve with all of the different channels and figuring out what cut of the profits you actually get.
3. SkyPrep
SkyPrep focuses largely on corporate training. This is primary reason the platform costs a lot more than the other options because its main clients can afford it. Since it is training based, it offers some options the others don’t. In other ways it is more basic than the other platforms.
- White Label Features – SkyPrep has some white-label offerings for content creators.
- Recurring Billing Options – Allows for recurring and subscription billing.
- Security Features – SkyPrep offers SSL and data backup.
- Reports – This platform offers reports ranging from student’s progress to user demographics.
Pricing: SkyPrep has four packages ranging from $79-$599 a month. SkyPrep offers a 30-day trial.
The Bottom Line: If you work for a large company that needs to be able to track different pieces of data, then this is probably a good option for you. However, if you don’t have a lot of disposable income this can take a bite out of your wallet quickly.
Image Credit: Flickr/Michael Verhoef