Over 82% of US adults claim that internet TV is much more entertaining than cable TV with millions of viewers moving towards subscribing to internet TV websites over cable and satellite options every year.

Whether you already own an internet TV network or you’re looking to start one, this is without a doubt, the most perfect time to be an internet TV network owner to earn millions in viewers and revenue.

To make sure your TV network reaches heights of success despite the tough competition within the industry, you can utilize some tips and strategies by learning a lot from existing networks and tried and tested strategies.

TvStartup realizes your need for guidance and that’s exactly why we’ve brought you this article featuring 5 of the most important strategies and tips you can use for your internet TV network to get fame and success in the industry. So, without wasting any time at all, let’s get to it right away.

 

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TvStartup’s turn-key system has already been used by 3,000+ video creators to help launch and monetize their own TV channels on fast growing platforms like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV.

Are you next?

There, you’re going to learn all the basics of setting up your TV network, monetizing it, and making millions in revenue with it from our experienced industry strategists.

1. Offer New Viewers a Free Trial

One of the most important features every internet TV network and VOD website offers nowadays to attract bands of potential subscribers is a Free Trial. By offering a few days, weeks, or months of access to all or some content available on the network, organizations funnel out avid viewers that will eventually pay for the content.

The most common example of a free trial is the one offered by Netflix. With a single email, you can watch the first month of all available content for free. You’ll be charged from the next month onwards. And there’s no doubt it works like a charm. Millions out of the 222 million subscribers of Netflix have subscribed after taking the free trial, liking the content available, and then choosing to continue watching that content.

So, ideally, if you want your internet TV network or VOD website to attract millions of new audience members as well, you’re going to first have to attract them to your content by giving them a limited free trial, after which they’ll be charged monthly or whatever kind of monetization method your network uses (since there are multiple effective ones).

2. Allow Different Subscription Plans

By the end of 2022, the number of viewers in the SVOD industry is going to reach 1.4 billion. So, having subscriptions as a monetization option on your TV network is incredibly essential. But that’s not where you’re going to stop if you want to penetrate the entire viewer market.

The content viewer base is divided into different groups of people who can afford different monthly subscription packages. And a lot of TV networks make this mistake of not targeting the entire market by just offering a single subscription plan which ends up hurting them in the long run by blocking their expansion into lower-paying viewer bases.

Make sure you avoid the same mistake. Always offer multiple subscription plans to your audience members with different access rights and options so that your content can reach all the viewers, penetrating the entire market and offering viewership to all interested viewers. That’s one of the most important steps on the road to TV industry success for your TV network.

3. Regularly Update Content Library

If you’re the owner of an internet network, bear in mind that consistency is key without a single doubt. To get content viral, you’re going to have to keep restreaming it, uploading it, marketing it to the targeted audiences, and finally getting it available for everyone watching your content.

By constantly updating your content library, you’re going to be keeping the pages fresh and ready for new coming subscribers so that they don’t feel as if they’ve subscribed to a network that offers no actual new content at all.

This is definitely going to keep thousands of your current subscribers near your channel and bring millions of new ones to explore your channel as well. With the help of these millions, you can create your TV network’s very own legacy without any kind of forceful doing involved in it.

Want to start your TV network and monetize it?

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4. Build a Strong Subscriber Community

A very important part of making it big in the TV industry is building a trustworthy community of subscribers who you can always rely on for being an active part of your periodic revenue. For this, you’re going to need to cultivate your subscribers and bring them to such a level in the first place.

There are multiple ways you can slowly but surely get subscribers to a point of loyalty where they become a part of your channel’s community and never think of cheating anymore. One of the most capable ways is through giveaways

By holding giveaways every month or a couple of months, you can make sure that the subscribers that aren’t voicing their requirements and the ones who are, are both kept happy and that your TV network has a strong built community at the end of the day that it can call its own.

5. Utilize Features than Fans Want

It’s a never-ending story. Netflix users want a playlist option for their profiles while YouTube users ask for a background play feature, but these high-end organizations seldom offer viewers what they ask for and newer updates and inclusions are mostly focused on performance and capabilities.

In an environment where all the competitors are avoiding creating features and options that the users want for their gains and benefits, your TV network can stand out and offer viewers what they want. There are a bunch of different features often discussed among forums and spaces that internet TV networks should offer but don’t.

You can include features content shareability, well organized categories that show of newly released and featured content, and making sure your video content is available on every device your viewers want to watch from, including the web, mobile, and TV apps. Developing these features and apps can be tough work but if you’ve got a high-quality OTT service provider like TvStartup, you’re not going to face any kind of problem whatsoever. So, make sure to use this strategy and further your success in the ever-growing TV industry.

To implement all these incredible strategies for achieving surefire success for your internet TV network, you’re going to have to make sure you’ve got a CMS that offers all these capabilities and ease of customization of enabled features.

Lucky for you, it just so happens that TvStartup is known for crafting internet TV networks for clients according to their requirements, with an all-in-one CMS offering easy yet in-depth customization tools and much more as well.

Along with that, you’re also going to get your channel’s content available on established popular platforms like Roku TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and much more. So, reach out to TvStartup whenever you feel like it, we’re always here to help. Here’s to your success!

Internet TV is getting bigger and bigger every day. So, get your internet TV network to the pinnacle of the industry with these amazing strategies.

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TvStartup

Introduction

It’s needless to say that despite the major global lockdown in the previous couple of years, the TV industry is thriving and monetization methods, especially SVOD, are booming at the moment.

So, as a TV Network owner who wants to maximize profits while ensuring a great user experience, you must be wondering, “Which monetization method would be the best for my TV network?”

We at TvStartup understand what you’re looking for. That’s why we’ve brought you priceless information about the top monetization methods of the TV industry. Soon, you’ll be able to pick the best options for your TV Network and reach all the goals you’ve laid out. Let’s get started right away.

Ad-Based Monetization: Great for Internet TV Channels

Most internet-based, free-to-use, TV channels are making millions of dollars in revenue through their “Watch Unlimited Content for FREE” model. Whether they’re original TV channels, videogame streaming channels, or even online news channels, ad-based monetization works like a charm for them.

Internet ad-based revenue is generated through banner and post ads, as well as pop-up ads, which might be triggered as a result of clicking or using certain features of a website. Meaning, if the right ad strategy and placement are used, your TV channel can earn a fortune.

So, if you want to offer free content to your audience and attract more interested viewers while still having a profitable channel, ad-based monetization makes it very possible. It is one of the best monetization techniques for internet TV channels, and it will help your TV network reach the top of the industry. Dynamic ad insertion can be integrated from any ad provider to automatically place pre-roll, mid, or post-roll ads into your internet TV channel. You can also insert ads directly from your own sponsors by selling time slots for ad placements to advertisers yourself.

Haven’t started your TV channel yet?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how easy the TvStartup platform makes it to launch and monetize your own TV network.

Subscription-Based Monetization: Perfect for VOD TV Networks

Without a doubt, for video-on-demand TV networks, subscription-based monetization is the best. This is because a channel that has a library of content, capable of being accessed at any time, requires a monetization model that ensures maximum profit while maintaining a wonderful experience for the users. In short, users won’t have to encounter advertisements or disruptions in their streaming.

Having a monthly, weekly, or even yearly subscription plan based on multiple tiers makes this possible. Through this model, any video-on-demand TV network will thrive, given that it offers high-quality content that an audience would love to see.

The perfect examples of how subscription monetization works can easily be seen through Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. So, taking inspiration from these industry giants and use it in your own VOD-based TV network.

Pay-Per-View Monetization: Amazing for Private Events

Pay-Per-View (PPV) monetization is another amazing method that you can use for your TV network. PPV is when a viewer must pay a fee for getting access to your content, which then they can watch as a live stream or save for later viewing during their own leisure time.

This monetization method has worked wonders for many TV networks, especially in the education and sports sectors. PPV monetization is wonderful because creators can utilize the features as they please. Whether it’s a live concert or live event, a learning workshop, or a fundraising event… the sky is the limit when it comes to charging a PPV fee for your videos.

Any content that you think will attract a large audience, who would be willing to pay to access, can be setup as PPV. Just remember that delivering a great viewing experience is crucial for PPV events to succeed.

So, it’s easy to see how you can make use of the pay-per-view monetization method for your TV network if you’re delivering high-quality content that has a lot of demand. With a PPV option, your TV channel will be able to not only generate a high amount of revenue, but it will also help your content stand out in the industry.

Which Monetization Method Should Your TV Network Use?

With so many options available for the monetization of your TV network, you might be confused as to which one would be the best for you to achieve success in the industry. Well, after building thousands of channels here at TvStartup, we can tell you that you no longer have to choose.

You should choose an OTT provider who offers a monetization model that simultaneously utilizes ads, subscriptions, and pay-per-view options. Having every option will allow you to make sure that your TV channel is making its maximum profit, while also delivering a high-quality viewing experience for your audience members.

This means you can have most of your content be free to your audience. On this free content, you will be running automated ad injections to produce profit. This content should be what you use to captivate your audience and get them “hooked.” If you can accomplish this, then you can start charging subscriptions for other categories in your video library. Think of these categories as your premium content that only loyal fans can access. Lastly, any live or special events you wish to promote can be categorized as your PPV videos. Having all these options not only eliminates the stress of choosing between the three, but it also allows you to be paid by all three simultaneously.  

Also, these are just the three major monetization options– the possibilities are truly endless if you’re committed to creating a high-quality TV network. Always think outside of the box if you want to take your channel even further, but trust us, having these three tools already puts you ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

The right monetization method or a combination of methods can make your TV network reach new heights. You shouldn’t have to choose between running ads, charging subscription fees, or hosting pay-per-view events. Like in life, you should always have multiple options when it comes to making money. Ensure that your channel can reach its maximum profit by choosing a software that allows you to fully and directly monetize your content. You’ll be glad you did.  

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TvStartup

Introduction

 

It’s no surprise that the video on-demand segment of the TV industry is flourishing, with millions of people moving to subscribed TV networks and channels that have VOD platforms.

 

 

As someone looking to be a successful TV network owner, you must be wondering how video-on-demand categories work. You’re probably also curious about the procedure of creating a video-on-demand platform for your channel’s content so that you can attract a larger internet-based audience.

 

 

Well, look no further. We’re going to explain to you what VOD truly means, how you can take inspiration from Netflix’s VOD model, the benefits of having a VOD TV channel, and how you can get a high-quality VOD channel created with the right software. 

 

Haven’t started your TV channel yet?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how easy the TvStartup platform makes it to launch and monetize your own TV network.

What’s a Video On-Demand Platform?

If you’re not familiar with what video on-demand (VOD) is, let’s first get you familiar with it. VOD is a media distribution system that delivers content to users without the requirement of a traditional playback device. Whereas traditional TV made consumers view content on a set schedule, VOD offers videos at the viewer’s convenience; viewers choose what to watch, when they want.

 

 

Before the late 90s, the most common form of media distribution was Over-the-Air, which broadcasted channels through TV signals. During that time, there was a lot of media being broadcasted simultaneously, meaning if viewers ended up watching one thing, they had to miss out on another.

 

 

Then thanks to the advancement of worldwide internet access, VOD has quickly became the most popular distribution system. This is because with the arrival of the video-on-demand system, viewers no longer have to pick and choose between content. Every video is available online and can be accessed and seen at any time.

 

 

Now through Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, video on-demand has become a possibility for all TV networks, no matter their size.

 

Why Think Netflix?

Netflix is the undisputed king of video-on-demand platforms on the internet, making tens of billions of dollars in revenue ever since it came into existence and gaining over 222 million+ subscribers worldwide.

 

The reason for mentioning Netflix and its growth is so that you can fully grasp the concept of having VOD categories on your channel. When you think VOD, the first example that should come to mind is Netflix.

 

The reason it should be what comes to mind is because over the years, Netflix has found its success in the streaming industry by creating a user-friendly interface, a large video library, and content worth watching.

 

Most people believe those things only happened because Netflix is a large corporation, but creating VOD categories on your channel the same way Netflix has is possible. And in today’s world, it’s easier than ever.

 

 

How to Create Your Very Own Video On-Demand TV Network

If you’re tired of seeing sub-par results in terms of viewership and subscriptions, then you know switching to, or adding a VOD option to your TV network, will help you gain the numbers you’re looking for. But how do you create a VOD network? Well, the step that matters the most is choosing the right TV network OTT software provider.

 

 

With the right software, you’ll be able to get your TV Network up and running without the hassle of learning complicated code. Make sure you choose a CMS software that gives you the opportunity to create your very own library of content and playlists, uses a stunning interface with your brand’s colors and logos, and has multiple monetization methods to boost your revenue.

 

 

I know you might have been hoping for a step-by-step, how-to-guide on creating a VOD network, but unless you’re someone who is incredibly technologically advanced, the simplest way to make your channel VOD compatible is by finding the right OTT provider with the right CMS software.

 

 

Without an OTT provider, you would have to figure out how to pay for your own Content Delivery Network (CDN), which is a bank of high-powered and pricy servers. Finding software that takes care of everything your channel needs is by far the easiest and fastest way to launch your VOD categories.

 

Benefits of Having a VOD TV Channel

Now it’s time we go over some of the major benefits your TV channel is going to receive once you choose to have VOD options available for your content. Let’s check them out:

 

Reach a Larger Audience

 

It is said that 4.6 billion people have access to the internet. Those 4.6 billion people spend more than an hour each streaming different kinds of content every single day.

 

Having your content as a web-based VOD library, will allow you to organically reach more of these people and gain new subscribers.

 

This is because having VOD distribution lets your content’s presence pan across devices like desktops, smartphones, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, tablets, HTML5, smart TVs, etc. The users on these devices can access your content easier just because your content is readily available on each device. They can’t find your content unless it’s there, and that’s what VOD does; uses the internet to give viewers immediate access to your content.

 

 

Offer Viewers What They Want

 

As mentioned earlier, VOD allows viewers to choose what to watch, when they want. They no longer have to wait for scheduled programing to tell them when the show they want to watch will be on or waste their time watching something they aren’t interested in.

 

By creating 24/7 available video-on-demand categories for your viewers and potential subscribers, they can go straight to the video(s) they’d like to view and watch as many times as they’d like. They can even pause, rewind, fast-forward, and control the video to their exact liking.

 

In the modern world, VOD is the new normal and what people are naturally used to when it comes to watching a TV network’s channel. As history has showed again and again, it’s important you give viewers what they want.

 

 

 

Create a Subscription-Based Model

 

The thing that cable TV channels are known for is their constant ad-inclusion model. They insert ad after ad just to make a steady flow of revenue. Going back to our Netflix example, that isn’t the case with its VOD categories. You watch movies and series without interruptions from advertisers.

 

Yes, you should select an OTT provider that offers ad-injections as a monetization option, but if you want to, you can actually provide your viewers with ad-free content. This is done by setting up a beneficial subscription-based model the same way Netflix has (what can we say, they’re a great example).

 

With the right OTT provider, you will have the options to charge a subscription for the entirety of your channel’s content, a category of your channel’s content, or specific videos in your library. Charging a subscription for certain content, while leaving some content free, is an excellent way to get viewers hooked on your channel so that they pay for your “premium” subscription-based videos. Using VOD subscriptions this way is a great option for channels who are putting out fan-worthy content.

 

 

More Affordable for Viewers

Finally, a very important benefit which will be the reason for gaining and keeping viewers, is the affordability of your VOD categories. It’s no secret that anyone who still pays for cable each month is taking a nice chunk out of their wallet. So, other than having VOD content be super accessible, the main factor that pushes people towards VOD services is the low prices.

 

With VOD channels, viewers know exactly what they’re paying for and why. The content they love is presented in front of them to be played whenever they are ready for a fraction of the cost of cable.

 

The best part about being a channel with VOD capabilities is that you, the channel owner, gets to decide the cost per subscription. Again, this goes back to choosing the right OTT provider so that you can be in control of the amount you want to charge your viewers.

 

It’s also extremely important to note that your OTT provider shouldn’t be taking a large percentage of your subscription revenue.

 

 

Conclusion

Now that video-on-demand has officially taken over the way people watch videos, it’s important that channel owners understand what VOD truly is and how to implement it for their content.

 

By adapting and learning from Netflix’s extremely popular VOD model and selecting the right OTT service provider, channel owners can reach a larger audience and expand the way they monetize their content.

 

Here’s to your success!

 

 

For more reading check out The Genisus Of Roku

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TvStartup

In 2021, the TV industry had a total worldwide revenue of over 230 billion dollars.

 

Introduction

Even though this is an already impressive number, the industry’s annual revenue is said to increase even more in the years to come. With that being said, there has never been a better time to establish your very own TV network. However, before you start your TV channel, there are some things you can consideration and implement so that your channel reaches its ultimate success.

 

Every new TV channel owner needs to make sure they’re familiar with the important beginning strategies, elements, and rules for launching their network.

 

Naturally, we at TvStartup understand that you need all the support you can get. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 important things you need to know before starting your TV channel. So, let’s get started.

 

1. Find Your Niche

The first thing any creator looking to start their own channel should do is establish their channel’s brand, meaning they need to decide what their channel is about.

 

There are different TV industry niches you can choose from depending upon the type of content you’ll be making and the audience you wish to reach. Really take some time out and determine the end goal of your channel. It’s not enough to just pick a genre and roll with it. You need to know the specifics of A) what your channel is trying to accomplish; B) how you’re going to accomplish it, and; C) who your audience is going to be.

 

Once you determine those things, you will determine your niche. And once you determine your nice, it is important you stick with it and always stay on-point when it comes to your content.

 

 

 

2. Get Your Technical Equipment Ready

Making sure that you gather and ready all the technical equipment that you need for your TV Network isn’t something to overlook. Don’t get worried when we say technical equipment because depending upon the scale of your channel and the broadcasting measures, the technical equipment can differ.

 

 

For example, if you’re running a news broadcast, you’re going to need things such as a broadcasting space, apt lighting measures, high-quality cameras, microphones, reporters, and much more.

 

 

On the other hand, if you’re thinking of running an on-demand TV show channel, you can get started with a good CMS, great content, and high-speed internet. So, technical equipment is subjective, but the goal is to get it ready before you start.

 

 

 

3. Choose the Right OTT Service Provider

There are a few OTT service providers out there, mostly focusing on certain aspects of the streaming world. Make sure you select an OTT provider who can accommodate all of your needs, whether you are looking to create video-on-demand categories, schedule playlists, or predominately focus on live streaming.

 

 

It’s very important that you prioritize OTT providers who offer customer support, a user-friendly dashboard, multiple monetization options for your content, the ability to easily collaborate with other creators, and a powerful CMS capable of handling all of your creative needs.

 

 

 

4. Have Some Content Beforehand

Before you start your TV channel, you need to make sure you have at least 4 hours of content. If not, then you won’t have enough video to play on a scheduled playlist.

 

 

Of course, you can start with more than 4 hours of content. The general rule of thumb is just to have at least 4 hours. This helps your channel have a more established feel for those who will see your channel first. You want to always do everything you can to make sure your channel is seen as a dominant player in your niche, especially at the beginning of its launch.

 

5. Know How You’re Going to Get Paid

Obviously, you’re going to have to set up a proper payment method for your viewers and subscribers. This comes along with picking the right OTT provider who should allow you to monetize your content.

 

The OTT provider of your choosing should offer several gateway methods for your viewers to choose from. Whether it be PayPal, Stripe Payment Processing, or another transaction method, make sure you aren’t limited on how you receive your funds.

Your OTT provider should be giving you access to these transactional gateways so that you can generate revenue from your content by A) running ad-injections; B) placing subscription rates on certain or all content and ; C) placing pay-per-view event charges on certain content.

These options allow for a decent amount of profit to be made from your video and audio content. That’s why it is vital that you have the necessary access to different forms of payment.

 

 

Haven’t started your TV channel yet?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how easy the TvStartup platform makes it to launch and monetize your own TV network.

 

 

6. Create Good Content

Without a doubt, the most important part of any channel is its content. From your channel’s initial launch, you’re going to want to start off with a bang. That’s because in today’s world, content is king. You’re going to have to consistently come up with fresh, unique, and high-quality content.

 

If you’re successful in doing so, you’re going to gain the interest and attention of a lot of viewers and hopefully life-long subscribers.

 

Just make sure your content is on brand and matches your niche, and you never force anything that doesn’t align with your channel. The number one mistake content creators make is lack of consistency, which brings us to:

 

 

7. Understand Consistency

Yes, this needs to be said again and again. While most people are aware that consistency plays a major role for any success story, very few truly practice it.

 

When it comes to starting your own TV network, the deciding factor in whether your channel makes it or not can very much be consistency. This is because sadly, many people think putting a piece of content out here or there is going to make them go viral, and in turn, they will become rich and famous.

 

The truth is, you need great content that is put out on a regular basis if you actually want to have a thriving channel. You have to be driven and disciplined when it comes to your craft if you want to reap its benefits.

 

 

 

8. Know Marketing 101

Yes, starting your channel on platforms such as Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV can bring in a large number of organic traffic, no marketing necessary. However, understanding just the basics of how your channel will be marketed is very useful if you want to gain even more in viewership. Alongside choosing an OTT provider who can answer all of your marketing questions, it is best to at least do the minimal amount of research on how to better your channel’s growth.

 

 

Here, we’ll even help you get started. Did you know that platforms such as Roku automatically place every new channel into what they call the, “New Channel Category,” and then separate each new channel by niche so that they are easy to find by new viewers? While that is a huge first step for gaining traffic when you launch your channel, make sure you also check out other resources such as Roku’s 30-day marketing tool and resources on the basics of digital marketing.

 

 

 

9. Use Social Media

So, once you have some of the basics of digital marketing down, use it to your advantage. Post on social media that your new channel is on the way and engage with your followers before you even launch. Build up and leverage your engagement as much as you can so that people get excited about what is to come from your brand and channel. This will ensure that you have both organic traffic from being a new channel and promoted traffic from your social media accounts.

 

 

Also, make sure you have chosen an OTT provider who will allow you to re-stream the content you make on your channel to social media such as YouTube and Facebook. This is incredible important so that you can save time and energy, as you should be focusing on the quality of your content rather than the functionality of the software you are using.

 

 

10. Strategize and Schedule

Lastly, you want to make sure you have a strategized schedule for your content. Remember how we mentioned in finding your niche that you need to have goals when it comes to the specifics of your channel? This is where you decide how you are going to implement your strategy for those goals and create a schedule for your content. 

 

 

Scheduling your content will help you stay on point with your niche and teach you true consistency. We’re not talking about saying things like, “Okay, I’ll post new content twice a week,” and then calling that a schedule. While it’s great to know how often you wish to post, statements like that are lacking critical information and leaving questions unanswered. Which days of the week are you going to post? What kind of content are you going to show your viewers? Make sure you fill in all of the blanks so that your channel stays on track and never leaves your viewers disappointed. 

 

 

Making a great content piece is what gets you an audience, consistently making great content pieces is what KEEPS an audience. Schedules do matter.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Knowing these 10 things before starting your channel will help you build the best possible experience for both yourself and your audience.

 

You can now have a successful channel that brings in both organic and promoted traffic, providing life-long subscribers.

 

And, since you understand the value of monetizing your channel’s content and catering to your audience’s desires, the last thing to do is launch your established TV network. 

 

 

To your success!

 

For more reading check out The Genisus of Roku

 

 

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TvStartup

Introduction

Over the passed few years, Twitch has lead the charts when it comes to live streaming and video content creation. As a TV channel owner, learning how Twitch became such a big success, may allow you to replicate certain methods when it comes to live streaming and broadcasting your own content. It is also important to have the right live streaming tools that allow you to easily re-stream your content to Twitch and other social media platforms. 

 

 

Today’s article is based around the history, fame, and strategies used by Twitch that you can employ in your own live streaming TV channel, as well as the necessary tools needed for a successful live broadcast. These tactics will allow you to push your channel to the next level, and find your place in the new TV streaming industry.

 

 

 

Justin.tv: Twitch’s Humble Beginnings

Twitch, the larger-than-life, live-stream broadcasting video platform wasn’t always what you see it as today. In the beginning of the platform’s journey (think 2007), Twitch was just a gaming subsection on a website that was called Justin.tv.

 

 

Justin.tv was created as a competitor for YouTube by Justin Kan. The purpose of the platform was to allow people around the world to broadcast a variety of live content to an unlimited number of viewers.

 

 

At the very start, Justin.tv had just one channel, made by Justin himself, where he uploaded vlogs of his everyday, 24/7 life.

 

 

Justin.tv started gaining a little bit of popularity, but it still never went where Justin wanted it to. In fact, the small amount of hype that came to the channel, just wasn’t what other creators were looking for.

 

 

Luckily, in 2011, the Twitch TV subsection of Justin.tv quickly became popular due to gaming streams becoming “what was hot”. This lead Justin to completely move Justin.tv to the new website called Twitch.

 

 

 

 

Twitch Understanding its Audience
Twitch’s rise to fame definitely wasn’t an overnight one. However, a lot of incredibly historic moments occurred in the live streaming industry after its creation that worked as catalysts in bringing Twitch to the level of success it has in the industry right now.

 

 

These were events like the League of Legends Tournament in 2012 that hosted a prize worth 2 million dollars and the game ‘PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds’ being released, which allowed Twitch users to live stream themselves playing the game. The reason ‘PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds’ was so popular was because it pitted 100 players against each other in a struggle for survival. Streamers were eager to share their experience on what could be called “the virtual Hunger Games.” The game revolutionized the gaming community and Twitch was the platform benefitting the most from it because it knew it fit perfectly into its niche.

 

 

Twitch realized that giving gamers a platform to share their gaming skills and reactions was something highly sought after. They held on to the concept of giving video gamers their own voice and then expanded from there. If not for its humble beginnings of trial-and-error and sticking to a certain niche, Twitch might not be what it is today.

 

 

 

Haven’t started your TV channel yet?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how easy the TvStartup platform makes it to launch and monetize your own TV network.

What you Can Learn from Twitch’s Fame

As a Live Streaming TV Channel owner, you must be thinking about how you can get your own channel to produce such incredible results. Well, the truth is, you must accomplish this first step; create your own individual identity and make sure you’re not bound by an external platform (yes, this includes Twitch).

 

 

Hold up. Did we just tell you how great Twitch was and then say not to bind yourself to it? Indeed, we did. There’s nothing wrong with Twitch. I mean, obviously, we’ve been raving about it’s history and fame hoping you can learn from it. However, as someone looking to own their own TV streaming network, it’s important to make sure you have the ability to be seen on multiple platforms instead of just one. In essence, your channel should have the ability to become its own app the way Twitch is.

 

 

This is why it’s so important to comprehend how Twitch experienced exponential growth: You can make sure your channel achieves the success it deserves by taking a few notes out of Twitch’s book. Use these notes as inspiration for your very own creative strategies.

 

 

 

We’ll Say it Again: Niche, Niche, Niche
As previously stated, Twitch started off as a video gaming content platform that has brought in billions of hours of viewership over the years. The fact that the website was designed for a particular niche, and then after its success, moved on to other streaming elements really says a lot.

 

 

It should be obvious by now, but what you should learn from this is that you need to find your live streaming channel’s purpose and make sure you create the best content out there in that niche. To get started, find ideas that match your channel’s goal, make good content surrounding that goal, and make sure you’re attracting the right viewers to enjoy your content.

 

 

Follow in the footsteps of Twitch, and make sure you see success in the one area you’re really passionate about before you try to move on to something new. Booming channels are always focused, on-topic or on-brand, excited about what they do, and well-engaged with their audience. Just because you see a little bit of an increase in viewers, doesn’t mean you should move on to a new, completely different topic. Those viewers went to your channel because they liked what you already had. Stay on-point and stay on task. If you pay attention, your audience will always tell you what they want, one way or another.

 

 

 

Build Your Channel’s Community

Twitch has done a great job of keeping its community strong. From streamers to viewers, subscribers to fans, everyone knows their place and understands their value to the platform. Twitch makes it easy for each of the members of its community to interact with one another.

 

 

This tactic is incredibly important for a Live Streaming Channel to succeed. In fact, any kind of channel needs to build a community and ensure that it is strong enough to stand with the channel when needed. The stronger your channel’s community, the more opportunity it has to grow.

 

 

This goes back to ensuring that you’re producing a quality channel for your viewers. And along with that quality, comes an open community that offers a sense of belonging. The use of communities isn’t just a way to bring people together (which of course is great), but it’s also a very beneficial marketing tool for your channel. If you can get viewers to become a part of your community and give them positive feelings just by being a member of your channel, they will always come back. It’s good for them, and it’s good for you. 

 

 

 

Create an Attractive User Experience

Twitch’s website and mobile application have both undergone massive visual updates and changes over the last few years. The purpose has always been to make sure that users and viewers have the perfect experience and feel drawn towards the platform.

 

 

Without a doubt, this is one of the most important factors for any website. So, if you’re creating an internet TV channel for your live streams, you’re going to have to make sure its user interface is suited for the targeted audience. How do you do this?

 

 

Here’s a quick tip; try to focus on these four elements when it comes to making your channel visually appealing: design and color, graphics, functionality, and consistency. Yes, it is going to take some time and research, but hey, all good things do.

 

 

 

Stay Dedicated to Your Craft

Clearly, Twitch didn’t reach this high level of success overnight. We’ve already discussed its humble beginnings as Justin.tv and the road to its accomplishments. Keeping all of that in mind, try to realize that you will also need to stay focused and dedicated to your TV channel in order to see the results you want.

 

 

Something we at TvStartup constantly preach is consistency. While that may seem like a no brainer, it’s usually easier said than done. People often think they understand how consistency works, but then when put to the task, fail to stay on track. The truth is, to achieve your goal of having a well-known streaming channel, you need to make sure you create great content and do it regularly without fail. With special content and dedication to your craft, you will eventually make your mark and get to the level of success that you’re looking for.

 

 

 

 

Live Stream Like a Pro

In today’s overwhelmingly technological world, it is critical that anyone looking to have a profitable live streaming channel has the right software and tools to reach success. There are three very important key elements all live streamers should have access to: a re-streamer, a video archiver, and pay-per-view options for their content. 

 

 

 

Why Use a Re-Streamer

A re-streamer is a software tool that allows you to re-stream your live video content to popular social media platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. As previously mentioned, in today’s technology-crazed world, it can sometimes be stressful to share your content over and over again on all of the available social media platforms. A re-streamer helps you build your authority as your own live streaming channel (in essence, becoming your own Twitch application), while also giving you the ability to share your content on socials and your website. 

 

 

With software that is equipped with a re-streamer, you can easily record your live stream and then share it to those platforms with a click of a button. Cross-platform publishing should be of the upmost importance for those wanting to establish an accomplished live streaming channel because it makes managing your channel’s content easier, and it saves time by eliminating the hassle of going in and out of multiple platforms to share the same video.

 

 

 

 

Why Use a Video Archiver

All live streamers should have software that has a video archiver feature. This enables you to record and archive your broadcasts. Archiving your videos is important because it gives you the opportunity to manage and preserve files that aren’t currently being used, but still have value.

 

 

The software you use should have its archiver as a built-in feature because any one who knows live streamers knows that they have mountains of video content. Preserving your content should be a top priority, not only for safe keeping, but for reference and inspiration later on. If you can keep all of your content archived, you will always be able to go back to any of the videos you’ve saved and learn from past mistakes, as well as work on unfinished projects. So, yes, an archiver is a must. 

 

 

 

 

Pay-Per-View Options

Having a pay-per-view option for your live streams isn’t only crucial for standing out in today’s competitive industry, but it’s also a great way to monetize content.

 

 

Offering your viewers pay-per-view content solidifies that your channel means business because you will be producing content that is worth paying for. It’s easily the best way to establish your authority as a heavy-hitter in the live streaming industry.

 

 

Pay-per-view live events are also a simple way to monetize your important content. So, make sure you are using software that provides you with the ability to charge a fee for any of your live streams that you deem worthy. This can be a huge advantage for content creators who live stream things such as premieres or concerts, but is not limited to only those events. 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

Twitch was one of the first platforms for live streaming video content, and it worked because of an incredibly innovative idea. The changes Twitch brought to the streaming world and its consistency in bettering its service are amongst the many reasons why it succeeded so greatly in its industry.

 

 

As a TV Network owner, your vision is to have the same kind of success story. By understanding the progression of Twitch and its platform, and knowing the value of re-streaming, archiving, and offering pay-per-view content, you are now able to establish your channel.

 

 

Time to get to work.

 

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TvStartup

Introduction

Although these are already impressive stats, the number is actually said to increase in the next few years. It’s projected that this, in turn, will cause the gaming industry’s expected revenue to reach $3.5 billion by 2025. So, it is safe to say that gaming channels aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

But, the real question is, “Can you create a profitable gaming channel?” With so many social media platforms and video content websites already available, it may seem intimidating to get your channel started.

Despite your possible hesitation, yes, gaming channels are absolutely worth making… with the right content and tools of course.

In this article, we’re going to discuss why gaming TV channels are a good idea to invest in, how they can be successful, and a few marketing tips that can help you establish your channel as a leader in the gaming community. So, let’s get right to it.

As someone interested in starting their own Video Gaming Channel, you need every tool you can get. Ask about TvStartup’s brand new Broadcast Studio and Re-streamer. Everything you need for your production in one dashboard.

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how you can launch and monetize your own TV network.

 

 

Gaming TV Channel: 3 Reasons it’s a Good Idea

 

 

Reason 1: Relatively Newer Market

 

The first reason is that, compared to other industries, it is an unexplored niche. That may sound crazy, but if you think about it, there are very few dedicated gaming TV channels available in the market.

 

Sure, there are some household named streamers in today’s world, but that doesn’t mean gaming TV channels are anywhere near meeting their potential. Other markets such as cable TV stations, YouTube, and social media sharing channels are oversaturated. Everyone has an account and they’re all sharing the same content.

 

The idea of creating a personalized gaming TV channel that is essentially it’s own application has been just that; an idea. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch aren’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to either. With the right broadcasting studio and re-streamer, not only can you publish your own application, but you can also still restream your content to YouTube and Twitch. This will give you the unique opportunity to both stream on multiple platforms (including your own), and stand out from anyone else who has a niche in gaming.

 

Reason 2: Astonishing Rise in Numbers

 

The second reason is the growth of the gaming industry. In the past 10 years, the viewership of video content has gone from a few million people every year to billions of people watching annually. Also, not only are these people watching and enjoying, they are subscribing and spending money on premium content and merch. Creating your channel would just be the first step in marketing your love for gaming.

 

With your own gaming TV channel, the possibilities are endless. You would be able to capitalize on an industry that is still growing. Picture yourself right now as the Wright Brothers. Your goal is to invent something never before seen (the airplane) in an industry that has the means to produce it (aeronautic knowledge). The gaming community is going to do nothing but grow. Make sure you’re ready and are taking advantage of the very bright future that is to come.

 

Reason 3: Be Your Own Boss

 

The third, and final reason, is the freedom having your own gaming TV channel provides to content creators. Having a successful channel creates an environment that releases you from the bounds of corporate guidelines and strict measures.

 

An accomplished channel will mean that you are your own boss (a glory almost everyone wishes they could have). While it’s not as easy as one might hope, it still means that all of the revenue your channel generates, is yours– not your manager’s, not your CEO’s, not a corporations. If done right, your gaming channel could actually find itself competing with the multi-million-dollar companies posing as platforms for content creators.

 

 

 

 

How to Outperform Competitors

 

As the famous saying goes, “To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best.”. So, if you truly want your gaming TV channel to outperform competitors and bring more views and subscribers, you’re going to have to outdo the competition.

 

How do you out-do multi-million-dollar companies? Well, do what they haven’t yet and give audiences what they want. Let’s say you have a bit of a following as a gaming presence on the internet, so you create your very own personal gaming internet TV platform. Here are some ways you can outperform competing companies:

 

Create a Stunning Interface – A good interface for any application or website can increase user interest by 200%. So, by creating an appealing interface for your gaming TV channel, you can attract a larger audience and higher the probability of them wanting to be a part of your community. 

Make Affordable and Valuable Tiers – Make sure your content ranges over a large pricing spectrum so that you can grow your audience. Creating multiple pricing tiers provides users with a variety of options based on their financial situation. This is something that is quite often missed on the larger gaming content platforms. 

 

Add Features and Inclusions– In the beginning, if you don’t have a large following yet, you may have to start from scratch. Later on, after you gain viewership, your audience will always tell you what they want. An apt example of this is people begging for YouTube to add the feature of letting videos continue to play when the application is in the background. The key concept to take away is learning how to listen to your supporters. Whether you ask for their advice or not, their criticism is the only feedback that matters. Grow your channel for them, because of them, and with them.

 

Put Forth Content that Matters – By truly understanding your audience and who your target is supposed to be, you can create and put forth content that people love. Not only is it about playing well-liked video games, it’s about your ability to record your videos, uploading them easily, and restreaming them on other popular platforms, all while maintaining your channel’s unique personality. It may seem like a lot at first, but thanks to qualified OTT services, you have the tools to get it done.

 

 

Tips on Expanding Your Gaming TV Channel

Once you’ve established your gaming TV channel, you’re going to have to market it to your target audiences effectively. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some cool tips and tricks that you can use to build and expand your audience: 

 

Collaborating with Other Gamers

 

If you can get a hold of other gaming personalities (possibly with a larger following) and collaborate on a project/stream, this can organically increase the numbers of viewers your channel gets.

Also, the collaboration might even bring interested viewers from other communities to your channel. This is because the more channels you are on, the greater the probability of you and your own channel being found. Networking is still one of the most powerful ways to grow your audience. 

 

Holding Giveaways and Giving Freebies

 

You should make sure you have a budget set before you implement this tip because it’s going to cost you a little bit of an investment. However, the advantage of giveaways is that they can increase the return rate of new viewers.

It can be as simple as holding a contest or a raffle either via your email list or actual viewers on a particular stream. Choose a lucky winner and give them something to remember your channel by. It doesn’t have to be some grand gesture. As long as it is unique to you and/or your channel, it will leave a memorable impression.

Giveaways like this will help you build your email list of potential life-long fans, and a solid email list will also help for future marketing of your gaming TV channel. Clearly, everything goes hand-in-hand. And, to think, a few freebies here and there can get you started.

 

Playing Viral Games

 

Okay, so this one might sound obvious, but we need to cover it anyway. C’mon, there might be some newbies who need our help too.

Depending on the type of gaming content you make, it’s a wise choice to find games that are viral and within your channel’s bracket, and play them for your viewers. Whether your channel’s aesthetic is known for being funny, obnoxious, chill, highly skilled, or whatever your niche may be, play what’s popular to your advantage. You don’t have to play the games the way everyone else plays– stay unique, and let your channel gain some traction by being a part of viral content. 

 

 

Conclusion

The gaming market is currently on an exponential rise. That’s why creating a gaming TV channel with your own unique spin can lead to a successful future investment for those with a passion in the gaming industry. With the right tools, such as a Broadcast Studio and Re-streamer, your very own gaming TV channel can find it’s place in the ever-growing gaming world. Lastly, implementing simple marketing techniques can help you expand your channel so that you can compete in said growing world.

Want to learn exactly how you can create your own TV channel?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how you can launch and monetize your own TV network.

Gaming is the future, and the future is here.

TvStartup

Want to learn exactly how you can create your own TV channel?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how you can launch and monetize your own TV network.

Introduction 

If you want your content to reach audiences across the globe and see abundant channel growth with your own network on connected TV platforms, having your own channel app on Apple TV’s platform is a great opportunity to do so. Apple TV apps have built-in functionality for your on-demand/archived content, categories, scheduled broadcasts and live streams.  

 

Apple TV has become a leading platform in the streaming industry– providing trust, quality design and service, and dedicated users across its platform. 

 

Let’s take a deeper dive into Apple TV’s unique audience, and how it can give you the inspiration you need to share your content. 

 

 

Apple TV: What is it?

Apple TV is a highly-used media player (often referred to as an Apple Box)
with software programs and interfaces that allow devices to stream content from iTunes, co-partnered platforms, Apple TV+, and other channels.

  

In fact, the interface of Apple TV applications is currently so well-liked and appreciated by worldwide streaming services, that many other platforms try to deliver a similar interface. 

  

There is tough competition for Apple TV by Roku and Amazon Fire TV, but… other platforms just aren’t Apple. Dedication to quality has allowed Apple TV to stand out against other streaming platforms. Apple TV constantly provides its users with a premium experience, both functionally and visually.  

  

 

Opportunity for Growth 

Apple’s mission for constant expansion gives content creators the momentum to grow their channel faster by allowing them to reach a more engaged , worldwide audience.

 

If you have an existing TV network on other big names like Roku or FireTV, expanding to Apple TV will enable your content to be seen by a new segment of living room viewers who you wouldn’t reach otherwise.

It’s a common trend for viewers to pick a connected TV box and stick with it as their preferred device. Many viewers who watch on Apple TV won’t watch on Roku, and the same applies for Roku viewers who are more unlikely to also be watching on Apple TV.

This means you can tap into a new audience you couldn’t reach if your content is only available on a single platform, and also gives your audience more options for watching your content from any device.

 

 

 

Well-Known and Trusted 

 

By now, it’s no secret that Apple takes both viewer’s and creator’s privacy very seriously. This is just one way that Apple TVs have built trust amongst consumers. Bringing users peace of mind has helped Apple develop a loyal user base.

 

Hence, having your own channel on Apple TV means that the viewers who find you organically may be more comfortable with your channel since they already trust the platform. 

 

This is a really important aspect to consider when starting your own TV channel. Launching on Apple TV to expand your network not only delivers users application privacy, but also confidence and credibility in your channel. And, let’s face it, credibility is a crucial element in growing your audience.  

 

 

 

Quality  

Apple TV’s streaming boxes have dedicated processors that are designed to make things run as smoothly as possible. This, in part, is why they are a bit pricy compared to other interfaces.

 

 

Despite being costly though, Apple TV still has the 40-million users we talked about earlier… and they’re still growing! 

 

The point is that regardless of Apple TV devices being priced a bit higher than the competition, consumers will continue to use them because they are familiar, easy to operate, and well-liked. Essentially, Apple TV has already put out billions of dollars and done all of the heavy lifting when it comes to building a relationship with its users. 

 

Since this relationship has already been built, starting a channel on Apple TV gives content creators a leg-up when it comes to finding a quality audience for their channel. Like in every facet of life, quality will always trump quantity. However, and fortunately for those looking to start their channel, Apple TV has proven to have both. 

 

 

   

 

 

Apple’s Audience Loves to Subscribe 

 

Obviously, there’s already a huge, featured audience waiting for new content. I mean, did we mention the 40-million users?  

  

Furthermore, there’s another important factor when looking at Apple TV’s audience growth; the implementation of Apple TV+. 

 

Apple TV+ offers a selection of original production film and television series called Apple Orginals. While you might not be producing Apple Originals for Apple TV, understanding the exponential rise in users because of Apple TV+, will help you recognize how Apple’s audience is segmented.  

 

Apple TV+ has already accumulated approximately 20-million subscribers since its launch in 2019. Those are some major numbers to be pulling in only a 3-year time period. 

 

This proves that Apple TV users are consumers who are willing to subscribe to valuable content. They are always looking for the next captivating thing to hold their attention. The demand is clearly there. Now it’s just time to supply users with the content they so eagerly want.

 

As a content creator and artist, it’s obvious that Apple TV’s engaging and content-hungry audience is enough to bring those deep, pit-of-the-stomach butterflies most of us haven’t felt since we were children. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a great feeling to have. Enjoy it, and take inspiration in knowing that there are viewers out there who are willing to subscribe to a variety of worthy content channels. 

  

Why To Expand to Apple TV

Apple TV delivers easy-to-use functionality, assurance amongst its users, and a quality that is unmatched by its competitors. Most of us consumers know this from our own experience with the brand.

 

Apple TV makes the perfect platform for new and growing TV channels to expand past the #1 pick of Roku and it’s close competitor Fire TV, offering content creators a uniquely segmented audience. By getting your channel on Apple TV’s platform, you’ll be opening the gates to millions of potential viewers and followers—viewers who are willing to pay access to your valuable content.

 

Now it’s just time to create. 

Want to learn exactly how you can create your own TV channel?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how you can launch and monetize your own TV network.

TvStartup

Introduction 

 

 

After seeing statistics like that, the importance of having great content may seem obvious, but actually, many creators and TV network owners fail to understand why good content matters. And, in turn, they end up making sub-par content that doesn’t do well. 

 

So, whether your channel focuses on education, news, sports, TV series and movies, whatever your niche may be, make sure that your videos are creative, consistent, and talk-worthy. 

 

If you grasp this concept of needing great content, but you’re not exactly sure how to better your channel’s content, then you’ve come to the right place.

 

When it comes to content creation, nowadays it’s all about 3 things: overall message, appearance, and consistency. This post will help you conquer all three of these key elements. 

 

 

Haven’t started your TV channel yet?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how easy the TvStartup platform makes it to launch and monetize your own TV network.

Impressive Content Goes Viral 

Did you know that Hwang Dong-Hyuk (the director of Squid Game) came up with the show’s idea in 2008, and it took him more than 10 years to bring it to fruition? More importantly, did you know that the show has been watched for more than 1.6 billion hours on Netflix? 

Squid Game proves that, no matter what it is or how long it takes for it to get on the screens in front of viewers, impressive content goes viral. While you may not be as patient as Hwang Dong-Hyuk, you can still use this knowledge to set a goal: make sure your content is memorable. 

If you’ve researched viral content, you’ve probably heard or seen, “content that evokes high-arousal positive (awe) or negative (anger or anxiety) emotions is more viral.”  

While this is true, the top 3 emotional responses associated with viral content are: happiness, love, and admiration. If the video you share can evoke one of these emotions while allowing viewers to feel in control, your channel is more likely to go viral. 

Of course, not everything you put on your channel will adhere to that rule. That’s why you need to know how to find new ideas that work for your channel. 

 

 

 

Study Similar Channels 

 

 

Thanks to the internet, there are plenty of ways to get inspired and find success.  

 

Look for channels that are within your niche and have the same target audience as you, and study what it is they’re doing right. Don’t try to become that channel (it’s important you stay unique to yourself), but let them be an outline for your wanted outcome. 

 

Pablo Picasso is widely quoted as having said that “good artists borrow, great artists steal.” While we don’t promote theft or plagiarism, we hope that you take this quote as meaning, ‘all art is taken from other art.’ Don’t be afraid to be inspired by others; it doesn’t make you any less of a creative.  

 

 

 

Collaborating with Other Creators 

 

 

Another great way to increase the value of your content is by collaborating with others. Yes, you read that right; networking is still a fantastic way to give you a competitive edge.  

 

Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” In the digital age, this still stands true. Reaching out to those who may have a larger following and making an impression on them, can often lead to collaborations that lead to you having a larger audience.  

 

Now, it may take some time to find the right collaboration, but that’s okay. You’re looking for quality here, someone you can build a lasting relationship with.  

 

Make sure you and your collaborator know your message and stick to it. 

 

 

Licensing Content 

 

 

Sometimes, constantly producing content can feel overwhelming, and that’s exactly why learning how to properly license content can, not only bring creators relief, but also help grow their audience. 

 

Licensed content is “content produced by a professional publisher that can be legally licensed for use on your own website.” 

 

Remember the 3 key elements we talked about in the introduction (overall message, appearance, and consistency)? Using licensed content can easily become your secret weapon that allows your channel to stand out and look more professional.  

 

Again, don’t feel bad if you need help getting your channel up-and-running. The beauty of being an artist in this day and age is that everybody has an opportunity to succeed. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of tools out there made to bring your channel to the next level. 

 

 

Consistency is Key 

 

 

Now that you know a few ways to better your channel’s content, you must realize the main factor in any successful channel is consistency.  

 

More often than not, people are looking for a ‘get-rich-quick scheme.’ However, true creatives—the one’s with passion, are the ones who succeed in the end.  

 

Always remember that the characteristic of persistence is one of the most admirable traits, and self-belief will always conquer anyone else’s doubt.  

 

Conclusion 

 

 

Not only is exceptional content vital to your channel’s growth, but how you make or obtain said content is equally as important.  

 

So, you have your motivation. You have ideas on how to make your channel more memorable, creative, and appealing. You’ve learned how to better your channel’s content.  

 

Now it’s time to do your research on your niche, find fellow content creators to work with, and implement the things you’ve learned to stand out.

 

Here’s to your success.  

 

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Dreaming of starting your own TV network?

Making good content for your TV Channel is the baseline for success.

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how you can launch and monetize your own TV network.

TvStartup

According to the latest stats, over 35 million people in the U.S alone have cut cords when it comes to cable TV and in 2022 the number of cord cutters is predicted to reach at 55 million+

With this unbelievable rise in the cord-cutting population of the U.S and the entire world, it is very important for all TV networks (large-scale and indie) to adapt to the new technology and make sure it is just as profitable for them as it is for the customers.

So, as an indie TV network owner, you must be curious as to what the future of cord-cutting will truly be like and how will it affect the TV industry? Well, that’s a very interesting question.

In fact, TvStartup.com realizes the need for you to learn about the effect of cord-cutting on the future of the cable TV industry which is why we’ve gathered all that you need to know about cord-cutting into this comprehensive post, so you can be successful with your own TV channel.

Before we get into the future of cord-cutting and how people are switching to watching content digitally, let’s take a look at what cord-cutting really is, to get an understanding of the changing TV technology and how you can adapt to it.

Want to learn exactly how you can create your own TV channel?

Schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how you can launch and monetize your own TV network.

What is Cord-Cutting?

Cord-cutting refers to the process of TV content consumers and audiences canceling their Pay TV subscriptions and dropping cable TV channels or simply reducing the time spent on cable or satellite TV channels and reducing their number of channels to switch to content service providers and TV networks powered by the internet.

The typical reason for consumers cutting cable cords and moving towards digital internet-based TV channels is because of the variety of content and the cheaper subscription prices that lucrative cord-cutting channels provide to users around the global village of the internet.

This trend of cord-cutting seems to keep growing as more users are starting to prefer some sort of combination of IPTV content servicer providers and internet broadcast connections which end up being preferable to consumers than going for satellite-based or generic cable TV channels.

So, naturally, as a TV network owner, if you want to truly achieve success and utilize the cord-cutting market to your channel’s advantage, tapping into this heavily growing market is very important.

Cord-Cutting Stats and Figures to Look Out For

Since 2016, cord-cutting has been increasing every single year by the millions, that too, only the nations and consumers that have been tracked. For reference, in 2019, over 6.3 million people cut cords and moved towards internet TV subscription channels.

This was an overall 18.3 percent increase in the number of cord-cutters than the previous year (2018). In the following years, more and more people switched to internet TV for varying reasons but the numbers haven’t stopped growing around the world.

Despite the popularity of cable TV from the previous few decades, now, only 55% of people with access to television have cable TV subscriptions. This number is projected to dip much further by 2030 which is less than 10 years away. So, it is evident that a change is necessary for cable TV network owners.

This doesn’t mean that TV network owners completely need to change the system because the cable TV market is still in the game, despite losing millions of subscribers each year. Cord-cutters just need to become more of a targeted market for growing channels looking for audiences and growth in the industry. Connected (internet based) TV is the trend, clearly, going forward.

To put things in perspective, here’s a fact for you; Netflix alone has more viewers around the world than both cable and satellite TV viewers combined. This is an unbelievably staggering number but it is the reality and it shows how fast internet TV is growing.

Especially when it comes to teenagers and the new generation that’s more technology-forward, internet TV is more captivating and interesting. And that notion is going to continue building as technology, the internet, and online streaming becomes more popular among the masses in the coming few years. So, cord-cutting is definitely the future of TV.

Digital content creation is the future of the TV industry. If you want to thrive, you need to have your TV network on internet TV.

But if you’re not sure how that works, you can learn about it with us. Join TvStartup’s Live Demo and our highly professional strategists will share their guidance with you and explain to you how TvStartup.com will help your TV channel reach the peak of success. It is just that simple.

Cord-Cutting Benefits

When it comes to cord-cutting in the TV industry and switching to internet-based TV channels, there are a lot of benefits for both consumers and TV channel owners. Let’s take a look at some of these advantages to get an idea of why cord-cutting is a step in the right direction for the prosperity of the TV industry.

Content is Available Everywhere

One of the best benefits of cord-cutting and switching to internet-based TV channels is the fact that, unlike cable TV, the content can be watched anywhere at any time. Whether you’re in one room, or the other, traveling or, laying on the beach, you’re going to be able to see the content that you love. That’s great for both consumers and creators.

Subscription Costs are Less

One of the many problems with cable TV is that the subscription costs and collective fees are too much to handle for the average consumer, especially compared to the value that users can get by switching to streaming platforms. By providing content in a centralized cloud-based platform on the internet, the TV channel owners can give more to the consumers while reducing the subscription costs which is exactly what the audience wants.

More Variety of Content to Watch

Cable TV is under the control of the service provider. This is a fact since every program runs on its provided time and exactly for the amount of time it is dedicated. You can’t switch between content that used to run in the past and doesn’t anymore. On the contrary, internet-based channels allow you to choose on-demand from a variety of content whenever you want to without any kind of restriction.

No Need for Unnecessary Channels

When you’re subscribing to internet-based TV channels and effectively cord-cutting, you’ll have a list of channels that you and your family like to watch and enjoy. This helps you choose the right channels and pay for only the things that you like to watch. So, you won’t be paying an excessive amount of money for content that you don’t like to or want to watch.

How can Your TV Channel adapt to a Cord-Cutting Market?

The future is very bright for cord-cutting and internet-based TV channels and networks. As the trend of cutting cords gets more popular with time and more people move towards internet TV subscriptions, you’re going to want to become a part of the trend.


As an indie TV network owner, the strategy that you need to go for is creating an online presence and a platform for online streaming of your content. If you already have a cable channel, you need to quickly integrate into the cord-cutting community by creating an internet-based version of your channel.

You might be thinking, how will my internet TV channel make the revenue that it needs to? Well, it’s simple. To make sure your TV channel makes bank, you’re going to have to utilize advertising in a better way. Plus, you don’t have to make your content completely free to watch either.

All you need to do is offer your audience a lucrative deal with better subscription prices, or free content with sponsorships and/or ads powering your monetization strategy, and many viewers are going to flood towards your internet TV channel. So, as long as you’re in tune with the trend, you can transition from cable to internet TV platforms, save big time on your network, and grow your audience all at the same time.

Conclusion

As the world moves towards a cord-cutting television consumption market, the ideal strategy for your TV channel’s growth will definitely be launching or transitioning to connected (internet) TV. And a secondary option is creating a hybrid solution that offers both cable and internet channel options to your audience, which would only be effective if you have an existing cable TV network.

Not sure how to do that? Well, that’s where TvStartup.com comes into play. With the excellent expertise of our professionals, you can set up your very own TV channel (internet, cable, and satellite) on the best platforms in front of millions of captive living room viewers.

Along with that, our high-quality CMS contains the best features for easy management of your channel and even mobile applications for tapping into the mobile streaming market.

To learn exactly how you can create your own TV channel, schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how you can launch and monetize your own TV network.

Being the reason for a multi-billion dollar dip in the Pay TV subscription industry, cord-cutting is definitely going strong in pulling the viewing audience towards it. Curious about learning more about the modern TV industry news and opportunities? We’re here for you. All you need to do is subscribe to our newsletter and you’ll stay ahead of the competition.

(stats source: emarketer and techjury.net)

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Did you know that over 75% of digital media consumers took a new interest in the online media platforms and channels in 2021? As unbelievable as it sounds, it is most certainly true and it shows the exceptional rise in the cord-cutting community around the world.

So, there’s no better time to start your TV Channel right now and market it to the billions of people on the internet awaiting new content, channels, and shows to watch.

In today’s day and age, starting a channel to showcase on platforms like Roku, Fire TV, Apple, and Android TV, isn’t that difficult. There will be a lot of competition but what matters is how you stand out and take the high road straight to the top of the industry.

For that, you’re going to have to learn effective techniques of marketing your TV network the right way. And we at TvStartup know and understand that. So, we’ve brought you the 5 best ways of marketing your TV Channel effectively.

But before we delve into these techniques, it is essential for us to take a look at how important digital marketing is, in today’s TV industry. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

The Importance of Digital Marketing in the TV Industry

In the age of Netflix and Amazon Prime, viewers don’t only watch shows that appear on their cable televisions and feel content. They explore the internet, social media, blogs, SERPs, and other places for new channels, shows, and things to watch.

An apt example is Netflix’s marketing strategy which utilizes emails to introduce new subscribers to content that might match their preferences. Netflix’s ROI is multi-fold and it shows how well they’re penetrating the market with billions of dollars in revenue that they made only in 2021.

Over 93% of online interactions and transactions start from search engines, so with the help of the right digital marketing strategy, you can advertise your TV Network, win viewers and subscribers, and get the best results in the TV industry as well. Since the start of 2022, it is open season and the perfect time to develop all your techniques and strategies to make your market in the industry.

Digital marketing is essential for your own TV Channel’s success. But before you create your marketing strategy, you need to know how TV Channels work.

To learn exactly how you can create your own TV channel, schedule a free LIVE DEMO to see first-hand how you can launch and monetize your own TV network.

5 Ways of Marketing Your TV Channel Effectively

So, you’re thinking of marketing your TV Channel to the right audiences at the right time to bring them into your viewer base? Well, with these 5 incredible ways of marketing your TV Channel effectively, you’re going to be able to do that and much more. Let’s check them out.

1. Social Media Promotion


With over 400 million users coming online in the last year, over 4.55 billion people in the world use social media and a large proportion of them consume digital media and online shows and content. So, the first market you need to target for your TV Channel is the world of social media.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are being accessed by most of the world every single day, and marketing to these people through advertisements, and social media posts are incredibly important.

With the help of posts, built-in advertising tools, accounts, and professional reviews, you can market your TV Network to billions of people on social media and get massive heaps of new viewers and subscribers to try out and stick with your channel for good.

2. CTV Marketing


For an indie TV Channel, finding ways of low-cost marketing and getting out the right message to your targeted audiences who actually prefer your content and would be more likely to watch what you’re churning out is difficult.

But that’s where CTV Marketing comes into play. CTV or Connected TV advertising is a method of using skippable advertising videos that are shown to viewers and audience groups with similar viewing behaviors and preferences. It is way better than the simple banner ad strategy that has been around for quite a long while and has become ineffective by now.

Platforms like YouTube and other streaming websites allow such advertising and since it isn’t shoving your content down the throats of potential audiences, they’re more likely to watch your content and even leave a subscription and become a devoted viewer.

3. SEO Blogging


Search engines like Google, Bing, etc. generate multi-billion results for every query that they receive. A few of these results showing on the top result pages are advertisements but the rest of them are completely organic and perfectly search engine optimized.

Using the knowledge and experience of an SEO blogger, or by getting your content reviewed by a website that gets tons of traffic on their blogs, you can easily market your TV Channel and the cost for this might not be significant at all in comparison to brick and mortar advertising tools.

So, having blog posts and articles written about your TV Channel and your content will surely bring a lot of potential subscribers to your viewer base. Make sure you explore this marketing tactic quite well.

4. Media Collaboration


One of the biggest forms of marketing that requires the least productive effort is a collaboration with other media companies and organizations to create a cross-over that helps both the viewer bases to mix up and attract even more people to both parties.

If you’re the owner of a TV Network, the most effective way of going around with a media collaboration is by attracting production companies and advertising companies to market your content and offering some benefits to them by signing a mutually agreed upon MOU.

There are dozens of examples of digital media platforms and channels collaborating and providing audiences what they want in exchange for their undivided attention and subscriptions like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video, Roku and Netflix, and many others as well. So, if you want to get a good amount of audience watching your content, media collaborations are important.

5. Email Marketing


Taking notes from Netflix’s email marketing strategy, using the simple yet incredibly effective approach of marketing your content to potential viewers and even your subscriber base through sending specialized emails with stunningly tasteful designs can definitely be a great way of gaining success in the industry.

If email marketing is done right, every single dollar spent on the email marketing procedure can end up returning around $42 which is an astonishing return on investment. By taking up email marketing, you can expand your TV Network quite a lot and make your mark on the internet.

So, by creating a proper email marketing strategy, using a defined schedule and email flow, you can market your TV channel to interested viewers and consumers all over the world. It is definitely one of the best ways to go about gaining new subscribers and getting success in the TV industry.

Do all these techniques apply to YOUR TV Channel?

The best thing about these 5 ways of marketing TV Channels is that they work irrespective of what niche you’re in. Whether you’re making an educational content channel or a gaming one, using these tricks will help you gain an audience no matter what.

If your TV Channel is introducing a new niche to the industry, you can mold these techniques according to your style and make sure you get the best out of them because the content enthusiasts around the world are always hungry for more, and your content could be just what they’re looking for!

Conclusion

With the help of these incredibly effective marketing strategies, you’re going to be able to expand your TV network with tons of new subscribers and viewers and reach more than 40% of the world’s population who use the internet to watch TV shows and content.

So, are you ready to start your TV Channel and market your content with the help of TvStartup? We’re here for you whether you want a Cable, Internet, or Satellite TV Network started up and on the road to success.

Furthermore, with the help of our simple yet rich turn-key CMS, you can easily upload, broadcast, and create content for your viewers to stream easily. So, come to TvStartup and make your TV Channel the next big thing in the industry!

2022 is the year of TV creators. Using the right tools and techniques, you can make it big in the industry and get millions of subscribers and viewers watching your amazing content.

To see how the process of launching your own channel works, schedule a free Live Demo with our experienced channel strategists.

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It might blow your mind to hear this, but in the last 5 years from 2016 to 2021, the Live Streaming market has been estimated to grow from $30 Billion to a whopping $70 Billion+.

Whether we take into account sports events, or reality TV shows, the Olympics, or the News, the live streaming market is booming and becoming more popular by the day.

In fact, people are more likely to watch and interact with a live video instead of a blog (it’s a bit sad). This just shows that audiences like to feel immersed in content that they’re witnessing in real-time.

This goes to tell you that if you want to make your mark in the digital content industry, starting your very own Live Streaming TV Network is the first step towards amazing success.

If you’re completely new to the concept of Live Streaming and you’re wondering what you’re going to need to be able to live stream your content (belonging to any niche) without facing any difficulties.

Well, to give you the perfect idea of how you can start your own Live broadcasting channel, we’ve made a list of the most important tools and equipment you’re going to need. But before that, let’s see why exactly you need to start live streaming to achieve success in the TV Networking industry.

Why Live Streaming is the Future of TV Networking

Live Streaming and Broadcasting is an ever-growing platform. The Live Streaming industry is estimated to become worth over $184 Billion in the next 6 years going up to 2027. In the last year alone, millions of businesses shifted to live streaming, Q&As, and broadcasting platforms to market their products and services.

The internet is slowly becoming a platform solely dedicated to video streaming and broadcasting which makes live streaming the perfect business niche to get into with a very high success rate.

With the help of interactive elements like conducting polls, taking questions, requests, allowing users to join streams, you can make sure your live streams are more engaging than the competitors and captivate a larger audience leading to your TV network’s success.

But that’s not even the best thing about live streaming anymore. The best thing about it is that live streaming is amazingly affordable now, as long as you have content, a never-give-up attitude, and the capability of adapting to changes that occur in the digital content industry.

Like Mark Twain once said, “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” So, now is the perfect time for you to start your live streaming TV Network to get a proper audience behind you and become popular and successful worldwide. You’re going to have to take a step forward in this niche to become number 1.

7 Tools and Equipment Needed for Live Streaming

With all that motivation, you’re finally ready to start your own live streaming TV network. Well, before you start, you’re going to need a few things, and then as your live streams progress, you can upgrade and add new tools and equipment to enhance your streams.

Below is a list of the 7 most important and basic tools and equipment you’re going to need for live streaming and broadcasting. With these tools, you’re going to be ready to record your streams on your network. Let’s check them out.

1. Camera

Professional video cameras can cost over $1000 but the good thing about live streaming is that you don’t really require a professional video camera for recording your streams.

The most cost-effective cameras for live streaming, face-cams, and even video recording in real-time are USB webcams. These cameras offer 30 and 60FPS recording options with a varying resolution which can even go up to 4K which is more than enough for amazing streaming quality.

Moreover, if you don’t have a proper setup for your camera, many USB webcams come with holders that you can set on the device you’re using with the camera and record a stable and high-quality live streaming session.

2. Microphone

Microphones are incredibly essential for a good live stream if you’re going to communicate with the viewers one way or the other. Ideally, getting a dynamic microphone would be great because there’s no need for an external audio interface.

But they can be expensive. If you’re just starting your live streaming TV network, getting a lapel microphone or a condenser microphone would be the right way to go. Lapel microphones work great for sit-down interviews and direct communication with the viewers.

Condenser microphones require audio interfaces to work well with mixers and editing software tools. Depending upon your streaming niche, you can pick the right microphone for yourself and get started.

3. Laptop or PC

Without a proper device where you can manage your streams, editing tools, and video software, you can’t live stream. The ideal device for live streaming would be a laptop for starters.

A decent laptop with good specs including 8GBs of RAM, nice storage, a fast-processing unit, and a compact body would be plenty for starting your own live broadcasting TV network on the best platforms.

Once you start seeing audiences and results being delivered by your stream, you can move towards getting a high-quality PC built for your live streams so you can easily record, edit, mix and match the audio and video at the same time without facing any lag or issues.

4. High-speed Internet Access

The next step is getting a good enough internet connection that offers at least the minimum recommended speed and bandwidth for uninterrupted and stable live streaming.

According to highspeedinternet.com, the recommended minimum internet upload speed for live streamers is at least 10Mbps. Any speed less than this can result in live streams experiencing fluctuations and buffers which isn’t very professional for live streaming TV channels.

If you have a stable internet connection, you won’t only be able to stream your videos on your channel but also look for new ideas, a collab with other people, and enhance your streaming quality periodically.

5. Audio and Video Software

The audio and video editing software you use serves as the lifeblood of the live stream. One of the most important aspects of these software tools is taking multiple camera inputs and structuring them according to your liking on the screen being displayed to the user, along with the color correction, and other video enhancements.

The other tool you need to know about is an audio mixer. This allows you to take audio input, mix and master the audio, provide clarity, and allows you to increase or decrease the volume of the multiple inputs for a better overall live stream.

There are dozens of audio and video editing software tools for live streaming including OBS, and Wirecast among many others (free and paid), so you can find and use the one that works the best for your streaming needs.

6. Good Lighting

Lighting is integral to a good quality live stream. Your viewers need to be able to see you, and at the same time, not be completely blinded by the high intensity of light on your face.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on lighting equipment that studios have. All you need to remember is the basic concept of lighting.

Always position the light in front of you, make sure the intensity of the light is balanced, and use reflectors to make sure light isn’t spilled and is focused on you and the objects important to your stream.

7. Streaming Platforms

Finally, the last thing you need to know about to be able to start your live streams is streaming platforms. When you think of live streams, you must be thinking of Twitch TV, well, for new streamers, the platform is too saturated and isn’t that great.

Since you want to establish your own live streaming TV network, the ideal streaming platforms will be popular TV channel platforms with millions of subscribers and low competition. Platforms like Roku TV for one, or Amazon’s Fire TV. These are just a couple of examples of the streaming platforms you should be thinking of live broadcasting on if you want your live streams to become popular.

Conclusion

Once you have all the necessary tools and equipment at the ready and you’re about to stream your content on your TV network, you might wonder what platform would be the best for your TV Network to showcase live streams on?

Well, that’s where you can utilize Tvstartup.com. Our mission is to provide you with turn-key TV Network setup on the best TV streaming platforms like Roku TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV.

With our turn-key system, you’ll be able to easily manage and stream live broadcasts on your channel and get amazing responses from viewers along with tremendous success in the industry.

Want to learn more about TV networking, live streaming, and content creation? At Tvstartup.com, we’re dedicated to providing you with the most relevant, important, and useful information, news, and guides on setting up your TV network and making it big in the industry. So, to stay aware of what’s happening in the TV streaming world, subscribe to our newsletter.

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Around the world, there are over 4.26 BILLION TV viewers (both cable and cord-cutting) and this number is only going to increase in the coming years as more TV content moves to the Internet.

So, now is the time to start your very own TV Network if you haven’t already done it. From amazing audiences to great reach and epic revenue, you’re going to get it all if you set up today.

But the real questions you might be asking yourself is, which niche should I start a TV Channel in? What should my videos be about? And what’s the niche that attracts the most viewers?

After developing over 1000 Roku channels and countless more networks on similar platforms like Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and others, we’ve been in a unique position to research and understood the data related to TV niches, the critical importance of them to a channel or network’s success, and which ones are the best to take part in for new indie TV network owners to become successful.

Before we start learning about the TV channel most suitable for you, it will be beneficial to learn what TV Channel Niches actually are. So, without wasting any time at all, let’s get into it.

Already have the perfect niche channel idea?

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TV Channel Niche: What is it?

A TV Niche or Genre is a style or area of content within the TV Industry that a particular TV Channel explores or specializes in. Many TV Networks also choose to stream content from varying niches but Niche TV channels get more reach for interested audiences and viewers around the world.

When it comes to the U.S alone, over the past 50 years, the Sci-Fi genre has reached a new high. Along with it, the comedy and news niches have also reached new heights and gained a lot of love and popularity around the world.

The most important part of starting out with a TV channel is choosing a TV Channel Niche. Without specifying your area of content interest and outreach, you won’t be able to project your content and market it to the targeted audience. So, it is incredibly essential for the benefit and growth of your channel that you choose a good niche before you start a TV channel.

Most Popular Niches for TV Channels in 2022

Billions of people are watching television every day with many TV genres getting millions of views on primetime. But there are some TV channel niches that are getting tens of millions of views and making serious bank in the first quarter of 2022.

These TV Channel Niches are incredibly popular among the viewers and have a future very bright in terms of success and viewer count. Let’s take a look at a list of the most popular niches for TV Channels in the industry right now, so you can decide which one you want to launch your TV Network in.

1. Educational Content

Udemy and Coursera are some of the streaming platforms that provide educational content creators opportunities to make millions through subscriptions. By creating your own educational content channel, you can develop a subscription-based platform and get tons of audiences, and millions in revenue as well. It is one of the most popular niches and a great place to start your TV channel from.

2. Interview and Talk Shows

Channels that host Morning shows, talk shows, interviews, and other forms of communicative shows that combine elements of news and chatting also attract millions of viewers throughout the 24-hour day. A TV Channel in this niche would also do pretty great, so this could definitely be a potentially successful niche choice for you.

3. TV Series and Serials (Action, Comedy, Sci-fi, Drama, etc.)

If Netflix’s astonishing rise and multi-billion-dollar fortune aren’t telling you, TV series, movies, and serials are a huge source of revenue in the TV industry if done well. Whether we’re talking about action, drama, sitcom, or sci-fi shows and movies, if you choose this niche, you’re definitely on the track to getting amazing fame and success.

4. Documentaries and History

It might surprise you to some extent, but documentaries and historic content get a lot of visitors in all kinds of age brackets. So, if you establish a TV Network like History Channel, then with the right content, you’ll be able to bring in tons of viewers and make loads of revenue as well.

5. Animated Content

With anime series and movies on the rise around the world and cartoons as well as poems on YouTube getting multi-billion views, it is very obvious that channels with animated content are doing great. So, if you want to attract tons of viewers, animated content will serve as a great niche.

Have chosen the TV Niche you’re going to start your TV Channel in, but not sure where to go from here?

TvStartup.com offers a free Live Demo to learn our proven process for launching and MONETIZING your own TV Network quickly.

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Here’s a 5-Step Plan to Effectively Choose Your TV Channel Niche

Are you ready to choose your TV Channel Niche? Well, to help you make that decision effectively, we at TvStartup have made a 5-step plan for you to choose the perfect TV Channel Niche so you can produce great content and get tons of views and exceptional success. Let’s go through these steps together.

Step 1: Find a Niche with a solid following

TV genres and niches are all over the spectrum of audience ratings and the number of viewers. Make sure you pick out a niche that is profitable and popular enough to have an existing following. The following does not have be be the leading trend, but it needs to have a minimum level of popularity and intrigue to attract viewers into your channel which will be tailored to fit the audience in this specific niche. Your viewers will be people who want to watch content and videos in that niche, and you’ll need to establish that there is enough interest in the niche to attract a reasonably sized audience. That’s the first step of becoming successful in your chosen niche.

Step 2: Make sure your chosen niche offers unlimited content ideas

The second step is to make sure that the niche that you’ve picked out offers a lot of variety. Variety, in this case, means that the niche you’re working on offers unlimited content ideas so that you don’t encounter the infamous content block with your TV channel.

Step 3: Pick a Niche that you’re passionate about

As an indie TV Network owner and producer, you’re going to want to step into the niche that you’re passionate about. If you don’t love what you’re creating then you can’t expect audiences to react any different way. So, make sure you’re creating content that interests you.

Step 4: Your Niche Needs to Have Less Competition

This is a good way to gauge yourself on step #1. The niche you’ve chosen needs to be popular among audiences but at the same time, the niche needs to have less competition when it comes to other TV channels. The lesser the competition, the more people will come to your channel and spend more time watching your content, but healthy competition validates the demand for good quality content in your chosen niche.

Step 5: Learn Everything About Your Niche Audience

The Niche that you’ve chosen is going to contain a certain kind of audience and to effectively reach all of the people and be liked by them, you’re going to have to study the niche audiences, their behaviors, what they like and dislike, and how to market content to them. That’s how you’ll reach the top of the industry.

So Which Niche is the Best to Start Your TV Channel?

Typically, choosing a niche that is both popular and filled with loads of content ideas is the one you should pick for your TV Channel but if your marketing strategy is tip-top shape and you have experience industry professionals on your end, going for a multi-niche TV channel production can also be a good choice.

With a TV Channel that covers different topics, you’ll be able to reach many audiences but only if it is done effectively. Otherwise, it could also end up misfiring with your TV Channel not being able to reach the right audience at the right time. So, do think before you take this journey. If you use this approach correctly, your channel can transform in to a network filled with content for multiple niches under one roof.

Conclusion

Now that you know about different niches, what they have to offer, and how their projected future success, you can choose the perfect genre for your TV channel and start your journey to the top of the TV industry food chain.

What? You aren’t sure how to get your TV Channel up and running towards success and popularity? Well, you’re in the right place because TvStartup.com is here to help.

Our trained professionals will help you set up your own TV Network, build high-quality Netflix-styled mobile apps for you, and with our turn-key CMS, you’ll be able to upload and directly stream broadcasts onto your channel. So, the road to success is just a contact away for you!

Did you know that CBS is the most-watched TV channel in the world right now? You can publish your content directly on TV platforms of your choice using TvStartup.com’s turn-key platform.

To learn more about starting your own TV network with guidance from a platform which has launched thousands of channels, schedule a FREE one-on-one Live Demo to learn more.

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Did you know that over 75% of people around the world use their personal devices to watch videos every day?

In a market where video streaming platforms are gaining such exponential growth every single day, establishing your own network or channel is surely going to be a very profitable business idea.

Over the past few years, both the tech giants Google and Apple have been gnawing to get past each other when it comes to delivering a complete streaming media experience with their own streaming systems, Android TV and Apple TV respectively.

So, naturally, as a potential TV network owner, you must be wondering, what is the right platform choice for my channel to be streamed on? Better yet, what platform is going to get MY network more views, success, and ultimately dollar bills.

Well, to make that choice relatively easy for you, we’ve gathered all the nitty-gritty info you’re going to need and packed it in a comparison between the two. So, let’s get to it.

Android TV: What’s the deal?

In 2014, after the discontinuation of Google TV, which was itself a streaming OS for media players, came into being, the Android TV, based on the Android platform, created by Google for television sets, digital media players, set-top boxes, soundbars, and many other devices.

Ever since the platform has been adopted by companies like Sony and Sharp as middleware for their smart TV devices, along with being used in Chromecast and other Google products, Android TV has become popular worldwide.

According to Google, Android TV has over 80 million+ monthly active devices registered on it which is an astronomical amount and much more than the subscriber count of many popularly successful TV networks right now.

The very interesting bit about Android TV is the interface. The TV networks or channels are placed in a horizontal ribbon format which makes the user experience and interaction quite amazing.

Since the overall usability of the platform as well as the experience and popularity are so amazing, Android TV seems like the obvious choice to place your TV network on, right?

Well, let’s not be too hasty and learn a bit about the competitor before we decide on where to place our channel and how to place it, for that matter.

Apple TV: Is it as Premium as they say?

Apple, being the king of digital innovation that it is, had to create their own version of a smart TV OS competitor to Android TV, and thus they did, in 2019. This OS was known as the Apple TV.

Initially, Apple TV wasn’t doing very well since the number of devices with Apple TV integrated on it and the popularity and usage of those devices wasn’t quite hitting the mark but with the creation of Apple TV+, the streaming platform courtesy of Apple, along with the amazing standalone networks, channels, and shows on the platform, Apple TV gained a worldwide reputation and become a heavy-duty rival of Android TV.

Canadian Actress Emmanuelle Chriqui was quoted saying, “I got an Apple TV and hooked it up right away. Undeniably, this is the way of the future, period. It just is, and that’s cool. What’s cool about this is that we got to do something so playful, cool, kick-ass and over-the-top.”

So, with the rise of their TV devices, Apple came hard at Google with brand deals, marketing, celebrity assurances, and advertisements pushing Apple TV as the best OS and Apple TV+ as the best platform for streaming TV channels cordlessly.

As of 2021, more than 40 million people have access to Apple TV and its subsequent streaming platform Apple TV+. So, the market for cord-cutting platforms is definitely flourishing.

The interface of Apple TV is also ribbon-like. But the aesthetics and the design are both very sleek and premium, like all Apple system OSes. That’s why their devices have such an immensely huge userbase.

Ideally, you’re going to want to make sure your TV network is getting tons of viewers off of the Apple TV+ circuit as well because the high-end market works golden for paid streams and subscription-based channels.

Well, doesn’t that mean Apple TV is a better choice than Android TV for TV networks to stream their videos on? In some aspects yes, but in others, no, it isn’t.

Android TV vs. Apple TV: Which one takes the victory?

You must be confused. Well, to make things easy for you to understand, we’ve divided the comparison into a few factors where one of the streaming platforms thrives more than the other. So, let’s check out the actual winner of the comparison between Android TV and Apple TV.

Android wins the familiarity race

Research conducted in 2021 has stated that over 2.8 billion people over the world use Android smartphones. This simply shows that the Android OS covers a much wider variety of smartphones and thus, there’s an emotion of familiarity involved with Android.

That’s one competitive advantage that Android has over Apple since the userbase of apple is very specific and high-end. Android TV is also integrated into many third-party devices and TVs which makes its market share quite high. And since people trust Android in their phones so much, Android TV wins the familiarity race against Apple TV as well.

High-end Apple delivers High-end Experience

Apple is known to deliver high-end premium user experiences for its specific market. They’ve created a high standard of development, accessibility, innovation, and capability with their digital devices.

That promise of delivering the high-end experience is what makes people use Apple products and then stick to their userbase. This is where Apple outperforms Android.

Even in Apple’s Special Event of March 2019, when the Apple TV+ was announced as their premier streaming platform, heaps of celebrities from Jennifer Aniston to Oprah Winfrey attended the function and spoke for the Apple TV+ projects.

Apple knows what brings the people to buying their products. That’s why, despite having a very small targeted market, Apple TV products are selling amazingly well in comparison to Android TV devices.

Android’s Cost-Effective Approach

Pricing matters. Larger consumer device companies understand this very well which is why they tend to use a more cost-effective approach to target a larger audience.

Google understands that and that’s why Android TV devices and other Android products are affordably priced for everyone. Android’s cost-effective approach is another reason why their Android TV devices are selling well, and more people are switching to a cordless Android TV experience.

According to thorough market research, the lowest price of Android TV device boxes is around $45 whereas a similar Apple TV device can cost a whopping $219, which is significantly more expensive.

Although it might not hurt Apple much, due to the lower prices of Android TV devices, more people have access to them, and therefore, a larger audience gets exposure to Android TV and the TV networks and channels available on it.

Apple Originals Bringing the Heat

Apple Originals is a series of programming that Apple began creating and distributing around 2016. The first television show created by Apple was the Planet of the Apps.

With the rise of Apple TV devices and the creation of the Apple TV+ platform, Apple Originals received an exclusive platform and gained immense popularity which brought more people to buy their devices and stream the original production.

Apple television projects had amazing casts and great stories and this approach really enhanced the experience the Apple TV users had, creating a better platform for indie creators and broadcasters to showcase their talent on their Apple TV+ networks.

With regard to creating high-quality original content, Apple TV definitely overruns Android TV. So, if you’re a broadcaster thinking of creating their own channel, Apple TV will be a very beneficial platform for you.

Conclusion

Judging from all the capabilities that both Apple TV and Android TV bring, and the multi-million userbase that these platforms thrive upon, the right thing would be to utilize both of them for your live streams, playlists, and videos.

But how can you tap into such a huge market and get your network on both Android TV and Apple TV with minimal industry and coding knowledge? Well, that’s where TvStartup.com comes into play.

Whether you’re a small content creator or an established broadcast team, schedule a Live Demo with one of our highly cooperative and professional agents today and get your very own channel up and running on Apple TV, ROKU, Fire TV, and Android TV in an instant. Your very own TV network is just the press of a button away.

In this last year, the number of cord-cutters around the world has tripled from 15.6 million to around 50 million people. So, if you want your Internet, Satellite, or TV channel to cater to all of them, make sure you stay ahead of the curve and up to date with all the news by subscribing to our newsletter.

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Google’s interest in the TV market has been picking up steam, fueled by competitors like Roku, Amazon’s Fire-TV, and other popular streaming platforms.

A new report published by Strategy Analytics is predicting what smart TV growth will look like over the next few years. In the report, it’s predicted that over 50% of households (globally) will have a Smart TV in the home. North America has already passed the 50% of households with smart tv with the report estimating by 2026 to expect a 90% threshold.

The driving force behind the growth is record sales of new Smart TVs. In fact, over 90% of all “flat-panel TVs” sold are smart TVs…AND that’s for TVs only and does not include streaming devices like Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV, and Nvidia Shield.

Today’s leader is Samsung with its Tizen operating system, however, it is noted in the report mentioned above that Google’s Android TV has made “Strong Gains”  in the last several years.

Google last reported that their Android TV had over 80 million active devices and had grown more than 80%.

Mentioned in the report, is that this growth is because platforms like those take much of the burden of development off of the TV manufacture. A top analyst for Strategy Analytics had this to say:

As smart functionality is no longer a point of differentiation but has become a check box necessity, smart TV manufacturers have had to make a choice between maintaining their own software and application ecosystems or licensing a software platform from a third-party partner. While many have decided to partner with the likes of Google’s Android TV and Roku in order to avoid the ongoing costs of maintaining their own platform, several brands including Samsung, Vizio and LG are going it alone and are looking to capitalize on the fast growing Connected TV advertising business.

For indie filmmakers and small broadcasters, the growth of Smart TV’s including android TV is great news. Giving new opportunities to broadcasters that typically would get turned down for large networks  – now broadcasters can build their own application and reach potentially millions of new viewers that were traditionally closed off from them before.

Here at TvStartup, we have seen hundreds of independent broadcasters take advantage of this technology shift and start their own channels on apps like Roku, FireTV, Samsung, and other platforms. However now with the growth of Android TV, it’s one more piece of ammunition in the independent broadcasters’ arsenal to blow away large media conglomerates and compete for viewership on an even playing field.

If you would like to see a demo on how you can get your own channel on Android TV or any other popular platform click here to schedule a live demo.

As the wave of technology shifts to Smart TV’s only more and more opportunities will emerge for small and independent broadcasters….make sure you stay in touch with us by subscribing to our mail list by clicking here.

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One…Hundred…Billion Dollars!

That is the estimated value of the creator economy today!

The most current reports have shown an impressive future for this division of the overall economy.

What is this “creator economy,” you ask?

Well, it is a subset of the global economy that I find specifically interesting. This is because it is made up of the people like those who own OTT TV networks. Not large corporations or the old media guard. These are the individuals and small teams responsible for 100 billion dollars circulating in our economy. If you are in this tribe, keep up the amazing work!

The main contributors of this subset are involved in video creation/distribution. The principal difference between this division from others in the global economy is that the rate of growth this creator subset is experiencing is considerably higher than others. Oh, and the fact is, independently creating/distributing video content is a super fun way to make a living.

Why just dream, you can start a TV network today! Join us for a LIVE demo here!

To those who dream about owning a TV network, enjoy video content production more than a day job, or fancy themselves a future media mogul, now’s the time to get on board. Obviously, this is where you are supposed to be. More importantly, putting it off for another 5-10 years will only hurt one’s position, negating any benefits of a potentially better prepared future entry. Here are the facts supporting this claim:

All had expected the growth of the creator’s economy to slow due to the recent pandemic. It made sense. When people get sick, they miss work and the income associated with it. When money becomes tight, the majority do not contribute to the claimed “non-essentials.” Entertainment and boutique items, for instance. Exactly what makes up our creator’s economy.

But these expectations were set up to fail and showed a silver lining amidst the pandemic storm. The creator’s economy not only kept up its growth but had significantly increased since the fateful year of 2020. 

Apparently, these items are more essential than they first appear.

A decade ago, only a handful of lucky, talented, and well-timed individuals among the common populous broke into stardom. Outside of the usual Hollywood/superstar trajectory’s, that is. This once rare combination of events and people is a thing of the past. Today, with the creator’s economy catching hold, what used to be a handful of people has now grown into millions!

And that’s only counting the full-time “professionals.” There are 25x more who utilize this as a part-time income too.

YouTube alone has over 30 million people who receive at least part-time earnings from their creations. The thing is, the average CPM for an American YouTube channel is between $6-8, while it is around $16-25 for an OTT-based channel like those on Roku or Fire TV. So those earning part-time pay on YouTube could be receiving full-time payment (or more) on an OTT platform for the same amount of work. And the advertising money is only starting to open the flood gates and will continue to do so over the next five years.

We can help you launch your TV network! Join us in a live demo here!

Imagine this… you are doing something you’re passionate about for about 20 hours per week, and making more money than your current job offers for 40 hours of labor. “But wait!” someone might say. “My current place of employment is a sure deal, not a potential one.” Alright, they could stay where they’re at, sure. But it will never be as fulfilling or enjoyable as what this industry has on offer.

If someone is worried about the “potential” part of this rewarding, self-sufficient opportunity, try this. Approach your TV network in a part-time capacity. This is a proven, ample amount of time for someone to establish a channel. Yes, you’ll miss a bit of TV or other extra-curricular activity, but it will prove that what I am talking about is more than just a potential opportunity.

The Timing Could Not Be More Crucial.

Anyone with the aspiration of launching a TV network needs to enter the field as soon as possible. There are a few dire reasons supporting this argument.

First, today’s youth will be a significant part of this economy in the coming years. One form of evidence says that one-third of the children interviewed were already planning to make this a part of their career. That is according to a survey of 1,000 children by the Travel Company. You will not want to compete with that, trust me. But those already established will be in a much stronger position to thrive. And they will be arriving soon. Many in less than a decade.

Second, the advertising dollars spent in this industry are going to quadruple over the next five years. Every major firm involved with ad distribution has already begun initiating the process. Those who establish a TV network now will be among the first to receive the bounty. It seems like I have repeated it a thousand times, but just like Mark Zuckerberg knew, it’s best to get there first.

Should I wait until the pandemic is over to start my network?

Anyone contemplating whether to start a TV network during this period, be aware! There has been a shift in our culture’s paradigm. Contrary to predictions of a pandemic-induced slowing of the OTT market, an unprecedented surge in new viewers has recently happened in the last year and the growth is not slowing down. Big and small networks alike, as you’ve undoubtedly noticed. Why?

While our nation’s new “normal” is still finding its center, remote work and greater time spent segregated indoors does seem to play a part. That has made this particular industry all the more attractive. So yes, there is an increase in supply. Even so, demand continues to drive the creator economy upwards with no sign of slowing.

If I had not already started my network, I would do so now and without hesitation. Right now, a unique opportunity is here for those who take action early.

That said, whether we like it or not, OTT distribution is one of the few industries seeing expedited growth as a result. Thus, positioning itself as one of the smother self-employment paths in this rocky time period. Succeeding in this arena is beyond possible. Simply be prepared to do the work. Should you even consider it work.

This is a highly desired field with a growing influx of participants. Thankfully, there is still a substantial amount of elbow room in the OTT sphere.

Those taking advantage now, while OTT is still young, have the greatest advantages for success down the road.

We can help you launch your TV network! Join us in a live demo here to see how!

Garrett Cunningham

It’s no secret, video content is the most prolific type of internet data transferred today!

Long gone are the days of not having anything to watch. Take YouTube for instance. Every day, more content is uploaded to that one site than the total content created by the TV networks in their first 40 years of service. With all of this fresh video content, we also see numerous ways to monetize it. Pay per View, subscriptions, crowd-funded, etc. Of course, the most popular way for the majority to bankroll their video productions has been through advertising.

An area that the inventor of Roku has seemingly stood against.

Well, until recently, that is. Why the change? Read on…

Are you ready to launch your TV channel? Join a live demo here!

We have seen the Internet TV hardware races heat up and we’ve seen them simmer down. In the lead, the entire time has been Roku, and that is not by accident. Since its launch in 2008, this has easily been the preferred way of connecting one’s TV to the internet.

This story of success comes down to the insight of one man. Anthony Wood. I do not believe it to be hyperbole to call him a visionary. He was an inventor of the original DVR, and from this, he cemented his understanding of supplying video content when the viewer wanted it.

Wood knew what was coming around the corner. Our lives have become increasingly full, and as such, it was necessary for people to watch their shows when their schedule permitted, not according to the notions of the network. The strength behind this novel approach lies in consuming video content that you were otherwise going to miss. Instead, you are guaranteeing yourself the ability to watch what you wanted, rather than just letting it fall by the wayside.

But Wood was not content to stop there…

A few short years after the DVR’s debut in 1999, Anthony cold-called the owners at Netflix. Wood must have made a name for himself as Hastings accepted without batting an eyelash. He figured that the television was where people wanted to watch their content but people were limited to their laptops and phones for all the videos that had captured their attention. Netflix loved the idea…as long as Wood agreed to become an employee. Netflix had been spitballing a similar notion before the meet-up though they never pursued it. And now Anthony Wood was standing right in front of them.

Then YouTube made its techno splash!

Oh, what a splash it was! In 2005, YouTube hit the net with incredible success. The big guys like Amazon & Netflix took note. So much so, they decided that they would be just fine as a streaming service too. Why create the hardware when everyone was just going to be on their computers anyway. Anthony Wood disagreed. This is why I call Wood a visionary. Even when some of the top names in the industry were becoming naysayers, he knew different.

This doesn’t mean the past couple of calendars work was for not. Netflix figured they weren’t in the market for both a hardware and a streaming division, and so they cut the hardware. Officially anyhow. They actually backed Wood & the “Netflix now turned Roku device” because they still knew there was a market in living room TV entertainment. The stats show that individuals consume more content from the comfort of their couch vs. the loneliness of the office chair.

So Netflix became the #1 investor of the Roku device.

As an aside, Anthony wasn’t the most successful of gentlemen at this point. His DVR company, Replay TV, was sorely miss-calculated on two fronts. First, it was way too expensive. Double the cost of its competitors DVR, TiVo. Second, Wood had built a very convenient feature into his DVR. The ability to skip the commercials between the show just recorded. This nifty ability ended up getting the company sued by numerous TV networks. The networks claimed that the device injured their ability to sustain this public service since the networks were supported by Ad revenue. This lawsuit was the fatal blow for Replay TV.

This is just one of many public examples of Wood lacking affinity for advertising.

We can help you launch your TV network! Join us in a live demo here!

Wood learned from these mistakes, as seen with the first Roku device launched in 2008. Its shelf price was at just under 100 bucks. More importantly, Wood learned something of even greater value. The advertisers were not the enemy. So he decided to further incorporate advertising into his business model. This year, Roku leveraged advertising to the tune of 3xs that of the revenue made from its hardware division. Plus, advertising in the digital sphere is going to quadruple in spending over the following decade.

Roku has learned the benefits of working with others within the industry instead of despite them. So much so, they have positioned themselves as the advertisers they once bucked.

You, too, will be able to take advantage of this massive influx of Ad revenue.

There are a couple of elementary requirements you must first meet. The in-depth channel plan we showed you in our recent blog post can help with these. If advertising is your business model, you will be able to succeed following the steps we layout there.

You will need to put in the work when it comes to promoting your channel. Advertisers are just not that interested in showing ads to a few of your die-hard fans or friends. The starting requirement is that you have ten thousand installs of your channel onto your audience’s Roku devices. That number is not as lofty as it might sound. Generally, with the proper promotion and a decent channel, this is obtained in about 3-4 months. You will also need about a thousand or more ad requests per day. Since one viewer can generate up to eight requests an hour, this is also easily obtainable.

The takeaway here is that this can only work if you let people know. Some of this will come organically, sure, but you will definitely need to let your target audience know that your channel exists to get the rest of them.

Anthony Wood understands if you have a distaste for ads. As a matter of fact, most do. In the days when cable ruled, commercials were often spited in everyday conversation. Yet, the commercials just kept coming. Why? Because they got results. And they still do, so regardless of your personal taste, take a page out of Anthony Woods’s playbook. If you are looking for more revenue from your network, take a look at advertising.

You are ready to start your TV channel! Join a live demo today!

Garrett Cunningham

Roku made a huge announcement the day before yesterday!!!

I am going to give you a quick update on all that has transpired with Roku recently before getting into the meat and potatoes of this post, so read on…

Roku is releasing updates to both its hardware and software, yet the word “update” is a bit of an understatement. They have added or updated a slue of features and improved a number of hardware components. They expect a complete rollout of the new devices to all retail locations by October while the new 10.5 OS is available now. That is important as they will have a full stock of these blazing devices for sale by the time the holiday shopping begins. Nice, right!?!

It has been a turbulent summer for Roku. Investors back and forth speculation on the value of Roku’s stock price, just for example. Amazon’s new entry into the smart TV market is another. But Roku is coming out of this without a scratch.

Granted, we won’t see a true valuation of its stock prices any time soon, due to the majority of Roku’s profitability still lying in the future. That said, a hair shy of 40% annual gains are still easily foreseen for the company. And as for Amazon’s smart TVs, well they just can’t compete with the available Roku TVs on the market. So those going the Amazon TV route will likely be those who have already limited themselves to the Amazon ecosystem.

Already a seasoned live streamer but want on Roku? Join a live demo here!

But with all I could write about with this stellar Roku update, the one thing that stands out for you guys is the emphasis this update has put on live streaming. Just over a year ago, Roku announced a portion of their channel to live and linear TV. They boasted over 100 channels to watch at the time. This seemed like an intriguing move, sure. But within just one year they doubled that number. Now it is not just interesting but a power move.

Without a doubt, live streaming has quickly become a major competitor for screen time.

In the U.S. alone, almost half of the population consumes live-streamed content. Live streaming video on Facebook has more than quadrupled in 2018 alone. Remember, streaming video makes up 80% of all internet traffic and we are not just talking about general entertainment.

Business and marketing experts have taken notice. It is now one of the most powerful marketing tools available. Few things can amplify your message and raise brand awareness like live streaming. Why? Because it allows for direct interaction with your audience. It provides an opportunity to build relationships few other techniques can.

Let’s take a deep dive into the benefits of adding live streaming to your arsenal no matter what type of channel you have.

Ready to launch your channel? So are we! Join a live demo here!

Instant Access.

Trust me, you want fan engagement. It’s the new buzzword everyone’s talking about. Live streaming is one of the most effective ways to talk directly to your audience. All in real-time. No matter the niche, from news and events to religious broadcasts, live streams put your viewers at the heart of the action. You are providing them the opportunity to get directly involved with your broadcast through live chat, comments, and feedback.

You can really get around.

Live events have historically been limited by their geographical and physical restrictions. Then live streaming came along to change that. The internet makes your live broadcast available to a global audience. Your location and venue size is now earth! At least, the parts of the earth with internet access. Reach anyone, anywhere– they just need internet access and there are over 2 billion web-capable iPhone and Android users alone.

Meet them where they’re at.

Social media platforms have boomed over the past few years. Now they boast audiences running into billions. Facebook’s 1.4 billion daily active users for instance. YouTube, the birthplace of video, has some 1.3 billion users as well. Did you know that TvStartup makes it easy to re-stream to these platforms simultaneously with your Roku channel? If you are going to live stream, you should use this feature!

Live streams can make you money.

Get viewers excited. The immediate nature of live streaming is perfect for this. Then leverage that excitement by facilitating online purchases, fundraisers, or any other actionable responses you might be looking for. Religious organizations are finding online donations are a popular way for the faithful to feel involved while they’re broadcasting. In the fashion world, trendsetting Burberry live-streamed its biannual London Fashion Week show. Then they made the entire collection available for purchase immediately after to a phenomenal response.

No limits.

Live streams aren’t just a great way to generate buzz around your brand, they also enable you to bring your customers right inside your business. So you’re discussing ideas for a new product line or rebrand, set up the cameras, and let your customers respond directly.

Get instant feedback

Sports and newscasters were understandably among the first to see the benefits of live streaming but the corporate world is catching up fast. The fact is, you can capture and stream anything, anywhere. If you’re talking about your product at an event, live stream it! Or give your customers an insight into how you run your business by taking them on a virtual tour of your workplace. Candid, behind-the-scenes broadcasts are very appealing and the growth of reality TV on a multitude of subjects has shown that almost any subject can engage and motivate viewers.

Everyone’s watching!

In the USA alone, the number of digital video viewers is expected to top 232 million in the next couple of years. Half a billion people are already watching videos on Facebook every single day and networking giant Cisco shows that live video accounts for around 15% percent of all video traffic.

Live streaming is one of the most popular forms of online content today. It shows no sign of slowing, rather, it has been growing steadily over the past few years. We don’t blame you for wanting to get in on live streaming! You won’t regret it.

You see live streaming everywhere, probably even having some favorite streamers of your own. But the thought of starting to live stream can be daunting. We have a few tutorials I would like to point you to that will show you just how easy it can be…here, here, and here!

Are you ready to get your channel going? Join a live demo here!

Garrett Cunningham

You could start in several places, so where should I start planning my TV channel?

After all, there is much to consider. For the sake of simplicity, I will give you the three main areas of focus. Do not worry. Three is enough. At its foundation, it comes down to these elements; programming strategy, user experience, and effective promotion.

Simple right?

What is essential is that you execute well on all three of these categories. Simultaneously, and as a never-ending process. Your programing strategy is all about the content you provide. User experience is all about how the end-user interacts with your brand. Lastly, effective promotion is all about raising awareness and desire within your viewer base. Potential or otherwise.

Are you ready to launch your channel? So are we! Join a live demo here!

To be clear, this plan will be a living process. Each one supports the others. You will need to execute on all three simultaneously. And doing so will be never-ending. By constantly working on each aspect, you will be ahead of the majority. Even some of the big guys!

What you might find surprising is how many mainstream brands fall short on this simple framework. The best content in the world does not negate a thoughtful user experience. Nor does it make up for no one knowing it exists. Likewise, a pristine-looking channel with never-updated content will not get you very far either.

This framework will give you the groundwork for building a successful Over The Top (OTT) TV business today – and also tomorrow.

You need this if you are building plans for an OTT or internet-based TV channel. Or if you currently have one that is not meeting your expectation.

Your business model is not important, be it free, ad-supported, subscription, or transactional. Nor the size of your company or your content library. The basics outlined here are to enable you to maximize the lifetime value of your audience, regardless.

To prepare, you will analyze the following steps: your types and sources of content. You will have to assess the technical base of the company, and compile a list of end-user devices. Plan your content delivery method, determine how to service your monetization approach, and define the requirements for channel design and layout. Finally, you’ll determine the required statistical data and technical support channels you’ll be utilizing.

What do you need to know to develop a detailed TV Plan?

1. Information about the goals and resources of your project: 

• What are your goals for the project?
• Is there any experience with such projects on your team?
• What equipment do you currently have, if any? What do you still need?
• How is the existing network organized, if at all?
• Are your employees trained enough to work within your chosen platform(s)?
• What is the content and its sources?
• How many subscribers are expected, and at what stages?
• How fast will your network grow?

Is an upgrade on existing equipment and network configurations necessary?
What kind of access do you have to the content? That can affect the project perspective, timelines, the type of equipment needed, server capacity, and configuration.

2. List which end-user devices your project utilizes. 

Some components include a Web browser, Roku, Android TV, Apple TV, Mobile and the associated apps (which we can take care of as well), Fire TV, or a Smart TV equipped with your platform of choice. The choice of the device affects the development timelines, final project cost, service quality, and viewer base.

3. Define the delivery goals.

• Will the service be local or global?
• In a global case, what CDN provider will be used?
• Could we offer you our help and expertise?

Your chosen CDN affects the integration process with the platform(s) and the roll-out time so we need to nail these down. If you are interested, we take care of all the CDN issues for our clients. And we have gone to great lengths to ensure that you will never be censored.

4. Select your project monetization methods. Some of these could require additional integration but we can handle them all: 

• Which payment system(s) will you implement to become profitable?
• How are you prepared to integrate with content providers?
• What billing system will you be using?
• Will you implement any advertising platforms? Which ones?

The monetization method(s) and the technical solutions you choose can affect the timeline and the cost of the project as well. We also handle all of these for our clients, depending on the needs of your selection.

6. Define what elements of corporate identity are needed.

This list of requirements affects the bulk of your promotion and the manner in which end-users will interact with your company. Of course, these affect your project time and cost, as well as, the quality of services for end-users.

7. Determine which user behavior data your system will collect or be interested in obtaining.

The software configuration and system setup time depend on the depth and complexity of statistics. We have many stats built right into the dashboard for our clients and build in further functions will google and other systems.

8. Plan technical support for after your project launch.

After the project is deployed, you’ll need to offer technical support. We assign one of our supervisors to your project to walk you through some implementation. We also offer you the ability to plan regular consultations. Our support should stand as a model for your own.

Ready for the next step in creating your network? Hang out w/ us in a live demo here!

What is the timeline for the planning stage?

I have seen it before. Someone ends up in a state of prolonged paralyzation, usually due to one or two of these questions being open. If you find this is your case, start acting on the areas you have confirmed true to overcome this. You will, in time, find the answers to the unknown variables.

Spend no more time than what is necessary. The time you invest in drawing up a detailed plan will be worth it and as a result, you should provide as much information and answer all relevant questions to your best ability. Just make sure to do so as efficiently as possible. Your OTT channel plan is not the end goal. Your network success is. Strive to move beyond this step as quickly as able.

What A Detailed Plan Will Give You-

A prepared channel project plan will save you time and money. As you launch your video service, it will be your road map. Knowing you are on the right path makes it easier to make the right decisions.

Here is why you need a plan now:

• A road map This will give you the correct direction to head in with marked main steps for platform deployment and launch;
• An Equipment List of the necessary equipment and its configuration;
• A Software List of necessary software components that are required to start the project;
• Your Budget An estimated budget of the project;
• Instructions for setting up localization for customers;
• Instructions for working with statistical and analytical services;
• Terms of reference for:
  • CDN integration
  • billing and payment systems
  • development of UX/UI, applies to applications
  • registration processes and requirements for your subscribers.

Here is why you need a plan in the future:

A prepared TV Project Plan will help for:

• The ability to compare the project cost with prices provided by other companies; That said, no one offers more for less than TvStartup!
• Reduces the cost of the project by delegating this work to those available, without delay and with the least investment of time and money;
• Work out deployment timelines, prepare the required data, and gather resources.

A detailed project plan will help you to launch your channel.

You will be able to evaluate your needs at every stage. Not to mention your resources, project calculation, and a list of technical specifications for your plan.

That said, there is still a bit of work ahead of you. We will be here every step of the way through. There will be nuance involved in building a successful channel and we cover all of them. The OTT or Over The Top ecosystem is in a constant state of flux or change. Never take short-term risks that will limit your long-term benefits.

Make all your decisions with these elements in mind: Programming strategy, User experience, and Effective promotion. Remember that these are living elements. They are always in motion so your approach to them will need to be as well. Each one supports the other. You can not focus on anyone more than the other and when you change dynamics with one, evaluate the others. Follow this guidance and you will do well.

Ready to take action on your channel plan? Join us in a live demo here!

Garrett Cunningham

Interested in starting your own TV channel? How to get people to watch…

There is no better platform than Roku. The industry leader in the OTT field, Roku boasts a viewership of more than 55 million. In this day and age, the question is not ‘should you start a TV channel?’ but rather ‘how to effectively do so?’. A huge part of this comes down to marketing. The problem is, you love all things media. And nothing about marketing. Hence, this article is being written just for you.

I will lay out some foundational elements that everyone needs to keep in mind. Next, I will explain a couple of paths you can follow based on your budget. There is going to be something in here for everyone, so keep reading.

Are you ready for your own TV channel? Join us in a live demo here!

By choosing to launch on Roku, you are positioning yourself with the top OTT platform in the world. The ad revenue here is boosted as well due to the ad agencies following this colossal audience. If that does not sound awesome, mostly because you do not plan on having commercials, no worries. This platform still has the largest user base out there!

So you have decided to launch a Roku channel.

You still have some work ahead of you though. Long gone are the days where you could start a channel, add catchy content, then watch an audience flock to you. Supply and demand, my friend. No one has time to scroll through 5,000 channels. You will need a marketing plan.

But before you are ready to start promoting, you should have something to promote. So let’s get our ducks in a row, shall we? First, when using TvStartup, all of the storage, programing, and uploading abilities required to operate a TV channel are taken care of for you. That said, you still need to put real thought into your niche, logo, splash, colors, thumbnails, ‘voice’ or style, etc.

All of these not only affect your channel but also how you will promote it. Here is a basic example of how this applies: how a punk-rock channel promotes itself is vastly different from the manner that a classic movie channel would. What could work for one would fall flat or worse with the other.

As an aside…

Please recall all of the articles we have that reference: Niche. If you have dreams of a general content channel, it is all but guaranteed that you will be playing second fiddle to Netflix. And that’s a best-case scenario. It could easily be worse. But hey… it is your dream. I just want you to be successful. And success points to being niche.

I will be frank with you. You have done the work of supplying the content, whether by producing it yourself or contracting it. You are uploading content, creating custom thumbnails, and maintaining your channel. Do not sell yourself short by skimping out on the other half of work. And that work is promotion. It will likely be the deciding factor in your success. Granted, all channels will experience some growth organically. My concern is that you are growing quickly enough to meet your business needs.

Now that we have the preliminaries out of the way, I want to share an astonishing fact. Only 30% of a successful launch depends on the quality of the product. The other 70% depends on the quality of its promotion!

So you have the next big channel…

Your logo is spot on, you have a strong sense of your ‘voice’, and you have the perfect niche. What is the next step? Well, allow me to lay out the three main objectives of all marketing plans. Yes, only three. This might be easier than you thought…

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Here are your 3 basic objectives of marketing:

1.) Build Awareness– Let people know there’s a new channel out there!

2.) Get them interested-be as clever or straightforward as you like as long as it resonates with your channel brand.

3.) Create desire that results in action– in this case, your mission is to get them to watch your channel.

So now you are armed with your three main objectives. Time to get promoting. We have already decided that it would be a poor choice to just wait for your audience to show up. Instead, we are going to start at the top of our objectives and work our way down. How you do this is far less rigid than a bullet list. A lot of it is going to depend on your brand and budget. Here are a few ways you could start with building awareness:

Money-wise marketing strategies. 

If you are well funded, you will probably choose to go with the first couple of options on this list. The time you will save and just how effective they are, well, really have no comparison. That said, you will still want to be conscious of how you spend. Experience has taught us that you can reach a point of diminishing returns at no fault of your own. The point here is, there is generally a sweet spot. Furthermore, you will need to be proactive in looking for it. 

Targeted advertising. 

Facebook and other platforms with an ad program can be quite valuable. The ads you can create on these platforms could fulfill all three of your objectives sometimes. They will definitely fulfill the first one. And set you up for the second one.

Here is how: Create an ad with a simple call to action. Something like “Launching our new channel, subscribe for a FREE month”. The point is to acquire an email by trading something of value. People will become aware of your brand through these ads, plus, you can start to target those individuals most likely to become loyal viewers. Those are the ones who were interested enough to give you their email.

Roku is there for you! 

And with a native ad platform available to all of its channel owners. Roku takes its platform seriously, believing deeply in its responsibility to channel owners and end-users. Roku aims to make the channel-owning process as streamlined as possible, so you can focus on delivering content. One way they do this is through tools like ‘Publisher Solutions’. This tool is for channel owners to promote their brands. Working with Roku has its inherent bonuses.

A channel marketing platform.  

If you have a budget that would allow it, outsourcing this portion of channel labor could pay in dividends. Sometimes, it’s just best to leave it to the professionals. There are numerous services out there that will get your name out there. A few will even really tailor your message according to your brand. Quite Important in my book. Do you remember the old Sprite commercials? “Image is Everything!”

Street-wise marketing strategies. 

If you’re missing a decent budget, don’t fret. Going guerrilla to promote your Roku app could be your ticket. Just be prepared to trade time for your lack of funds. 

Got Followers? 

If you have a following on social media, it makes sense to start here. If you don’t but know someone who does, that is still second best. Social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, or ‘fill in social media blank’, are perfect for posting channel updates, teasers, and trailers. Even YouTube can fill this role. Consistently promoting your Roku content can help keep you established and significant if done right.

Cross-Over! 

One great technique you should network into your plan is a channel fusion opportunity. Do you remember the social part of social media? Well, you are going to have to incorporate this part now. Your goal here is to find current channels or media with a similar audience as the one you’re targeting. Then let that channel owner or producer know about your channel and offer them something of value.

It could be a fiscal or a social benefit you might offer them, for instance. In exchange, they could offer you a channel a shout-out, host some of your channel trailers or play your splash screen in between some videos in their playlist. Some might even be willing to have you on one of their shows to talk about your channel. 

Go Hang Out- 

Or you can get real social for outstanding results. You will have to visit, sign up, and chat it up with these communities, but networking is an integral part of the business. You might even find a friend. By building real relationships on forums and within online communities of similar interests to your brand, you will be building a customer of the highest valued type. A loyal one. Direct communication has unparalleled effectiveness. One of the reasons door-to-door sales are so effective.

And The Oh-So-Obvious- 

You should have a website. For anyone doing business, a website is a staple. For anyone streaming media through the net, a website is all but required. The ability to interact and respond through a website is critical in the modern age. If someone is looking for information, the first stop will be that company or organization’s website. Now with that out of the way, you can also leverage this location to promote your shows and upcoming events. You can even set up a place for your fans to connect and chat if you wanted to.

Now you can get the audience, get the channel! Join us in a live demo here!

In summary…

You will need to figure out how to get your channel out there. I, for one, have never watched a channel I did not know existed. Kind of obvious, I know. But you need viewers, and they need to know you exist. It is going to cost a bit of time and/or money. Just remember, this is an investment. But then again, isn’t all business.

Garrett Cunningham

Learn the Mouse House Tactics!

I remember when you only had three choices for streaming. Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. Streaming to your TV was also an enthusiasts entertainment. The majority still used their TV for linear programing or DVD/BlueRay. Sure, the internet of your computer was now mobile. But, it had not translated into many connecting their TV.

That has all changed, of course. The cord-cutting revolution is in full swing, and in the past two years, multiple streaming services have hit the screen. The market is feeling a little crowded while your pocketbook probably seems a tad roomy. As a matter of fact, many are spending close to $50 a month on these services. Compare that to the $10 or so dollars we spent on our service of choice just a few years ago.

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It was not like we want to spend more on streaming.

Many of us made the switch precisely because of cable’s outrageous costs. So we balance the offerings as they come. What I want to look at is how new channels entering the crowd are finding success.

Disney’s ability to sway new users has been impressive, especially since being one of the most recent services to launch. Hulu in and of itself, is a great service, don’t get me wrong. They have stood the test of time, 13 years to be exact. Yet they only accumulated a rough 25 million subscribers in that period. Then Disney took over and that feeble number doubled. In just 5 months!

As an aside, streaming is still a young technology. A bit over a decade, but its adoption is taking hold. The point is, we have not come close to market saturation, so when I talk about market share, keep this in mind.

Did Disney know something Hulu didn’t? Obviously. So let’s dig a little deeper.

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I realize that Disney has a huge advertising budget. And they have a name known all around the world. This does not guarantee success though. Just look at Quibi. It shut down just six months after launching. And not because they didn’t have the budget. Quibi had raised about $1.75 billion, far more than one would actually need to succeed. There were many high-profile investors with names of their own too, including Disney. Their intention was to revolutionize how people consume entertainment. Instead, they faded into obscurity.

So why has Disney plus been so successful?

Niche content. Many had believed that their focus on G & PG-rated films would alienate the adults in the audience. It turns out that focusing on family entertainment was exactly the selling point they needed. A general content provider would be a tough sell as Netflix already does general content better than anyone.

It is also easier for Disney+ to be the default option with a house full of children. And as someone who has had to shelter in place with his family, you won’t need to be concerned about what could be seen by curious eyes.

Turns out, though, being a bit different from the other streaming services was an advantage. Disney+ knew the important niche content. Every general entertainment service that isn’t Netflix is always going to be the second fiddle. But by limiting itself to Disney-branded programming, Disney+ now owns the Family category. That has proven to be a powerful offer to consumers around the globe. In large part, due to the pandemic.

The global video streaming market is expected to reach $102.0971 billion in value by 2023.

That is double the estimated value of streaming last year. Innovations, such as blockchain tech and artificial intelligence are improving this market even further. AI is playing an essential role in all aspects of video production and upload. Various video streaming solution providers use AI to improve the content quality of videos.

While TheWrap shows Netflix holding 20% of the U.S. streaming market, its lead is shrinking. Falling from 29% — a drop of nearly one-third– as more services enter the market. Compare that to Disney+ who has gone from 0 to over 11% in the same year.

We can confidently say that Disney+’s late entry was offset by their ability to differentiate themselves from the rest of the market. Niche content has set them apart, and the numbers are there to back up their success.

Ready to Grow Like Disney+? Join us on a live demo here!

Now take a look at who your competition is. Can you see what sets you apart? What are you offering that’s better or more unique than what is already out there? Figure that out and your success will increase a thousandfold!

Garrett Cunningham

Seeing into the Future…

When Roku went public in 2017, it was at a modest $14 a share. Four years later and that share price jumped to a staggering $420. That is a gain of 235% per year! What does it all mean? Well, let us dive into some of Roku’s market trends. We might be able to discern the future.

Last quarter, Roku celebrated its highest growth rate since its public debut. Its market share growth is due to smart company choices. A few of which we will attempt to highlight. The rewards we see on Wallstreet will only amplify Roku’s position, too. You won’t need to be a trader to see how this affects the future of streaming.

Despite the success, some claim concern over the long-term plan of Roku. Much of this is due to numerous rivals entering the market. I want to elaborate on why those concerns might not be all that concerning.

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We’ve seen this before…

I believe the early days of Microsoft are parallel to Roku today. After all, we are talking about operating systems. Computer and TV respectively. If Roku plays their cards right, they will dominate the TV operating system arena.

In the U.S. and Canada, Roku TVs outsold any other pre-installed smart TV operating system last year. They beat all of the manufacturers, including those with their own operating systems. Companies like Vizio and LG. Even Samsung, who has been leading in this field, until now. Roku’s lead is the first in history, but it does not seem to be the last.

Roku claims its streaming O.S. is on 38% of the U.S. smart TVs. Their claim also boasts a similar percentage of the Canadian market. Even with competition from manufacturers and big tech companies like Amazon, the market is moving toward consolidation. And guess who’s sitting in the position of the de facto TV OS? It is Roku.

Why?

The reason so many smartphone manufacturers license operating systems is simple. It is more cost-effective than building their own. TV manufacturers are coming to the same realization.

Television operating systems are not as complex as those of smartphones, granted. But there are other challenges. For instance, television hardware has significant constraints compared to smartphones. The workarounds and programing wizardry required to squeeze the most out of this limited format should not be taken lightly.

Companies with a smaller share of the market can not justify the cost of maintaining their own operating system. Licensing an OS like Roku is a more economical solution.

As a result, more manufacturers are opting to license Roku. Roku, in turn, continues to add partners to its portfolio. In time, Roku is even likely to flip the large manufacturers.

Steve Louden, Roku CFO, is confident that the market is moving toward one main TV OS. There might be one or two alternatives, and this makes sense. We see the same thing with computer and smartphone operating systems. But Roku is firmly leading this race into the future. A future of a mostly singular TV OS. All signs point to Roku remaining there, too.

Manufacturer loyalty is needed-

Another area of concern voiced by investors is the Roku manufacturing partners. Some have started partnering with Roku competitors, looking to save a buck. Here are two solutions that can prevent this behavior.

For starters, Roku needs to provide more opportunities to increase sales. By working with retailers to gain prime shelf space, it can afford to spend more on marketing. This is because of its strong monetization. It generated $27 per user over four quarters, and half of that period saw a notable pullback in ad spend. As that number increases, Roku can put more money behind its marketing and retail partnerships. All resulting in more beneficial deals for the manufacturers.

Plus, retailers are more hesitant to partner with Amazon due to the direct competition of Amazon’s core business.

Second, Roku will build loyalty as it develops more support in international markets. This is an area Amazon has excelled at for years. The main pain point here is that the Roku TV tuner technology is developed in-house. Tuner requirements also vary from region to region. This takes more time than using an off-the-shelf solution.

Additionally, some countries have additional requirements. Closed-captioning support in the United States, for instance. Because of this, introducing Roku TV into some international markets has been slow. A remedy is in motion, though. Significant international investments have been made over the last couple of years. As the Roku global presence will continue to improve, this dilemma is only a temporary one.

As Roku supports its licensed operating system in more countries, it will win back more from manufacturers. Manufacturers find it more cost-effective to focus exclusively on one operating system anyhow. As long as Roku can provide its OS in every country the manufacturer wants to sell. And the Roku sales record/support put it in the position to do just that.

Owning the television has its advantages…

Roku’s growing share of the smart TV market is also critical. More so than Roku devices that plug into existing TV sets. Monetization is more straightforward for Roku TV users than its device users. A Roku TV will always start up on the Roku home screen. Other TVs will load the last channel or input you left when you turned it off. That means more opportunities to engage users and show ads.

Second, owning the entire TV experience provides additional data points. Data that is not available with the Roku after-market devices. For example, Roku uses audio content recognition in its TVs to determine what shows, movies, and commercials users watch. Both on Roku, and any linear TV the user watches on the set. Local broadcasts and attached cable systems included. That data is valuable for its ad business and content recommendations.

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Being #1

Of course, not much stands in the way of a consumer buying a Roku or smart TV, then adding other devices. Either from Amazon or some other tech company. Still, being the default option has unparalleled value. A title Roku can claim now. Low switching costs will not diminish that. So Roku will add high-value accounts simply by being baked into so many TVs.

Roku will see its share of the smart TV market grow as they expand support internationally. Plus, fewer competitors are finding it economical to maintain their own operating systems. Combined with the above, Roku’s ad system factors into building a positive feedback loop. More ad revenue, more TVs. More TVs, more ad revenue, and so on.

Investors voiced reasonable concerns, but they were concerns Roku had begun addressing years ago. The fruits are coming to bear, so to speak. Every other company, from this vantage point, is just too little, too late.

Garrett Cunningham

How To Get Their Attention!

With so much new content uploaded every day, getting your video to stand out is no easy feat.

In 2021, having great content and uploading quality videos alone won’t get you an audience. You’ll need to concentrate on the other aspects of your channel to pull an audience in.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of tactics at your disposal. In this post, I will share three areas of focus that will help your content get more views. These include:

1. Titles that matter
2. Descriptions to be read
3. Thumbnails that capture

Already got this down? Take your content to the next level on TV. Join us on a live demo!

To kick this off, let’s start with VIDEO TITLES.

Whether you’ve just started making videos or you’ve been video marketing for years, coming up with great video titles can be tricky. A video’s title is more than just a minor detail or an afterthought – it’s a significant factor in whether people decide to click the play button or not. No matter how good your videos are, weak titles make it hard to get views and grow your audience.

That split second when someone glances at your video’s title is usually a make-or-break moment. Will they click the play button, or will they move on?

Stay succinct. If you write a long, rambling title, your content might get ignored. People skim more than they read, and you need to grab a viewer’s attention. A title should be descriptive without taking up any more room than necessary.

Be intriguing. Titles should capture the mind. Aim to touch the viewer’s emotions. Try offering a solution or promise a juicy secret. People won’t pay much attention to a bland or generic title so use powerful language. Even if it checks all the practical boxes, the “intrigue factor” can be the difference between a click or not. Intrigue can be hard to write. But once you get a knack for it, you’ll notice your videos getting more engagement, even if you do nothing else differently.

Stay on-topic. A good title tells viewers what they can expect from a video. It’s clear, direct, and honest. People are busy, and they need a reason to watch your video, so using an unclear or ambiguous title is a bad idea. Similarly, misleading titles leave viewers feeling cheated, which can harm your reputation.

Next up, video DESCRIPTIONS.

The first step to creating a great description is to know what type of content you are creating.

• Is it designed to be inspirational?
• To entertain your audience?
• To educate and teach people something new?
• Or, maybe it is an awesome new product or service?

Always include a clear value proposition in your descriptions. Why should they watch this content? How will your video benefit them? Try to answer this question in simple terms using the following guidelines:

Tell viewers what to expect. One might think this is obvious, right? But I can not count the times I have clicked for more info, only to find the video’s title restated in the description. That is just lazy. Your efforts represent your content and will often tell viewers if it’s worth their time. Also, if your information doesn’t match what they see, many will stop watching partway through.

Write like a human. Know your audience! Use language that your viewers will understand and relate to. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a wordsmith to write a great description. The goal is to inform them of what they are about to spend time with, not to win a writing award.

Front-load the best information. Always start with a compelling sentence in your video description. These sentences should mention the topic in engaging ways. Don’t simply say “It’s an action movie” or “How to bake a cake.”. Instead, try “A man who overcomes insane opposition” or “How to avoid epic baking fails.”. 

Finally, THUMBNAILS.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I say it can also be worth a million dollars. Because hitting it big on TV at the right moment with the right content can be worth that. But only if you have a thumbnail that pulls people in.

Your thumbnails say a lot about your video, and ultimately, your brand. The most popular accounts have become masters of thumbnails. Why? Because they know the audience will see the thumbnails well before viewing their content.

So always make sure your thumbnails:

• Accurately portray the content in the video.
• Draw your audience’s attention.
• Excites them to watch!

Use faces. Preferably making eye contact. Humans have evolved to detect eye contact, making thumbnails with eye contact more eye-catching, especially if the whites of the eyes are visible. In addition to this, humans communicate in large part by reading emotional cues on the face.

Show emotions. To take this one step further, show strong emotions. By doing so, the viewer will feel that same heightened emotion through empathy. When viewers become emotionally involved, they are more likely to click on your video.

Bright backgrounds and contrast. Bright backgrounds stand out against the generic backgrounds of the host platform. And in relation to other thumbnails. Vibrancy has shown an Eighty-eight percent advantage to thumbnails with a more minimalist color scheme.

A note on text and logos. Make sure to do your research. I have found that text and logos in the thumbnail can be a double-edged sword. It really does depend on the type of content you produce. For instance, branding within the thumbnail is usually beneficial, but not for gaming or beauty videos.

The Recap-

TITLES – DESCRIPTIONS – THUMBNAILS

I hope you noticed that everything we covered deals with engagement BEFORE the viewer even watches the content. Great content is king, but only if it has an audience. So put in the work. Entice them with quality titles, descriptions, and thumbnails. You will ensure that the video you worked so hard on gets the attention it deserves!

Ready to take your content to the next level on TV? Join us on a live demo!

Garrett Cunningham

“The #1 way to succeed in the TV business is often the most neglected.”

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Do you know what it is?

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Marketing.

That makes sense if you think about it. People have to know your there if you want them to watch you. I mean, this is why Hollywood movie budgets spend more on marketing than the movies themselves.

Now, I get it. I am an artist myself. Marketing can seem bland or intimidating, depending on how you see it. But, ignoring this crucial element will not make it go away.

If you’re ready to take your content to the next level on TV, Join us on a live demo!

People need to know who you are and what you’re about.

It is important to remember that everyone does not need to know you. As a matter of fact, trying to market to everybody is inefficient and costly.

Imagine trying to sell hearing aids to high-schoolers or video games to senior citizens. While sales might be possible, it’s far more likely that you will fail because the target audience is different from the one you invested in.

So WHO does need to know you?

Your Target Audience. As far as who that is, well only you can answer that. So put some serious thought into it.

You might want to pick an age demographic. Or a gender. A class. Culture. It could be some combination or other distinguishable characteristics. It doesn’t matter as long as you end up targeting a large but focused demographic.

Be careful not to target too narrow of a group. Like only females between 28-29 yrs. old born on the last Friday of May. The audience won’t support the project at that point.

Once you have a clear target audience, know who your channel is, and why it’s for them, take the next steps…

If your serious about succeeding in television, you need to let the right people know. Say it with me now: Who you are and what you’re about. Let it guide you in all your endeavors.

We will be covering many aspects of marketing over the coming weeks, but…

…it all starts with BRANDING.

Branding is identity. The root element to who you are and what you’re about, and I guarantee you every successful organization takes it seriously. Here is a sample of that seriousness.

So let’s lay the groundwork for your own branding strategy. It will be one of the highest valued portions of your organization.

The best brand strategy will give your channel awareness, trust, loyalty, and advocacy for your channel. This is the path you want your viewers to move through to grow your audience.

Let us cover the four base areas of your brand.

• Visuals
• Copy
• Delivered Content
• Interaction

Visuals

Visuals cover all of the graphical elements associated with branding, including your logo, colors, splash screens, and advertisements.

Do not take these lightly. Your logo, for instance, is the main element representing your organization. For better or worse, this visual cue will stay in the minds of everyone familiar with it.

Don’t believe me? What image pops into your mind when I say McDonald’s? What about Nike? Or At&t?

One more thing to keep in mind, a logo is not fancy art. The companys’ above did not take the Mona Lisa as their logo. You want quick memorability. Something easy for the mind to recognize and latch onto.

On second thought, unless you already have a strong handle on logo design, I highly recommend you hire somebody. The apparent simplicity of logo design is deceiving. The science behind it is far too involved to cover in a blog post.

Colors are equally important.

• 

This is not just selecting your favorite color combination. You need to select colors that represent what your channel is about.

Copy

Copy is short for copy-writing, which is every written word related to your brand. Your tagline, descriptions, titles, and other written information all make up this element.

Your tagline is the written counterpart to your logo. As such, you should put the same effort and consideration into the creation of this element.

Many video creators initially neglect their content descriptions and this is a mistake. Your video titles and descriptions are important representations of your brand. Just take a look at the attention given to these details on the most successful YouTube channels.

Delivered Content

Delivered Content is essentially the videos your channel shows. That is the end product your audience receives from you.

It is likely that you already have a handle on this aspect as this is the heart of our biz. If not, well, you should know quality in this area needs to match your brand.

I have seen many skateboarding videos shot on mobile phones appear in huge studio releases. This is because in matches the grittiness of the brand and syncs with the overall tone.

On the other hand, can you imagine a pristine upper class travel program produced on shaky camera footage. I believe that would be rather off-putting.

The bottom line is, your productions should represent your brand and you should not deliver otherwise.

Interaction

Interaction means all of the ways your audience interacts with your brand. Your channel, website, email, chat, phone, comments, purchases, and more are all ways the audience can interact with your brand.

A gritty, street music channel might respond to their audience in a manner that would never fly for a white-collar real-estate channel. The point, once again, is consistency. Your interactions need to always represent your brand. Don’t forget this.

Quick tip. Respond to comments on social media if at all possible. Build up your fans and respond appropriately to criticism. The outcome will be to your benefit. Do you remember the old Sprite commercial “Image is everything”?

Your brand, if properly created, will build your audience naturally.

This means knowing who your brand is and who it’s for. This strategy will be the foundation for your audience growth and success.

It will require thoughtfulness and direction, but in return, will build your organization in ways money will never be able to buy. It will become a part of the mind in the same way as McDonald’s and At&t have for you.

Ready to take your content to the next level and be on Television? Join us on a live demo!

Garrett Cunningham

Streaming is the NEW cable.

Cable companies all over the world are shifting focus from traditional cable television to streaming on-demand options. They are no longer pushing pricey cable packages. Now they are offering over-the-top services while they focus on selling broadband instead of cable.

With cable’s shift in focus, content creators should likewise be shifting focus.

If you want your programing on TV, you want to be on these platforms:

• Roku.
• Fire TV.
• Apple TV.
• Android TV.

These are the new cable boxes. The new outlet for televisions consumption.

So, if you want to be on television, you want to be on the NEW cable.

Ready to take your content to the next level and be on Television?

Join us on a live demo!

Now we know where you want to be. We should talk about how you are going to get there.

There is a hard way, and there is an easy way.

The hard way includes getting a Content Distribution Network or CDN. Then you would have to hire a programmer to create a way to deliver the content from your CDN to everybody’s TV.

Your programmer will have to program this delivery specifically for each platform, as each one is in a different programing language.

You would have to give him your content every time you want to add something to your channel, or he would have to program a management system for you, then teach you how it operates. Honestly, there is more, but I will cut this short as I see your eyes are glazing over.

The Easy Way

TvStartup.com! This is the easy way. For much less than the cost of hiring on a programmer, you can have a turn-key solution. You can be on your choice of all the major “cable boxes” and maintain it all from a single easy-to-manage dashboard. It has never been easier to manage a TV network.

The breakdown

For less than the cost of your living room TV, you can have your own network. Here’s how:

1. Sign up for TvStartup. During this process, you will receive your login as well as set up some specifics: Your channel name, your logo and splash video, and channel descriptions.

2. Get access to the dashboard: Here is where the magic happens. You have easy one or two button clicks to set up and use features like live streaming, schedule programming, and create Video on Demand categories (Just like Netflix).

3. Upload your video content: From your browser or desktop, upload your video library. This will give you the ability to manage your videos within the dashboard. In addition, you can assign your videos custom thumbnails and unique descriptions. The videos are also automatically encoded for you during the uploading process.

4. In addition to the dashboard for channel management, you have direct access to our constantly updated helpdesk and video tutorial library. If you find you need further assistance, no worries because you will have direct access to our support agents directly from your dashboard. Help will always be right at your fingertips!

That’s it! Four easy steps to manage an entire TV network. I told you it’s never been easier.

So, now your probably trying to figure out how long this is going to take. The truth is, it takes less time to set up a network than it probably took you to get your first production out the door. We are talking in less than two weeks. With the proper marketing, you could have a well-known channel in less than a month.

Why? Because there are over 200 Million people streaming video content to their televisions but only around 25,000 public channels. We are talking about less than 0.05 percent competition on the streaming networks. I dare you to compare that to YouTube. They have over 30 MILLION channels!

I do not want you to get the impression that fame will just occur. If you just sat on your channel and did nothing, it is likely that you would get a few downloads due to such limited competition but you would not become famous. But, because you are content creators, I believe you will put in the work to succeed.

I too am a content creator. I know the blood, sweat, and tears that go into production. If you attack the work of operating a network in the same way, you are all but guaranteed to succeed.

Ready to take your content to the next level and be on Television? Join us on a live demo!

Garrett Cunningham

FOLLOW THE MONEY$$$

This wisdom is universally applied, from financiers to criminal investigators. The video content space is no exception. If you make content or distribute it, look out because the money is moving!

Broadband (AKA Internet TV) has taken cable for the title. Broadband is now the top revenue driver. The cash cow for all the major players. What does this mean for you and me? Well, competing in the streaming market will become more challenging. Entering the market now has benefits that will never come again. In other words…

The time is now!

Unlike anytime before, those channels that capitalize on Internet TV platforms like Roku & Fire TV are leading. We watched the fall come. Last July, we saw Variety put the writing on the wall in permanent marker. The sum of that article? The next five years spell a complete polar shift.

Mark Zuckerberg knew how important it was to get to the marketplace first, do you?

If you understand how important it is to get there first, learn your next step with us on a live demo!

We have finally seen broadband beat out cable, if not completely, basically, at least. A few conglomerates remain fighting the cable fight (I’m looking at you Comcast). And it makes sense. Some money is still in the cable market. But the cold hard truth of it all is that the value of cable will consistently transition into Internet TV and their streaming platforms.

Look at the chart here from Variety:

Compare that with the Nasdaq report on heavy cord-cutting. We see an estimated 31.2 million households cut the cable last year. This puts the total U.S. cable customers well below the user base on either Roku or Fire TV. The latter two are leading Internet television platforms. Mind you, Apple TV and Android TV are not far behind.

Of course, we have known viewership was already greater with these streaming platforms.

But more viewers do not immediately equal more money. Many streaming services are priced considerably lower than cable. A part of the price difference is “justified” by the sheer quantity of channels cable provides. A justification that does not hold up. We have learned quantity does not equal quality.

Here is a quote from former DirectTV/AT&T Audience Network programming chief Chris Long:

“At some point, people will make the decision that I can get everything I want [in streaming]. I no longer need to have 180 channels that I only watch 12 of.”

That ‘point’ Chris Long speaks of is being reached. What was a prophetic vision is quickly being written in history books today. According to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults, cable/satellite viewership has dropped 30% since 2015. That is, in 2015, 76% of adult Americans watched cable or satellite television. Now it is barely over half of that population at 56%. It is not going to get better for cable.

This is the endgame for cable and satellite. The thing is, it’s not leaving a vacuum, like some industries. The cable lifeblood is being sucked out of them by broadband streaming services like Roku and Fire TV. And do not get me wrong, this is great for us consumers. For too long has the monopolies reigned.

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So why is this so important now?

The difference now is that the majority of the cash flow is now on the streaming side. Remember, follow the money. Giants are not easily displaced. The conglomerates are actively taking up positions on the very streaming platforms that have wounded them. Forbes has an article that lays out their resilience amidst this polar shift.

A quick look at history:

We can see many examples given in past technology. Radio was open source before the networks moved in. Television quickly became monopolized following its invention. Cable had scaffolding in place to only allow for an insider buddy system. Even the freest technology we have recently known, the Internet, has been a target by giant corporations. Those who move now will be the only ones to have this early advantage. And what an incredible advantage it is. We will not see it again.

This is incredible news for independent channels. The playing field has been leveled, as much as can be, for our benefit. Many independent channels are positioning themselves now. By doing so, their visibility will be much stronger at the end of this shift. An excellent example is Pewdiepie. Say what you will about his current events. My point will still stand. He was one of the first to capture a specific niche on the YouTube platform. Which niche? Videos of him playing video games. Crazy right. It is so ingrained in culture now that we almost forget someone had to start it.

This is part of the beauty of an open platform like Roku or Fire TV.

Granted, even the big guys can enter the playing field. And are, but if your there first, it will not matter. Do you know how many people are making videos of them playing video games? You can not count them. Did some people enter after and make it worth their while? Yes, but few have been able to compete with whoever got there first.

Now is the time to get started…if you have not already.

This beautiful period in video content creator history is similar to a flower. We are blooming. Right now. Don’t wait. One day(hopefully years upon years later) this too will fade.

Now you understand how important it is to get there first! Take your next step.

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TvStartup

A common concern.

The great news is there is some optimization you can do. Allow me to be upfront with you. Your answer is specific to you and your channel. There is no universal magic number. Just your magic number, and we are going to look for it in this post.

Why is this important?

If you do not know, you might not be ready to answer the question How often do I post? There is a high-level evaluation required to maximize your channel presence.

You will need a decent understanding of your niche. Your audience and your marketing plan. Your business as a whole. Profit, Non-profit, it does not matter. The principles are the same.

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Suppose you have this down.

Now you are ready to optimize. So, why should you know how often to post? Because you want to ensure you are meeting audience expectations. You want to ensure you are running at maximum efficiency. So you plan your release schedule.

So how much content do you need to provide? To answer that question, we first need to do some evaluation of your channel.

Allow me to put two prerequisites before you.

Consider these first when planning a posting schedule. Make sure these two things are taken care of before you commit to any release.

Quality and consistency.

These are your laws. You should always ensure they are satisfied before considering anything else. Quality. And. Consistency.

A caveat to this is if the content is time-sensitive. As s case in point, consider a breaking news report. The reporter bringing this immediate info might not have had time for makeup or a wardrobe change. In this example, an exchange of quality for the immediacy of breaking news could take place.

If the content requires sacrifice or it will lose value, then that must be considered. Also, our scenario above is atypical and not a standard operating procedure. Please remember this.

The quality of your content is what you will stand on.

If it takes you three days to complete a quality video, do not commit to uploading daily videos. If you do, you will either produce lesser quality videos or break your consistency. Obviously, but what goes without saying is still likely to occur when not said.

Consistency is equally important.

You build loyal viewership on this principle. Consistency in the type of content. In the style in which you produce the content. And your release schedule. All build your credibility to be consistent. How upset would you be to find out your favorite TV show will be released, say, sometime between Monday and Friday each week. Would you check that channel often and randomly? No one has time for that.

Always be explicit and transparent with your audience. Tell the audience what you commit to, then keep that commitment to the very best of your ability. In future posts, we will be covering some tactics to help you keep these commitments while still handling life’s curveballs.

Want to reach millions with your content? Come hang out with us on a live demo!

With those two things understood, now evaluate the kind of content you provide.

If you are doing a Fix & Flip real estate show, that could take a while to produce. You might only be able to have seasonal programing on this style of content. And just so you know, a season does not need to be 20+ episodes anymore!

In this case, finish production before ever releasing an episode. This will prevent delays from being pushed into your release schedule. You will also need content to show in the meantime to fill your publishing commitment.

Do you plan on releasing the show weekly? Bi-weekly or monthly? Whenever it may be, you should have content to release according to your committed schedule.

The three-letter networks have seasons for exactly this reason. One program can take months to produce. To avoid a content blackout, they fill the schedule with different content according to how long a show takes to produce. Viewers become loyal because they know when their shows will be available and what’s on offer.

There is much to learn from the network approach to scheduling.

Don’t reinvent the wheel, just modify it.

If you run a cooking channel, daily releases might be within the realm of possibility. Why do I keep mention daily releasing? Because we hear it is a standard commonly used. The more often you release, the higher likelihood of success. Thanks, YouTube.

The truth is, this is not necessarily accurate. Netflix does not release new content daily. Almost daily. But that has not always the case. Of course, much of this is 3rd party too. If your audience is interested in your channel daily, but you can not produce daily content, you should be looking for 3rd party content.

I say “if” your audience is interested because it is quite possible to successfully run a channel that is only viewed once or twice a week by a loyal viewership. Some channels release new content even less frequently while maintaining a loyal fan base. But they follow the two prerequisites I mention above.

How is that possible?

Look, there is more content vying for our attention than ever before. Xbox, Netflix, Amazon, Play-station, mobile apps, YouTube, Tiktok… the list is long. You can not expect to displace these. Especially, at the beginning. If you consistently release quality content once a month, your audience will appreciate your effort. If they value it, they will return when you post next month.

So to answer the question “How often do I post new content?”

First, answer these:

• How long does it take me to make a quality episode?
• How often can I produce the content for each episode?
• Do I have access to 3rd party content to fill any gaps?
• How often can I use the 3rd party content I have, if any?
• Have I taken into account my other obligations?
• How often does my audience consume this type of content?
• Can I commit to my audience a specific number without breaking their confidence?

Now, after evaluating the above, you have the result. Look at whatever above requires the most time. Decide if any 3rd party content is available for you to release as well. The most content you could commit to is the length of time the longest part above takes divided by the number of 3rd party pieces provided to you. Committing to any more than this will likely reduce rather than add to your channel value.

Some of you see the economics of this intuitively but just needed to be assured. Others might find this approach novel. Either way, this is the truth of the matter. We want you to succeed in the long term. After all, your success is ours as well.

Now you are ready, now get an audience of millions!

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TvStartup

Your how-to channel, documentary, news report, infomercial, and narrative all tell stories.

You need to realize this. Even if your channel is not narrative-based. Television is an audio/visual medium transmitting information. You should look at this information as a story. Transitioning to this mindset is the first tip on upping your production value.

It will change the way you approach every aspect of your process for the better. Read on to see how!

Are you ready to take your content to the next level?

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Know what you’re saying, Script it.

To some, this could either sound obvious or a waste of time. I realize there are folks on both sides of the spectrum. That said, it can make all the difference between sounding/looking amateur or professional.

I implore you to write down what you want to say to your audience. You should look at your video as a story, no matter the length. You want to make sure it has a proper beginning, a perky middle, and a satisfying end.

In other words, a well-planned project will meet the goals you set. And it prevents meandering. Write an outline if you can not justify a full script. Just write it down.

Location/Wardrobe, Look and feel the part.

If filming a documentary on downtown homelessness, try not to dress it up. If filming practically anything else, you can not let it look like your filming a documentary on downtown homelessness. Make sure you look the part your playing on TV.

Pay attention to your set design as well. Adding a bit of interest in your background can add value for free. A plant. Art Poster. Whatever might be appropriate to the story your telling. A taxidermy duck on the wall would work on your hunting channel. Not so much on your vegan one. Be aware of what you put in the frame and make it visually interesting.

Audio, Make them feel what they see.

If you have never heard it before, I am pleased to inform you that sound is 50% of your video. No, that is not a typo. And, no, I did not say it first. That award goes to George Lucas.

If you had a choice of high-end video and low-end audio or vise versa, always go with vise versa. That is high-end audio and low-end video. Granted, going all out is best, but not realistic.

The point is, the most beautiful image will be destroyed with poor audio. Guaranteed. Watch a movie like Citizen Cane or 12 Angry men. You can not get a camera that shoots such a low-resolution today(not easily anyway). They are still a pleasure. Now watch a modern-day blockbuster without sound. I bet you will not finish it.

Wonderful news. High-quality sound can be achieved for a fraction of the price of a high-quality picture. I am talking anywhere from under $60-$200. And it counts for %50 of your finished product. Boost your audio before boosting your video.

Cover your bases, Multiple camera angles.

This is an easy way to boost any production value. It just requires a little thought. The easiest way to do this is to shoot with multiple cameras. That way, you can cut between different angles in one shot. But, if on a budget, you probably only have one camera. Even if you have more than one camera, I would still shoot every scene at least twice. Your editor will thank you. If you do your own editing, you will thank yourself.

The goal here is to create more interest in your final product. I use the word interest here in this post as a synonym for your production value. I do this because of how interrelated these concepts are. By cutting from one angle to another, you are re-stimulating the viewers’ minds. This technique is almost mandatory in this day and age. Thank you, MTV.

Make sure that the angles you are shooting from contrast each other. Moving the camera a foot or two is not going to work. If you only move the camera slightly, it will look jumpy when you edit the two angles together. Not cinematic. You should not jar the audience(unless you are doing horror) but stimulate them.

The angle should be at least 60 degrees different from the other camera angles without going beyond 180 degrees. If you go beyond that, when you edit between the angels, your subject will flip the direction they face on the screen. This will only confuse the audience. Here is more information on the subject matter.

Do you make pro content but need to expand your platform?

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Basic PRO-duction checklist:

• Am I thinking of the story being told?
• Did I script or outline it?
• Does location/wardrobe represent the story?
• Is my audio the best I can make it?
• Do I give the viewers more than one angle to view the scene?

Stay tuned for more posts that build on this subject.

We realize that you are a professional and want your channel to properly represent that. When starting out, you’ll be hard-pressed to have a better foundation than presented here.

If it’s not your first rodeo, this should still be a checklist that gets all of its boxes checked. And I mean, every time. Your channel deserves the best it can be. This will always be based on your production value. Stay tuned for more to grow your PRO-duction checklist. We anticipate seeing you bring great things to the world!

Now you are ready to take your content to the next level!

Come hang out with us on a live demo!

TvStartup

I’m going to make a bold statement…

The success of your channel will depend on how niche your content is.

Already have your niche content and are ready for the next step?

Come hang out with us on a live demo!

For those still unsure as to what niche content is, let me explain.

Niche content is centered around a theme. And it should be tight. A segment of a topic or genre. The more focused, the more niche. Generally, the more niche, the better. Of course, it is possible to be too niche.

Dedicating your channel content around the feeding habits of mealworms? That’s too niche. Remember that you will need to come out with new content every week or two at the minimum.

On the other hand, a channel on ‘everything mealworms’ could easily work. Even a channel on insects could still be niche enough.

Why would you do this?

Honestly, many people naturally do this. They are passionate about a specific subject and enjoy making content associated with it. Believe it or not, it’s rare for someone to have an interest they alone have. There will be like-minded viewers.

But having a niche limits your audience, right?

Well, of course. But we are starting with a pool of about 7 and 1/2 billion people. That global audience consumes about a billion hours of content daily on YouTube alone. If we counted all the streaming platforms and their hours, it would be astronomical.

Remember, if you are interested in a subject, likely so are numerous others.

So why does being niche equal success?

Because there are boatloads of channels. What will make yours different enough to be seen amidst the crowd? Your niche.

This will be what sets you apart, allowing other like-minded individuals to find you. Niche is what makes you unique.

This means you need to make sure the greatest portion of your content is focused on a theme. Do not just upload random videos and hope for the best.

Every video needs to have a purpose and be made with intent.

A single concept. Entertainment is not a theme. Your focus should be tighter than a genre such as comedy or drama. These are still too general. You need to focus on a topic, or subtopic, and style.

Lighthearted SFX films. Serious indy projects. Intense boxing coverage. Engaging painting tutorials. New pop music. Your topic should be steadfast but your style can swing a bit. That’s fine.

The point is for you to create a consistent experience. This assures your audience that they know what they’re getting. Doing this ensures they will be back.

You must give viewers a reason to choose you over the rest.

First, you must know who your audience is. Produce the right video content for your target audience, then you will have their loyalty. It is far better for you to have 1000 loyal viewers rather than a million mildly entertained ones.

Loyal viewers are willing to shell out 10 dollars a month. Mildly entertained comes a dime a dozen. Basic math tells you that’s not worth a cent.

After you decide on your niche, start connecting with your audience.

Be proactive, especially in the beginning. This way, you can start tailoring content to what they like.

This does not mean you are relinquishing your creative control to your viewership. They are watching you because you are doing something they connect with. You are figuring out what part of your style/content is connecting the most.

I’ve recently seen an example of a lady who owns a channel solely to teach scrapbooking. She gained 17,000 subscribers in under two years.

If your niche is ready and you need a platform, Come hang out with us on a live demo!

Steps for creating a niche channel:

• Pick a niche. Making your channel unique.
• Identify your interested audience.
• Create content with your niche audience in mind.

This is the basic formula. There is a lot more to running your channel. We will be covering all the angles you will need to be mindful of in the future. Things like marketing, monetizing, production…the list is long.

The list is also useless until you can distinguish yourself from everyone else. Your niche is the first major decision you should make concerning production. Everything else branches from here.

The channels that set themselves apart will succeed.

The channels creating content that can not be seen elsewhere. The channel with a loyal viewership. These are the channels not shaken despite whoever is wading in the pool. Remember, your niche is the foundation of your channel.

We would love to explain more info in person, Come hang out with us on a live demo!

TvStartup

People love your channel! They keep coming back for more.

You’re obviously giving them ‘high value’ content. You don’t want to ruin that. You have no interest in muddying their experience with pesky ads. Yet, you deserve compensation. I know the ad fad has set the standard for monetization. The thing is, it’s not the only way. Actually, it’s not even the most profitable way to monetize a channel.

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Do you have content and need an audience? Come hang out with us on a live demo to get one.

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I want to show you some alternative ways you can make money with your channel.

Quite a few actually. But before I do, check out why these are better options than annoying ads.

According to this article by Shopify, all the top earners on YouTube make money from merchandise. I have seen this make up a huge percentage of their earnings. Combine merchandise with sponsorships, and you’ll see ads contribute a significantly lesser amount than the mainstream makes it seem.

Michael Johnston helps us understand how little ads contribute to these top creators, “…the average CPM that can be expected from YouTube videos is between $0.50 and $5.00. That means that for every 1 million views of your videos, you can expect to make between $500 and $5,000.” This is on a million views. Not an easily achieved task.

It’s important to note that television streaming like Roku pays significantly higher dividend’s but you’ll still need a bigger-sized audience to be profitable.

On the other hand, selling ad space on your channel directly to businesses can reap huge benefits. Even with a smaller audience. Plus, you get 100% of the revenue. Combine that with selling ‘Air Time’ and you have a couple of high-value commodities. That’s an advantage of owning a channel on a television platform like Roku and Fire TV.

Or you take control and sell your own products and services. Susan Solovic says, “Discovering the right blend of informative content to promotional content within a video can pay big dividends for your small business. Further, as I said above, establishing your position as an industry or product authority is always to your benefit.”

Do you need a channel to monetize?

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A website will be to your channel what a bank is to your money. It’s the central way you’ll interact with your audience. You better make it shine! This is an integral component of the ways you will make money. Please understand, your channel is a traffic stream. You provide high-value content. They come to view it, then you have them continue that stream to your website. Back and forth in a symbiotic relationship. You’ll see.

Since we have already touched on it, I’ll start with ‘merch’. Merchandise is incredibly valuable. To you, and your audience.

And this is not new. When I was in my high school years, I had a band. We were decent enough to fill local venues. Do you know how much money we would make on ticket sales? Nothing, that went to the venue. We made money from a table in the back selling our shirts, CDs, and stickers.

Yeah, I said CDs. That’s not the point whipper-snapper. The point is ‘merch’ is profitable. Do not neglect it. You don’t want to go through setting up your own online shop? Check out turnkey options like Shopify.

Do you have a channel that relates to some physically creative talent of yours?

You could promote an Etsy store page at the start of an applicable video. Your sports channel is perfect for promoting your handmade fishing flys, hand-made skate decks, or inked-up court shoes. A classic movie buff who also makes replicas? Perfect. If you create fan posters or resale memorabilia, this is right up your alley.

You don’t even have to create the stuff you sell your audience. If you got the line on channel-related gear, affiliate links are available to you. It is, after all, part of the lifeblood that we call the Internet.

Alright, maybe you aren’t a salesperson.

Your channel is your product. Well, that’s what your selling then. The best way to do this is through subscriptions. Just ask Netflix. I have seen this most successful with channels that provide niche content. Yes, Netflix has a niche, it’s called Netflix Originals. Just in case you forgot the distant past of 2013, House of Cards was a Netflix Original. You see, they made many transitions to stay afloat. From delivering blockbusters to your door to streaming them online. The thing that cemented them though, was ‘Netflix Originals’. Niche content that can be seen nowhere else. If you have that, you need subscriptions.

Of course, you might have content that goes beyond niche. Subscriptions are not your only option. Crowdfunding can yield huge results. A fanatical fan base contribution could far exceed what you might ask of them on a month-to-month basis. This is better done after you have the fan base obviously.

If you don’t have the fan base yet, do not despair.

A channel focused on something another business is invested in makes that business is a potential sponsor. If a business gives you sponsorship out the gate, they will likely get a better deal than one coming in after you’ve grown. We will have an entire article on working with businesses so keep an eye out for that. Also, keep in mind that sponsors can be video-specific or for the whole channel.

Do you remember telethons? They still occur, I guess, but not like they used to. Nowadays, we call it Live Streaming, and man it is lucrative. Dedicated platforms are the most profitable for earnings and can run directly to your channel and other platforms. If your content is better live than otherwise, this is the best way to go.

We actually have even more ways to make great money from your channel but that will have to wait. There is no contest, if you have an avenue beyond ads, you need to follow it. I encourage you to look at your channel and see if these ideas could work for you. Your results will be faster and more profitable.

So present yourself as an authority and maximize your revenue. Implement these ideas into your monetization strategy and start making real money today.

For more reading see How To Make Money With YouTube

Do you need a channel to monetize?

Join us on a Live Demo here.

We break down the details of how to quickly start and grow your own TV Channel from scratch.

TvStartup

“Where can I get content?”

People ask me this all the time.

It’s an important question. How important? Well, there’s a guy you might have heard of named Bill Gates. In the ancient era of 1996, he wrote an essay about the Internet. The title of this essay was ‘Content is King’. Talk about vision. 25 years later and that title has never been truer.

“Content is where I expect much of the real money will be made on the Internet, just as it was in broadcasting.“

Bill Gates

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Come hang out with us on a live demo to get one.

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With no breaks, it would take you almost 21 days to watch all the content uploaded to YouTube in the past minute. Yes, I said minute. This is a staggering thought. It also leads me right into giving you a hot tip. If you need content, someone is probably making it.

Do you want to make your own content? Keep an eye out, we’ll be posting a ton of useful info for you too.

I actually have multiple tips for where you can acquire content. We will be covering them all, but I thought it would be erroneous to leave YouTube out. As with almost everything, there is a right way and a wrong way of doing this. We’ll explain that as well.

You can find content on everything.

From tutorials on the different soil compositions to intergalactic space narratives. And everything in between. I know a guy who is creating content on raising/training homing pigeons. So there is no shortage of content being made. Many of these people need a better outlet. If you own a channel, are business savvy, and have the vision, these people need you. They know how to create and you can provide a better outlet. Match made in heaven.

There are a few websites geared at providing you content.

Sometimes they will have exactly what you are looking for. You should check out the list below and see what’s available. Some of these sites have free content and that might work for you. A few are working the middle range that could be right up your alley. Others can be downright pricey but have what you need. It all depends on your channel model. Your channel could be geared for the higher-end stuff or something more niche. It’s up to you. In no particular order, here they are:

• archive.org
• fesfilms.com
• allrites.com
• vuulr.com
• greenlightrights.com
• rightstrade.com
• mediabank.tv
• videoelephant.com

Be aware that some of the above sites require a bit of data entry. Have your business info on hand if you plan exhausting the list.

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Are you ready to share content with a global audience? Join us on a Live Demo here.

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Are you looking for something original and never before seen?

I recommend your local university. Most colleges and universities have a group of film buffs. It could be formally from film/theater classes or otherwise. It’s no secret, the college-age demographic is making content. You can be sure to find unique content this way. Plus, by getting into direct contact with them, you might convince them to make exactly what your channel needs.

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Another option for collecting content is through a post. Whether in a local ad, online ad, or in a topic-related forum. Sometimes it just makes sense for creators to find you instead. This works better if you are flexible with what is submitted. It can also require a lot of your time. You’ll have to curate the content you don’t want along with the content you do.

If you are looking to easily find something specific, nothing beats Google/YouTube. Most searches will yield a video result. Of course, this is just the beginning…

Social media is meant to be social, right?

Even though it can seem like a one-way street, it’s not. Do not be afraid to approach these people. That’s right. They’re just people, like you and me. They’re likely popular, and many are incredibly talented. But they’re still human.

That’s fine, you’re human too! So let’s put the social back in media and start networking. Get out there. If you see someone’s work and think “This is a great fit for my channel”, hit them up. My mother always said it never hurts to ask. Of course, she told me ‘no’ more than any other human being on the planet. But she was right. So the moral is, ASK!

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The first thing I want to point out is that getting in touch with a creator on YouTube is not the easiest. To this day, the best approach I have seen is this.

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There are a ton of other sharing sites but the approach is similar.

If you find someone you want to work with, interact with their content. Subscribe. Like. Whatever is called for. Give constructive feedback and make your presence valuable. Remember, this does not mean spamming with smiley faces and hollow comments like “Awesome” or “Great job”. By interacting with their content, you are making yourself familiar. That way, when you do reach out, you’re not just some stranger asking for something.

Then it’s time to actually reach out. I recommend you try Twitter first. It’s hard to get through email so if direct messaging is available, go with that. Instagram or discord might also be an option. Either way, when you reach out, be genuine. Every quality relationship goes both ways. You should have something of value to offer them and you’re going to want to make that clear.

The amount of content being made is mind-blowing.

The key is getting that right content in front of the right viewers. You obviously understand that. That’s why you are here. Some techniques will do better than others, depending on what type of channel you have. The thing is, they will all produce results if you follow through with them. It is time. Go get that content, your channel is waiting.

If you don’t have a channel to show off all this content, have questions, or are interested in learning how to start your own TV network, come hang out with us on a Live Demo.

TvStartup

Rising above Demonetization.

Demonetization – the process wherein content creators are denied paid advertisements in their content, thus denying them revenue and reducing their income from a given platform.

Adpocalypse – The current era of unprecedented demonetization of content creators due to extreme and often unwarranted policy’s.

Say what you will, the Adpocalypse is here.

On second thought, don’t say what you will. You might end your current revenue stream. Your content creations are at risk after all. “Hold on one second” you say. “Can this take place with my channel?” Surely not… right?

I can almost guarantee you that is exactly what David Hoffman thought. He’s a 78-year-old YouTuber who re-purposes content from his decades-long film career. His content was demonetized seemingly out of the blue. The kicker here is, he never received a straight answer as to why. It turns out he had not violated any of YouTube’s many requirements and policies. Months later, his monetization was reinstated but the damage was done. He ultimately lost 1/3 of his income during the demonetization period. It boiled down to an error within the algorithm.

These platform’s flawed demonetization algorithm’s are not helping the situation. To this day, creators are being demonetized for seemingly no legitimate reason.

Come hang out with us on live demo to get more information on platforms that do not use demonetization as a punishment!

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The machines are here. Broad, brawly algorithms, bearing authority as “judge and jury” over your content.

There is a fallout taking place. A sort of potential 1984, big brother vibe.

Policy and regulation at it’s ‘not so finest’. Let take a look at some of these in more detail.

Often, you can simply have a title, thumbnail, or description that’s the reason for your videos getting demonetized. Other times, it is likely something in your video that is against the Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines. Penalties for profanity is common as per their advertiser guidelines. Even if you aren’t a potty-mouth, you’re in danger. We all slip up sometimes!

If you want to earn revenue and are a channel focused on controversial or disliked topics, you’re out of luck. You don’t have much choice; either look for an alternative source of income or change the topics you cover. Speaking of problematic topics, you can’t really do reaction videos. This is due to murky interpretation of fair use policy, which is why it often gets demonetized.

Politics are always controversial, regardless of what you think, so it pushes creators to avoid the topic altogether to be able to monetize on these platforms.

I know, you see that juicy green monetization icon so you believe your safe. You’re wrong. These platforms have policy and algorithm evolution’s daily, so everything is subject to change. It’s not uncommon for YouTube to go back into old creators’ videos and demonetize them. Even years after their initial upload.

To make matters worse, YouTube is failing to make any recognizable improvement since the adpocalypse began in 2017. To the contrary — YouTube has been the subject to much ridicule . The most frequent complaints aimed at the platform are related to:

• Unequal enforcement of their policies.
• Flawed recommendation algorithm.
• Unfair treatment of some of their creators.
• Targeted censorship.
• Unsubstantiated demonetization.
• Abuse of the DMCA claim system.

Many advertisers are leaving these platforms, which is leading to an even greater shortfall of monetization opportunities.

You need to ask yourself these questions when creating content for a platform that uses demonetizes as a punishment:

• Do I understand the insecurities of earning revenue from this platform?
• Am I willing to give up potential income for my hard work?
• Can I accept the possibility of seeing my career in content creation end?

Remember, on these kind of platforms…

You can be demonetized without warning. It can be for saying something others disagree with. For speaking on sensitive subjects. Even by using content the algorithms think you don’t have rights to. You can lose your ad revenue even though you’re within U.S. copyright and intellectual law, simply due to a faulty algorithm. On top of all of this, your ability to dispute the decision to demonetize your channel is laughable.

Just to start monetizing on some of these platforms, you must be up for a certain number of years, have a specific number of viewers, or meet other ever increasing requirements.

By choosing to not go with a platform that punishes with demonetization, you need to still make sure these needs met:

• The platform should not hinder your ability to monetize.
• It will keep you up and running despite opposition.
• It will not accidentally discipline you for content that falls with in the United States copyright and intellectual property laws.
• The platform should be completely transparent and accessible regarding your content.

If you are looking for a platform that will not demonetize your channel, come hang out on a live demo with us here…

Now you’re armed with the knowledge in order to not only survive, but thrive in this Adpocalypse. If you create content and value your efforts, ensure you are compensated for it. You don’t have to live with such insecurity. You don’t have to cower quietly if fear of violating some opaque rule or regulation. I have a few more techniques I would like to share with you. You can have your own network. Then you will not have to answer to anyone. Come hang out with us on a live demo to start protecting all your hard work, check out the link below.

Get an in-depth look at how you can use our turn-key platform to launch your own TV channel. Directly engage with viewers on today’s most popular TV platforms.

TvStartup

In a sea of content, it’s easy to drown.

This is a hard truth we content creators face every day. And we do. With steely determination and hope glimmering in our eyes. Why? Because we know there are anomalies. Pieces of content that not only skim atop the digital ocean, but rather defy gravity, floating high above the rest. This type of content has gone ‘viral’.

The first step towards going viral is to have your own channel to publish content through online.

If you don’t yet have your own online channel, attend one of our Live Demos to see how you can launch your own channel and set yourself up for publishing your content to a large audience.

Once you have your channel launched, you can now endeavor to publish your content using the steps covered below to give it an edge for higher-engagement and going ‘viral’.

“Viral” is a strong term made even stronger by recent events in online trends. Let’s define it so we can identify the area we need to focus on. I’m going to skip the culturally acceptable standard which is Wikipedia. You can find that later if needed. The heart of the meaning is this: Viral Content is a communication that becomes popular by being shared rapidly and widely across different communication channels by a large audience.

This is the viral process. It is what separates the anomalies in the sky from the vast ocean in our analogy.

Sharing is obviously the key here.

Major sharing. But what prompts such a response from the audience? We are talking about some seriously motivating factors here. Well friend’s, we’ve got the answers and we’ve backed it up with science. Science rocks!

When creating content with the potential to go viral, your goal is to initiate a response in the audience. Like the person watching your video for example. And nothing gets people to respond better than…

Looking for more ways to take your video content to the next level?

Check out our Live Demo to see how you can easily create your own independent online TV network.

Emotion is king!

When trying to get people to act, emotion is king. On top of that, emotions have been shown to be contagious. When we care, we share. We can use this to our advantage.

In a 2011 paper in Psychological Science, Berger argues the most important factor in content transmission is physiological arousal: Emotions that increase arousal, like anxiety and amusement, will be more effective than low-arousal emotions like sadness and contentment. Particularly positive emotions.

“People share things they have strong emotional reactions to, especially strong positive reactions.”

Rosanna Guadagno, a social psychologist at the University of Texas in Dallas, told the Times.

Frac.tl conducted a study listing the top 10 emotions that are most likely to become viral:

• Amusement
• Interest
• Surprise
• Happiness
• Delight
• Pleasure
• Joy
• Hope
• Affection
• Excitement

Of course, negative emotion can work too. We see this constantly displayed by the nightly news.

• Fear: Content that warns and increases awareness has more chances to become viral.
• Sadness: A sad video can become viral because people empathize with a certain story and want others to empathize as well to increase awareness or show admiration.
• Anger: Content that makes people angry is more likely to be shared as people are inclined to express their outrage on a given topic and want others to join their ranks.
• Disgust: Disgusting pieces can play either the “so bad it’s good” humorous game or the “warning, this is bad” game.

I love the fact that positive emotions share better than negative ones!

Novelty

This is the new and unique. You know, shiny things! Novelty is a powerful motivator to get people to act as you are about to find out.

I live in Texas. Driving to another city is often filled with mundane views. Fields and livestock mostly. For miles. It’s not story worthy in the slightest. But lets say you were with me on one of these trips. We are driving a particularly long stretch, listening to some music, as you stare out the window. Suddenly, among a heard of cattle huddled by the fence line, you notice a bright blue cow. Yes, a bright blue cow!

Imagine the result’s of such an event. You would not simply let that pass on by. You would shoot up, crane your neck, and yell to get my attention. Now I’m trying to see what the commotion is about. You would convince me to turn around. There would be picture taking and phone calls to friends. Even telling the gas station attendant on our next stop. Viral content evokes the same kind of response.

Neuroscience researchers found some time ago that we have a region in the mid-brain responsible for this behavior, regulating motivation and reward processing by managing our dopamine levels. This area is what responds to novelty in our lives.

In other words, when your brain stumbles upon a new idea or piece of content it floods you with dopamine, making you feel rewarded and compelled to search for more. Even an old topic can have a new or unique light shine upon it. If you want people to share your content, make sure its a “blue cow” and not a brown one.

Curiosity

No matter how relevant your content is, people will only spend their time on content that catches their attention. This means you must be intriguing. This is not about tricking your audience. Consider what knowledge your audiences wants but does not have. Make sure to create useful, quality content containing this knowledge. Then tell them that your content has this knowledge in a compelling way. Your guaranteed to pique their curiosity.

People share content that fills the gap between what they know and what they want to know. This is why “How To” videos do so well. Fiction can also fill a knowledge gap. Whether its a humorous perspective or a horrifying experience. So offer your audience the chance of filling this gap with your content. They will feel motivated to share it with others who can learn it too.

Likewise, use this aspect to create catchy headlines. Some company’s will create 30 or more headlines and pick the one that that invokes the most curiosity. While I don’t think you necessarily need to do this, it does underline it’s importance. You should not neglect this.

Now, a re-cap. Make sure to ask yourself these questions when creating your next piece of content:

First and foremost, remember, emotion is king. Think about the emotions it will invoke.

• Are they the kind of emotions that will encourage others to share your content?
• Is there something you can change to strengthen the emotion?
• Or alter it into a more shareable emotion?

What about the content’s novelty? Utilize the novelty of your content to really get them interested!

• Is your content a “blue” or brown cow?
• Is your perspective new or unique? Can you strengthen that?
• Is there new information on the topic?
• If its old content, can you modernize it? (Remember when DiCaprio stared in ‘Romeo & Juliette’?)

Check your content for the knowledge gaps you’ll be filling for your audience.

• What knowledge will your audience walk away with after consuming your content?
• Are you providing useful, relevant and actionable content in an intriguing way?
• Are you hanging that knowledge like a carrot in your headline?

A note on quality.

This was quite a few years ago so I can promise you that it’s even more important today. According to The Wall Street Journal, 9 of the top 10 most viral videos on YouTube in 2012 were created by professional producers. If you’re just starting out and don’t have a big budget, don’t stress too much. We’ll have more posts providing awesome budget friendly tips and tricks to “up” your production value, so stay tuned for notifications!

Now you have the keys.

If you create content with the audience’s emotions, novelty, and curiosity in mind, you will be creating the kind of content that is ready to go viral. If you want more information on building an audience to share your content with and the best tools to get your content to them, follow the link below.

Come hang out with us on our live demo!

Come hang out with us on our Live Demo!

You’ll get an in-depth look at how you can use our turn-key platform to launch your own TV channel and directly engage with viewers on today’s most popular TV platforms.

TvStartup

Are video creators at risk of losing their audiences due to censorship?

In recent times, the topic of online censorship has become increasingly important for the success of video creators.

Historically, censorship has commonly been used to suppress certain views and ideas that are considered offensive to the ones censoring, regardless of the validity of the information. Added to this are new and ever-changing terms and conditions for copyright rule, and content polices on various online platforms, and a perfect storm is created for video creators trying to and succeed in the online space.

Starting your own independent channel takes you beyond these limitations. Click here to see more on how TvStartup is helping video creators launch and control their own independent channels.

Widespread censorship by media conglomerates can be seen as having an increasingly negative impact on the ability for online content creators to build, maintain, grow, and monetize their online audiences.

YouTubers and Social Media influencers alike have found that the platforms on which they have built their audiences are at high risk of being taken offline overnight. Video creators have found their video channels unexpectedly demonetized, access to their accounts frozen, and even deleted with little or sometimes even no warning.

Copyright strikes driven by new AI technologies have also fueled concern and panic among creators of every genre, fearing that the audiences they have spent years of hard work building up are at surprisingly high risk of being destroyed at a moments notice.

You need to protect your content NOW!

It’s quite clear how your viewership and ability to monetize can be threatened by these factors.

Major tech companies can slow even outright stop your online growth if you are relying solely on their platforms for service.  What’s even more frightening is how this can happen to anyone, for even minor offenses. In fact, many content creators have already been kicked off of platforms like Youtube, Twitter, Vimeo, Twitch, and many more. Erasing entire audiences and sometimes even year’s worth of hard work!

This can happen at any time to anyone sometimes even without warning. As at any given time, large social media and web hosting companies can
de-platform you as they did to Parler. They can change the definition of what is acceptable and what isn’t at any time, basically what’s okay today may not be okay tomorrow.

This is why it’s critical to maintain as much control over your content as possible, especially in today’s social environment.

That’s why you need to have your own website, Roku channel, and any other media distribution service that YOU as the creator have control of so that no one can censor your content, demonetize your videos, or limit your ability to reach and grow your audience. 

Another consideration is that even if you keep your content socially, politically, and religiously acceptable, countries can completely prevent popular sites like YouTube from displaying your content to viewers in their country, irregardless of your content’s subject matter. This effectively separates you from your audience. 

The solution? You need your own media outlet, where you maintain full control over your own platform independently as a creator.

To learn more about how to launch your own independent video platform, click here to schedule a free live demo.

Censorship and the future

Most recently, censorship and compliance to terms or copyright rules is often driven by A.I., meaning you can be silenced without a real person ever being involved, all without any notice or explanation.

The way this kind of censorship works is quite interesting, processing massive amounts of data through pre-defined filters and often believed to leave much room for error. Information is processed in real-time making it possible for media companies to censor vast amounts of data at light speed. To make this worse, there are very few legal protections to prevent this from directly impacting your channel or online audience without recourse.

However, if you have your own independent website or TV channel you can prevent the headaches of dealing with these ever-changing limitations and decide what content is acceptable and what isn’t on your own channel.

A.I. or artificial intelligence will be much more aggressive in the future, and most A.I. auditors are controlled by media conglomerates. These algorithms can stop anyone or any company that starts to gain traction and reach large audiences. They can also be seen to have a two-fold purpose to squash any future competition and ensure popularized content has the most views. 

At TvStartup we don’t believe in limiting the ability of content creators to reach their audiences in any way.

We maintain our own infrastructure and don’t have to rely on 3rd party infrastructure controlled by large conglomerates like Amazon Web Services. Moreover, will have a commitment to creators to not audit content based on any political, religious, social, or educational biases.

Don’t get silenced.

Start your own independent channel to take control of your content today!

Click here to learn more on how you can gain FULL control of your content.

TvStartup

Thinking about launching an internet TV channel? Did you know that a press release could get your channel in front of thousands of new viewers? A press release is a great way to launch your channel. The best part is that it doesn’t cost much to get started.

Want to get started with your own channel?

Attend our Live Demo to find out how it works
(Click here to Schedule).

What is a press release?

A press release is a formal presentation delivered to the news media to provide information,  making a statement or an announcement about an upcoming event, product launch, etc, A press release can often come in many different formats however today we are going to focus on a more traditional format that is usually made up of nine structural elements, including a letterhead, contact information, headline, sub-headline, dateline, introduction, body, boilerplate, and a close. Press releases can be given to members of the news media physically on paper and electronically.

First of all, a press release should be used to bring attention to an upcoming event or change in your channel, bringing attention to your channel it’s-self.

So lets write your first Press Release.

Start with the Letterhead this could be your channel logo or your channel name.

Then include your Media contact information this is for the media to contact your public relations person.

Now you’re ready to start on the Headline your headline should be clear, concise, and to the point. It should also describe the content of the press release this will keep you from sounding like “click-bait”

Then you should write a Sub-Headline that explains the headline DO NOT just repeat the headline this is important because it helps build up interest in your body copy. It should also be italicized.

You should use a Dateline to indicate when and where the news is taking place

Next is your introduction this is where you give the reader a reason to read your body copy you want to introduce your reader to the information in the press release. This is a great place to include a prominent quote. Don’t be tempted to put background information about your channel in your introduction, you want to keep this under 3 paragraphs.

The Body of your press release should explain the who, what, when, where, and why of the events, promos, and news within your press release. Always start your body copy with quotes if you have them, you want to make this as easy as possible for journalists to just copy and paste your paragraphs, quotes, details, etc, this makes it easy for journalists to utilize your material. The body copy can be as long as you want as long as ALL of the content is relevant to the news you want to promote

Next, you should add a Boilerplate. A boilerplate is like an about paragraph for your channel use it to give a short description of what you do and what your channel is about.

Now go ahead and Close your press release with this ###. We created a free template to help you create your own press release more easily:

Claim your free template here to get started.

Utilizing the material in a press release can benefit journalists because press releases help decrease costs and improve the quantity of material a journalist can output in a given amount of time. Because the material is already written, press releases save journalists time, not only in writing a story, but also the time and money it would have taken to capture the news firsthand.

 Press releases tend to be biased towards the organization which ordered them. In the digital age, people want to get their information instantly which puts pressure on the news media to output as much material as possible. This type of pressure is bad for our news industry but GREAT for you! Simply because most news sources just copy and paste your release into the news. This means journalists will heavily rely on your press release to create stories. 

So just to recap a great press release should consist of

• Letterhead or logo
• Media contact information
• Headline
• Sub-Headline (Explaining the headline)
• Dateline
• Introduction
• Body
• Boilerplate
• Close

With all of this information, you are now ready to write your press release. Go ahead and get started with this free template.

If you don’t have a channel yet no worries just click here to schedule a free live demo.

TvStartup

A relatively recent phenomenon has been the rise in unlikely YouTube stars, as more people find unique ways to make money on this ever-growing platform. Over a billion videos are watched every day on YouTube, which has 2 billion logged-in monthly users and is on pace to earn $5.5 billion this year in US ad revenue alone. This staggering rise is consistent with a larger trend, which TvStartup founder Brock Fisher has described as the end of cable and satellite and the rise of OTT television. 

TvStartup  appreciates that successful internet TV means giving viewers flexibility in where, when, and how they engage with content. Many YouTube producers are similarly recognizing

the opportunities on this platform. This realization, combined with seeing people become YouTube stars and millionaires, are a couple of the reasons YouTube has become an increasingly popular way for people to share their talents, skills, hobbies, and just about anything else you can think of. 

In 2019, Ryan Kaji, an eight-year-old with a channel focused on him unboxing toys, earned $26 million; Dude Perfect, five guys that do stunts and try to break world records earned $20 million; and Preston, who has a channel where he plays video games and does pranks, earned $14 million. 

Clearly, the platform gives YouTubers access to billions of viewers and a variety of ways to make money. While many questioned whether YouTube could be effectively monetized, there are quite a few people that have figured out how to do this. Here are some of the ways that the most lucrative YouTubers are earning big bucks on and off of YouTube: 

Ad Revenue

Brock Fisher of TvStartup recently noted that “advertisers are waking up to the possibilities of OTT,” and some of the most lucrative YouTube channels are powerful evidence of this. Ad revenue is a classic means for earning revenue, but as more people have turned to this platform and as the Adsense models have become more strategic and effective, YouTube producers are seeing this as an increasingly effective way to monetize their content. With a cost per thousand (CPM) model, producers make anywhere from 50 cents to $2 per 1000 views. This is done primarily through YouTube’s Adsense Programs, where ads are placed in videos and then earn revenue. As these models have become more advanced, both YouTubers and advertisers have found them increasingly frustrating because of the many restrictions placed by youtube. . 

For less than 1% of YouTubers this is a lucrative revenue source for producers, however for most YouTubers it does not even pay the bills. However there are ways to make even more from ads. TvStartup  helps YouTubers earn revenue in addition to YouTube Adsense, as it offers different advertisers that typically pay more than Youtube. What this means for producers is that they can make money from YouTube ads and make money by working with OTT companies like TvStartup to develop internet tv channels that go directly into people’s homes. This gives producers an additional ad revenue source, and often one that pays at a higher rate than YouTube Adsense. 

Sponsorships

Responding to the sheer volume of viewers that some YouTubers have, many corporations have begun sponsoring YouTuber producers to get more eyes on their products and to have their products associated with the latest YouTube phenomenons. Obviously, the key to these sponsorships is having a big following. For example, Anastasia Radzinskaya, who has $59 million subscribers, has landed six-figure sponsorships with both Legoland and Dannon. 

As TvStartUp has appreciated, the key is having high volumes of viewers. Once you’ve got that, there are opportunities to build the right revenue model. This is why their team works with individual producers to create a custom internet tv platform, as it allows the flexibility that each team needs to meet their goals. 

Selling Merchandise

As YouTube producers develop engaged audiences and dedicated fans, they’ve also found that selling merchandise is a lucrative revenue source. Whether it’s shirts, hats, stickers, or bags with their name or an entire product line, plenty of YouTubers have turned to merchandise as a way to make money off of their YouTube fame. Jeffree Star, who earned $17 million last year, has a makeup line that has eight-digit annual revenues. Similarly, Markiplier, who has a high-end line of clothing for gamers, makes millions from these sales alone. 

Viewer Donations

This is a less common revenue source and one that isn’t a good fit for all producers. However, those YouTubers with particularly engaged audiences and dedicated fans can earn substantial revenue from viewer donations. Patreon is a popular way for YouTubers to set this up, and the company takes a 5% commission on any donations. The average fan donation is around $7, so with the right volume of viewers and a particularly committed following, this can be an effective model. 

Affiliate Income

Similar to sponsorships, some YouTubers work with affiliates to earn more money. When doing this, they’ll review or promote a product to viewers and then share a link to the product. The producer will get a certain portion of any sales that are done through their unique link. While producers can work with a variety of affiliates at once, it’s important to be strategic about these partnerships and to ensure that they are consistent with the channel’s brand and content. 

The second-most visited online search engine, with billions of views per day, YouTube clearly offers producers access to high volumes of viewers and advertisers. It also offers a compelling proof-point about increased consumer use of online streaming platforms, and the number of YouTubers making millions offers clear models of creative and unique ways to monetize this free streaming. 

TV Startup has long understood the potential in OTT services and has been a leader in the industry. Their full-service internet tv web and app systems offer producers more ways to build their channel, create positive user experiences, and implement an effective revenue model. Additionally, they have industry-leading personalization options and technology. To learn more about taking advantage of the major shifts in the way that people consume content and that producers make money off of content, contact TV Startup.

To Read more check out How To Make Money From My YouTube channel

TvStartup

This day in age, the remote or work-from-home culture is growing. With a global economy as well as a demand for experienced employees that may not live close by, many businesses are choosing to hire workers in multiple locations. A phenomenon that is especially growing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as more and more employees step away from offices, the need to properly train remotely becomes a priority. And, turning to digital methods of training has been the answer. 

At TvStartup, we are dedicated to helping organizations leverage all the tools they have available to them. Let’s take a look at the disadvantages and advantages of commonly used multi-location training strategies as well as how TV screens and private channels are changing the game. 

Training Online 

Online digital meeting spaces used for multi-location training are nothing new. Companies like Skype and Zoom have been around for a while. The advantages of these online meeting places are plenty, however, where these methods lack, it is that they do not allow playlists to access later and they take up phone or computer screen use. Luckily, TV Startup is prepared with another option.  

TV Screen Training 

An easy way to train people in multiple locations at the same time is the use of a TV screen and a private channel. This option offers both the advantage of live training as well as pre-recorded video playlists. Further, multiple people can join at a time, screen sharing is a breeze, and it solves the issue of using the computer or phone screen. When attending a meeting on the TV, employees can take notes or practice while learning.  Learn more amazing abilities on our internet TV page.  

What Is A Roku Private Channel 

Setting up a private Roku channel is a great option for remote employee training that is reliable and cost-effective. With channel manager options, companies can schedule, stream 24/7, provide on-demand, even personalized training. For example, RE/MAX just announced they “will distribute the Roku Players to employees for training purposes. The Roku Player is a low-cost ($29 – $79) HD streaming media player, and with a TvStartup account anyone can create a public or private channel.” 

As employees increasingly need the ability to work from anywhere in the world, TV screens will become a vital tool. Instead of investing time and energy in trying to understand how to set up a TV network on your own, let TVStartup help you. We provide a complete set-up to launch Roku channels as well as capabilities to scale your network.  Click here for a live demo. 

TvStartup

If you’re a video creator tired of fighting YouTube’s and Twitch’s monetization rules or if you find your videos being demonetized, then it may be time to take your catalog into your own hands. Content like yours doesn’t have to be constantly fighting the algorithms for a place on the “Up Next” sidebar when you can deliver videos straight to your viewer’s phones, laptops, or living rooms through your own branded channel.

In 2019, the number of connected TV’s and streaming devices in households exceeded 1 billion. More than 50% of the U.S. population has a TV-connected device in their homes like a Firestick, Roku, Apple TV, or Smart TV. Because of the variety of places viewers are able to get the content they want wherever they want it, it’s even more important for you to stop relying on the major streaming platforms for distribution and monetization. Partners like TV Startup are helping creators deliver their videos on demand across the most popular platforms, devices, and social media sites and since it’s your own channel, you get to keep more of your own revenue the channel generates. 

Top Three Ways TV Startup Monetizes Your Branded Channel

Subscription Fees

Graduate School of Stanford Business reported that subscription business models are growing 100% each year and further predicting that everything we buy in the future will come with a monthly plan. But if the only subscription your content gets is from smashing a button on YouTube, then you are losing up to 45% of your potential revenue from ads. Through your own Video On Demand Channel, you can generate and earn more revenue by following the successful models of Netflix and Disney+ by setting a subscription fee your audience is willing to pay to keep your content coming to them. 

Ad-Injection Revenue

If the subscription model isn’t the right fit for your content and your audience, then including non-intrusive overlays of ads within the video is an excellent way to keep your content free while still generating revenue. Earlier this year, Google revealed YouTube is a $15 billion-a-year-business. That’s a lot of money made off other people’s work! Injecting ads into videos is not unique to YouTube and TV Startup offers this same effective business model to keep your content free while giving you more of the revenue share. 

Ad Sales and Creation

Another option to keep your content free is by offering pre-roll and mid-roll advertisements which are effective ways to create revenue while keeping your content free of banner ads. Since it’s your channel, you have the opportunity to create and sell ads to companies with whom you want to specifically align your brand. TvStartup can effectively deliver targeted advertisements before or during your videos while giving you more say with who you are sharing your audience.

As easy as TvStartup makes it to reach the estimated 63 million cord-cutters who are now only reachable through connected TV and other digital channels, you can launch your video collection to millions of people worldwide. You no longer need to rely on the status quo of video streaming to promote your work when you can let TvStartup help you reach audiences around the world the same way they have helped numerous independent video creators, artists, businesses, churches, and more. Click here to schedule a live demo. 

For more reading check out How To Make Money With YouTube

TvStartup

With cord-cutting on the rise, over-the-top (c) white label services are making their mark on the digital landscape by changing the way content creators distribute and monetize their videos. OTT white label services allow content creators to control the user experience while growing their audience by vastly improving their reach. Let’s look at the top 3 OTT white label services on the market today.

1 TV Startup

TV Startup offers excellent flexibility so you can have complete control over how your content is presented and monetized. They offer the ability to utilize scheduled playlists for always-on live TV broadcasting, the creation of Netflix-style video on demand (VOD), and live streaming that automatically archives your footage for future distribution purposes. You can even restream your content to social media platforms to access your entire audience from a single content management system.

In terms of monetization, TV Startup delivers on the promise of giving you total control over your content. You can use dynamic ad insertion (DAI), subscription-based access, pay-per-view, or any combination of the above to turn your passion into a lucrative career. Thanks to their analytics tools, it’s easy to maximize your earnings potential and audience growth with TV Startup’s OTT service.

TV Startup offers setup and monthly pricing with the ability to save money by taking advantage of their bundling options for bringing your content to practically any platform. TV Startup offers the best in terms of control over your content and ease of use.

2 IBM Video Streaming

IBM is a giant in the tech industry with a storied history dating back to the early days of the industry itself. The IBM Video Streaming service provides a cloud platform for streaming, hosting videos, and performing analytics.

As you would expect from a tech giant, their service is quite full-featured with things like mobile compatibility, customizable channel pages, and archived broadcasts. Their analytics features are great, but IBM’s Video Streaming service can be a bear to work with thanks to its bloated feature set.

IBM offers a 30-day free trial for its video streaming platform, but it’s more of a training wheels session than anything with its limitations of only 5 concurrent viewers and no ability to test ads during this period. Their pricing structure is fairly rigid and doesn’t allow for any real customization.

3 Muvi

An excellent service, Muvi offers live streaming, video on demand, and audio streaming services. Despite its name, Muvi focuses a little bit more on audio services, but their video services are also quite customizable and feature-packed.

Muvi offers a wide range of monetization tools similar to TV Startup which gives content creators great flexibility when it comes to how they want users to access their product. On the downside, Muvi is definitely not cheap.

Their basic plan starts at $399/month with additional fees tacked on. This plan only allows for 2000 concurrent viewers with higher viewer counts locked behind much more expensive tiers. To access unlimited concurrent users, it’s going to cost a minimum of $8900/month. Their services are great, but their prices can be a bitter pill to swallow for many.

Conclusion

Going OTT is a great way to cut out the middle-man and take complete control over your content distribution and monetization. You can start your own Internet TV network through the use of white label services.

TV Startup offers flexibility and end-to-end control over your content. See for yourself how it works by scheduling a live TV Startup demo. Get in touch with the TV Startup experts today to learn more.

TvStartup

It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard the phrase “content is king”, but what exactly does that mean? The origin of the phrase can be traced back to none other than the technology luminary Mr. Bill Gates who said, “Content is where I expect much of the real money will be made on the Internet, just as it was in broadcasting.”

Penned as the opening statement of Bill Gates’ 1996 essay titled “Content is King”, these words have proven true over the years while remaining just as relevant today as the day he wrote them. In his essay, Gates detailed his vision for the future of the Internet. The success of the Internet, according to Gates, would hinge upon the creation of content to fill its depths with something for everyone.

Those of us lucky enough to be alive today can attest to the importance of content and the potential value it can provide to organizations and consumers alike.

What Exactly IS Content?

Pulling from the well of Bill Gates’ essay again, he says in it, “When it comes to an interactive network such as the Internet, the definition of ‘content’ becomes very wide.” In loose terms, everything is or can be made into content. But just because anything can be content doesn’t mean all content is equally valuable.

You could throw together a 24/7 live stream of your daily life, but unless you’re Kim Kardashian, no one is going to want to sit around watching you run errands. Likewise, a stream of your cat napping all day is unlikely to gain much attention. However, these ideas and others like them aren’t inherently bad ideas for content. The hardest part of creating content is creating good content and even “bad” ideas can turn into good content with the proper approach.

But What is Good Content?

Content should be thought of as something that provides entertainment, information, or (ideally) both simultaneously. The most important consideration to make when creating good content is your audience. It’s impossible to make something interesting, informative, or fun without keeping the audience in mind throughout the entire content creation process.

Perhaps more importantly, you should consider whether the content provides value to your audience in some way. Time is an incredibly precious commodity and it should be treated as such. If you create your content with the value of your audience’s time in mind, you’re much more likely to create something that is actually worth their time.

This doesn’t mean good content is something made solely for the sake of the audience though. In fact, creating something that you personally have a passion for is a great way to boost the quality of your content. If you are intimately familiar with any facet of life, industry, or bizarrely specific subculture, that might be the best topic to center your content around.

It may not seem at first that there is a massive audience out there waiting for you to put out a 20-part series on the intricacies of flute making in the 12th Century. However, if you have a passion and deep knowledge of a topic, you can make it into something millions of people would want to watch.

Good content isn’t all about flashy marketing or high budgets. The History Channel got its start by using archived, public domain footage and simply adding narration on top of it to create hundreds of hours of content with very low production costs. Using public domain footage and other low-budget practices like how artist Lil Dicky made a rap video by asking people to allow him to film inside their mansions for free are excellent methods for creating great content on a low budget.

Good content is about creating something that you would find interesting or entertaining. Creating content that entertains while also informing is a surefire way to create something people will want to spend time watching.

Find the Right Home for Your Content

You handle the content. Let TV Startup help take care of the rest. Start your own Internet TV network and avoid expensive cable providers by going over-the-top (OTT). Launch your own Netflix-style service or get your channel on smart TVs, Roku, mobile devices, Apple TV, and more services across the globe.

See for yourself how it works by scheduling a live demo. We work hard to enable great video content creators like yourself to focus on creating amazing content while pocketing the money your hard work deserves. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

TvStartup

It wasn’t too long ago when there were only a handful of TV channels and most of those wouldn’t even broadcast all day. Back in the “good ol’ days”, people didn’t have much in the way of choice when it came to watching television. You would sign up to whichever cable provider was in your area and pay whatever price they asked of you for spotty service and limited channel options.

This business model worked for cable providers because their customers had little if any choice in the matter. However, nothing lasts forever and when new options like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and many others started sprouting up, people realized the big TV providers had been scalping them for years. These TV providers have proven too big and cumbersome to make sweeping changes and, as a result, they are steadily going the way of the dinosaurs.

Cable customers are cutting the cord at an accelerating rate over the past few years with a total 5.5 million subscribers terminating their contracts with TV providers last year alone—a 70% increase from 2018’s 3.2 million cord-cutters. Simultaneously, more households are becoming “cord nevers” (people who have never subscribed to TV providers and use on-demand services or the internet instead) than ever before.

We got to this place today where cable customers are leaving their providers in droves due to a large number of reasons that have made alternative TV options enticing and practical. Let’s look at two of the biggest factors that make cord-cutting viable and, more importantly, appealing to so many people.

Reason 1: The Internet

Sure, the Internet has been around for quite some time at this point, but it’s only recently that high-speed internet connections were made available and reasonably affordable to such a huge number of people. Modern-day internet is many orders of magnitude faster than yesteryear’s dial-up.

Fiber optic is becoming more common by the day with internet providers using this new technology to provide gigabytes per second connection speeds. Dial-up, on the other hand, caps out at a maximum theoretical speed of 56 kbps. That means modern internet speeds are roughly 18,000 times faster than dial-up. Soak in that number for a second while I catch my breath.

In other words, a gigabit internet connection can download a feature-length film with a file size of 800 MB in less than 10 seconds while it would take a dial-up connection roughly 9 DAYS to download the same file. You would have a hard time finding people willing to wait 9 days for a Netflix movie to load, but modern high-speed internet allows users to instantly access and stream content with virtually zero delay.

Reason 2: Cha-Ching

TV provider bills are notoriously expensive thanks to their use of fairly skeevy business practices. It’s amazing how you can sign up for a cable TV provider at the advertised $50/month and end up paying easily over $150 after additional fees are tacked on and the introductory rates come to an end.

More people are realizing every day that they can enjoy most if not all of the same content they love to watch through their TV providers on cheaper alternative options. It’s not hard to see why someone would want to switch from paying $150+ each month for TV service to a selection of services they handpicked that costs them less than the introductory prices offered by the cable companies.

The writing is on the wall for cable companies, but TV production companies are actually in a better place than ever thanks to new cable alternatives. With new content continuously popping up on Netflix and Hulu, just to name a couple, audiences have a wide breadth of entertainment choices.

How You Can Take Advantage of Cord Cutting

Consumers are rapidly shifting away from the prehistoric business models of TV providers and taking back control of their entertainment options and wallets. With big cable TV spiraling the drain, it might seem like an awful time to invest in a TV production company. However, the end of cable TV does not mean the demand for quality TV content has come to an end as well.

Luckily, there are options for content creators and production companies that don’t involve the monolithic cable companies of yesteryear. Believe it or not, you can start your own Internet TV network and avoid expensive cable providers by going over-the-top (OTT). Launch your own Netflix-style service or get your channel on smart TVs, Roku, mobile devices, Apple TV, and more services across the globe.
See for yourself how it works by scheduling a live demo. We work hard to enable great video content creators like yourself to pocket the money your hard work deserves. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

TvStartup

Creating quality video content is a mountain of work.

First, there’s coming up with original content. Then there’s writing a solid script, filming, recording audio, re-recording because someone decided to mow their lawn in the middle of your take, creating thumbnails, editing it all together into a snappy, informative, and entertaining video, and then compiling, gazing forlornly out at the sky, uploading, responding to comments… 

I’m getting a bit weary just thinking about it…

Expecting to make a little bit of money off of all your hard work is nothing to be ashamed of. Figuring out how to make money from your videos is another mountain to climb all on its own.

To aid you in your ascent up that mountain, we’ve mapped the route ahead with a brief rundown on methods for monetizing video content.

Monetization Method #1: Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate advertising is one of the most common methods for turning your videos into dollar signs. There are tons of affiliate programs out there, but one of the most popular to setup is the Amazon Associates program.

Amazon isn’t the only game in town, there are tons of affiliate programs out there. Finding the right one for your brand and audience might take a bit of time, but you can always just plug into Google the name of the product you think would fit your audience well along with the word “affiliate”.

Monetization Method #2: Ad Revenue

Media sharing sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch all have opportunities for leveraging your community of viewers to make some cash off the ads they watch. YouTube and Twitch.tv both have live-streaming capabilities that allow you to charge monthly subscriptions to your audience to bring in some money outside of advertising as well.

YouTube’s requirements for joining its YouTube Partner Program have recently become a little more difficult to meet. Similarly, Twitch requires that you meet specific requirements to earn ad revenue and to get access to their subscription system.

Getting your viewership to the levels needed to make money this way can take some time.

Monetization Method #3: Crowdfunding

Asking your audience to chip in some money from time to time is a possible avenue for generating revenue from your video content. Services like Patreon are particularly popular as it is set up as a monthly payment for which you can create multiple tiers with special offers to entice your audience to break open their wallets for you.

There’s also Kickstarter which allows you to create a campaign to receive funding for specific projects such as creating a video that indisputably proves kidney beans are inferior to black beans once and for all.

Monetization Method #4: Create Your Own Network

Believe it or not, you can start your own Internet TV network and avoid expensive cable providers by going over-the-top (OTT). Launch your own Netflix-style service or get your channel on smart TVs, Roku, mobile devices, Apple TV, and more services across the globe.

Launching your own branded channel allows you to expand your audience beyond the limits of YouTube into the living rooms of new viewers. Going OTT opens up new monetization options:

A: Ad Injection

Automated ad injection uses AI to match relevant ad content to your channel’s audience. Since most of your audience is watching your content on their TV sets, you get paid more money per view. The more your audience grows, the more ad revenue you earn automatically.

B: Subscriptions

You can also monetize your videos by going the Netflix route and charging a monthly subscription for access to your growing collection of video content.

C: Pay Per View

If subscriptions aren’t your style, allow your audience to pay for your content one video at a time by using a pay-per-view monetization model.

D: All of the Above

Or you can even select the answer “D” and do all of the above. Going OTT gives you more control over your channel and its monetization.
See for yourself how it works by scheduling a live demo. We work hard to enable great video content creators like yourself to pocket the money your hard work deserves. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

For more reading check out How To Make Money With YouTube

Garrett Cunningham

Many channel publishers launch their channel on Roku and then leave it up to Roku to grow their channel. While that is perfectly fine for many – and Roku will grow your channel – for some they want a quicker approach.

Yes Channels will grow organically as the platform grows and more people find it; and yes EVERY channel will experience growth BUT it takes TIME. Roku is expected to hit 100 million active account by 2025, so as far as they eye can see – there is nothing but upward growth.

However there are many ways in which you can be proactive and scale your channel faster.

Here are a few strategies that can help:

1. Advertise on Roku

Roku has an EXCELLENT platform for fast tracking your viewership. Its called “Roku Solutions for Publishers” . Roku allows channel owners to buy advertising to target viewers where it matters most.

A few key points:

• Publishers can advertise to consumers when they are first setting up their devices.

• Uniquely grow your audience by targeting display and video ads on consumers Roku device (very effective).

• Promote your channel on Roku’s remote control app.

Roku has a self serve link – meaning that it works kind of like google ad-words. You can sign up and start buying ads on your own. You can get started or learn more by visiting Roku’s publisher solutions by clicking here.

2. Facebook

Facebook has hundreds of millions of users – more than any other social platform. Since most Roku viewers also have Facebook accounts it only makes since to interact with them there. Create a Facebook page just for your Roku channel. This will allow you to run Facebook campaigns directly for your Roku channel.

You can also post an occasional video – but be sure not to post to many – the whole concept is to get people to go to your Roku channel, and watch it there – not keep coming to your Roku Facebook page to watch it.

Try announcements like this:

“Check out our new video from XYZ exclusively on [your channel]”. Make sure you include your Roku Add Channel link.

OR

“We Just added 7 new videos to [your channel]! Come check it out …Only on ROKU”.

Make sure you keep your updates consistent and short and sweet. Recommend your page to as many as you can and open up communication with channel viewers. The more you interact the more viewers you will get.

3. Website

If your channel features interesting content that people use google to search for then you need to have a website for your channel. Using google people looking for that type of content will discover your website and ultimately your channel. Your website should have links to add your Roku channel to their Roku device. The more niche your channel is the more you really need a website. Plus there are so many opportunities using your website to grow a mailing list of viewers (which leads me to my next point).

4. Mailing List

Your mailing list can be a STRONG factor in growing your Roku channel. Keeping viewers informed of whats in your production pipeline or whats new on your channel is important. Keeping viewers informed of upcoming live events can keep viewers engaged. The more the viewers are engaged the more revenue your channel earns.

5. Phone Apps

If you have a Tvstartup account and have elected to get one of our iPhone or Android apps you can use these apps to promote your channel through “push notifications”. Every one of your viewers that has the app can get notified every time you decide to release a new video OR for whatever reason you deem fit. We have all at one time or another received push notifications on our mobile phone whatever the reason…News updates, sports scores, YouTube, weather reports, Amber Alerts and so forth. Why not use this to get more viewers engaged in your channel?

To learn more about our mobile apps for iPhone and Android click here.

6. YouTube

YouTube is not your competitor to Roku. Roku’s viewership is living room entertainment. YouTube’s viewership is mobile phone entertainment. When people want to watch movies or real professional content most of the time they do so on their living room TV sets. Lets face it there is no signs of large screen TV sales slowing down.

However Youtube can be a great place to promote your Roku channel. The key is not to release all of your content onto YouTube. You want your viewers to open your channel on Roku where you have a much better rate of return on your investment (YouTube SUCKS for monetizing videos).

The idea is to give them teasers on YouTube and send them to your Roku channel for the full list of content.

7. Roku Channel Guides

If you search for “Roku channel guide” you will get a list of third party companies that publish whats on Roku. Hundreds of thousands of Roku viewers use this as a resource to find out what on and when. You should publish your channel and channel content to these guides. Do not underestimate the amount of viewers these guides could bring your channel for FREE. If you have good content it will peak their interest and result in more viewers ……simply by just listing your channel in these guides. These guides will also allow you too publish your channel url so that viewers can easily add your channel to their Roku channel lineup.

Obviously these are not the only ways to promote your channel. However as technology grows so do the ways to promote your content grow. However this should give you a foundation of how to continuously drive more and more new viewers to your channel.

If your not a current customer and would like to get your own Roku channel, sign up for a live demo to see how our turn key packages work by clicking here.

TvStartup

Households around the country are cutting ties with cable and satellite TV. In fact its increasing faster than originally predicted. Experts are now saying that by the end of 2022 the number of cord cutting households will total more than a quarter of U.S. Households (according to a study done by eMarketer).

In 2019 over 22 million US households have already given up the traditional satellite and cable pay service making up of 17.3% of all U.S. Households according to the study. The number of cord-cutters is predicted to continually climb at a steady rate in the upcoming years. In fact by 2023 it is expected to reach 34.9 million households.

This may be bad news for pay and cable TV providers however its fantastic news if you are a small video production company. The opportunities provided to small broadcasters looking for an audience is like a “dream come true”.

Cord-cutters are not stooping or changing their viewing habits, but rather adapting to newer technologies. In other words they are still consuming video content, but they are finding new sources of video content that is more economical or more tailered to their exact viewing niche or interests.

There are also those that are we call generation Z (born after 1998) who will never pay a subscription fee to a cable or satellite operator because they were raised on online content. So the trend is set – Cable and satellite pay subscription will suffer a slow death, and online television will continue to rise.

Many small broadcasters and production companies are taking advantage of the cord cutting by maximizing the leverage that online TV brings. Never before in history has there been access to such large audiences for such a small investment. Its the best way to leverage production against large production and media conglomerates.

With companies like TvStartup a small production company or business can start their own online TV network for a fraction of the price it would of cost a decade ago. They give broadcasters the ability to broadcast live, create VOD experiences with categories similar to NetFlix, create playlists, schedule playlists and even simulcast to social media.

Verizon predicted the video tidal wave would begin in 2021 and last for several years. Smart broadcasters are positioning themselves to not only ride the wave but to cash in on it with technologies like ad injection. Ad injection is where advertisers can inject ads into your channel automatically through an algorithm. This allows broadcasters to automatically monetize their content library without selling advertising or needing a sales team.

If you would like to learn more you can schedule a live demo with a TvStartup Specialists by clicking here.

TvStartup

Today live streaming is one of the luxuries we enjoy in a modern society and technology makes it easier than ever before due to the internet.

You may of heard that live streaming is expensive or that it might cause the attendance of your church to drop and several other rumors, however is it true?

With new Live streaming available today on Facebook and Periscope you need to understand the power of live streaming and how it can transform your live event.

Here are a few myths we busted when it comes to live streaming.

1) Only Livestream if its for a Large Event.

You do not have to be a media conglomerate to enjoy the benefits that live streaming bring to your event or church service. No matter the size of your event ( a small concert, business event, sermons, and more) you can increase its value through live streaming.

Livestreaming today increases the exposure of your event due to social media and the large online presence of viewers that now tune to the internet for video content. Especially if you have the ability to simultaneously broadcast to FaceBook, Periscope, and YouTube. This allows your followers and friends to check it out as well. Overall livestreaming can up the value of your small event significantly.

2) Livestreaming will decrease in person attendance

Why would someone attend in person if they can watch it online? This is the common fear that many have when it comes to streaming online. However the opposite is true. According to Digitell, 30% of the people that watch an online event will attend the even in person the next year. Enormous events like Coachella have actually seen this take place. It use to take them 3 days to sell out their event, but after they started livestreaming the previous years festival through YouTube it only took them 3 hours to sell out!!

3) Its Expensive and to Technical

This is a common fear that many have; that they will need a technical guru to get their live event streaming online. However with tools like TvStartup’s “Channel Manager” you have all the tools in one place with tech support to get you up quickly. Just one online toolbox and that’s all you need. You can be up and running for around a $100.

4) Nobody is Going to Watch

If you have any presence at all on social media, then it is highly unlikely that no one is going to watch. If you are consistent and are clear when you will be going live, social media is almost a guaranteed success to help you draw in an audience.

According to Facebook Live, users who watch live videos will watch 3 times as long and comment 10 times more than a recorded video. That is much more engagement than a standard post.

A few strategies to keep in mind to increase the amount of views is to give your viewers a behind the scene look for loyal fans, partner with others that have large followings in social media and invite them in as a special speaker, and include a Question and Answer series during the live broadcast to get more people involved.

5) When the Event is Over the Value of the Video drops

Whats fantastic about live video is that when its done you have a VOD to include on your Internet TV network and your social media pages. You can also re-purpose it for marketing and teaser videos.

A study done by Unruly showed that even a recorded video increased purchase intent by 97% and brand associate by more than 135%. Also it will help increase actual attendance of you next live broadcast.

Now that you understand that power of livestreaming its time that you learn how to do it. Sign up for our “Channel Manager” and get our online tool box to start your live broadcasts today. You can broadcast live (as well as simultaneously broadcast across social media) create and schedule playlist, automatically record your live broadcasts and more. To learn more click here.

TvStartup

The subscription model also known as the “Netflix” style business model is known as the most profitable business model when it comes to monetizing your online TV networks video content. If you take a look at companies like Netflix, Amazon and Spotify you can see where they are headed – millions and millions more subscribers to be added.

When you first start your network it can be a challenge to compete to add subscribers, however with our years of experience we can give you some tips that will speed things up for you.

1. Understand the Importance of Free Trials                                                     

Understand that a chunk of your potential audience is undecided about trying your platform and offering a free trial is just the little nudge that they need to get them started. The hack that you need to use is to make sure they enter their credit card “before” the free trial begins so that making the transition from a free trial to a paid member is a smooth one (and they don’t bounce).

2. Offer Bonus Content                                                                                

You have a better chance at keeping loyal subscribers if you can lure them in with some bonus content other than your standard subscription offer. Consumers love the idea that they are getting a great deal so use that to your advantage. Examples would be deleted scenes, bloopers, cast interviews and more. You can mix it up as well by offering bonus content with regular content at some discounted rate. The idea here is to make them feel special and that your viewers are getting more than just the standard deal.

3. Cater to as Many Devices as Possible

There is a reason that Netflix and Amazon have an app on every device, because they want to make it easy for their customers to subscribe. The easier you make it the more subscribers you will have. If you only offer subscription to your online network or video library on the web then you are missing out on thousands of more subscribers. Roku, FireTV, iPhone app, Android app, Apple TV, Smart TV’s and more are all devices that people use on a daily basis to watch video content.

You have to understand that today the majority of consumers in the developed world have a smart TV or some connected TV device as well as a smart phone. If your not on their favorite device then you are not going to get the paying subscription.

4. Price Accordingly

Its best to start off low and then raise prices gradually as your network grows. This will give you an idea of what people are watching on your platform and what they are not. Once you can identify popular content you can charge a premium or on a pay-per-view basis. For pay-per-view make sure you offer discounts for your subscribers and higher prices for non paying subscribers.

Make sure you keep checking what your competitors are doing and what they are charging their subscribers. This will give you a great idea of what the competition is doing and you don’t want to be to high or to low.

If you are doing international content then you want to price your subscription with locally pricing. For example in the US you can be $9.99 but in the UK or Europe you could be at € 9.99 or  £ 9.99

In other words you do not need to convert to the currency, just price it locally for that market.

5. Have a Great Analytic tool

Bringing in new subscribers is about understanding what your audience wants. You need great analytic to help you track what people are watching, who is watching it, when they are watching it and where people are watching it. With great analytic you can adjust your offers geographically or adjust pricing that fits better with certain age groups.

Conclusion:

Great content, great promotions, great analytic, great bonus content, a understanding of the local market, and making your channel availability across as many devices as possible all equal success in bringing in new subscribers.

You also need a partner that is well versed in the video world. T

his is exactly what we do at Tvstartup. Our core product is our “Channel Manager” and it has everything you need to run a successful subscription online video network (with great analytics). If you would like to get started check out our channel manager by clicking here.

TvStartup