Explore the Best YouTube Alternatives for Video Monetization, Offering Better Revenue and More Control for Content Creators.

As YouTube’s monetization landscape evolves, creators are exploring new platforms to maximize earnings. 

With many options, choosing the best YouTube alternative for video monetization might prove challenging. 

This article highlights the top YouTube alternatives to boost their income and grow their audience.

Key Takeaways

• Adilo: Best for Content Creators and Businesses
• Udemy: Best for Course Creators
• Vimeo: Best for Beginner Video Creators
• Muvi: Best for Creators who want to build video-on-demand channels
• Facebook: Best for Startups and Small Businesses
• TikTok: Best for Social Media Influencers

What is Video Monetization?

Video monetization is simply making money from videos you post online. This process of turning video views into revenue can be done in various ways such as ads, subscriptions, pay-per-view, and donations.    

Video content can take many forms, such as short clips, unboxings, tutorials, and more. Any form of video can be monetized. 

All you need to do is upload a video to your website or a third-party monetization platform and then it is converted to revenue as viewers watch. 

You can also charge directly for access to your content or sell them merchandise based on the videos you upload. 

Top Video Monetization Models and Several Ways to Monetize Your Videos

Monetizing your videos is a great way to turn your content creation into a profitable venture. Turning your videos into a revenue stream is easier than ever with the monetization models below:

Video Advertising: One of the primary ways in which video content drives revenue is through video advertising. Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo offer ad monetization, where you earn money based on video views or clicks. 

This is one of the most common and accessible ways to generate income.

Subscription Models: This is another profitable way to monetize your videos. Some organizations offer freemium models where only basic content is accessible. To access quality content, a subscription is required. 

Platforms such as YouTube Memberships and Vimeo OTT allow creators to charge a subscription fee for exclusive content.

Sponsored Content: Collaborating with brands to promote their products or services in your videos is also another lucrative monetization strategy. This works well when you have a dedicated and engaged audience because sponsors typically pay based on your audience size and engagement.

Live streaming: Live streaming is another monetization option. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok Live allow users to broadcast events in real-time, often supported by donations from viewers.

Top 6 YouTube Alternatives for Video Monetization

Adilo

Best for Content Creators and Businesses

Adilo is a great video hosting alternative to YouTube that you can use for monetization. It contains everything that you need to scale your business with videos, topped with unlimited streaming for free. 

This platform does not display ads on your videos to prevent your viewers from getting distracted. No matter the niche you find yourself in, so long you use videos, you will need Adilo. 

If you have a website, you can upload your Adilo-branded videos to your website and monetize them. If you do not have a website, viewers can watch your videos directly from your Adilo account. 

You do not have to worry about your content getting leaked or hacked by pirates. With Adilo’s unified content security features, you can secure your videos thoroughly. The DRM feature will prevent your videos from being downloaded or screen-recorded by pirates. 

Using the IP/network content licensing feature, you can specify which IP address, blocks, subnets, and networks are allowed to stream your content. 

This feature is great when you are licensing content to a specific group of people such as employee training videos set to allow streaming only when viewed on the corporate’s network.  

With these privacy features, you can fully enjoy the benefits of monetizing your videos. No losses incurred. You can create an external paywall where transactions with customers will be made. 

You can also make money on Adilo through donations and tips from viewers. Once you enable the gifting option, you will be able to monetize your content. 

Key Features

• Ad-free
• Fully SEO-optimized video players
• 100% mobile responsive video players
• Email opt-in forms
• Contacts dashboard to manage leads
• Real-time video analytics
• Embeddable videos
• Unlimited video, audio, and podcast hosting
• Project-level library organization
• Video premiering and content scheduling features

Pros

• It is super easy to use. No learning curve is needed. 
• Videos do not buffer.
• You have full control over how your content is accessed. 
• It has various customization options with device compatibility. 
• Adilo is affordable.

Cons

• The free plan does not offer unlimited hosting. 

Why Choose Adilo?

Adilo is a great platform to monetize your video content. You only grant access to students or viewers who have paid for your content. You can easily turn on privacy settings that allow your content to be inaccessible to those who have yet to make a purchase. 

CLICK HERE TO GET A FREE ADILO ACCOUNT

Udemy

Best for Course Creators

Udemy is an online learning and teaching platform that is also a video course marketplace. Course creators can host their courses for free on this platform to connect to potential students. 

This platform is largely used by course creators and students because of its authenticity, comprehensive nature, and quality. 

It has a business content subscription program which is a subscription-based enterprise learning solution. With this program, instructors are compensated based on viewer engagement. 

Key Features

• It has the subtitle features
• Students can run coding exercises directly on the platform
• It has a mini-player. 
• Various video resolutions to select from
• Q/A feature
• It has a background player. 
• Course management feature
• Udemy allows you to stream course videos and listen to audio lectures
• You can download and watch lessons offline
• It allows you to select your suitable speed options

Pros

• It is easy and free to use.
• You earn commissions based on your course’s total watch time. 
• No upfront cost
• It has a dedicated marketing team to do all the marketing for you. 

Cons

• Udemy charges a high commission fee. 
• Creators do not have access to student data. 
• It has limited customization options.

Why Choose Udemy?

Udemy has great earning potential for course creators. It does not charge upfront fees, rather, it deducts a percentage of the course sales revenue as a commission. 

Vimeo

Best for Beginner Video Creators

Vimeo is a great YouTube alternative for monetization because it is a video-first tool. With this platform, you can add custom-branded videos to your website. 

However, if you do not have a website, you can create a custom OTT app to sell your content. This platform is great for new creators, as well as professional videographers and filmmakers seeking customization options. 

Key Features

• High-quality video and sound
• It is ad-free.
• Makes your videos accessible worldwide
• Advanced analytics
• High level of customization
• Powerful security tools
• Customizable video players
• Email capture and CRM integration
• Paywall integration

Pros

• It is user-friendly. 
• You have more control over how people access your content. 
• Integration with third-party apps, making it easier to share content.

Cons

• The free plan has limitations.
•  Some creators find this platform too expensive. 

Why Choose Vimeo?

Vimeo offers video-on-demand, OTT, and live-streaming capabilities. It also provides essential tools for sharing and managing high-quality videos. 

All the revenue you generate from subscriptions and sales comes directly to you as it is an ad-free platform. Vimeo makes it easier to monetize content for a global reach. 

Muvi

Best for Creators who want to build video-on-demand channels

Muvi is an OTT-focused online video streaming platform that allows you to monetize your content in various ways. 

It also has the Muvi Kart feature that allows you to sell physical products, which is another way of creating a revenue stream for you. 

This platform supports live streaming and VOD.

Key Features

• No coding needed
• It is user-friendly. 
• It offers templates.
• Real-time analytics
• Paywall integration
• Advanced privacy features

Pros

• Tons of amazing features
• It has customization options and device compatibility.
• Muvi is very scalable. 

Cons

• It is not so affordable for small businesses. 
• It doesn’t integrate with so many platforms.

Why Choose Muvi?

Muvi is a great monetization option as it lets you monetize your content from SVOD to PPV and AVOD. This platform also has amazing customization features that allow you to customize your content to your viewers’ preferences. 

With Muvi, integration with third-party platforms is seamless. Using its DRM and watermarking privacy features, you can be rest assured that your content is safe from the prying eyes of online pirates. 

Facebook

Best for Startups and Small Businesses

Facebook is an online video streaming platform that allows you to monetize any form of video content, including live, short, and long-form videos. 

Facebook can monetize through in-stream ads and fan subscriptions. On monetizing live videos, this in-stream ad feature allows you to directly add video and image ads to your content. 

The same goes for video-on-demand. To be eligible for a fan or in-stream monetization program, your account must be a page, not a personal profile. 

Key Features

• Real-time chat
• Wide audience reach
• Track analytics in real time
• In-stream ad features
• Viewer subscription features
• Basic monetization tools
• It allows users to create live videos

Pros

• It is free with no hidden cost. 
• It is easy to use. 
• Ideal for small businesses and startups 

Cons

• The eligibility criteria for monetization are high. 
• Occasional glitches may happen

Why Choose Facebook?

Facebook is a good choice because it is free and easy to use. It also allows users to monetize live videos. With Facebook, monetization is all about turning your passion into your source of income. 

It is straightforward if you follow the rules and are eligible. 

TikTok

Best for Social Media Influencers

TikTok is one of the largest social media platforms where users can post short-form videos regularly for engagement. 

This platform is best for users who are good at keeping up with trends and have mastered the art of storytelling with sort-form videos. 

It is easy to set up as you can create an account and start posting content immediately. With this platform, you can connect with your followers and get real-time analytics on how they are engaging with your content. 

Key Features

• Filming features
• Real-time analytics
• Duet and stitches for collaboration
• Editing features
• Has filters and effects

Pros

• It is free. 
• It is easy to use.
• Supports live streaming

Cons

• The algorithm changes and can affect user engagement. 
• Monetization is not instant

Why Choose TikTok?

TikTok is a free and popular platform. You can monetize your content through advertising, brand deals, or the TikTok Creator Fund program. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Video Monetization Platforms

As you choose the best video YouTube alternative to maximize your income and reach your target audience effectively, you need to ask yourself some questions.

Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Understand Your Monetization Goals

Some platforms offer one monetization option, while others offer several. You need to study each platform and choose the one with the monetization options that best fit your audience. 

If you want to earn through ads, choose platforms like YouTube and Facebook with robust ad networks.

Platforms like Udemy or Vimeo OTT are great if your goal is to earn through memberships or subscriptions. 

Go for platforms like Adilo if you look forward to earning through pay-as-you-go. This option is best for you if you create exclusive or premium content. 

Some platforms require thresholds to start earning. YouTube requires 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch times. TikTok requires 10,000 followers. Pick a platform where you can meet the criteria quickly.

Evaluate Audience Reach

The first step to take when choosing a video hosting platform for monetization is selecting your target audience. Different platforms are meant for various audiences.

Consider platforms where your target audience is active. For example, YouTube and Facebook are ideal for a broad audience, Udemy is suitable for professional or educational content,  and Adilo is best for content creators and businesses. 

Test several platforms to see which one aligns best with your content style, audience, and goals.

Analyze Platform Fees

Before you choose a video hosting platform, you should review its revenue share and fees. Consider if it’s a flat fee or a percentage of earnings. YouTube takes about 45% of ad revenue. 

Adilo does not charge you any fees. Every penny you earn from your customers belongs to you. Calculate which platform is most profitable based on your expected revenue and video views.

4. Assess Content Ownership and Control

Another thing you want to look out for is if the platform integrates with your existing tools like social media, email marketing tools, or website. 

You want to ensure that the platform you are selecting doesn’t claim ownership of your content. Also, verify content usage policies and how they help creators navigate them to avoid surprises. Choose platforms that respect your content ownership without claiming control.

Consider Scalability

Consider what your business will look like in the future with the platform you are selecting. Choose a platform that supports your growth. 

Look for reviews, case studies, or testimonials from other creators to understand the platform’s reliability and support.

FAQs

Final Thoughts On the Best Monetization Platforms

Each platform offers unique features and benefits. So, look out for the one that best fits your needs to guide your choice. 

If you are a video creator who wants to monetize and take your content to the next level, you are in the right place. 

The best monetization platform that I will recommend is Adilo. This is because it has zero monetization charges. Also, you get advanced privacy features that will protect your content from online pirates. 

Unlike YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, Adilo does not require eligibility criteria before you can start monetizing your content. As long as you have an Adilo account, you can start monetizing your content immediately.