How to Sell Pay-Per-View Videos Online: A Guide for Influencers & Side-Hustlers

As the digital content marketplace continues to expand, selling premium video content has become a powerful revenue stream for creators. With the average U.S. content creator earning approximately $56,000 annually, adding pay-per-view (PPV) and video-on-demand (VOD) options can significantly boost your income.

This guide walks you through every step of selling premium video content online, with specific instructions for using BlurBay’s creator-friendly platform.

Why Sell Premium Video Content?

Premium video content offers significant advantages for creators looking to monetize their expertise:

• Higher profit margins than ad-supported content
• Recurring revenue possibilities through subscriptions
• More control over your content distribution
• Direct monetization of your expertise and personality
• Passive income potential as your content library grows

The influencer marketing industry is projected to reach $32.55 billion by 2025, with creators increasingly diversifying their revenue streams beyond sponsored posts. Premium video content offers a way to capitalize on your existing audience while building a sustainable business model.

Step 1: Choose Your Video Content Type

First, determine which premium content model best fits your goals:

Pay-Per-View (PPV) vs. Video-On-Demand (VOD)

Pay-Per-View (One-Time Purchase):

• Ideal for: Live events, special performances, tutorials
• Pricing model: Single fee for temporary or permanent access
• Example: A cooking masterclass, fitness challenge, or concert

Video-On-Demand (VOD):

• Ideal for: Recurring content, series, educational material
• Pricing model: Subscription-based or individual purchases
• Example: Weekly workout series, monthly Q&As, educational courses

Live vs. Pre-Recorded Content

Live content creates urgency and enables real-time audience interaction, making events feel exclusive and special. According to recent market trends, live streaming has emerged as a leading content strategy, favored by 52.4% of marketers.

Pre-recorded content offers greater flexibility, higher production quality potential, and evergreen revenue opportunities without the technical pressure of live streaming.

Your choice should align with both your content style and audience preferences. Many successful creators use a mix of both approaches to maximize engagement and revenue.

Step 2: Recording and Production Basics

You don’t need expensive equipment to create sellable video content, but quality does matter when asking people to pay.

Equipment Essentials:

• Camera options: Smartphone (iPhone 12 or newer/equivalent Android), DSLR, or dedicated video camera
• Audio: External microphone strongly recommended (poor audio drives viewers away)
• Lighting: Ring light, softbox, or well-positioned natural light
• Background: Clean, professional, or branded to your niche
• Editing software: iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or mobile apps like CapCut

Recording Checklist:

• Test audio quality and levels before full recording
• Ensure adequate lighting with no harsh shadows
• Frame shot appropriately (rule of thirds)
• Remove background distractions
• Create a brief test recording to check all elements
• Have content outline or script visible but natural
• Set phone to “Do Not Disturb” during recording

Production quality directly impacts perceived value. While perfection isn’t necessary, clear audio, good lighting, and professional framing are non-negotiable for premium content.

Step 3: Video Encoding and Format Guidelines

For optimal compatibility with BlurBay and other platforms:

• Resolution: 1080p (1920×1080) minimum, 4K if available
• File format: MP4 with H.264 codec (most universally compatible)
• Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps (consistent throughout)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 for standard viewing
• File size: Under 2GB per video recommended
• Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps for 1080p, 35-45 Mbps for 4K

Following these technical specifications ensures your videos will play smoothly across devices and platforms, reducing potential support issues after purchase.

Step 4: Setting Up Your Sales Platform on BlurBay

BlurBay makes selling premium video content straightforward with multiple monetization options.

Creating Your BlurBay Seller Account:

1. Sign up at BlurBay.com
2. Complete your profile with professional photo and bio
3. Verify your identity per platform requirements
4. Connect your preferred payment method
5. Create your custom page with SEO-friendly description

Uploading Your First Premium Video:

1. From your dashboard, select “Create New” → “Sell Video”
2. Upload your video file (ensure it meets format guidelines)
3. Create an attention-grabbing title and description
4. Add custom thumbnails that entice viewers
5. Set pricing (more on this in Step 5)
6. Add tags for discoverability
7. Choose access duration (permanent, time-limited, etc.)
8. Publish or schedule for future release

BlurBay’s platform offers additional features specifically designed for content creators, including options to build online courses and sell videos online by bundling multiple videos together.

Step 5: Pricing Your Premium Content

Setting the right price is critical for maximizing revenue without deterring potential customers.

Pricing Models to Consider:

One-Time Purchase:

• Entry-level: $4.99-$9.99 (shorter/simpler content)
• Standard: $14.99-$29.99 (comprehensive tutorials, performances)
• Premium: $49.99+ (masterclasses, exclusive events)

Subscription Models:

• Monthly: $4.99-$19.99 depending on content volume and exclusivity
• Quarterly: Offer 10-15% discount on monthly equivalent
• Annual: Offer 20-30% discount on monthly equivalent

Course/Bundle Pricing:

• Entry-level courses: $27-$97
• Comprehensive courses: $97-$297
• Expert/Professional training: $297-$997

Pricing Strategy Tips:

Research competitors in your niche to understand market expectations. Consider your audience demographics and purchasing power when setting prices. Many successful creators start slightly lower to build reviews, then increase prices as their reputation grows.

Tiered pricing options (basic, premium, VIP) can capture different market segments. Testing different price points with similar content can help identify your optimal range.

According to industry data, 46% of users have at least one premium content subscription, indicating a willing market for the right content at the right price.

Step 6: Building Content Bundles and Courses

Instead of selling individual videos, consider creating structured courses or bundles for higher perceived value and revenue.

Course Structure Options on BlurBay:

1. Sequential release: Videos unlock progressively (ideal for courses)
2. All-at-once: Full access upon purchase (good for reference material)
3. Hybrid approach: Core content plus bonus material

To create a course on BlurBay:

1. From dashboard, select “Create New” → “Sell Course”
2. Upload all video modules
3. Arrange in proper sequence
4. Set pricing (typically higher than individual videos)
5. Choose release schedule (immediate, drip, or date-based)
6. Add supplemental materials if desired (PDFs, worksheets)

When building your first course, consider starting with content you’ve already created as an online nutrition coach or in another specialized field where you have expertise.

Bundling related videos into a structured learning experience allows you to charge premium prices while providing greater value to your audience.

Step 7: Setting Up Payment Processing

BlurBay handles payment processing, but understanding the options ensures you maximize profits.

Payment Methods to Accept:

• Credit/debit cards (essential)
• PayPal (increases conversion rates)
• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Cryptocurrency (optional but expanding)

Understanding Fees:

• Platform fees: Typically 5-15% depending on platform
• Payment processor fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (industry standard)
• Payout timing: Usually 7-14 days after purchase

Keep records of all sales for tax reporting. Different countries have different requirements for digital sales, so you might need to consult with a tax professional for your specific situation.

Step 8: Implementing Anti-Piracy Measures

Protecting your premium content from unauthorized sharing is crucial for maintaining its value.

Essential Protection Methods:

• Watermarking: Add visible or invisible watermarks with purchaser information
• DRM (Digital Rights Management): Limits downloading and sharing
• Limited views: Restrict number of times content can be watched
• IP tracking: Monitor unusual access patterns
• Terms of service: Clearly outline usage rights and limitations

BlurBay implements several of these protections automatically, but you can take additional precautions by including brief personalized intros that identify the legitimate purchaser and using streaming rather than downloadable formats when possible.

Regularly monitoring for unauthorized copies online helps protect your investment and maintain the premium nature of your content.

Step 9: Marketing Your Premium Video Content

Creating great content isn’t enough—you need to promote it effectively.

Promotion Strategies:

• Free previews/trailers: 30-60 second highlights that entice without giving away too much
• Social media teasers: Share snippets across your platforms
• Email marketing: Build a list to announce new content
• Affiliate programs: Incentivize others to promote your content
• Testimonials: Feature positive feedback from previous buyers
• Limited-time discounts: Create urgency for special occasions
• Collaborations: Partner with complementary creators

For international creators, specialized approaches may help you make money online in Italy, earn money online in Australia, or reach other specific markets where you have an audience.

Your existing social media following is your greatest marketing asset. Nano-influencers (under 10,000 followers) often see the highest engagement rates, with TikTok nano-influencers averaging 10.3% engagement compared to just 1.73% for Instagram nano-influencers.

Step 10: Managing Customer Access and Support

After the sale, delivering a smooth experience maintains your reputation and encourages repeat business.

Post-Purchase Experience:

• Immediate access to content (or clear timeline if drip-released)
• Welcome email with access instructions
• Technical support contact information
• Clear policies on refunds, access duration, device limitations, and download permissions

Customer Support Checklist:

Create a FAQ page addressing common questions and set up a dedicated support email. Establish reasonable response time expectations (24-48 hours) and document common technical issues and solutions. Consider creating tutorial videos for navigating your content.

Good customer service increases the likelihood of positive reviews and repeat purchases, which are essential for sustainable growth.

Common FAQs About Selling Premium Video Content

Q: Do I need to offer refunds?

A: While not always legally required, a limited refund policy (7-14 days) builds trust. BlurBay allows you to set your refund policy, but clear communication is essential.

Q: How long should customers have access to purchased content?

A: Options range from limited time (24 hours, 30 days) to lifetime access. Subscription content typically remains available only while the subscription is active.

Q: Can I prevent screen recording of my content?

A: No method is 100% effective against determined pirates, but DRM and legal terms provide some protection. Focus on providing value that justifies the price.

Q: Should I offer different resolution options?

A: For most creators, a single high-quality option is sufficient. Multiple resolutions add complexity with minimal benefit.

Q: How do I handle taxes on digital sales?

A: This varies by country. In the U.S., you’ll typically report income on Schedule C. BlurBay provides year-end tax summaries, but consult a tax professional.

Conclusion: Your Premium Video Content Strategy

Selling premium video content offers a substantial opportunity for creators to generate income directly from their expertise and creativity. With the influencer marketing industry continuing to grow and 86% of U.S. marketers planning to partner with influencers in 2025, now is the ideal time to diversify your revenue streams.

BlurBay’s comprehensive platform makes it easy to get started, offering all the tools you need to create, sell, and manage premium video content without technical complexity.

Whether you’re looking to earn money online in Poland, make money online in Sweden, or earn extra money in the Netherlands, selling premium video content transcends borders, allowing you to reach a global audience with your unique expertise.

Start with a single high-quality video, price it appropriately, and build from there. As your library grows, you’ll develop a sustainable income stream that leverages your existing audience while creating true independence from platform algorithms and sponsored content requirements.