How to Sell Instructional Videos Online
If you create how-to, training, tutorial, or music-related videos, you can turn them into steady income with pay-per-view, subscriptions, and bundles. This page walks you through clear, step-by-step ways to package, price, protect, and promote paid videos—and exactly how to set it all up on BlurBay.
What this covers
- Monetization options: pay-per-view, subscriptions/memberships, bundles/courses, live events, communities, and files
- Platform choices and tradeoffs (with examples)
- Production and protection best practices
- Pricing benchmarks and packaging
- A step-by-step BlurBay setup for each product type
- Promotion tips and launch checklists
- FAQs for creators and side hustlers
Why video is a high-ROI digital side hustle
- Digital products can keep 90–95% profit margins after platform fees, unlike physical goods with their manufacturing and shipping costs (How to Monetize a Website on Blurbay).
- Video continues to dominate attention—82% of all internet traffic is projected to be video by 2025 (Video marketing statistics, Teleprompter.com).
- 87% of people have been convinced to buy a product or service after watching a video, and 91% say video quality directly impacts their trust in a brand (Wyzowl video marketing statistics).
- “Digital products scale beautifully because you create them once and can sell them infinitely.” (Growing a One Person Business, Blurbay).
Step 1: Choose a profitable niche and format
- Go specific rather than general: “Beginner fingerstyle patterns,” “Excel for restaurant owners,” “Drill-focused soccer warmups,” “Studio lighting on a budget,” “K-pop choreography breakdowns.”
- Pick the video format that matches customer intent:
- Instructional/Tutorial: screen-recordings, over-the-shoulder builds, A/B comparisons, step-by-step walkthroughs
- Training: structured modules, drills, worksheets
- Music/mv-focused: making-of breakdowns, stems + arrangement explanations, performance tutorials, rights-cleared packs
Tip: If you’re building full curricula, see our guide on how to sell video courses (also helpful if you’re asking “how to sell my training videos” or “how to sell my video courses”).
Step 2: Pick your monetization model
You don’t need to choose only one—stack models to maximize revenue.
Pay-per-view (one-time purchase)
- Best for standalone tutorials, signature masterclasses, or music video deep-dives.
- Common for creators who want control over individual titles and pricing.
- See also: how to sell pay per view videos online.
Subscriptions/Memberships
- Recurring income for ongoing tutorials, monthly releases, practice drills, or “behind the scenes” content.
- Ideal when you post new content regularly and want to foster community engagement.
- BlurBay lets you set granular access rules per tier (e.g., “All tutorial drops + monthly live Q&A” vs. “Back catalog only”) (Growing a One Person Business, Blurbay).
Bundles/Courses
- Package related videos into a structured learning path; unlock all at once or drip content over time.
- Works well for start-to-finish outcomes (e.g., “Mix a Radio-Ready Track,” “Complete Excel Analyst Bootcamp”).
- Typical online courses range from $97–$997 depending on depth and support (How to Monetize a Website, Blurbay).
Live events and cohorts
- Sell live masterclasses, critique sessions, studio walkthroughs, or cohort-based accelerators that start on a specific date (urgency helps drive conversions) (How to Monetize a Website, Blurbay).
Files and add-ons
- Sell project files, presets, tabs, stems, PDFs, or checklists alongside videos to increase average order value.
Step 3: Choose where to sell (and why many pair social + BlurBay)
Social discoverability + owned revenue
- Use TikTok/Instagram/YouTube Shorts to drive attention, then monetize with your paid products.
- 78% of consumers prefer watching short videos to learn about products/services over text articles (Wyzowl).
Why creators use BlurBay as their paid home:
- Sell single videos (pay-per-view), courses, subscriptions, communities, files, live events, and custom pages—all under one roof.
- Keep 95% of revenue with no student subscription fees (Growing a One Person Business, Blurbay).
- Fine-grained subscription access rules so you can test different tiers and perks easily (Growing a One Person Business, Blurbay).
Other options you might combine with BlurBay
- YouTube Partner Program for ad revenue and channel memberships once you meet eligibility requirements.
- Creator hubs like Patreon for subscriptions.
- However, if you prefer to own all your offers (PPV, bundles, files, live links) in one place, BlurBay reduces tool sprawl and cuts platform fees.
Step 4: Production best practices that increase sales
- Nail your promise in the first 30 seconds. Show the outcome viewers can expect.
- Keep modules focused: teach one specific skill per video. Add chapter markers for easy navigation.
- Use captions—up to 85% of mobile videos are watched without sound (Insivia video stats).
- Optimize for mobile viewing (70%+ of watch time is mobile on major platforms) (Insivia video stats).
- Audio quality matters more than 4K resolution. Use a lavalier mic or record in a treated room.
- Provide downloadable resources and checklists for practical application (e.g., chord charts, EQ cheatsheets).
- Offer short previews or free lessons. 98% of people watch explainer videos to learn about products/services (Wyzowl).
Protection and access control
- Upload full content only to your paid platform; post short teasers publicly.
- Add subtle watermarks on preview content.
- Include clear usage terms on your product page (personal use only, non-transferable).
- Build community perks so being a paying member beats piracy (live Q&As, feedback, regular updates).
Step 5: Pricing and packaging
Reference points from creator education and digital products:
- Standalone tutorials/masterclasses: Price by specificity and outcome. Short, niche tutorials might be $9–$49. Deep dives and signature masterclasses can command $49–$199+.
- Courses/bundles: $97–$997+ depending on depth, transformation potential, and support level (How to Monetize a Website, Blurbay).
- Subscriptions: Start with an accessible tier (e.g., $7–$15/mo for back catalog access) and a premium tier ($25–$49/mo) with community access + monthly live session.
- Files/add-ons: $5–$49 depending on value (tabs, stems, practice plans).
- Tiered pricing works—basic, standard, premium—with increasing resources/support at each level (How to Monetize a Website, Blurbay).
- Cohort-based programs can carry higher pricing due to live access and built-in scarcity (How to Monetize a Website, Blurbay).
How to set up and sell with BlurBay (step-by-step)
A) Sell a single video (pay-per-view)
- Create your BlurBay page: upload your banner, bio, and links.
- Add Product → Video.
- Upload your video and an eye-catching thumbnail. Add a short preview clip.
- Set price and access parameters (lifetime access or limited-time rental).
- Write an outcome-focused description and list what buyers get.
- Publish and share the product link on your social channels and link-in-bio.
B) Build a course (bundle multiple videos)
- Add Product → Course.
- Add modules and upload videos to each lesson.
- Choose your release schedule: unlock all at once or drip content (e.g., 1 video/day).
- Add supplementary resources (PDFs, tabs, presets, worksheets).
- Set tiered pricing or a single price; create a limited-time coupon for early adopters.
- Publish. Promote with a mini free lesson and an email/social sequence.
For more details: how to sell video courses online.
C) Launch a subscription (your own premium platform)
- Create Subscription tiers (e.g., Basic: back catalog access; Pro: new content drops + monthly live session).
- Use access rules to include/exclude specific courses, videos, and files per tier (Growing a One Person Business, Blurbay).
- Add a welcome post explaining what subscribers can expect weekly/monthly.
- Consider offering a 7-day trial or member-only discounts on standalone courses.
D) Host a paid community
- Add Community and connect it to Telegram (BlurBay manages access automatically).
- Set entry requirements: free, by specific purchase, or by subscription tier.
- Post weekly prompts, feedback threads, and schedule regular office hours.
E) Sell files (e-books, tabs, presets, worksheets)
- Add Product → File and upload your resource.
- Set pricing and cross-sell alongside your videos.
For more on digital files: how to make money selling ebooks.
F) Sell live events and group sessions
- Add Product → Live Event.
- Paste your meeting link (works with any platform), set price, available seats, and access window.
- After the session, upload the recording as a paid replay product.
G) Create your own page/link hub
- Customize your profile with SEO-friendly introduction text and links to your social channels, podcasts, press mentions.
- Pin your best-selling products and bundles to the top for maximum visibility.
Promotion: turn attention into purchases
- Short-form strategy: Post 15–45 second clips that demonstrate value; link to your paid product. Social video gets dramatically more shares than text/images (Insivia).
- Use a 3-part teaser sequence:
- Part 1: Share a quick win
- Part 2: Reveal a common mistake to avoid
- Part 3: Extend an invitation to your paid product
- Email your list with a 3-email sequence: announcement, case study/free lesson, final reminder.
- Add community-driven urgency: “Live Q&A this Friday for members only.”
- Collaborate: swap lessons or co-host live events with complementary creators in your space.
- Keep quality high—91% of consumers say video quality directly affects their trust in your brand (Wyzowl).
Examples: what to sell this week
- Instructional: “After Effects Intro Pack”—10 lessons + project files, $149.
- Tutorial series: “Blues Guitar Bends”—6 micro-lessons, $29, plus tablature as a $9 add-on.
- Music video: “Director’s Cut + Breakdown”—PPV $19, bundle with LUT pack $29.
- Subscription: “Mixing Mondays”—new training weekly + Discord/Telegram access, $19/mo.
- Live: “Portfolio Critique Night”—25 seats at $39, recording sold after for $19.
Evergreen side-hustle mindset
- Start small and iterate. Digital products compound over time because they’re reusable and infinitely scalable (Growing a One Person Business, Blurbay).
- Consider building adjacent income streams: blogs, ebooks, stock photos. Explore these resources:
- How to become a paid food blogger if you want to earn money with a blog or learn how to start a blog and make money
- Best stock photo sites to make money if you want a photo earning app to sell photos and earn money
- Side hustles from home for online side hustle ideas, side hustle options in Europe, or internet side hustles
- Looking for region-specific opportunities? See our guide on how to make money online in Korea for insights on fast side hustles and online money-making methods
FAQs
How to sell instructional videos online?
Package your lessons as single PPV videos, a course bundle, or a subscription. Set up your BlurBay page, upload your content, set pricing, and share the link in your social bios. Start with a free lesson preview to drive conversions.
Which website is best for selling videos?
It depends on how much control you want and the fees you’re willing to pay. Many creators pair social platforms for reach with BlurBay to sell PPV videos, courses, subscriptions, files, live events, and community access in one place while keeping 95% of revenue (Growing a One Person Business, Blurbay). For courses specifically, compare options in our guide: how to sell video courses online.
Where can I sell my video for cash?
BlurBay supports one-time purchases and pay-per-view so buyers can pay once and rewatch anytime. You can also offer live sessions and bundle supplementary files to increase order value.
How to make money making educational videos?
Combine multiple revenue models: PPV for signature tutorials, a $15–$25/mo subscription for ongoing content, and $97–$497 courses for comprehensive training. Add live workshops for premium access and build community for retention. Tiered pricing is particularly effective (How to Monetize a Website, Blurbay).
How do you monetize training videos?
Offer them as a structured course with drip content release, plus a subscription that includes new monthly lessons. Bundle worksheets and cheatsheets as paid downloadable files. For more options, see: how to sell pay per view videos online.
Where can I sell my music video?
Use PPV for the film itself, bundle a “Director’s Breakdown” tutorial, and sell LUTs/presets/stems as downloadable files. Consider adding a subscription for regular behind-the-scenes content drops.
How do you make money from music videos?
Stack multiple revenue streams: PPV, bundles with making-of tutorials, preset packs, and monthly memberships for ongoing releases. Promote via short clips on social media; 90% of marketers report positive ROI from video marketing efforts (Insivia).
What should I price my videos?
- Short, specific tutorials: $9–$49
- In-depth masterclasses: $49–$199+
- Comprehensive courses: $97–$997+ depending on depth and support (How to Monetize a Website, Blurbay)
- Subscriptions typically start at $7–$15/mo for basic access, with premium tiers at $25–$49/mo
Launch checklist
- Define a clear promise and identify your target audience.
- Choose your model: PPV, course, subscription, live event, or a combination.
- Record 3–5 high-quality videos; add captions and supplementary resources.
- Price with a simple tiered structure; offer a limited-time launch coupon.
- Publish on BlurBay; set up a compelling preview clip and clear benefits list.
- Post teaser clips on social media for 5–7 days; link to your product page everywhere.
- Host a live Q&A session during launch week; invite questions in your community.
- Gather testimonials; analyze results and iterate on pricing/content after 30 days.
Related learning
- Want to package your expertise beyond video? Explore: how to make money selling ebooks and how to sell pay-per-view videos online. If you’re building a broader education business, see how to sell video courses online.
Key sources cited
- How to Monetize a Website, Blurbay
- Growing a One Person Business, Blurbay
- Video Marketing Statistics (Wyzowl)
- Video Marketing Statistics You Must Know (Insivia)
- Video statistics and trends (Teleprompter.com)
Next step
Decide on one offer you can publish in the next 48 hours—a PPV tutorial, a starter course, or a live workshop. Set it up on BlurBay, post two teaser clips on social media, and invite your audience to be founding buyers. Then analyze results and iterate based on feedback.