Video Selling Platforms Compared for Influencers and Content Creators

As a content creator or social media influencer, finding the right platform to monetize your premium video content is crucial for building a sustainable income stream. Whether you’re looking to offer subscription-based content or pay-per-view options, this guide compares the best platforms and strategies to help you maximize your video earnings.

Key Considerations When Selling Premium Video Content

Before diving into specific platforms, let’s understand what factors matter most:

1. Revenue model options (subscription, pay-per-view, or both)
2. Platform fees and payout schedules
3. Content control and ownership
4. Built-in audience vs. bringing your own traffic
5. Technical requirements and ease of use
6. Integration with your existing brand and social presence

Popular Video Monetization Options

Using Established Platforms

YouTube Memberships

• Monetization Model: Monthly subscriptions for exclusive content
• Fees: YouTube takes a percentage of revenue (typically around 30%)
• Pros: Massive built-in audience, established discovery algorithms, multiple revenue streams (ads, Super Chats, memberships)
• Cons: Requires 1,000+ subscribers to enable, limited control over branding and pricing, subject to platform policies
• Best For: Creators already building a YouTube following who want to add premium content

According to industry data, YouTube creators can earn between $1-5 per 1,000 views from ad revenue alone, with membership features providing an additional income stream for those with engaged audiences.

Facebook Fan Subscriptions

• Monetization Model: Monthly subscriptions ($4.99-$99.99)
• Revenue Split: 70% to creator, 30% to Facebook
• Pros: Integration with existing Facebook presence, $10.97 average CPM for in-stream ads
• Cons: Platform policies limit content control, requires compliance with Partner Monetization Policies
• Best For: Creators with engaged Facebook communities looking to offer exclusive tutorials or behind-the-scenes content

Facebook’s subscription model works particularly well for niche communities in areas like fitness, makeup tutorials, or specialized hobby content where fans value regular, exclusive access.

Patreon

• Monetization Model: Tiered subscription levels
• Fees: 5-12% + payment processing fees
• Pros: Strong community features, flexible membership tiers, established brand recognition
• Cons: Monthly payout schedule, requires active community management
• Best For: Creators focused on building long-term supporter relationships

When comparing subscription platforms like Patreon and Gumroad, each offers distinct advantages depending on your content type and business model. Patreon focuses on recurring subscriptions while Gumroad excels at one-time sales with lower fees for individual transactions.

Self-Hosted Solutions

Your Own Website with Video Hosting

• Monetization Models: Complete flexibility (subscriptions, rentals, purchases)
• Fees: Hosting costs + payment processing (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction)
• Pros: Full content control, customizable pricing, no platform revenue sharing, brand ownership
• Cons: Requires traffic generation, technical setup, ongoing maintenance
• Best For: Established creators with technical knowledge or support team

Many creators find that owning their distribution channel provides long-term advantages. While platforms may change policies or algorithms, a self-hosted solution gives you complete control over your business model and customer relationships.

Specialized Video Selling Platforms

Services like Uscreen, Vimeo OTT, and Blurbay offer turnkey solutions that combine:

• Custom branded video portals
• Built-in payment processing
• Content protection features
• Subscription and pay-per-view options
• Analytics and audience insights

These platforms bridge the gap between full self-hosting and established social platforms, giving you more control while handling technical aspects.

For example, Blurbay allows creators to set up tiered subscription levels, sell individual videos on a pay-per-view basis, or even create hybrid models where some content is subscription-based while premium workshops are sold separately.

Strategy Comparison: Subscriptions vs. Pay-Per-View

Subscription Model Benefits

• Predictable Revenue: Monthly recurring income improves financial planning
• Community Building: Subscribers feel invested in your ongoing content
• Lower Friction for Multiple Content Pieces: Once subscribed, members consume more content
• Higher Lifetime Value: A $9.99/month subscriber who stays for a year is worth nearly $120

Pay-Per-View Benefits

• Higher One-Time Payments: Can charge premium prices for specialized content (often $20-100 per purchase)
• No Ongoing Content Pressure: Create at your own pace without monthly obligations
• Testing Ground for New Content Types: Lower risk for trying new formats
• Broader Market Reach: Customers can make one-time purchases without committing to a subscription

Many successful creators implement a hybrid approach, offering a subscription for core content while reserving premium special content for pay-per-view purchases. For example, a fitness instructor might offer monthly subscribers access to a library of workout routines while selling specialized 8-week transformation programs as separate purchases.

Practical Steps to Sell Premium Video Content

1. Determine Your Content Strategy

   • Identify your most valuable content worth charging for
   • Decide between subscription, pay-per-view, or hybrid approach
   • Plan content release schedule to maintain engagement

2. Choose Your Platform Based On Priorities

   • Need built-in audience? Consider YouTube or Facebook
   • Want maximum revenue share? Self-hosting or specialized platforms
   • Value ease-of-use? All-in-one solutions like Blurbay

3. Optimize Your Video Production

   • Ensure premium production quality justifies the price
   • Create compelling trailers/previews for marketing
   • Organize content into logical packages or tiers

4. Set Smart Pricing

   • Research competitor pricing in your niche
   • Consider tiered pricing for different access levels
   • Test different price points to find optimal conversion

If you’re specifically looking to sell video courses rather than individual videos, you’ll need a more structured approach. Learn more about how to sell video courses online to maximize your educational content revenue through proper curriculum design and student engagement strategies.

Platform Comparison: Social vs. Specialized

When deciding between social platforms like OnlyFans and dedicated content platforms like Patreon, consider your content type and audience expectations. While OnlyFans offers more flexible monetization options with weekly payouts, Patreon provides better community tools with lower fees.

Social Platform Advantages

• Built-in discovery mechanisms
• Existing audience familiar with the platform
• Simplified setup process
• Multiple revenue streams (ads, tips, etc.)
• Potential for viral growth

Specialized Platform Advantages

• Lower fees (more revenue in your pocket)
• Greater content control and branding options
• Purpose-built tools for video monetization
• More professional perception for certain content types
• Direct customer relationships and data ownership

The distinction matters significantly for long-term business building. Social platforms may offer quicker initial traction, but specialized platforms often provide better sustainability and profitability as your audience grows.

Case Study: Successful Video Monetization

Fitness Instructor Example:

• Platform: Custom website with Blurbay integration
• Content Strategy: Basic workouts free on YouTube, premium programs and personalized routines on paid platform
• Pricing Model: $19.99 monthly subscription plus $49.99 specialized 8-week programs
• Marketing Approach: Uses Instagram and TikTok to showcase workout snippets that funnel viewers to both free YouTube content and premium offerings
• Results: Converted 5% of YouTube audience to paid platform, generating stable $8,500 monthly revenue

This real-world example demonstrates the power of a multi-platform approach where free content serves as a marketing channel for premium offerings. The instructor uses social media for discovery, YouTube for relationship building, and a specialized platform for monetization.

Key Metrics to Track

Regardless of your chosen platform, monitor these metrics to optimize your video monetization:

1. Conversion Rate: Percentage of free viewers who become paying customers
2. Retention Rate: How long subscribers stay active (a key indicator of content value)
3. Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): Total revenue divided by number of customers
4. Content Consumption: Which videos drive the most engagement and retention
5. Customer Acquisition Cost: Marketing expense to acquire each new customer

Tracking these metrics allows for data-driven decisions about content creation, pricing, and marketing strategies. For example, if certain video types consistently drive higher retention rates, you might focus more production resources on similar content.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Platform

The ideal video selling platform depends on your specific needs:

• Beginners: Start with established platforms like YouTube memberships or Patreon to leverage existing infrastructure and audience
• Mid-level creators: Consider specialized platforms like Blurbay that offer more control while handling technical aspects
• Established brands: Explore self-hosted solutions for maximum control and revenue retention

Remember that the technology platform is just one component of success. Your content quality, audience relationship, and marketing strategy remain the fundamental drivers of your premium video business.

By strategically selecting the right platform and monetization approach for your unique content and audience, you can build a sustainable business selling premium video content that rewards both you and your viewers.