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How much short form creators are getting paid in 2024 (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reels)
Photo courtesy of Ryan Hughes
Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
With the rise of TikTok from its early days in 2018 to the powerhouse it is today, it has revolutionized not only the way everybody consumes content but also how everybody creates it. It has catapulted the regular consumer, and many of them at that, into the limelight themselves and created a new ecosystem of online social functions. TikTok’s algorithms propel virality into anything that it agrees with using several different factors. In short, TikTok opened the door to truly accessible and equally creatable home video content that is also now monetizable.
Statistics taken from multiple online social media data sources show that short-form video is the most popular type of content on social media. In 2023, 90% of all internet traffic was projected to be made by short-form video. 73% of consumers prefer to watch a short-form video to learn about a product or service than a long-form video. Almost 60% of short videos are watched for 41-80% of their length.
A great example of someone who is adapting to this change is YouTuber ‘Bucks’, whose real name is Ryan Hughes, a 28-year-old creator from England, UK. He started his influencer journey 12 years ago at the early age of 16 and is now leading the race in the world of short-form content currently in Los Angeles. Bucks, with 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, creates comedy, gaming, and lifestyle videos, traditionally through long-form themed content. He recently started to package his content into small digestible TikToks and YouTube Shorts and his content exploded.
Ryan commented “I just feel like when you’ve been in the game this long you have to take changes head-on productively and adapt because the machine will keep moving forward with or without you. I remember when I first started YouTube, it took me years to hit my first 10,000 subscribers and 1,000,000 total views. Today you sometimes see this happen overnight. Times have changed, accessibility has changed, and the way we experience content as a whole has changed, but the efficacy of becoming a creator can still be attained, if not at a greater level than before. Recently on TikTok alone, starting from scratch and using the same content I post on YouTube, just packaging it differently, I got 140,000,000 views and 300,000 followers in just a few months. Something that had once taken me five years in the past on YouTube.”
So how are influencers like Ryan, who are achieving this level of success, capitalizing off of those high numbers? Only recently have there been implementations within the platforms themselves to reward creators that can acquire that level of viewership suitable compensation for it. TikTok’s initial Creator Fund, which only paid a modest average of $0.02-$0.04 per 1,000 views was the first level of compensation.
This shortly changed with the introduction of TikTok’s Creativity Program, Instagram’s Reels Play Bonus and YouTube’s new YouTube Short Monetization Policy. TikTok’s program went into Beta in the USA earlier in 2023, slowly expanding globally, and still is as of January 2024. The program allowed creators to make 60+ second long videos and receive up to $1 per 1,000 views that qualify for the program, which is a huge leap from the creator fund.
Instagram’s Reels Play Bonus was a $1 billion fund that incentivized people just to create Reels in the first place. Offering good compensation at $100 for the first 20,000 views. Sadly though, the pay was capped quite hard for anything larger, with a maximum monthly payout of $1,200 and an 11,000,000 view cap. The Reels Play Bonus program was cut by Instagram in March, 2023.
YouTube released a new YouTube Short Monetization Policy in February 2023, allowing creators to make a reasonable amount of money with Ad Revenue within the YouTube Shorts world. This has typically been seen to pay about $0.10 per 1,000 views, making it a solid middle ground between TikTok’s Creator Fund and their new Creativity Program. For some, this may be better as you can still create shorter clips instead of the necessary 60+ second clips for TikTok’s Creativity Program.
On top of the new and expanding revenue systems that are currently in place, creators can also make dedicated short videos for brands designed with a faster-paced and higher level creative, giving an additional and lucrative method of promotion for both the brand and influencer. With the additional viewership, the influencer can also push merchandise and their own branded products.
Ryan Hughes also commented on how that payment landscape looks within his leading position of high viewership. “TikTok’s new program is highly underrated. Not every view qualifies and the amount you are paid is dependent on your audience demographics, but for instance, with a majority US demographic, I was paid around $0.80 on average for every 1,000 views that qualified. I had about 30,000,000 views qualify out of about 120,000,000 submitted for it. Which is not bad considering it’s just one stream of income. I also have YouTube, brand promotions, merchandise, and live-streaming.”
Shortly after the rapid TikTok success, Ryan implemented the same strategy back on YouTube Shorts, and gained a further 160,000,000 views in the first two months.
Short-form content will continue to dominate and as the market integrates accordingly, with this new chapter, creators can expect some exciting opportunities ahead.
Innovators in the marketing space will adapt mass-scale promotions for brands that even smaller creators can take part in, and larger creators with the individual mass reach will benefit from more direct involvement.
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12 Proven Methods to Make Money Blogging in 2024
This is a contributed article.
The world of blogging continues to thrive in 2024, offering a compelling avenue for creative minds to share their knowledge, build an audience, and even turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting, there are numerous effective strategies to monetize your blog and achieve financial success. Here, we delve into 12 proven methods to make money blogging in 2024:
1. Embrace Niche Expertise:
Standing out in the vast blogosphere requires focus. Carving a niche allows you to cater to a specific audience with targeted content. This not only builds a loyal following but also positions you as an authority in your chosen field. Whether it’s gardening techniques, travel hacking tips, or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, delve deep into a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Targeted audiences are more receptive to monetization efforts, making them ideal for success.
2. Content is King (and Queen):
High-quality content remains the cornerstone of any successful blog. In 2024, readers crave informative, engaging, and well-written content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Invest time in crafting valuable blog posts, articles, or videos that resonate with your target audience.
- Focus on evergreen content: Create content that remains relevant for a long time, attracting consistent traffic and boosting your earning potential.
- Incorporate multimedia: Spice up your content with captivating images, infographics, or even videos to enhance reader engagement and improve SEO.
- Maintain consistency: Develop a regular publishing schedule to build anticipation and keep your audience coming back for more.
3. The Power of SEO:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your blog ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords. This increases organic traffic, the lifeblood of any monetization strategy.
- Keyword research: Use keyword research tools to identify terms your target audience searches for. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your content naturally.
- Technical SEO: Optimize your blog’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall technical aspects to improve search engine ranking.
- Backlink building: Encourage other websites to link back to your content, boosting your blog’s authority in the eyes of search engines.
4. Monetization Magic: Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission.
- Choose relevant affiliates: Promote products or services that align with your niche and resonate with your audience.
- Transparency is key: Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly to your readers and build trust.
- Integrate strategically: Don’t just bombard readers with links. Weave affiliate promotions naturally into your content, highlighting the value proposition.
5. Display Advertising: A Classic Approach
Display advertising involves placing banner ads, text ads, or other visual elements on your blog. When a reader clicks on an ad, you earn revenue.
- Choose reputable ad networks: Partner with established ad networks that offer competitive rates and relevant ads for your audience.
- Strategic ad placement: Place ads thoughtfully, avoiding an overwhelming experience for readers.
- Track your performance: Monitor ad clicks and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your ad placements and optimize for better results.
6. Offer Premium Content:
Providing exclusive, in-depth content behind a paywall can generate additional income. This could be premium blog posts, ebooks, online courses, or webinars.
- Deliver exceptional value: Ensure your premium content offers significant value that justifies the price tag.
- Multiple pricing options: Consider offering tiered subscription plans to cater to different audience needs and budgets.
- Promote effectively: Highlight the benefits of your premium content and encourage readers to subscribe.
7. Coaching and Consulting:
Leverage your expertise by offering coaching or consulting services related to your niche. Readers who find your content valuable may be interested in personalized guidance.
- Position yourself as an expert: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and client testimonials to build trust and establish your credibility.
- Offer free consultations: Provide a limited free consultation to potential clients, allowing them to experience your expertise firsthand.
- Develop clear packages: Outline different coaching or consulting packages with varying time commitments and pricing structures.
8. The Power of Community: Online Events and Webinars
Host online events or webinars related to your niche. These events offer valuable content while also providing an opportunity to promote other monetization avenues.
- Interactive and engaging: Structure your online events to be interactive with polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats. Click here to learn more about image marketing with Q&A sessions and live chats.
9. Embrace the Power of Email Marketing:
Building an email list allows you to foster stronger relationships with your audience and promote your content and offerings directly.
- Offer valuable incentives: Encourage readers to subscribe by offering exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new products.
- Segmentation is key: Segment your email list based on reader interests to send targeted campaigns that resonate more effectively.
- Regular communication: Maintain consistent communication with your subscribers through engaging newsletters or updates.
10. Sell Your Own Products:
Take your expertise to the next level by creating and selling your own products. This could be physical merchandise, digital downloads, or even printables related to your niche.
- Identify audience needs: Develop products that address the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
- High-quality offerings: Invest in creating high-quality products that offer exceptional value and user experience.
- Utilize multiple platforms: Sell your products through your blog, online marketplaces, or even social media platforms.
11. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations:
Partner with brands or businesses relevant to your niche for sponsored content or collaborations. This can be a lucrative way to leverage your audience and generate income.
- Maintain editorial control: While working with sponsors, ensure you retain editorial control to maintain your blog’s authenticity and audience trust.
- Disclosures are essential: Clearly disclose sponsored content to readers, upholding transparency and ethical practices.
- Align with your niche: Partner with brands that complement your content and resonate with your audience.
12. Freelancing and Paid Writing Opportunities:
Your blog can serve as a springboard for freelance writing opportunities. Showcase your writing skills and expertise through your blog content, attracting potential clients.
- Target relevant publications: Identify online publications, websites, or magazines related to your niche and pitch your writing services.
- High-quality samples: Include high-quality blog posts from your site as writing samples when pitching to potential clients.
- Develop strong writing skills: Continuously hone your writing skills and stay updated on current trends in your niche to deliver exceptional work.
Conclusion:
Building a successful blog that generates income requires dedication, strategic planning, and high-quality content. In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make money online through blogging. By utilizing a combination of methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services, you can leverage your blog’s potential and achieve financial success.
Remember, consistency in posting, engaging with your audience, and staying adaptable to trends are key to thriving in the ever-evolving blogosphere. Embrace new strategies, refine your approaches, and always keep your readers at the forefront of your content creation journey. With dedication and the right approach, your blog has the potential to become a valuable source of income and a platform for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world, making money online while doing what you love.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos
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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?
In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.
The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.
According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.
Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.
Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.
The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.
This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.
Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.
As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?
Only time will tell.
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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach
While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.
When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.
“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.
Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.
“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.”Â
“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.
“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.
Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.
