Ernman
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YouTube (YT) recently provided us with a perfect example of what happens to people using something they don't control.
YouTube recently posted an update to their Terms of Service (TOS) stating that they were going to place ads on channels that did not yet qualify for the "Partner" program (i.e. monetized). YT stated that they've always reserved this option in their TOS but were making it clear as they moved forward. For those not familiar with YT they allow creators (the folks like me that create and upload videos) to share in the ad revenue through their Partner program after certain conditions are achieved: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours.
While some creators have made some very good money this way, the vast majority of creators do not make much if anything. Many new channels (creators) hold out this hope that they will go viral, gain thousands/millions of subscribers and strike it rich overnight (sound familiar?). The truth is, like anything we do as entrepreneurs, it takes time, effort and understanding to achieve success in this venue. What most YT creators fail to recognize, or choose to ignore, is that they DO NOT control YouTube, it's algorithm or how the platform is managed. YT is simply doing what YT believes is best for YT.
But OMG the up roar by the creator community! "It's not fair" "It's against the law" "They're stealing" "I'm going to sue them" and the list of impudent whiny posts goes on.
And you know what? So do the uploads of creator content.
Can YouTube be a part of a Fastlane strategy? Sure it can - BUT don't ever make it the backbone of your strategy because you don't control it.
The purpose of this thread is not to discuss the pros/cons of what YT is doing, but provide a real world current example of the importance of CONTROL in the Fastlane.
Full Disclosure: I am a YT creator and a member of the partner program (I have a monetized YT channel and earn money from ad revenue). I am not an executive or employee of YT, its parent or associated business partners other than through the Partner program. YT ad revenue (now classified as a royalty payment and taxed accordingly by the same YT update by the way) is one of my revenue streams - albeit a very small one . It is one of many revenue streams I have or am building.
YouTube recently posted an update to their Terms of Service (TOS) stating that they were going to place ads on channels that did not yet qualify for the "Partner" program (i.e. monetized). YT stated that they've always reserved this option in their TOS but were making it clear as they moved forward. For those not familiar with YT they allow creators (the folks like me that create and upload videos) to share in the ad revenue through their Partner program after certain conditions are achieved: 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours.
While some creators have made some very good money this way, the vast majority of creators do not make much if anything. Many new channels (creators) hold out this hope that they will go viral, gain thousands/millions of subscribers and strike it rich overnight (sound familiar?). The truth is, like anything we do as entrepreneurs, it takes time, effort and understanding to achieve success in this venue. What most YT creators fail to recognize, or choose to ignore, is that they DO NOT control YouTube, it's algorithm or how the platform is managed. YT is simply doing what YT believes is best for YT.
But OMG the up roar by the creator community! "It's not fair" "It's against the law" "They're stealing" "I'm going to sue them" and the list of impudent whiny posts goes on.
And you know what? So do the uploads of creator content.
Can YouTube be a part of a Fastlane strategy? Sure it can - BUT don't ever make it the backbone of your strategy because you don't control it.
The purpose of this thread is not to discuss the pros/cons of what YT is doing, but provide a real world current example of the importance of CONTROL in the Fastlane.
Full Disclosure: I am a YT creator and a member of the partner program (I have a monetized YT channel and earn money from ad revenue). I am not an executive or employee of YT, its parent or associated business partners other than through the Partner program. YT ad revenue (now classified as a royalty payment and taxed accordingly by the same YT update by the way) is one of my revenue streams - albeit a very small one . It is one of many revenue streams I have or am building.
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