How to Choose a Video Paywall Solution for Live Streaming Monetization in 2025
With live streaming becoming a major force in digital media, it has become a powerful tool for content creators and businesses alike to offer a direct and engaging way to connect with audiences. If you are looking to turn this engagement into revenue, a reliable and effective video paywall solution is essential.
It’s no secret that consumers will gladly pay for quality video content online. While businesses and broadcasters will often monetize video content through advertisements, this isn’t the most effective method. Over time, the viewers’ frustration grows, resulting in them not viewing the content or putting up ad blockers due to excessive amounts of ads, which are the same ads that generate income. Alternatively, savvy businesses that offer viewers the option of a paid subscription to watch their content ad-free will often yield larger rewards over time.
Using an effective video paywall, creators can generate revenue while offering viewers exclusive, high-quality content. However, not all paywalls are created equal. Choosing the right paywall for live streaming doesn’t just impact revenue—it directly influences user experience, content accessibility, and the potential for long-term growth. With the rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms, selecting an optimal paywall video hosting service is critical to standing out in a competitive streaming market.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing a professional-grade paywall model. You will learn more about its uses and benefits for professional video hosting and the basics of video monetization.
Table of Contents
- Comparative Analysis of Paywall Types and Use Cases
- What is a Video Paywall?
- Why Use a Paywall To Monetize Your Video Content?
- Choosing a Video Paywall: Key Questions to Ask
- How a Video Paywall Can Help You Grow Your Business
- Detailed Feature Comparison of Top Paywall Platforms
- How to Choose a Paywall Platform for Video Monetization
- Best Practices for Paywall Implementation and User Experience
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Analytics to Optimize Revenue
- Legal and Security Considerations for Video Paywalls
- Advanced Monetization Features
- Trends in Video Paywall Technology and Viewer Preferences
- Final Thoughts
Comparative Analysis of Paywall Types and Use Cases
Video monetization is how you make money through the video content shared online. The three most popular options for monetizing video content are advertising, subscriptions, and pay-per-view transactions. Many businesses and content creators use a combination of monetization strategies to earn money on their video content.
Choosing the right paywall strategy directly affects revenue, audience engagement, and user experience. Using this analysis of the main paywall types, we’ll examine which type of content and audiences are best suited for each model, using examples from popular platforms.
SVOD
SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) is a monetization method where users are charged a recurring subscription fee, usually monthly or annually, to access a library of content. It allows access to an entire library of on-demand content for a set period. It’s an option that best fits those offering entertainment and educational content.
It’s a model that works well for audiences who regularly consume content and are willing to pay for ad-free, on-demand access to content. SVOD mainly attracts users who value exclusive content, convenience, and continuous updates to the content library.
This model suits content that benefits from binge-watching and is especially effective for platforms producing exclusive, original, or high-quality content that can retain subscribers over time. Netflix is one SVOD leader that charges a monthly fee for access to a vast library of exclusive content. It attracts a global subscriber base while generating loyalty through ongoing content releases.
MasterClass is another platform using the SVOD approach, offering educational content taught by renowned experts. Its models provide subscribers with unlimited access to a premium library of courses, appealing to an audience interested in learning from high-profile instructors.
AVOD
AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand) offers free content to users while generating revenue through advertisements that play before, during, or after content. This model is ideal for mass-consumption content such as news, lifestyle, and user-generated videos, where viewers are accustomed to ad interruptions. It’s also suited for platforms targeting larger audiences where ad revenue can offset content costs.
AVOD caters to audiences who are cost-sensitive but willing to tolerate ads in exchange for free content access. It typically attracts a wide range of viewers, particularly those who may not want to commit to a subscription.
One thing to consider with ad-based monetization is that many viewers use ad-blockers to avoid seeing advertisements pop up all over the pages they visit. However, if you use server-side ad insertion, your advertisements are delivered directly through your video player, which usually keeps them from being blocked by most ad blockers.
YouTube is the most popular example of a dominant AVOD platform. It offers free access to millions of videos, generating revenue from targeted ads. And if you want an ad-free, uninterrupted experience, you can choose the premium ad-free subscription.
TVOD
TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) is a pay-per-view streaming video monetization option allowing users to purchase content on a pay-per-view. That means users can pay to access a specific video for a set period, either to rent or purchase it.
TVOD is particularly attractive to viewers who are selective about what they watch and may not want a recurring subscription. It is ideal for new movie releases, special events, and niche content that viewers may only want to watch once or twice. It’s also suitable for live broadcasts and limited-time events where exclusivity drives demand.
Amazon Prime Video and iTunes are examples we can point out. While primarily an SVOD platform, Amazon Prime Video also uses TVOD to offer users pay-per-view options for new releases. For instance, users can rent or buy recent movie releases that are not yet included in their subscription library.
Apple’s iTunes Store follows a TVOD model for movies, where users can rent or purchase individual titles. This approach works well for one-time access to blockbuster films, allowing users to watch a specific title without a subscription.
Paywall Type | Content Category | Best Use Case | Example platform |
SVOD | Entertainment | Binge-watching TV shows, movie libraries | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ |
Education | On-demand courses and tutorials | MasterClass, Skillshare | |
Music | Access to large, regularly updated libraries | Spotify Premium, Apple Music | |
AVOD | News and Lifestyle | Free, ad-supported content with frequent updates | YouTube, Peacock (free tier) |
Sports | Live events with large, diverse audiences | NBC Sports, ESPN with ad-supported content | |
User-generated content | Monetized content by ad revenue for free user access | YouTube, Facebook Watch | |
TVOD | Movies and New Releases | Exclusive releases, pay-per-view access for specific movies | Amazon Prime Video (rent/buy), iTunes |
Live Events | High-demand, one-time events like concerts or PPV sports | UFC PPV, FITE TV for combat sports events | |
Niche Content | One-off access to specialized content | Vimeo On Demand, Google Play Movies |
What is a Video Paywall?
A video paywall is a digital mechanism that restricts access to video content, requiring users to pay for entry. This system is commonly used by OTT platforms as a video monetization strategy, especially for exclusive or premium content. It helps to generate revenue from high-quality video libraries and offers specialized access to unique or time-sensitive events.
For OTT businesses, a video paywall solution can be tailored to specific needs, allowing flexibility in monetization strategies across different types of content, such as on-demand libraries, paywalls for live streaming, and unique events. You’ll see paywalls online, from newspapers like the New York Times to secure video streaming services.
A video paywall is necessary for SVOD and TVOD monetization. It restricts free access to digital content by requiring a viewer to purchase the video or pay for a subscription to gain access to the content.
A video paywall for monetization gives your business complete control of your prices. You can keep your paywall low and accessible or charge a high-ticket fee for your content. It’s entirely up to you.
Here’s a breakdown of different paywall models, each catering to various user behaviors and content types.
Soft Paywall
Soft paywalls allow partial access to video content, typically through previews or free trials, before requiring payment for full access. They encourage user engagement by offering limited free content, which enables users to access content quality before subscribing.
This flexible approach to video monetization is a great choice for platforms targeting a wider audience and willing to convert free users into paying subscribers. This is very useful for educational and entertainment content, as free content samples can increase subscriptions.
Hard Paywall
Among the strictest forms of content restriction, a hard paywall requires users to pay before accessing any video content. It works well for high-demand content libraries with exclusive shows in sectors like professional training and OTT platforms. It’s also suitable for paywall video hosting that requires robust content control.
Platforms offering premium or niche content like educational courses or specialized training, where users are willing to pay upfront to gain access, often use this model. It protects all content behind a single access point and is effective in scenarios where exclusivity drives value.
Metered Paywall
This model provides free access to a specific number of videos or content minutes per month, after which a subscription is required. It is the best fit for OTT providers of regular, high-quality content where repeated exposure leads to subscription.
It’s ideal for content that users return to regularly, allowing platforms to monetize frequent viewers without alienating occasional users. This option is often employed by educational or news-based video platforms, giving users enough free content to engage with before prompting a subscription.
Hybrid Paywall
It combines elements of both hard and soft paywalls, offering some content for free while securing premium or exclusive content behind a paywall. It caters to different viewer preferences by offering both subscription and pay-per-view options.
Many OTT services use a hybrid paywall to balance free and paid access, drawing in broader audiences while encouraging subscriptions for special features or premium libraries.
The future of revenue-generating video is likely a model in which paywall platforms for video monetization become even more prominent. Viewers don’t like the advertising experience and have demonstrated they are willing to pay directly for the video content they want to watch online.
Here at Dacast, we’ve seen our customers experience significant growth in gross incomes when they started using our multiple currency paywall. Dacast makes it easy to customize your paywall and integrate payment solutions, making the process easy for you and your audience.
Why Use a Paywall to Monetize Your Video Content?
A video paywall solution is essential for maximizing the potential of video content. It allows you to control who has access to your content and provides a way to generate revenue from your video content.
Here are the key reasons to consider using a paywall for your video content:
- Increased Revenue Potential: A paywall video hosting setup enables platforms to generate revenue directly from users. It creates a consistent income stream, especially valuable for content audiences are willing to pay for.
- Content Control: A video paywall solution gives OTT providers full control over content access, making regulating who can view specific videos easier. This control allows platforms to create a more curated and exclusive experience, essential for premium or proprietary content.
- Tailored User Experience: The different types of paywalls allow platforms to offer a user experience that fits audience preferences and viewing habits.
- Exclusive Access Fostering Loyalty: By creating a paywall video hosting environment, OTT platforms can offer exclusive access to content, enhancing user perception of value. This exclusivity helps build loyalty and engagement, as viewers feel they are part of an exclusive group with access to premium content.
- Audience Segmentation: It allows platforms to segment audiences based on viewing preferences and willingness to pay. For example, users who access content frequently can be encouraged to subscribe, while occasional viewers can still access select free content.
With the paywall model, users can’t access your content until they have paid. That makes video paywalls for video hosting perfect for:
- Hybrid Events: A hybrid event is when people can choose to participate in an event either virtually or in person. The paywall asks for the ticket-taker and allows access.
- Music Shows: Virtual concerts might never completely replace in-person concerts, but they can give musicians more opportunities to perform and increase access. An in-person concert limits the number of people who can fit in the building and watch it. A video paywall makes it possible to sell tickets to unlimited viewers.
- Sports: Here, viewers are more accustomed to paying for virtual access to events. Instead of buying a hefty cable package and enduring the commercials, a paywall is an upgrade.
- Business Conferences: Traveling for a weekend business conference isn’t always feasible or desirable. A virtual business conference makes getting more participants and potentially more speakers easier and more cost-effective. A conference is a great candidate for a hybrid event as well. If you’re already going to hold the event in person, why not offer tickets to an exponentially more significant number of viewers using a paywall?
- One-Time Events: Holding a one-time event in person means you have one chance to sell access to one room full of people. Setting up a paywall and offering the content virtually allows you to sell unlimited tickets over a more extended period.
If creating and broadcasting content is an integral part of your business, hosting videos behind a paywall is the best way to control how and where your content is being viewed. Using a video streaming platform with a paywall integration helps protect your business from the whims of another company’s algorithms. In addition, it protects you when legislation or advertisers become an obstacle on a free video platform like YouTube.
Choosing a Video Paywall: Key Questions to Ask
There are some key questions to consider when selecting the right video paywall solution and evaluating paywall options. We have selected a few that you will find useful.
1. What integrations are available with my current platform?
Ensure compatibility with your existing CMS, CRM, and analytics tools. Seamless integration across these platforms allows you to manage your content and subscriber information efficiently, especially as you add features like a paywall for live streaming. Look for paywalls that support easy API integration and third-party plugins to simplify management.
2. Can it scale as my business grows?
It should be scalable to support an expanding content library and growing user base. Some paywalls for live streaming solutions offer flexible plans that adapt to increasing demand, ensuring your paywall can handle higher traffic and new types of content as your platform expands.
3. How customizable is the paywall experience?
Customization options are essential for aligning the paywall experience with your brand identity and audience preferences. Tailoring access options, subscription tiers, and the payment interface enhances user engagement, making it easy for users to interact. Seek out paywalls that offer customization in design and user flow, allowing you to create a unique journey for subscribers and one-time viewers.
How a Video Paywall Can Help You Grow Your Business
Implementing a video paywall solution can be a powerful tool for OTT platforms seeking sustainable growth. By offering content through a paywall video hosting setup, platforms can generate direct revenue, foster audience loyalty, and create a unique market position.
A video paywall can help you in several ways, including:
- Increasing brand awareness: A video paywall gives people a reason to visit your website or blog. When they see your videos, they’ll be more likely to remember your brand and come back for more.
- Revenue generation and growth: A video paywall solution offers multiple revenue streams, from subscriptions and ads to one-time purchases. This direct monetization model enables platforms to capture value from premium content, ensuring that content production costs are met and generating a reliable income stream.
- User Retention: Paywalls foster user retention by creating a sense of exclusivity around content. Subscribers who invest in a platform are more likely to remain loyal, especially when they receive regular access to unique, high-quality content not available elsewhere.
- Scalability: Different paywall models offer scalability to support a range of business models. Video paywalls can easily expand to accommodate growing content libraries and audiences, ensuring consistent performance and user satisfaction.
- Competitive edge: A paywall video hosting approach helps OTT platforms differentiate their premium content, creating a unique value proposition. Paywalls signal that the content behind them is valuable, encouraging users to engage more deeply and consider paid options.
Using a paywall can avoid the expense and time commitment of creating ads. And you can also avoid having to partner with another brand or website to display your ads.
Detailed Feature Comparison of Top Paywall Platforms
Below is a comparison of popular paywall providers, considering key features like customer support, pricing, and setup costs.
Provider | Unique Features | Strengths | Limitations |
Dacast | White-label options, ad-free | Excellent for live-streaming | Limited customization |
Cleeng | Subscriber retention features | Strong analytics and CRM tools | Higher costs for advanced features |
InPlayer | Supports AVOD, SVOD, TVOD | Strong in viewer data and insights | Limited integrations |
Piano | AI-driven analytics, automation | Highly customizable | Premium Pricing Model |
How to Choose a Paywall Platform for Video Monetization
If your aim is to ensure a seamless experience, there are some key areas you should explore. However, before we do that, let’s see some of the challenges you may face while selecting a video paywall platform:
- High entry cost: Some video paywall services can be costly, especially if you’re just starting. Compare the prices of different platforms before making a decision.
- Lack of flexibility: Not all video paywall solutions are created equal. Some may be very inflexible, making it difficult to customize your content or offer different content types.
- Limited payment options: Some video paywall platforms only allow you to accept payments through a few select methods. That can limit your ability to generate revenue from your content.
- Lack of customer support: If you run into trouble with your video paywall platform, you’ll want to be able to get help from customer support. Not all platforms offer this, so check before you sign up.
As a broadcaster looking into a video paywall platform, we suggest looking for the following features:
- White-label paywall + invoicing: Ensure that no other business’s branding or customer receipts are on the paywall. A white-label streaming service will only display your business name and logo to customers.
- Security: Having high security is crucial for protecting your content and all sensitive information from users. Choose a platform with strong encryption, DRM (Digital Rights Management), and secure payment gateways to safeguard against unauthorized access.
- User Experience: A smooth, intuitive user interface is key to keeping users engaged. The paywall should integrate seamlessly into the viewing experience without causing interruptions or delays. Make sure the platform allows customization to align the look and feel with your brand.
- Analytics and Insights: A paywall platform with detailed analytics capabilities provides insights into viewer behavior, allowing you to refine content and monetization strategies. Metrics like viewer engagement, conversion rates, and retention rates are essential for ongoing optimization.
- Multiple currency support: Ensure your streams are accessible globally. Multi-currency support automatically speaks to users directly, maximizing sales.
- Multiple language support: Make streams accessible to viewers speaking a different language than you. That allows for audience growth.
- Different monetization options: Look for flexible payment options to accommodate various user preferences, whether one-time purchases, subscriptions, or pay-per-view. For a paywall for live streaming, seamless, real-time payment processing is vital to prevent disruptions during live events.
- Promo codes: Offer sales and discounts.
- Schedule pricing: Offer a discount for early purchases, start charging more after a specific date, or schedule a time when sales begin. That feature boosts excitement and fear of missing out (FOMO) to drive early purchases.
- Video preview: Give customers a taste of what they’re purchasing by showing them a teaser for sale video content.
- Terms of service: Monetize your terms by including custom terms of service agreement for purchasers. That allows you to protect yourself against legal threats and cover all legal requirements.
There are two main methods to access a live stream paywall for your business. The first is an external video monetization platform, and the second is by using an online video platform that offers a built-in paywall.
Using Your Own Monetization Platform
One way to access a high-end paywall platform is to sign a contract with a third-party paywall provider such as:
- Cleeng: It supports pre-registration for live events and Digital Rights Management (DRM) for privacy. Cleeng keeps selling PDF files or other downloads alongside your video content.
- InPlayer: Security is a significant focus of InPlayer, which is PCI Security Council certified. InPlayer also supports a Facebook paywall option and plugins for popular streaming CMS platforms.
- Piano: Piano’s paywall service is a sophisticated platform that supports billing, communications, and sales tax across multiple jurisdictions.
Each of these services offers sophisticated and powerful video paywalls with unique features. The advantages of using your own monetization platform include full control over branding, data ownership, and customizable monetization models.
Unfortunately, there are a few potential drawbacks to using your own monetization platform, including:
- Integration between both platforms is ideal, so the ability to integrate external applications with your online video platform is essential.
- It may not be compatible with your online video platform. At Dacast, we are compatible with Cleeng and InPlayer (our paywall is on InPlayer).
Using a third-party video paywall requires a second subscription (in addition to your OVP).
Using an Online Video Platform for Paywall Video Hosting
The other option is to use the video paywall built into your chosen online platform. Not every live-streaming platform has a built-in paywall, so this is something that you will want to keep in mind as you weigh your options.
For example, Dacast has directly integrated the InPlayer paywall into our solutions so that our users have access to a powerful video paywall for no additional charge. Thе fully integrated system supports the pay-per-view video monetization model and recurring subscriptions.
One of the best features of Dacast’s InPlayer paywall is multi-currency support. Our internal metrics show that multi-currency support is one of the most popular features for users of the Dacast paywall. The feature allows you to engage your global audience and maximize revenue.
Here are some other things to look for when finding an online video player with a suitable built-in video paywall:
- Credit card and PayPal support: Multiple payment options to make transactions easy for many customers.
- Sales dashboard and audience CRM: Track revenue and content performance and gather customer contact information.
- Analytics: Aggregate and analyze viewer location, device usage, country and city, length of viewing time, etc.
- Group pricing: Charge a single fee to access a content bundle.
Best Practices for Paywall Implementation and User Experience
Implementing a video paywall effectively involves balancing ease of use with a compelling value proposition. The goal is to encourage users to pay for content without causing frustration or confusion. Here are best practices for setting up a seamless paywall experience that maximizes conversions.
1. Minimize Clicks to Purchase
Streamline the process from discovery to purchase to reduce the chances of user drop-off. Avoid multi-step forms and excessive information requests, which can lead to user frustration. Ideally, users should reach the checkout page within two clicks of the content they wish to access.
2. Use a Consistent, Branded Paywall Design
Brand consistency is key to building user trust and loyalty. Your paywall design, including colors, logos, and fonts, should align with your brand’s overall aesthetic. A familiar, professional look reassures users that they are investing in a credible service, which can improve conversions and encourage repeat purchases.
3. Offer a Free Preview or Teaser
Providing a short preview of paid content is a powerful way to hook new users and demonstrate value without requiring immediate payment. For instance, a 30-second teaser for live events or a limited section of an on-demand video can pique curiosity and help users feel confident about their purchase decisions.
4. Prioritize Clear, Value-Driven Messaging
Help users understand why your content is worth the price by clearly explaining what they’ll gain through their purchase. For pay-per-view and subscription models, emphasize aspects like:
- Content quality (e.g., exclusive insights, high production value).
- Convenience (e.g., ad-free viewing or early access).
- Duration of access (e.g., unlimited access for subscribers vs. 24-hour access for pay-per-view).
5. Highlight the Value of Subscriptions and One-Time Payments Differently
When talking about subscription models, emphasize long-term value, such as a rich content library, regular updates, or exclusive access perks. On the other hand, for one-time, transactional pay-per-view models, focus on the exclusivity and timeliness of the event or video—especially if it’s a unique live event or a special release.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Analytics to Optimize Revenue
Analytics is a powerful tool used to refine live streaming monetization strategies. Platforms use viewer data to tailor their content and paywall approaches to maximize revenue.
Start by identifying high-engagement content. Analyzing viewer data helps pinpoint the types of content that drive the most engagement and generate the highest revenue. You can enhance audience retention and prioritize content that’s likely to attract paying viewers by focusing on these popular formats.
Execute A/B testing for paywall optimization. Experimenting with different paywall designs, pricing tiers, and content previews allows you to see what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing can help optimize conversion rates by identifying the most effective combinations of paywall features, such as free previews, subscription packages, and purchase flows.
Lastly, audience insights should be integrated with CRM and analytics tools. Combining paywall analytics with CRM data enables more personalized, targeted marketing and content strategies. This integration provides a comprehensive view of audience preferences, which can be used to tailor promotional campaigns, suggest relevant content, and improve customer retention efforts.
Legal and Security Considerations for Video Paywalls
It’s worth noting that implementing a video paywall goes beyond just monetizing content. It requires attention to legal and security aspects to protect both the content and users’ data.
Legal Compliance
If your audience includes users in the EU, ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is essential. GDPR mandates transparent data collection practices, explicit consent for data use, and secure storage of personal information. Many regions also have their own data protection laws, so it’s crucial to stay updated on relevant legislation to protect user privacy and avoid legal penalties.
You should also ensure you have the rights to stream and monetize any content hosted behind your paywall. Unauthorized distribution could lead to legal disputes and financial liabilities.
Digital Rights Management (DRM)
It’s worth mentioning that DRM technology prevents unauthorized access, sharing, and redistribution of video content. It encrypts the content and restricts access to only authenticated, paying users. DRM solutions, such as Apple FairPlay, Google Widevine, and Microsoft PlayReady, offer robust security, ensuring that content remains accessible only to authorized viewers.
PCI Compliance and Security Certification for Secure Transactions
PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance is essential for any platform handling payment information. PCI-compliant systems protect user payment data through strong encryption and secure processing, minimizing risks associated with data breaches. This builds viewer trust, as users feel confident that their payment information is being handled securely.
Then, the SOC 2 certification ensures a paywall provider meets strict security, availability, and confidentiality requirements. This certification is particularly valuable for platforms storing user data, as it provides assurances that data protection measures are continuously audited and upheld.
Another certificate that secures safe transactions between users and the platform is the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, by encrypting data during transfer. The “HTTPS” protocol signals users that their information is protected, creating a safer browsing and transaction experience.
Advanced Monetization Features
Advanced monetization features are useful for enhancing revenue generation and maximizing the value of a paywall for live streaming. A strong paywall video hosting platform should offer a range of flexible, data-driven pricing options to meet diverse audience needs and preferences. Here’s how innovative monetization strategies can boost revenue for those creating Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms.
- Dynamic Pricing. It allows platforms to adjust content prices in real time based on factors like demand, timing, and viewer behavior. This model benefits content with high variability in demand, such as sports events or live concerts.
- Microtransactions. They offer viewers small, incremental payment options for specific content features, like short video clips, exclusive scenes, or additional insights, appealing to casual viewers. For live streaming, microtransactions may include options like tipping or paying for premium interactions with content creators, increasing viewer involvement and revenue potential.
- Bundle Pricing. Grouping several videos, courses, or content series together at a discounted rate appeals to users who enjoy comprehensive content experiences. For an event-driven paywall for live streaming, bundles could include a season pass for all scheduled games or access to multiple conference sessions.
- Promo Codes and Discounts. Provide flexibility for OTT platforms to offer temporary discounts or exclusive access to attract new users, which can be shared during promotional campaigns or influencer partnerships. Promo codes are particularly useful in competitive markets where a paywall video hosting platform can stand out by incentivizing viewers with introductory offers.
- Subscription Tiers. Create multiple pricing levels, allowing viewers to choose options based on their preferences and budget. They help target a broader audience by making the content accessible at different price points and maximizing value perception.
- Geo-specific Pricing. Allows platforms to tailor prices based on geographic regions, optimizing affordability for international audiences. It’s an approach that helps OTT platforms expand their reach by making content available to a wider audience at a price they find reasonable.
Trends in Video Paywall Technology and Viewer Preferences
As viewer behavior and technology evolve, so do the expectations and opportunities around video paywall solutions. Here’s a look at the emerging trends shaping video monetization and paywall technology.
NFTs for Exclusive Video Content Access
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are quickly becoming a novel method for monetizing digital assets, including exclusive video content. By offering videos as NFTs, OTT platforms can provide unique ownership opportunities, giving fans exclusive rights to particular videos or access to limited content collections. This form of paywall video hosting caters to collectors and super fans and adds a new revenue stream, allowing platforms to capitalize on scarcity and exclusivity in digital content.
VR Streaming Paywalls
As virtual reality (VR) gains traction as an immersive content format, VR streaming paywalls cater to audiences who seek a richer, more engaging viewing experience by allowing users to feel as though they are “in the room.” A video paywall solution for VR streaming can offer access to VR content on a pay-per-view basis or as part of premium subscription packages.
Demand for Ad-Free Viewing Experiences
With viewer expectations increasingly skewed towards ad-free experiences and the rise of AVOD platforms, many viewers have grown accustomed to free, ad-supported content. For paywall video hosting, ad-free subscriptions become a competitive differentiator, catering to users who value an uninterrupted experience, especially for long-form and immersive content.
Growth in Mobile and Connected TV (CTV) Viewership
With more viewers accessing content on mobile devices and CTV, platforms must optimize paywalls to deliver a seamless experience across all devices. For mobile, this includes simple payment flows, low-latency streaming, and adjustable quality to accommodate mobile data limitations. On CTV, clear paywall messaging and easy access options (such as QR codes for mobile payments) improve the purchase process, encouraging higher conversion rates.
Final Thoughts
Monetizing your video content is crucial if you want to maximize your business revenue, and today, there are many options to choose from. This includes AVOD, TVOD, SVOD, or a combination that works best for your company.
Dacast is a professional video streaming platform that enables businesses to quickly and easily deliver and monetize online video content. Our video paywall gives you 100% control over your video content. Through our partnership with InPlayer, we can offer your business the right solution that is specific to your needs. Dacast also provides a range of top-tier features, such as CDN delivery, comprehensive analytics, and custom professional services to get you up and running. You’ll be able to set up a metered paywall and onboard paid subscribers in no time.
Ready to start monetizing your online video content? Try our video paywall platform hosting for free with our 14-day risk-free trial.
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Good luck with your sales, and thanks for reading.