How to Create a Video Monetization Strategy in 5 Steps [2025 Update]

A solid video monetization strategy presents a tremendous opportunity for today’s broadcasters. Organizations of all sizes are using live streaming, video on demand, and OTT technologies to distribute content quickly and effectively while generating revenue at the same time.

With traditional cable and satellite networks rolling out their own video subscription plans, it can feel tough for new players to compete. However, with the right video monetization strategy and related technology, it is possible to generate impressive results, even with smaller audiences.

Independent broadcasters, SMBs, and enterprise organizations can create new income streams with the support of an online video platform. Creating great content for your audience, giving them on-demand access, and making payment processing simple is the recipe for success.

In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about creating a video monetization strategy. We’ll cover everything choosing a type of monetization to launch your content. We’ll take a close look at different monetization methods, including ad integrations, pay-per-view, and subscriptions.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Video Monetization Strategy?
• Video Monetization Use Cases
• Video Monetization Trends in 2025
• Competitive Comparison
• How to Create a Video Monetization Strategy
• Using Analytics to Maximize Revenue
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What Is a Video Monetization Strategy?

Video monetization is getting paid for granting access to viewers. In other words, video monetization involves viewers paying you to watch your videos or others sponsoring content to advertise to your audience.

Even with the wealth of free content available online, audiences will still pay a premium for specialized expertise, entertainment, or information when marketed correctly. If people truly believe your content can solve their problems or somehow enhance their lives, they will not hesitate to pony up for access.

Although video monetization is possible in a limited capacity with sites like YouTube, these are mostly consumer-grade platforms that are not designed for business video hosting. A more professional approach is to use an enterprise-grade video solution that offers total control over both content distribution and monetization.

There are a few approaches that you can take to monetize your content. You can generate revenue from your viewers or access to your audience. Let’s take a look at these approaches.

Video Access

Having control over your content means you set the rules regarding pricing and access (not external providers). Just like going to the local movie theater or subscribing to Disney+ or Amazon Prime, viewers pay you for the right to consume your content.

Using a professional online video platform, organizations can easily set up paywalls or manage subscription services to capture this revenue.

Alternatively, you can sell access to your entire video content library, usually, by way of recurring monthly or yearly subscriptions. Creating a video-on-demand portal allows audiences to pick and choose the titles they want and then stream them to compatible devices.

As you continue growing your audience and content, platform access revenues will follow suit. 

Audience Access

On the opposite end of the spectrum,  brands will pay you directly to access your audience through advertisements. This is especially common when you have a large viewer following or create in a specialized niche or market.

This type of audience access aligns closely with traditional forms of advertising like those used in radio or television broadcasting.

Video Monetization Use Cases

Video monetization is valuable in multiple use cases that fall under the live and on-demand streaming umbrellas.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular use cases. 

Live Streaming

One of the most common misconceptions about live streaming is that it only applies to concerts or sporting events. While it is true these outlets are prime candidates to stream live video, they are certainly not the only ones.

Many organizations with an online presence can benefit from incorporating live streaming into their website.

Take fitness and exercise as an example. Having large in-person classes is great, but imagine the possibilities of streaming your event live and reaching hundreds if not thousands of additional participants. This creates the potential to generate additional revenue and form connections with long-term clients for roughly the same amount of effort.

CrossFit, Zumba, yoga, or spin classes are just a handful of fitness specialties that can benefit from live streaming. Even better, once these classes are over, they can be moved to your VOD library and continue to pay dividends as time goes on.

The same holds true for other verticals such as media companies and agencies, thought leaders/influencers, and even political campaigns. All of which can benefit financially from live streaming events, releasing new content, or holding events to advance their cause. 

Video On Demand (VOD)

Even if you are not quite ready to stream live, taking advantage of video on demand (VOD) content is still a smart option. Utilizing VOD content allows broadcasters to record, edit, and fine-tune their message before releasing it to the public.

Education and e-learning are two of many industries that use video on demand.

Organizations can create and share their content as single classes, a series of events, or entire courses for viewers to follow along with. Using a professional-grade online video platform allows for reliable remote learning with built-in monetization tools already included.

With hosting solutions from Dacast, VOD content stays safe and secure while providing valuable analytics for measuring reach and learner engagement.

How a fitness brand generated $10K in a weekend with PPV live classes

A fitness brand used Dacast’s Pay-Per-View (PPV) model to offer live workout classes to its community. By promoting special weekend classes, they sold access to exclusive sessions at a premium price. The brand generated $10K in just one weekend by offering targeted sessions for different fitness levels. The ease of integrating PPV on Dacast’s platform helped them streamline the payment process and focus on delivering quality content.

How a virtual summit used SVOD to build recurring income

A virtual summit organizer leveraged Dacast’s Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) model to offer access to conference sessions throughout the year. By bundling video content into a subscription package, they created a recurring income stream. With an affordable monthly subscription, they attracted professionals and businesses looking to access valuable summit insights. The ability to create and manage SVOD content through Dacast’s platform helped them scale their revenue model over time.

These real-world examples show how businesses can use video monetization strategies like PPV and SVOD to generate consistent revenue. With Dacast’s powerful tools and flexible monetization options, achieving similar success is within reach for many types of video content creators.

Video Monetization Trends in 2025

Microtransactions and Token-based Monetization

Microtransactions are gaining popularity in mobile-first platforms and social video apps. Viewers can now tip creators, unlock bonus content, or access premium moments using small, one-time payments. Token-based systems also allow fans to support creators directly, which is especially useful when monetizing sports video content or exclusive behind-the-scenes clips.

AI-driven Ad Personalization and Dynamic Ad Insertion

Advanced AI is helping businesses deliver smarter, more relevant ads. Dynamic ad insertion tailors content based on viewer behavior, making ad breaks feel less disruptive and more engaging. For any monetization plan, personalized advertising can increase viewer satisfaction and boost revenue.

Shoppable Video and Interactive Monetization

Shoppable videos let viewers click and buy products directly from a video stream. Whether you’re selling merch during a live sports broadcast or promoting products in a video-on-demand catalog, interactive tools open new revenue paths.

Web3 and Blockchain Integrations

Web3 tools offer fresh ways to monetize. NFTs can unlock exclusive video content or act as access passes for events. Decentralized platforms also give creators more control over how they earn, adding flexibility to your video monetization strategies.

Growing Importance of Mobile-first Monetization

As more viewers watch content on mobile, your monetization plan needs to follow. Features like vertical video, in-app purchases, and tap-to-buy options are essential for keeping up. Prioritizing mobile ensures your strategy works across every screen.

Competitive Comparison

When building a strong monetization strategy, it’s helpful to compare the top platforms that you can use to achieve this. Here’s how Dacast stacks up against major competitors when it comes to key features like pricing, content monetization tools, CDN partners, and customer support.

This side-by-side comparison helps broadcasters and businesses choose the right platform to increase website video monetization opportunities and create scalable online monetization strategies.

Why Choose Dacast?

Dacast is built for professionals who want flexibility and full control over their video content. Whether your goal is to monetize live sports events, offer premium OTT content, or grow global film monetization strategies, Dacast gives you the tools you need:

• Uses Akamai CDN for fast and secure content delivery across the globe
• Offers white-label streaming, keeping your brand front and center
• Built-in in-platform paywall for easy setup of PPV, subscriptions, and rentals
• These features make Dacast a strong choice for broadcasters looking to build advanced OTT content monetization strategies, explore diverse content monetization strategies, or improve their online video monetization results in 2025.

How to Create a Video Monetization Strategy

Now that you understand the value of video monetization, let’s take a look a look at the five steps you can take to build a video monetization strategy of your own.

1. Plan it Out

Every great video monetization strategy starts with a solid plan. In order to create a plan, you’ll have to have a solid understanding of what you have to offer and who you’re trying to reach. Consider the real value of your content to that audience.

Ask yourself the following questions to start organizing your thoughts:

• Is your library extensive enough to charge a subscription fee? 
• Would your viewers be willing and able to pay for access to your content?
• Is your audience large enough to warrant sponsorships?
• Will ads deter users from your content?
• How will your content impact your viewers? What is the return on investment?
• How much do you need to make to break even?

Use your answers to these questions to determine what you want to charge for your content. Also, use this opportunity to set some specific goals for your content.

2. Choose a Type of Monetization

Now that you’ve had some time to consider what you’re setting out to achieve, it is time to choose a specific type of monetization.

The best OVPs are one-stop shops as they provide integrated hosting, distribution, and playback of content in a single package. Top-tier providers also include integrated paywalls to restrict user access and generate revenue from your content.

The most common formats for video monetization for live streaming include pay-per-view, subscriptions, advertisements, and funneling.

The thing to keep in mind with these monetization models is that it is not an all-or-nothing proposition. Many brands mix and match these formats depending on the amount of content they have, their audience, and the interest of third-party advertisers.

That said, let’s break them all down.

Pay-Per-View (PPV)

Pay-per-view, which is also called “PPV,” “transactional video on demand” and “TVOD,” requires viewers to pay for each piece of content that they watch.

TVOD is a very lucrative monetization model. Having first-run rights to exclusive content means broadcasters can charge a premium for access. However, the consistency of revenue is typically less as compared with subscription monetization models.

Although PPV has seen tremendous success with live sports streaming (such as boxing, MMA, Wrestling, etc.) it also works well for concerts, conferences, and special events, such as workshops from coveted speakers or business leaders.

However, with a little creativity, broadcasters can turn conferences, gatherings, or webinars into pay-per-view streaming events as well. 

Subscriptions

Subscription-based video on demand, or SVOD, is a commonly used monetization format where users pay a recurring fee (usually monthly or annually) to access content from your video library. Subscriptions require a bit more work upfront but offer the added benefit of recurring revenue. Providers like ESPN+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Now serve as good examples here. Users pay a set monthly or annual fee to access content from their VOD libraries. Users benefit from 24/7 access to a wide range of content while broadcasters win because of the recurring revenue generated.

Studies show that more than one-third of broadcasters use subscriptions as their primary content monetization option. Subscription models are attractive options as broadcasters are not as dependent on third-party advertising revenue. Serving up fewer ads also makes for a better overall audience experience.

However, it is worth noting that any type of paywall option typically reduces the number of traffic websites will see. With so much free content online, some viewers are reluctant to pay for anything. Yet, producing great content for a dedicated following helps to overcome this hurdle.

Subscriptions generally work best for larger audiences, though there are exceptions.

Ads and Sponsorships

Selling ads, which is one of the oldest forms of marketing, work with video in much the same way as radio or television. Brands pay to share their advertising with your audience, usually along with the bottom third of the user’s screen or in short clips throughout a video.

This model is one most online audiences are already accustomed to. With advertising video on demand, the majority of a broadcaster’s content is free because operations are supported by third-party ads used before, during, or after your videos.

Typically, audience size is the determining factor in how profitable ad-based video on demand (AVOD) can be. The more reach you have, the higher fees you can command from advertisers. However, even smaller audiences can still be profitable. A strong niche following with loyal viewers can fetch top dollar for advertising space.

Sponsorship is very similar to ads, except that brands pay to have direct product placement within the videos or formal credit for bankrolling production. A bit trickier to implement than ads, sponsorships can still prove lucrative given the right situation.

Funneling

You can also use video to drive traffic to other websites or landing pages for revenue generation.

After viewers watch your videos, broadcasters include specific calls to action regarding what steps they should take next. Usually, this involves a separate link to click on or a follow-up video providing additional information.

Funneling results vary as it is difficult to predict what viewers will do, even with specific CTAs. As with any video marketing strategy, the key is to understand your audience in order to maximize results for your funneling efforts. 

Hybrid Monetization Strategies

Mix of AVOD + SVOD

A hybrid video monetization strategy that blends AVOD (ad-supported video on demand) with SVOD (subscription video on demand) gives viewers options. Free, ad-based content can drive traffic and help grow an audience, while a subscription tier offers a more premium, ad-free experience. This flexible model fits a wide range of content types and viewer preferences, helping creators and broadcasters increase recurring revenue without losing reach.

Free Teaser Content + Premium Upsell

One smart way to build trust and interest is by offering short previews or teaser videos at no cost. These can hook viewers before inviting them to unlock full access with a one-time payment or subscription. This model works especially well for course creators, independent filmmakers, and broadcasters offering exclusive content through platforms like Dacast.

Ads + Affiliate Funneling

Combining in-stream ads with affiliate links creates dual income streams from the same content. For example, a product demo or review can include affiliate links alongside short video ads. This approach works best for content that naturally supports product mentions, like tutorials or gear reviews, and can be managed easily with video monetization tools provided by platforms like Dacast.

3. Choose a Video Monetization Platform

Once you decide to start monetizing content, the next step is selecting an online video provider to work with. No matter which route you choose for monetizing content, you will need to find the right online video platform to help you accomplish your specific goals.

Modern online video solutions like Dacast make it easy to implement live streams, create VOD libraries, and provide over-the-top (OTT) video distribution.

While there are dozens of options to choose from, few offer the end-to-end solution that Dacast provides. Especially with such competitive pricing and generous bandwidth options.

Here are a few features that you should look for in an online video platform to support your video monetization strategy.

Integrated Paywall

Choose a platform with an integrated video paywall for a streamless monetization experience.

While other video platforms require third-party add-ons, Dacast’s secure, white-label paywall solution is integrated directly into our platform. With support for more than 135 different currencies in ten different languages, configuring group pricing and collecting payments is a breeze.

We also support both credit cards and PayPal so users have multiple payment options. 

Powerful Subscription Management System

A subscription management system will help you to keep everything in line with your subscribers.

Controlled via our dashboard or video API, the Dacast platform allows broadcasters to effortlessly add subscribers to their channels. Subscriptions can be configured for weekly, monthly, quarterly, or biannual payments and easily downloaded (in CSV format) to track user and revenue analytics.

Live Event Support

Live events can help you to connect with your audience while generating revenue. Choosing an online video platform with live streaming support opens the doors to explore possibilities with this style of streaming.

First time hosting a live streaming event? Need extra assistance for a large event? Dacast has you covered with our professional services program. We can maximize return on your project by managing the event or helping to configure your own high traffic, secure video website.

Top-Tier Content Delivery

When you’re generating revenue on your content, it is important that your video player is reliable and your delivery is consistent. Choosing an online video platform that partners with top-tier CDN networks for content distribution are absolutely essential.

Dacast partners with several impressive CDNs, including Akamai. With over 216,000 media servers in 120 countries around the world, 90% of global internet users are within a single hop of an Akamai network. This massive scale offers unparalleled performance and the bandwidth to deliver consistent quality and secure streaming experiences around the clock.

Coupled with Dacast’s 24/7 service and support, you can rest assured knowing your content is safe and remains available anytime your audience needs it.

No other video hosting platform offers this much value at such a reasonable cost. 

4. Finalize the Details

Once you’ve chosen an online video platform, it is time to consider the available features. Some platforms include bonus tools including free trials, promo codes, and more.

Let’s take a look at how to put some of these bonus tools into action.

Free Trials

VOD providers often use a limited-time offer for audiences to try out their services and see what they think. The beauty is that once the billing cycle begins, a large portion of these free users will elect to continue with the same services.

Video hosting aside, free trials are a common pricing model that works well to attract new customers in almost any vertical. Brands that implement this strategy often report better conversions as opposed to those that do not.  

Freemium

“Freemium” is another pricing model that works for video monetization (but usually not as well as free trials). Viewers get free, albeit limited, access to your video library for as long as they want. However, premium content remains hidden behind paywalls with paid user accounts required for access.

The freemium model works well to build a following. However, it requires constant marketing to entice free users to convert to paid accounts.

Tiered Pricing

The tiered pricing method is another model used by some online providers. In this approach, services vary based on the cost of the users’ monthly plan. For example, the lowest tier may be able to stream to a single device in standard definition, while higher-priced plans afford multiple screens streaming in HD quality.

Tiered pricing is a flexible monetization option that allows broadcasters to creatively mix and match their offerings any way they choose. However, this model works best for large audiences and may not be ideal for broadcasters just starting out. 

Promo Codes

Promo codes allow broadcasters to give discounts to their viewers. These can come with different terms and different discounts. This is a good way to entice interested viewers to sign up or to honor your loyal viewers.

Promo codes are also great if you use influencer marketing. This way, you can give different promo codes to different influencers and track your results.

Group Pricing

Group pricing is exactly what it sounds like. You can offer group rates that allow an organization the option to pay one rate for their entire team to access your content.

You can negotiate custom contracts with partner organizations or you can set standard group rates.

5. Launch Your Content

After you have everything set up, it is time to prepare to launch your content. You could do a grand launch event that you hype up with a strategic marketing campaign, or you could slowly roll out your platform to make your platform seem more exclusive.

Once you launch your platform, study analytics closely. See what content does well and how users respond. Track your revenue to make sure you are hitting your goals. Listen to the numbers and listen to your audience. 

Using Analytics to Maximize Revenue

Using analytics to track your video performance is crucial for maximizing revenue. By measuring key metrics, you can refine your strategy and improve ROI. Understanding viewer engagement and behavior allows you to make informed decisions and increase revenue potential.

Monitor viewer retention, drop-off points, and average revenue per user (ARPU)

Start by tracking viewer retention to understand how long people are staying engaged with your videos. Identifying drop-off points helps you pinpoint where viewers lose interest, so you can adjust your content. Additionally, monitoring ARPU is essential to gauge how much revenue each viewer generates on average.

Use A/B testing on pricing tiers, promo codes

A/B testing allows you to test different pricing models and promotional offers. Whether it’s changing subscription tiers or offering discounts, testing variations helps you find the most effective strategy to boost conversions.

Highlight how Dacast provides analytics tools

Dacast offers powerful analytics tools that give you valuable insights into your content’s performance. You can track viewer behavior, monitor revenue trends, and optimize your monetization strategy with ease. This data helps you make real-time adjustments for maximum profitability.

Legal and Compliance Considerations

Copyright protection and DRM

To protect your video content from unauthorized use, it’s important to use digital rights management (DRM) and copyright safeguards. A platform like Dacast helps broadcasters secure their content using industry-grade encryption and watermarking. This ensures your video-on-demand and live streams are only accessible to paying viewers, helping you maintain full control of your assets.

GDPR, CCPA, and data compliance for subscription models

If you offer subscriptions, you must collect and store user data responsibly. Make sure your platform complies with privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA. Dacast supports data compliance by offering tools that help you manage viewer permissions, opt-ins, and secure transactions.

Secure video delivery and user data protection

Secure video hosting is essential for any monetization strategy. Look for features like HTTPS delivery, tokenized URLs, and firewall protection. Dacast uses a global CDN to deliver high-quality, secure streams while safeguarding viewer data, supporting both your revenue goals and customer trust.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to monetize video content in 2025?
The best approach depends on your audience and content type. In 2025, a hybrid model combining subscriptions (SVOD), pay-per-view (TVOD), and advertising (AVOD) is proving most effective. Interactive and AI-personalized ads, shoppable videos, and tiered subscriptions are also on the rise.

2. How much can I earn from monetized video content?
Your earnings depend on factors like audience size, engagement rate, pricing model, and niche. For example, niche content like online fitness classes or exclusive webinars can generate $10K+ per event via PPV. Subscription models often bring in steady monthly revenue with loyal viewers.

3. Can I monetize both live and on-demand video content?
Yes, you can monetize both. Live streams are often monetized through PPV, ads, or sponsorships, while VOD libraries work well with subscriptions or tiered access plans. Many broadcasters turn live events into monetizable VOD content after airing.

4. Do I need a large audience to monetize my videos?
Not necessarily. Even small audiences can be highly profitable if they’re loyal or within a specialized niche. For example, a small, engaged group of tech professionals or educators might convert at higher rates than a general audience watching free content.

5. What’s the difference between AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD?

• AVOD (Ad-based): Viewers watch for free, but ads are shown.
• SVOD (Subscription-based): Viewers pay monthly/annually for full access.
• TVOD (Transactional or Pay-Per-View): Viewers pay per piece of content.

6. How do I choose the right video monetization platform?
Look for platforms that offer:

• Integrated paywalls and payment gateways
• Support for multiple monetization models
• White-label branding
• Robust analytics and content protection
• Dacast offers all of these, plus top-tier CDN delivery and 24/7 support.

7. Can I offer discounts or free trials to attract new viewers?
Absolutely. Promo codes, free trials, and freemium access are great tools to attract viewers and convert them into paying subscribers. Dacast supports all of these features, allowing flexible pricing strategies.

8. Is monetizing video content secure?
Yes, if you use a professional video platform. With Dacast, for example, your content is protected with secure paywalls, geo-restrictions, password protection, and tokenized access—all key for preventing piracy and unauthorized use.

Conclusion

When it comes to video monetization, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Video advertising may feel right to some, while pay-per-view hosting or subscription models work best for others. Successful broadcasters maintain a deep understanding of their audience and monetize content in ways that benefit both them and their viewers.

With those principles in mind, creating a video monetization strategy that works for your business should be relatively simple.

A solid plan paired with a powerful video platform like Dacast allows you to distribute content globally and generate some income. With a built-in paywall and subscription management tools, we take the guesswork out of getting started.

Whether you are interested in pursuing AVOD, SVOD, or TVOD revenue streams, Dacast can help. We offer a FREE, 14-day trial (no credit card required) with full access to our comprehensive streaming monetization solutions. There are no long-term contracts to sign, and you maintain control over your entire content library. 

Video streaming is where it is at. Sign up now and give your audience what they want. 

Start for free now

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