There's nothing better than being your own boss. You call all the shots, make your own schedule, and can truly work from anywhere. Creating your own content offers that freedom and then some.
It gives the most innovative and creative people the opportunity to showcase that passion to others. If you’re lucky, you can even make a successful business out of it. As they say, it’s fulfilling to love what you do.
The creator economy is relatively young but boasts a high reward for successful creators. But running your own YouTube channel is no joke. From knowing your audience to channel analytics, there are plenty of things that contribute to a YouTuber's success.
The biggest creators typically earn 55% of the revenue on their channels. The average range for a Youtube content creator salary is between thousands to millions of dollars for the top 10 earners.
But making great content requires some serious capital. YouTube channels are businesses, and carrying out financial plans is essential to take your side-hustle to the real deal. Covering expenses like filming equipment and editing software, among others, can get stressful.
Paying this out of pocket for novice content creators can be a huge lifestyle and financial change. You might need to completely change the way you use your money if you're doing it on your own while racking your brain trying to figure out how to get paid for YouTube videos. That's where content creator funding comes in.
Having the funds to back your creative projects can completely change your process. Creator funding can take the load off your back, that way, you can put all of your energy into the creative process and prevent losing hair over the financial one. With that freedom also comes more time to grow your business.
But finding the right funding system can be challenging, especially as a new creator. There are traditional ways of getting funding through creator funding, monetization, or sponsorships to more new-age licensing programs like Jellysmack.
Many companies work towards a mutually beneficial deal. And doing the research can help you navigate the growing creator economy and support you in working with a trusted company.
Breeze is a content creator funding program that empowers creators by giving them quick funding to support their journey. With a transparent financing model, it gives creators a chance to truly uncover their potential. There's no catch — they're dead set on uplifting creators financially while they grow their businesses and produce high-quality content.
The Challenges of Financing YouTube Productions
Financing YouTube projects can be challenging for any creator. In the early 2000s, joining YouTube's partner program meant you were being paid through advertisements. Earlier channels like Smosh and Philip DeFranco were part of that early wave, which helped establish the businesses they currently have. But now, being part of the platform's partner program alone might not be enough when Google takes a chunk of your revenue.
Demonetization also plays a role and is becoming common for more prominent creators' videos.In addition, banks aren't necessarily up to lending money to content creators, which gives rise to crowdfunding and other third-party grants. This comes with its own challenges, and many creators turn to these platforms to expand their reach and generate more income.
Patreon and Crowdfunding
Growing a brand can only be accessible with proper compensation. But as the creator economy grows, more traditional options are available to have more capital as aYouTuber. For example, Patreon for YouTube content creators adds a bit of extra revenue, asking subscribers to pay a set price monthly for exclusive content and merchandise.
The more a viewer pays, the more they receive in return. Many people enjoy this method as your audience receives content they wouldn't get otherwise in exchange for a monthly donation. Who doesn't want to get early access to new projects and exclusive merchandise?
Patreon’s CEO also announced the launch of Patreon Capital in 2020. This would offer creators grants in exchange of a revenue share from all future projects. But there’s no set date on when applications will be available.
The problem with Patreon, though, is that your entire audience is not likely to subscribe. You can still make a good chunk of profit, but it might not be sustainable enough to fund all of your projects and endeavours.
YouTube also recently introduced YouTube channel memberships with a similar purpose, but it bears a similar problem. Crowdfunding for YouTube creators also includes websites like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo.
While many bigger channels receive more than enough donations from subscribers, it can take time to manage for smaller creators. Still, it allows the audience to invest in creators they believe in. It's also a great way to engage with your subscribers and get insight into what they want to see from you.
Adsense vs.Sponsorships
There's also the monetization of your videos. This is the most well-known out of the YouTube content creator compensation models. A popular topic of discussion is which method is most profitable (outside of creator funds): YouTube ad revenue vs.sponsorships.
Adsense was introduced to YouTube shortly after Google purchased the video platform. To be eligible, your channel must be in good standing and meet the required number of subscribers and watch times. You'll also have to sign up for a Google Adsense account.
But as we said earlier, demonetization is common and strict when adhering to CommunityGuidelines. In addition, there are few things that YouTube considers advertiser-friendly, so many creators rely on sponsorship deals. And while their Guidelines have gotten more lenient, it's not surprising that a YouTuber throws in brand deals with certain companies.
And you're probably thinking of how to get sponsorships for your YouTube channel. To some, these are some of the best ways to fund YouTube content creation, allowing creators to promote a product they enjoy while making a commission off it. Plus, you’re able to give your subscribers cool products at discount prices.
But getting YouTube video sponsorships is a challenging feat, especially if you're smaller than MrBeast or Emma Chamberlain. You have to have some serious exposure to convince brands to work with you.
Some beauty and lifestyle creators might also become affiliates for specific brands. Companies offer affiliate programs with set rules. Then, said affiliate will advertise their product and earn a commission for every purchase.
Affiliate marketing and sponsorships for YouTube content creators can take time and require patience. Being an affiliate also means following the guidelines the company sets out, meaning you'll have to talk about the product according to their standards and not your own.
Merchandise
There are other options available to you if you still have a large audience, though. For example, selling merchandise as a YouTube content creator typically generates much revenue. Still, it's another method that requires audience participation.Making it accessible but profitable to your crowd is simple enough, but it leaves some room for error.
Some people might not like what you offer in terms of design or need to be up to spending money on it. It's a harsh truth, but there are a lot of factors that play into making desirable merch for your subscribers.
But many creators partner with other companies to create and design merchandise that suits their brand, so it's possible to make shirts, hats, mugs, and more that will cater to your audience.
If selling merchandise isn't clicking, looking into YouTube creator funding options or multi-channel networks might pique your interest.
Multi-Channel Networks
MCNs have been apart of the YouTube space since the 2010s. They work with video platforms to assist creators in many ways, including promotion, audience engagement, and, of course, funding. These YouTube content creator network partnerships offer services in exchange for the channel's ad revenue.
There are many benefits and drawbacks to this option. On the upside, creators gain access to resources they wouldn't be able to otherwise. That includes licensed music (kissing royalty-free music goodbye!), higher-end production and editing software, and marketing.
But many creators who opt to join an MCN can be restricted to their selected network. In other words, they might need permission to take opportunities outside the MCN.In addition, some MCNs retain ownership of the videos you create.
As an example,Grace Helbig was a prominent creator in the 2010s and used to be a part of anMCN. She posted daily, with a new theme for each day of the week. While she posted these videos to a channel under her name, they still prominently featured theMCN's logo in each video.
In 2014, she decided not to renew her contract with the said network, but the channel's ownership fell under the company. This included ownership over her video concepts and catchphrases as well.
This content became archival, and she created her own brand from her second channel with new ideas. So, while an MCN is great and grants access to many things, including a chunk of funding, it has a few downsides.
Still, it's an excellent opportunity to meet with like-minded creators, and it's not impossible to find an MCN that will prioritize your growth as a YouTuber. It may be more suitable for more prominent creators.
In any case, getting some YouTube content creator insurance can help cover you in these situations. Media liability insurance can cover any intellectual property issue or even a contract breach with a sponsor.
Creator Funds
As the internet begins to circle around a creator ecosystem, many platforms have grown to start investing in said creators. Creator funds can help you grow your business and assist in making revenue across multiple platforms.
Socials like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and of course, YouTube Shorts offer creator programs and rewards if you are eligible. Guidelines are based on age, location, and your page's success.
TikTok
TikTok's creator fund was first announced in July 2020, when the platform started gaining popularity. The company disclosed that it had raised $200 million for creators to continue making short-form content. A year later, they announced a plan to raise over a billion dollars for creators in the US. Receiving funding depends on factors like engagement and views.
To apply for the creator fund, you have to have over 100k genuine views over the past month. You must also be at least 18 years of age and create content that adheres to TikTok's Community Guidelines.
The downside is that the platform's creator funds are only available in the US. Hence, it's not accessible to many international creators. In addition, once you've scored your spot in the Creator Fund, your payout is based on how well your videos perform.
There is no set figure, and it can range from two to four cents for every 1,000 authentic views. TikTok is also famous for its personalized algorithm, and predicting which video will go viral is difficult. So, it's not always a sure thing.
Facebook and Instagram
Facebook andInstagram have been around for years and being creator focused wasn’t a priority until the 2010s. The rise of the influencer economy shifted these platform’s goals as they rolled out more creator friendly initiatives.
Now, many creators choose Instagram as their primary platform, especially with the Reels rollout. Like TikTok, Facebook and Instagram announced a billion-dollar fund to give creators a chance to earn money to monetize their content. There is also an incentive to utilize the platform's creative tools, like its Live AudioRooms.
You can also receive bonuses. A couple different bonuses are available to Facebook andInstagram creators. For example, if you stream live on Facebook, you can earn the in-stream bonus. Instagram offers a couple different ones, too. These are specific to creators who use IGTV ads and Reels.
But this creator fund is invite-only. You are able to sign up to let them know you're interested, but it's not a guaranteed funding method. The eligibility requirements are also unclear. While posting content on a Meta platform is given, the company doesn't list eligible countries.
Youtube Shorts
Since its launching, YouTube has kickstarted many careers, including creators likeMrBeast and Anthony Padilla. They often adapt to the creator ecosystem, and that includes launching YouTube Shorts in 2021. As the name suggests, the platform decided to start catering to short-form creators, which also gave them the opportunity to establish a separate creator fund.
The company raised $100 million for creators to make content on their platform extension and has been coined a TikTok competitor. Successful creator bonuses each month, and the amount depends on the video's performance.
Similar to Meta, content creators can't apply for the YouTube Shorts fund. Instead, the company reaches out to creators who meet the criteria every month. So, it can be a bit difficult to start monetizing your content once you hit the ground running.
Pinterest is inspiring to any and all creators. It features fashion, home, and art inspiration for all its users. Since an uptick in creators on the platform, they decided to follow suit and announce a $20 million Creators Reward and a$25k Creator Fund. The Creator Fund aims to boost smaller, underrepresented creators and grow their audience beyond their current following.
Like other creator funds, you'll have to apply and meet the criteria. And while the inspiration-led platform is doing well to ensure exposure for little creators, it's a highly competitive application process. For example, only eight creators were chosen for their program during the first round of applications.
The CreatorRewards program is available to all accounts in the United States. Still, you'll have to meet the engagement threshold that Pinterest sets out. In addition, this program offers smaller monetization opportunities as opposed to a large grant.
Breeze and Back Catalog Sales
There are also companies like Jellysmack or Creative Juice that help you get exposure and revenue across multiple platforms. They treat your channel like the business it is. Creative Juice launched in an attempt to create an app similar to banking for content creators. But while they heed the same goals as Breeze, there are a few guidelines to follow.
Not all funding programs are cut from the same cloth, though. For example, you may give up licensing your catalog in exchange for a cut of the profit. This takes a lot of negotiating, especially if you've built up an extensive video back catalog.
But, if you've only just started out or generated lower revenue with less content, you could be interested in this option. And saying no to any sort of YouTube content creator grants can be tricky.
Still, you might give up rights to your past creative projects' earnings. And this is your work; you deserve to get the proper compensation. So, it can be difficult to figure out how to start a YouTube channel with no money, Adsense, or sponsors if you opt out of this option.
Plus, keeping track of multiple socials with different creator funds can be hard to manage for anybody who doesn’t have a team surrounding them.
Breeze, however, offers a partnership that doesn't require giving up too much. Their terms were created to empower creators through transparency and a simple process.
The best part is that Breeze doesn't ask for licensing — at the end of the day, your content is yours, and you won't have to lose a chunk of your actual earnings. As we said, it’s a partnership and that includes taking on risks together.
Getting past YouTube's Community Guidelines can be a hassle, and relying on AdSense isn't always a sustainable way to earn money. With Breeze's algorithm, they'll be able to determine how much funding you'll be offered. That way, you won't have to think about how to make money on YouTube without ads or sponsors.
The money you end up earning can vary, but it won't be a guessing game — you'll get your offer quick, and you'll be able to make the most of your funding in any way you see fit.
How Breeze's Production Financing Works
With over $100 million raised for Breeze's first creator fund, they're ready to partner up with creators to expand and nurture their brand. But how does it work? How will you know if you're getting the funding you deserve and not sacrificing any sort of ownership of your channel?
For starters, there's no catch. The cash is upfront and advanced to you in exchange for a share of the revenue until all the money is paid back. This will also include a fixed fee. It's simple and transparent, and there's no set date on when you have to pay it back.
Plus, they don't require the rights to your video library. Once you apply, Breeze's algorithm zeroes in on your channel's monthly analytics and trends from Adsense profits over the past 3-6 months. From there, the team works with you to crunch the numbers and figure out the best offer. They need about 2 years' worth of data to determine a fair deal for both parties.
Through the partnership, Breeze does receive a revenue share that ranges between 20% and 60%. But, of course, this all depends on the accepted amount.This relationship between you and Breeze offers a lot of freedom regarding your content and, of course, what you choose to spend your funding on. Once you get your cash, the rest is up to you.
Depending on your niche, you can invest in plenty of things to help grow your brand. Filming equipment, travel expenses, production, and expansion are just a few of the ways creators are using Breeze's financing program.
Because of this, creators don't feel any of the pressure when it comes to ensuring profitable future content, as Breeze puts value in your past projects. Then, with that extra funding, you can take your time to create great content, hire new employees, or expand your business.
The Benefits of Breeze's Production Financing
There are other unique benefits to working with Breeze. As we said, this funding is on your terms without any hidden clauses. There are only so many companies who would offer the same.
Breeze understands that revenue may vary, especially with Adsense. Luckily, the algorithm is designed to support the ebb and flow of your channel analytics. In other words, you won't lose any earnings. Breeze lays it all out for you, allows flexibility, and won't disrupt any channel activity.
And if you're part of an MCN or work with an agent, you're still eligible for Breeze's funding. If you're independent, though, no worries. You'll still be able to partner up with Breeze.
Let's go back to Back Catalog Sales. In comparison with Breeze, you may be giving up more than you bargained for. It's royalty-based and generally has a timeframe and some of the profit might be hidden from you.
You might also lose control of your previous projects and have little say on what they're used for and which platforms they're on. This can be tricky for some creators — on one hand, you’re gaining exposure and engagement. On the other, you might now like how your content is used. In the end, you built your channel, and you should be receiving any and all rewards from growing it.
The revenue share percentage with Breeze is also set, so you will know exactly how much they're receiving. The only thing that won't be concrete is the period you'll share revenue and your pay period.
Regardless, you'll reap all the benefits by investing your share into your channel growth, brand, marketing, and other expenses without sacrificing any potential dollars. Plus, Breeze offers tax considerations for YouTube content creators once tax season rolls around. In other words, you receive a tax-free advance, and the fee is deductible as an expense.
If you're feeling nervous about taking your jump into the partnership, Breeze also offers an online calculator to help you estimate your offer based on your monthly Adsense revenue, engagement, and video uploads. That way you can decide on a plan of action before signing up.
Real Examples of Creators Benefiting from Breeze's Production Financing
Breeze's goals and intentions sound good, but what are other creators doing with the financing they're receiving? As we said, there are plenty of ways to invest your money.Besides, it is your business and your brand.
Nathanael Boucaud (NateGotKeys) is one of those creators that decided to take a leap and partner up with Breeze. The lifestyle and travel YouTuber boasts over a million subscribers on the video-sharing platform.
Most of his funds went towards producing high-quality content, and it shows. For example, his stunning travel vlogs feature grand adventures prominently with his partner and beautiful blue waters in places like Belize, Punta Cana, and more.
Another creator that is reaping the benefits of Breeze's financing is David Hoffman (Davidsbeenhere). David has traveled to 96 countries since starting his channel back in 2008, which is currently amassing over a million subscribers as well.
His most recent videos focus on long-form content, documenting up to 100 hours in countries like Japan, India, and South Korea. Of course, it's no surprise to any of us that traveling this much can get expensive. However, with Breeze's funding,David is able to continue living out his dreams.
Plenty of other creators took the opportunity to partner with Breeze, including YouTube personality Jack Vale, who's most known for his hidden camera pranks. His channel also rides the one million subscriber wave. He uses his financing to upgrade his equipment and keep his audience giggling.
Putting yourself out there is a tough decision to make. The internet can be cruel and unpredictable. But it’s not impossible to become a successful influencer. If you’re brave enough to take that leap and bet on yourself, there’s no telling what the right compensation can do for you and your business.
Content creator funding can help any creator achieve new heights. It'll seem like there's nothing you can't do with the proper funding — from diversifying your brand to covering business expenses and upgrading your filming equipment. There are many options available to new creators and established creators looking to expand their brands.
But it's important to do your research and keep your eye out for any hidden fees, clauses, or deals. Getting the rug pulled out from under you is no picnic. At the end of the day, your channel is your business, and you shouldn't have to give up any rights to your creative projects or miss out on earnings.
Breeze's financing program is flexible, transparent, and straightforward. You'll always be in the know about your profit and revenue share with Breeze without any selling your catalog or signing onto a permanent deal. Plus, you'll receive the cash upfront in so little time — you'll blink, and your funds will be ready for you. Not to mention, you'll be able to pay it back in your own time.
Breeze allows creators to realize their worth and maximize their potential and are prepared to brave the uncertainty with you. Their focus is your entrepreneurship, career, and brand growth, and overall success. There's nothing better than realizing your value
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