Starting a video channel? Consider multiple monetization streams.

Per usual, Triumph received no financial compensation from the listed companies for writing this article. Straight from the heart, baby.

Let’s talk strategy

So, you want to become a video content creator? Personally, we think you’re going to knock it out of the park. Before divining in head-first, however, we do recommend a moment of strategizing. Mapping out a plan up front may help you grow faster, or at the very least avoid burnout and giving up too soon (and it’s always too soon). For once, we’re going to feature a serious quote that we think encapsulates this well, from none other than Sun Tzu:

Or as we like to say at Triumph:

 A quick, fun disclaimer

Before we get into what this article is, we want to take a moment to say what it’s not. There is already plenty of great content out there discussing how to build the ideal equipment setup and how to edit videos for your new channel. Most of these articles are probably by people who specialize in the tech side of things—awesome! Thank God for them, and we’re not too arrogant to admit they probably know more about the tech side than us.

So, we’ll do our best to stay in our lane here and focus on the where, how, and why portions of starting your video channel. But, should you find yourself needing help with editing or equipment, feel free to Ask Triumph and we’ll be happy to put you in touch with the right people.

Now that we put a nice little bow on that, let’s get into the good stuff.

The Big Two

While there are a smattering of emerging platforms on the market, YouTube and Rumble currently dominate the video content space. In terms of total audience, YouTube is still substantially bigger than Rumble, but in an attempt to incentivize growth, Rumble has rolled out some extremely enticing monetization benefits for new creators.

Sometimes, we’ll have clients ask us which platform they should pick for their videos. Our answer?

Each platform has its own pros and cons, but—if leveraged correctly—using both channels in tandem can help launch any new video adventure. Want to know more? We are so, so glad you asked.

YouTube: high barrier to monetization, enormous audience base

YouTube is the 50,000-pound gorilla in the room and has the user base to back it up. That’s not a hot take (or particularly insightful), but it does warrant mentioning. They’ve been in the creator game so long that the word “YouTuber” is an actual noun and career designation, so the site is an obvious place to begin.

However, with the platform’s success has also come some more stringent barriers to monetization. You can start a YouTube channel at any time, but if you want to get paid for your efforts, you’ve got quite a bit of hoop jumping ahead of you.

Before collecting a dime of ad revenue, YouTube requires new channels to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and at least one of the following metrics: 4,000 watch hours (in the last 365 days) or 10 million public shorts views (in the last 90 days). Sound steep? That’s because it is—though far from impossible. Plenty of people get monetized on YouTube, but it’s certainly going to take some elbow grease.

Once you achieve monetization status, you’ll also need to keep a close eye on the allusive “Community Guidelines” or risk getting penalized for upsetting the YouTube powers that be. Also, YouTube is going to take a pretty big chunk of ad revenue and super chat donations (more on that below) that you pick up along the way. All that said, YouTube offers an enormous amount of exposure and is still a pivotal place to grow your brand.

Backtracking for a moment, we wanted to offer a a quick word on super chats. For those unfamiliar, YouTube essentially allows viewers of your channel to directly donate money to you, either out of pure altruism or to get their comment boosted in the chat. It’s extremely convenient—even if YouTube keeps a big chunk of the donations. Super chats are available both on pre-recorded videos and livestreams.

We’re not even going to take the time to link YouTube in this article because it’s, you know, YouTube. When the time comes to create your new video content empire, we’re confident you’ll be able to find it.

Rumble: the wild west, but you can monetize content on day one

Rumble is the new kid on the block, but is quickly making waves as a unique platform for emerging creatives. Just because nobody calls themselves a “Rumbler,” (Rumbology? The study of Rumbo?) doesn’t mean the platform can’t provide some serious juice.

Rumble allows creators to monetize on day one, regardless of total views, total subscribers, or total watch time. No minimums, no requirements—a Godsend to many an aspiring creator.

Even if your video only amasses 11 views, Rumble will make sure you get the fractional cent you’re owed. And, over time, views and fractional cents can start to stack up.

Users also don’t need to be as concerned with facing content strikes on Rumble. Like we said, the site is essentially the digital wild, wild West, so anything that isn’t overtly illegal is a go. Keep it classy, Triumphers, but you can also breathe a little easier when designing content—particularly if you reside in the comedic or provocateur space.

At the time of publication, Rumble does not currently offer a super chat equivalent. However, you can link a Patreon or Locals account to your channel to help take in donations. Not familiar with those platforms? No problem—you’ll be able to check out our article on it here once it goes live in a couple weeks.

If any of this catches your interest, you can tumble on over to Rumble right here.

Let’s get ready to Rumble

So, if you’re looking to jump-start a new video channel, consider a duel-launch with YouTube and Rumble today. It won’t cost you a dime, and each platform’s strength helps to offset the other’s weakness. As you grow, you’ll be able to get monetized on both, and from there—the sky is the limit. World peace, world domination—the choice is yours. Just toss the link our way. We’ll be sure to tune in.

As always, feel free to Ask Triumph with any additional questions and consider Supporting the Team.

All views expressed in the article are opinions of the author and should not be misconstrued as professional consulting or legal advice. Users are responsible for verifying all information before taking action, and Triumph Group LLC is not responsible for any outcomes. Pursue subjects at your own risk. Seriously, man. It’s your life.