YouTube has launched a programme that will pay content providers on the site. The company will reward contributors of popular YouTube channels on the same playing field as large media partners such as the big studios.
“A select group of content creators will get promotion on the YouTube platform, and we will help them monetize their content,” said Jamie Byrne, head of product marketing, in an interview. “This will help erase the the stigma around the user-created content, and, to be honest, these guys are media entities in their own right.”
While YouTube had previously said it might put pre roll ads in video clips as soon as this summer, the money for the new programme will come from the sales of regular banner ads. “We want to ensure that these talented people can start making a living off their efforts,” said Byrne. “We hope this will inspire others to create their own original content.”