What are the best platforms for monetizing videos apart from YouTube?

 The best platforms to monetize videos outside YouTube in 2025 include:

1.Vimeo

Vimeo is an American video hosting, sharing, and services platform founded in 2004, headquartered in New York City, and known for delivering high-definition, ad-free video content with a focus on both individual creators and business users.

Key Features and Offerings

• Vimeo provides video creation, editing, live streaming, and broadcast tools for creators, teams, and enterprises, operating on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model.

• Users can upload, manage, and share videos in 4K Ultra HD quality, edit using AI-powered tools, record screens, and collaborate within teams.

• The platform is designed for professionals and businesses, offering privacy controls, analytics, custom branding, and enterprise video solutions.

• Vimeo Record, its browser-based feature, allows quick screen and webcam capture with sharing options, viewer analytics, and collaborative review tools.

Business Model and History

• Vimeo transitioned from a public company to a private entity in late 2025 after a $1.38 billion deal led by Bending Spoons.

• Originally a competitor to early YouTube, Vimeo now distinguishes itself by serving creators, small businesses, and enterprises with advanced video infrastructure and tools, rather than focusing on advertising-supported free content.

• It has continually expanded through acquisitions, such as Magisto for AI video creation, and offers additional services like video-on-demand sales, over-the-top (OTT) app platforms, and stock footage marketplaces.

Use Cases and Community

• Vimeo is popular among filmmakers, marketers, educators, and organizations needing high-quality, ad-free video hosting and sharing.

• It supports live events, microlearning, internal company video communication, and offers a curated community for professionals to find jobs or collaborate.

• Vimeo is available on web, iOS, Android, and as browser extensions for accessibility and seamless content management.

• Vimeo's ad-free environment and focus on creative professionals set it apart from consumer-centric platforms like YouTube, making it a top choice for premium video presentation and enterprise collaboration.

• As of 2021, the site has over 260 million users and around 1.6 million paying subscribers.

Vimeo Monetization Methods

There are several ways to earn money on Vimeo as a creator by leveraging its monetization features and business models. Here are the main methods:

Vimeo On Demand

• Sell or rent your videos directly to the audience.

• You set the price, and Vimeo takes a small commission.

• Good for one-time payments by viewers for specific content.

Vimeo OTT (Over-The-Top)

• Build your own subscription-based video service.

• Offer exclusive content with monthly membership options.

• You receive 90% of the revenue from subscribers.

• Requires Pro or Business account.

Vimeo Ads

• Monetize through video ads shown on your videos.

• Requires upgrading your account.

• Earn revenue from ad views while keeping content free.

Vimeo Live

• Live stream performances, events, or webinars.

• Monetize ticket sales or subscriptions for live content.

• Requires Enterprise or Premium account.

Tip Jar

• Allow viewers to tip you directly for your content.

• Requires Plus or Pro account.

• A way to receive direct payments without selling content.

Stock Video Sales

• Sell stock footage on Vimeo's stock video marketplace.

• Earn royalties when someone buys your clips.

Additional Tips for Earning

• Promote your channel and videos extensively to grow an audience.

• Use engaging titles, detailed video descriptions, and relevant tags.

• Share your Vimeo videos on social media and collaborate with influencers.

• Consistently analyze your video performance metrics to improve content.

• Explore supplementary monetization like sponsorships, merchandise, and affiliate marketing integrated with your Vimeo content.

Monetization Requirements

• Many monetization features require upgraded Vimeo plans like Plus, Pro, Business, or Enterprise.

• Success depends on creating quality content, building an engaged audience, and marketing effectively.

In summary, Vimeo offers flexible video monetization options including one-time sales, subscriptions, ad revenue, live streaming, tipping, and stock footage sales, catering to creators seeking multiple revenue streams beyond traditional advertising models.

2.Patreon

Patreon is a monetization platform that helps creators earn recurring income through memberships and exclusive digital content, allowing fans to support their favorite artists, podcasters, musicians, writers, and more.

Core Features and Functionality

• Patreon enables creators to offer exclusive content—such as podcasts, videos, music, artwork, writing, recipes, and courses—to paying subscribers, known as patrons.

• Creators set up pages where fans can select monthly membership tiers, each offering various perks or private content.

• The platform facilitates community engagement through posts, group chats, fan profiles, and direct creator-to-patron interactions.

Business Model and Pricing

• Patreon charges creators a commission, currently ranging from 8% to 12% (with some recent shifts to a standard 10%), plus payment processing fees.

• Membership is flexible: fans can pay monthly or per release, unlock special tiers, and cancel anytime.

• Creators typically offer perks according to pledge levels, such as behind-the-scenes content, early releases, or private messages.

• The four most popular content categories on Patreon are video, podcasting, music, and gaming, collectively comprising about half of all creator profiles.

Growth and History

• Founded in 2013 by musician Jack Conte and developer Sam Yam, Patreon was designed to let fans directly support creative work beyond ad revenue or product marketing.

• Over $2 billion is now disbursed annually to creators globally, with millions of active patrons from over 200 countries.

• Patreon has frequently updated its features and branding, most recently redesigning its interface and adding new tools like community chats and live streaming options.

Community and Content Guidelines

• Patreon allows adult content for creators who designate their page as 18+, provided all participants are consenting adults.

• The platform has faced some controversy around account bans for hate speech or security breaches but remains a leading tool for supporting independent creators.

• Its focus, as expressed by CEO Jack Conte, is to help creators build lasting fanbases rather than short-term viral content.

Patreon remains a top choice for creators seeking sustainable income through direct patron support and community engagement.

Earning money on Patreon involves offering exclusive content, building community, and providing perks to fans in exchange for recurring monthly support.

Steps to Start Earning

• Create a Patreon page describing the kind of content and value offered, such as behind-the-scenes videos, courses, early access, or downloadable resources.

• Set up multiple membership tiers, each with different perks (ex: $3/month for shoutouts, $10/month for exclusive content, $20/month for merchandise or direct access).

• Sell digital products directly, including tutorials, guides, sample packs, or downloadable art.

Best Practices to Maximize Earnings

• Focus on community engagement by interacting with patrons, hosting live Q&A sessions, or running polls to discover what fans value most.

• Regularly promote your Patreon through social media, email newsletters, and all content platforms to drive consistent growth.

• Continuously test and tweak tier pricing and rewards to find the ideal balance of value and sustainability.

• Offer tangible perks like merchandise, one-on-one sessions, or early content access to boost retention and attract new patrons.

Proven Strategies

• Start with simple, manageable tiers and grow offerings as the audience expands.

• Gather feedback from your community to refine perks and keep offerings attractive.

• Use analytics and insights from Patreon to understand what drives patron growth and retention.

• Collaborate with other creators for cross-promotions or joint rewards to grow your patron base.

Patreon provides creators with a way to generate recurring, predictable income by leveraging their existing community and offering exclusive value to loyal supporters.

3.Uscreen

Uscreen is an all-in-one video membership platform that enables creators and businesses to monetize video content through subscriptions, memberships, and branded apps, offering a Netflix-style experience for audiences across mobile and TV devices.

Core Features

• Uscreen provides seamless video hosting, live streaming, and community-building tools, letting creators manage their own branded video libraries and interact directly with audiences.

• The platform supports full HD video playback, custom video categorization, playlist creation, and integrated content management, helping users build personalized content experiences similar to OTT streaming services.

• Built-in community features foster user engagement and retention by enabling members to interact, comment, and share feedback in a safe space next to the video content.

• Multiple device support (mobile, desktop, TV apps) ensures fans can access content anywhere, with push notifications and user-friendly interfaces to boost engagement.

• Advanced marketing tools such as landing page builders, coupon generators, push notifications, and integrations with popular services like Zapier, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics, are included to accelerate growth and conversion.

• Allows building Netflix-style subscription sites with video-on-demand, rentals, live streaming.

• Strong community features and branded app options.

• Higher monthly fees starting at $149 plus subscriber fees.

Typical Use Cases

• Fitness and yoga instructors, media companies, online educators, event broadcasters, YouTubers, and influencers can leverage Uscreen to build profitable, recurring-revenue businesses independent of traditional social platforms.

• The platform suits content creators aiming for a membership or subscription model, as opposed to standalone course sales, allowing audiences to view videos in any order and access additional community-driven experiences.

Pricing and Limitations

• Uscreen’s pricing is considered premium, starting at around $149/month for the base platform, with branded apps for mobile and TV priced separately, often starting from about $299/month.

• The platform’s robust security features include geo-blocking, private access, and download controls, though features like two-factor authentication and DRM encryption are still evolving.

User Feedback

• Users consistently praise Uscreen’s smooth video playback, up-to-date app experience, and the positive impact on audience retention and recurring income.

• Customer ratings on review platforms like G2 and Capterra typically range above 4.5 stars, reflecting strong satisfaction with usability and monetization outcomes.

Uscreen remains a top choice for creators looking to launch scalable video membership businesses and foster deeper audience engagement with built-in community features and advanced streaming technology.

How to Earn on Uscreen

Uscreen offers multiple ways to earn money by monetizing your video content, giving creators full control over how they charge and engage their audience for steady, recurring revenue.

Subscription Tiers: Create membership tiers that charge viewers monthly or yearly to access your content. This is the most consistent income source on Uscreen, helping creators earn predictable, recurring revenue.

One-time Purchases (TVOD): Sell individual videos, courses, or collections for a fixed price, giving customers lifetime access. Ideal for educational content, niche fitness programs, or special event broadcasts.

Rentals: Offer temporary access to videos for a limited time at a lower price. This attracts users who want occasional access without a subscription and can increase engagement and upsell opportunities.

Bundles: Package multiple videos or digital products together for sale, maximizing value and offering curated content experiences.

Tips and Donations: Accept donations or tips from loyal fans who want to support your work beyond paid access.

Shoppable Videos: Use interactive videos to sell merchandise and digital products directly to viewers, increasing revenue beyond subscriptions and video sales.

Platform Features Supporting Earnings

• Uscreen integrates payment options worldwide (Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay) with seamless checkout and automatic currency conversion for global audience convenience.

• Creators keep 100% of their earnings and control pricing, billing, and membership benefits.

• Additional marketing and engagement tools such as push notifications, community features, and live streaming help boost retention and sales.

• Creators have the option to launch branded mobile and TV apps for wider content accessibility and brand loyalty.

Earnings Potential

• The average Uscreen creator reportedly earns around $12,000 per month.

• Top creators using subscription and mixed monetization models often reach six-figure annual incomes.

• Fitness, faith, and wellness creators tend to achieve the highest earnings on the platform.

Uscreen's flexible monetization models allow creators to combine recurring subscriptions, transactional sales, and rentals to diversify revenue streams and maximize income potential.

4.Muvi

Muvi is a comprehensive all-in-one video streaming solution that enables businesses and content creators to deliver, manage, and monetize live and on-demand video and audio content across multiple screens. It offers a SaaS-based platform with features including content storage, distribution, DRM protection, geo-blocking, AI-powered compliance management, and monetization options such as subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) with flexible plans, automated recurring payments, pay-per-view, and advertisements. Muvi's platform is designed to help users launch and operate their own OTT (over-the-top) streaming services instantly, similar to Netflix or Spotify, across web, mobile, and TV ecosystems.

Key highlights:

• Muvi provides robust DRM and security features to protect digital content from unauthorized downloads and screen sharing.

• It offers geo-blocking to restrict content access by country.

• The platform is used globally and meets various national and international compliance standards.

• Muvi One is their flagship OTT platform product that supports live streaming, video-on-demand, and audio streaming with tools for monetization and content management.

• It is recognized as a leading OTT platform and featured in reports by Gartner and other analysts.

• Muvi is headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia, with teams supporting global operations and innovation.

Muvi also includes a live streaming product called Muvi Live supporting ultra-low latency streaming and monetization from day one. The company is known for providing customizable, secure, and scalable streaming infrastructure that caters to different business sizes and streaming needs.

Muvi: How to Earn

Muvi offers multiple ways for creators and businesses to earn revenue by monetizing their video and audio content on its streaming platform. Here are the primary earning methods supported by Muvi:

Subscriptions (SVOD): Creators can offer subscription plans for access to their content. There are flexible options including monthly, yearly, or custom periods, with or without free trials. Subscriptions can be tailored for different countries and content restrictions applied.

Pay-Per-View (PPV) / Transactional VOD (TVOD): Muvi allows charging a one-time fee to users to access individual videos, multi-part series, or rented content. Pre-ordering access to live streams is also supported. Users can create PPV bundles and control pricing and access limits like number of views or time period.

Ad-Based Monetization (AVOD): Muvi supports integration with multiple ad servers (e.g., SpotX, DoubleClick) to enable video ads like pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll. This lets creators offer free content and earn from advertising revenue.

Other Monetization Options: Muvi enables issuing coupons, vouchers, and discounts to promote sales or subscriptions. Donations and crowdfunding with goal-setting are supported. Loyalty credits can reward users for subscriptions or renewals.

Muvi provides seamless payment integration with over 20 gateways including Stripe, PayPal, RazorPay, and more, allowing creators to get paid directly. The platform also offers DRM and anti-piracy measures to protect content.

In summary, creators earn by:

• Selling subscriptions for unlimited or tiered access.

• Charging viewers per video or event access.

• Earning revenue from ads displayed in videos.

• Running promotions, vouchers, or accepting donations.

Muvi helps automate billing, content access control, and monetization management so creators can focus on producing quality streaming content and growing audiences.

5.Dacast

Dacast is a live streaming and online video hosting platform designed primarily for businesses (B2B). It allows organizations to broadcast and host live and on-demand video content with features like monetization through paywalls or ads, video APIs, and white-label systems for brand control. Dacast supports enterprise-level video delivery with multi-CDN partnerships (such as Akamai and Cloudflare) to ensure fast, reliable streaming globally, including in Mainland China. It offers secure video streaming with password protection, real-time analytics, cloud transcoding, and integration with social media platforms and Zoom. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, Dacast is widely used by TV/radio stations, event producers, sports organizations, schools, and houses of worship. The platform also offers OTT (over-the-top) video solutions accessible across all device types, positioning itself as a comprehensive streaming-as-a-service SaaS solution for professional video streaming needs.

Dacast offers three main monetization methods to earn money from video content:

Subscriptions (SVOD): Viewers pay a recurring fee (weekly, monthly, quarterly) to access an unlimited library of video content. This steady income model suits creators who publish regularly.

Pay-Per-View (TVOD): Viewers pay a one-time fee to access specific live events or videos, such as webinars, concerts, or sports broadcasts. Dacast supports secure paywalls to set prices and collect payments directly within the player.

Ad-Based Monetization (AVOD): Insert video ads before or during content. Advertisers pay the broadcaster, so viewers watch ads instead of paying for content directly. Dacast integrates with ad networks and third-party ad servers to manage ads dynamically.

Additional ways to maximize earnings on Dacast include sponsorship deals, selling access to virtual events, rebroadcasting sessions for additional pay-per-view revenue, and leveraging hybrid models combining subscriptions, ads, and pay-per-view.

Dacast provides tools like customizable paywalls, multi-currency payments, real-time analytics, and integration with Google Ads and other ad servers, making it easy to monetize live and on-demand videos effectively.

Creators can start by signing up for a free 14-day trial to explore monetization features without a credit card.

• Video-on-demand platform with pay-per-view, subscriptions, ads, and user paywalls.

• Reliable CDN and monetization directly via white-label players.

6.TikTok

TikTok is a globally popular social media platform owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, known for its short-form videos ranging from 3 seconds to 60 minutes. It uses advanced recommendation algorithms to connect content creators with audiences and has become a major cultural force in music, fashion, and trends. The platform allows users to create, edit, and share videos with features like music integration, filters, duets, and reactions. TikTok is especially popular among younger demographics, with significant daily usage times and a large global user base. The app also includes e-commerce features through TikTok Shop and supports live streaming with monetization options. Despite its popularity, it faces scrutiny over data privacy and mental health concerns.

Key Features

• Short videos with music, effects, and AR filters.

• Personalized "For You" feed driven by AI algorithms.

• Social interaction through reactions, duets, and direct messaging.

• TikTok Shop for integrated shopping and live commerce.

• Live streaming for users with 1,000+ followers.

User Demographics and Usage

• Appeals primarily to young users, especially Generation Z (16-24 years).

• Average daily use can be several hours, with some users surpassing 7 hours.

• TikTok is a major platform for viral trends and music promotion.

• In some regions, TikTok is the primary social media news source for teens.

Corporate and Cultural Impact

• TikTok originated as Douyin in China and launched internationally in 2017.

• It merged with Musical.ly in 2018 to consolidate user bases.

• The platform drives cultural trends and has revived interest in older music through viral challenges.

• Concerns include data privacy, content moderation, and impact on mental health.

TikTok continues evolving with increased focus on e-commerce, content creator monetization, and expanding its global reach while navigating regulatory and societal challenges.

• Best for brand deals and sponsorships, although its Creator Fund offers low payout rates.

• Ideal for quick audience growth but monetization mostly through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

7.Other notable platforms:

• Dailymotion, Twitch (live streaming with donations and subscriptions)

• InPlayer, Cleeng (pay-per-view and subscription solutions focused on niche markets)

• Gumlet (high-end OTT hosting without direct monetization tools; integrates into larger tech stacks).

These platforms provide various monetization models such as subscriptions, memberships, pay-per-view, sponsorships, and digital sales with different pricing, audience reach, and control levels, making them strong alternatives for video creators who want to monetize outside of YouTube.