Just a couple of hours ago, @Ustream tweeted that they had a special announcement. A few minutes later, they announced an Open Pay-Per-View Program and Ad-Free Broadcasting. These new features are still in the “coming soon” stage, but Ustream was so excited about them that they couldn’t keep things under wraps.
Ustream Open PPV will allow any Ustream broadcaster to apply directly to Ustream for the ability to charge viewers for content. Once a broadcaster is approved for Ustream’s Open PPV program, they will be able to monetize their content via PayPal payments. Let’s say you host a weekly show, such as a music show, a cooking show or a conference on Ustream, but you decide to produce an episode with special content – such as high-profile guests or a private lesson. As an approved Ustream Open PPV user you’ll be able to charge your viewers to watch the premium content. And, voila – pay-per-view is democratized and broadcasters have a chance to attract some of Ustream’s 45 million monthly viewers.
The PPV program is currently available to a select few Ustream broadcasters, but you can go ahead and sign up to be notified about the application process or submit your request for your own PPV show.
Ad Free broadcasting is also coming soon on Ustream. With this feature, broadcasters will have the option to turn off ads for those viewing their shows in addition to “a range of options that give them more control over their viewers’ experience.” This feature should be coming in early November. I assume that the broadcaster will front the cost of the missing ad revenue in this case.
It’s definitely good to see a service like Ustream diversify and share revenue with users. YouTube has already taken steps in that direction with the YouTube Partner Program, revenue sharing, and the more recent $5 Million Partner Grant Program.
It’s not every day that these social media services give you a way to make money from your efforts, so this should be interesting for many Ustream users. It may also attract new users to the service.
What do you think?