Video On Demand (VOD) lets viewers pick what, where, and when to watch videos online. But did you know there are different ways to make money from these videos? They’re called AVOD (Ad-supported Video On Demand), TVOD (Transactional Video On Demand), and SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand). If you’re a publisher with video content, you should pay attention to these models. They’re not just for big streaming companies; you can use them to make money too.
With AdPlugg’s features like In-Stream Ads, monetizing your content becomes even easier. So, what are AVOD, TVOD, and SVOD, and how can they make you more money? Each offers its own unique way of creating a valuable relationship between your content and your audience. Let’s explore these three key VOD services to help you decide which one aligns best with your business goals.
What Is AVOD and How Can Publishers Benefit?
AVOD stands for Ad-supported Video On Demand. In this model, viewers see ads before, during, or after watching your videos. Consider it similar to scheduled TV commercials but with the flexibility to start the video at your convenience—though you can’t skip the ads. Big names in the AVOD game include Pluto TV, Peacock TV, Freevee, and Tubi. These platforms show intermittent ads, letting viewers enjoy shows and movies for free, which makes the content easily accessible.
Pros and Cons of AVOD
While viewers get to watch a wide array of shows and movies for free, publishers don’t miss out either—they still make money by offering content that’s supported by ads.
- Pros: AVOD benefits both sides. Viewers get to consume a wide range of shows and movies either cheaply or for free, and they have the flexibility to watch whenever and wherever they want.
- Cons: If not done carefully, ads can disrupt viewers and potentially result in some loss (or reduced growth) in viewership.
Publishers like you can still rake in revenue by offering ad-supported content. So if your viewers aren’t keen on paying, AVOD can be a good fit. With AVOD, you earn money based on ad views or clicks.
How AdPlugg Can Help: Use AdPlugg’s In-Stream Ads feature to serve skippable pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll ads. This feature works well with all major video players, including JW Player and Brightcove.
SVOD: The Premium, Ad-Free Experience
SVOD stands for Subscription Video On Demand. Think of services like Netflix, HBO Max, or Disney+. Users pay a monthly or yearly fee to access a library of content, usually without any ads. One of the major draws for viewers is that they can watch their favorite shows and movies without interruptions. That’s a big selling point and it could make SVOD the most profitable option for some publishers, especially if you offer premium or specialized content.
Even without ads, SVOD can still be a strong revenue generator. In fact, the absence of ads could make your SVOD service even more appealing to a specific audience, leading to increased subscriptions and higher profits. This model can work well for publishers who offer high-quality, exclusive content that viewers are willing to pay for.
Pros and Cons of SVOD
SVOD stands out for its ad-free, premium experience, drawing in viewers who dislike interruptions.
- Pros: The subscription model generates consistent monthly revenue and allows for more budgeting certainty. Viewers get an ad-free experience, for which some users are willing to pay a premium.
- Cons: To succeed, you need top-notch content that persuades people to subscribe. Building up a substantial subscriber base also takes time and marketing investment.
TVOD: Pay-Per-View for the Digital Age
TVOD, or Transactional Video On Demand, lets viewers pay for individual pieces of content. Think about traditional pay-per-view or how you might rent a movie on Amazon Prime. Unlike SVOD, there’s no ongoing subscription fee. And unlike AVOD, there are usually no ads. The viewer pays a one-time fee to access specific content for a limited time.
TVOD works well for publishers offering specialized or one-time content that people are willing to pay for directly, like sporting events, concerts, or educational courses. In this model, you don’t make money from traditional ads. Instead, the revenue comes straight from the viewers who pay to access the content. This approach can generate significant income, especially when the content is high-demand or exclusive.
Pros and Cons of TVOD
TVOD offers flexibility, letting viewers pay only for the content they’re really interested in.
- Pros: TVOD is great for one-time events like sports, concerts, or specialized courses. You can earn a significant sum from a single piece of high-demand content.
- Cons: The challenge lies in marketing each piece of content effectively. Unlike SVOD, there’s no recurring revenue, so you have to continually attract viewers to new content.
AVOD vs SVOD vs TVOD: Choosing Your Monetization Model
We’ve summed up the three big ways to earn money from your videos: AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD. If you want to earn through ads, AVOD is for you. For premium, ad-free content that viewers will pay to see, consider SVOD. TVOD is your go-to for charging for specific content, like special events or niche topics.
Get More from Your Videos with AdPlugg
If AVOD caught your eye, the In-Stream Ads feature of AdPlugg’s Business Plan makes it easy to set up an AVOD model for your video content. Ready to take your video content to the next level? Check out the AdPlugg Business Plan today.