There’s been plenty of wailing and gnashing of teeth surrounding YouTube’s announcement of it’s new “Red” membership.
And while there are plenty of good points being made, I’ll be joining YouTube Red as soon as it’s available (and think you should too). Here’s why:
1. The Nay-Sayers Actually Have No Idea (Even If They’re Right)
You’ll find plenty of people already predicting YouTube Red’s demise, or how it’ll be bad for Creators or how it’s all about making money… and on and on.
And, it hasn’t even launched yet!
Truth is, nobody (not even Google) knows how this is going to pan out.
So, while the nay-sayers may end up being right if YouTube Red does any of the above… it’s not because they have any kind of special insight. It’d simply be dumb luck.
Feel free to ignore anyone predicting YouTube Red’s future (including me).
2. It’s a Win-Win For Viewers and Creators
While it’s future may be uncertain, YouTube Red’s value proposition for both viewers and creators isn’t.
Nobody likes watching the ads.
As a content creator, I’m not 100% comfortable with making my money off of them either.
So, viewers win by avoiding the interruption and creators win by not making their money off Viagra ads.
I like the idea of being able to support the channels I follow simply by watching their videos… and not suffering through the ads attached to them.
And YES! I know I could just use AdBlock. But, I’m not a douche and I actually want to help support the channels I watch.
Before YouTube Red, I didn’t have any good options. Now, I do. Not be a douche AND not suffer through annoying ads. Yes, please.
Plus, it comes with a Google Music subscription. Uh, why wouldn’t I do this again?
3. It Was My Idea
Ok, not really… but I did write a really long blog post about why I think the ad-revenue model is broken.
The current model creates a click-bait culture that rewards publishers who are good at writing headlines and not necessarily at creating substance in their content.
A subscription-based model like YouTube Red is a step in the right direction (IMHO) because it pays based on watch time and not views.
So, you make money if people actually watch your video… not just click on a deceptive title.
Of course, I know I’m probably “unbearably naive” for some people’s taste… but I’ll be joining YouTube Red and I hope you will too.