Key insights

• 😞 The decision to move content behind a paywall was poorly received, resulting in a high number of dislikes and disappointed viewers.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the necessity of the subscription charge for previously free YouTube videos.
• 💰 Financially stable with a Patreon, brand deals, and a new subscription service generating significant revenue.
• 📊 Comparison between successful esports organizations generating revenue through streaming and Patreon vs. Watcher's introduction of a separate paywall for existing free content.
• ❌ Skepticism about the success and long-term viability of a YouTuber's paid subscription model.
• 😡 Upset among fans due to YouTubers creating subscription-based third-party services and locking existing content behind a paywall.

Q&A

• What is the trend among YouTubers regarding subscription-based services and its potential impact?

  Many YouTubers are creating subscription-based third-party services, either providing additional content or locking existing content behind a paywall. This approach has caused upset among fans and may lead to a disconnect with the audience, raising concerns about its sustainability and long-term reception.

• What concerns were raised about the success of the paid subscription model for YouTubers?

  There is skepticism about the success of a paid subscription model for YouTubers, with concerns about its appeal to a large audience, its affordability, and its potential impact on brand growth and new subscriber acquisition. The trend of proliferating streaming services was compared to a plague, expressing dissatisfaction with the subscription model.

• How are other creators generating revenue compared to the subscription paywall approach?

  Some creators, particularly those with successful esports organizations, generate revenue through streaming and Patreon, avoiding the need for a subscription paywall. While some YouTube groups launch third-party platforms with exclusive content, others, like Watcher, introduce a separate paywall for existing free content.

• How is the YouTube channel Watcher financially positioned?

  The channel has over 12,000 Patreon members, lucrative brand deals estimated at $15,000 to $35,000 per ad, and recently introduced Watcher TV, a subscription service. With 25 employees, the channel is financially stable and not struggling.

• What were the concerns raised about the subscription price for the channel membership?

  Viewers criticized the $5.99 monthly or $59.99 yearly subscription price, questioning its value and necessity. They expressed concern about the increasing trend of subscription-based services and argued that the channel's long-form content and potential ad revenue may already cover production costs, making the subscription unnecessary.

• What caused significant backlash for the YouTube channel Watcher?

  The announcement of a subscription-based paywalled content strategy resulted in significant backlash and dislikes. Many viewers were disappointed with the decision to move content behind a paywall, causing a negative reception.

• 00:00 The YouTube channel Watcher, known for high-quality content, received significant backlash after announcing a subscription-based paywalled content strategy. The group's decision to move content behind a paywall was poorly received, resulting in a high number of dislikes and disappointed viewers.
• 02:35 A reaction to the announcement of a subscription model for a YouTube channel, questioning the pricing and value in a saturated subscription market.
• 04:52 A Patreon with over 12,000 members, lucrative brand deals, and a new subscription service called Watcher TV is generating significant revenue for the channel. Brand deals are estimated to range between $15,000 and $35,000 per ad. The channel also has 25 employees. Financially, they are not in a struggling situation.
• 07:12 Creators with successful esports organization generate revenue through streaming and Patreon, avoiding the need for a subscription paywall. Some YouTube groups launch third-party platforms with exclusive content, while others, like Watcher, introduce a separate paywall for existing free content.
• 09:40 The speaker is skeptical about the success of a YouTuber's paid subscription model, arguing that it might not appeal to a large audience and could hinder their growth as a brand. The speaker criticizes the idea as unappealing and questions its long-term viability.
• 11:39 Many YouTubers are creating subscription-based third-party services. Some are providing additional content, while others are locking existing content behind a paywall, which has caused upset among fans. This approach may not be sustainable and could lead to a disconnect with the audience.