YouTube has long been the go-to platform for video creators to share content and earn income.
Thanks to features like the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), channel memberships, Super Chats, and merchandise integrations, creators can monetize their content in multiple ways.
However, monetization on YouTube comes with strict eligibility criteria. One should have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year to be eligible.
Additionally, the competition on YouTube is very tough. Success requires persistence, patience, consistency and great content of course.
These are some of the reasons why creators are now exploring other platforms, which they think can give them a better chance.
If you’re a content creator too, and looking for alternatives to YouTube, read the post till the end.
1. Vimeo OTT
Vimeo isn’t just for hosting videos, it also offers robust monetization options through its Vimeo OTT (Over-the-Top) platform. Creators can sell subscriptions or charge one-time fees for access to exclusive content, making it perfect for filmmakers, online instructors, or niche content creators. Vimeo also lets you maintain full branding, and offers detailed audience analytics.
Monetization Features:
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Subscription-based access
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Pay-per-view options
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Tip jars and donations
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Full control over pricing and branding
Check out the complete Vimeo guide on monetization here.
Explore: Best Free Alternatives To YouTube
2. Rumble
Rumble is gaining popularity for its more creator-friendly revenue structure and less strict content moderation policies. It offers multiple monetization paths, including licensing, ad revenue sharing, and syndication with platforms like MSN and Yahoo. Rumble doesn’t require you to reach a minimum subscriber or watch time threshold to start earning.
Monetization Features:
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Ad revenue sharing (CPM-based)
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Video licensing for wider distribution
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Partner programs with tiered payouts
Learn more about monetization opportunites on Rumble here.
Explore: Best Alternatives To YouTube That Allow Free Speech
3. Instagram Video (Reels & IGTV)
Instagram has evolved into a major video platform with Reels, Stories, and long-form content through IGTV. Meta (Instagram’s parent company) offers various monetization tools like Bonuses for Reels, ad revenue sharing, and live gifting. If you already have an engaged Instagram following, it’s a great way to monetize directly through your video content.
Monetization Features:
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Bonuses for high-performing Reels (invite-only)
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In-stream ads on IGTV (available to select creators)
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Live Badges (tips from viewers during live streams)
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Sponsored content and affiliate marketing
4. Uscreen
Uscreen is a premium video monetization platform designed for creators, educators, and brands looking to sell content directly to their audience. It allows you to create your own branded video website or app and monetize through subscriptions, rentals, or one-time purchases. Unlike ad-based models, Uscreen focuses entirely on direct-to-consumer video monetization, which means you own the audience and the revenue.
Monetization Features:
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Subscription plans and bundles
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One-time video purchases or rentals
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Live streaming with pay-per-view options
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Custom branding and video hosting control
Check Out: Best Alternatives To YouTube For Kids
5. Dailymotion
Dailymotion offers a monetization program similar to YouTube’s. Once you’re approved as a partner, you can earn from ads displayed on your videos. It doesn’t have as large an audience as YouTube, but it offers a relaxed content policy and easier entry for monetization.
Monetization Features:
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Pre-roll and mid-roll video ads
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Display banner ads
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Revenue sharing model for partners
Learn more about video monetization on DailyMotion here.
6. Patreon (Video Hosting + Monetization)
While Patreon isn’t a traditional video platform, many creators use it to host exclusive video content for their paying subscribers. You can upload unlisted videos (hosted on Vimeo or YouTube) and share them with patrons. This is a great model if you already have an audience willing to support you directly.
Monetization Features:
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Tier-based memberships
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Monthly recurring income
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Direct community engagement and rewards
Check out Patreon monetization guide here.
Explore: Best Patreon Alternatives
7. LBRY
LBRY is a decentralized video-sharing platform that rewards creators in cryptocurrency (LBRY Credits). It supports free speech and is popular among independent creators. Monetization is built-in and starts from the first video, without eligibility restrictions.
Monetization Features:
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Tips and donations in crypto
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Ad revenue (currently being rolled out)
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No minimum subscriber/watch time requirements
Explore how LBRY lets you create and earn.
Also Read: Best Alternatives To YouTube In China
8. Facebook Video (Meta for Creators)
Facebook allows eligible creators to monetize through in-stream ads, fan subscriptions, Stars (virtual tips), and brand partnerships. If your content performs well on social media, Facebook can be a strong rival to YouTube—especially given its vast user base.
Monetization Features:
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In-stream video ads
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Stars from live stream viewers
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Fan subscriptions
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Paid partnerships via Meta Brand Collabs Manager
Find out more how you can earn on Meta.
9. TikTok (Long-Form and Short Videos)
Even though TikTok has been involved in a love-hate story with the US government in the recent years, one can’t ignore its popularity. TikTok isn’t just for short videos anymore; the platform has expanded into long-form content and live streams. Through the TikTok Creator Fund, Live Gifts, and brand collaborations, creators have multiple ways to monetize. While the payout from the Creator Fund isn’t huge, sponsorships can be very lucrative.
Monetization Features:
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Creator Fund payouts (based on views)
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Gifts and coins from livestreams
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Sponsored content and brand deals
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Affiliate product promotions
Learn more about TikTok monetization here.
10. Ko-fi (With Video Embeds)
Ko-fi is a platform similar to Patreon but with a simpler and more flexible model. You can upload exclusive videos (hosted externally) for your supporters or sell access to specific content without requiring a monthly subscription.
Monetization Features:
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One-time tips (“Buy Me a Coffee”)
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Memberships
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Commissioned content
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Sell video downloads and gated access
Discover more about Ko-fi monetization opportunities here.
Explore: Ko-fi vs Patreon
Does Monetizing on YouTube Still Pays Off?
YouTube can still be highly lucrative, especially if you reach Partner status and diversify your income streams (ads, memberships, Super Chats, merchandise, etc.).
However, as mentioned earlier, the competition is fierce, and the platform’s algorithms and policies can make monetization unpredictable.
That’s why diversifying with other platforms can offer more stability and tailored options depending on your content style and audience.
Conclusion
While YouTube remains a giant in the video monetization space, it’s no longer the only option for creators.
Platforms like Rumble and Vimeo offer solid earning potential without the strict entry barriers of YouTube.
Others like Patreon and Ko-fi cater to niche and independent creators who value direct audience support.
If you’re a vlogger, educator, live streamer, or short-form content creator too, these platforms are great alternatives to begin with. It’s time to look beyond YouTube.
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