SA YouTube offers users cash

2010-07-15 22:45

Duncan Alfreds

Cape Town - Following the launch of YouTube in SA, users have been invited to join its partner programme which promises revenue from the video sharing site.

"Original content creators in South Africa will now have the chance to reap rewards from their work and share revenue from ads which can be placed within or alongside their videos," YouTube told News24 in a statement.

South Africans who join the programme would commit themselves to regularly uploading videos and express permission to "use and monetise all audio and video content" that they upload.

There has been some positive feedback from users who produce online videos.

"We've seen and read about some of the benefits of the programme, and are pleased that South African video content creators such as us now have the opportunity to earn revenue from videos, which now reach an international audience," said Thierry Cassuto, co-creator of satire ZANews.

Difficult issue

"Sixpack Factory, which provides workout tips and routines, has subscribers from all around the world, even countries I have never heard of before," said Petrus Cilliers (moricestreet909) who developed a fitness channel.

Revenue generation on the internet is still a difficult issue for several businesses, but recent announcements by several ISPs that they are providing uncapped internet access has been welcomed as a sign that new business models may emerge online.

YouTube also certainly hopes to use the user content to generate income, while building a base of local users who produce content.

"By enabling our users to earn revenue from their content we hope to inspire South Africans to continue to create compelling, engaging and viral content for the YouTube community," said Ben Novick, Communication Manager for YouTube.

Advertisers can also now aim ads specifically to target audiences, based on the user generated content.


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