Monetizing Live Streams: The Intersection of Content Creation and Digital Advertising

If you have something to share, what you say becomes less important than how you say it. The relationship between content and digital channels is the same: the only way you can communicate your content in today’s digital age is by tapping into a digital platform.

Over 60 percent of the world’s population has access to the internet. This is why digital marketing has become more important than ever: if you want to talk to your target audience, you need to do so via the channels they can access. In fact, digital advertising is the backbone of just about any marketing campaign these days. One of the most exciting channels to explore within the digital marketing domain is live streaming, which connects you with your customers in real time.

In this Article:

What is Content Creation?

A huge percentage of information and products that people have access to is via the internet. This means that there has to be something to read or watch on every destination we visit, every site we end up on. This is content. The content that is created is not only ‘set’ on a website, you can also create content for live streaming. This can be the most demanding type of content creation, because it is ongoing and not always predictable.

What Does Digital Advertising Involve?

You might already be familiar with the concept of advertising: do what can be done to get your product or service ‘out there’, so that the consumer knows about it and can make an informed decision to buy it (or not).

Traditionally, advertising campaigns use different channels, which have (and still may) include radio, television, newspapers, billboards and flyers. Since the rise of the digital age, all channels linked to the internet have been co-opted into the advertising space. This is digital advertising. It includes blog articles, pop up ads, videos, social media posts, livestreaming and anything else that helps you appeal to your target audience as directly and even personally as possible.

The Nexus Between Digital Advertising and Content Creation

Imagine a world where you have a product or service you want to sell, but you don’t have any way of getting the information about it to your consumer. On the other hand, imagine having a product or service to sell and having many channels via which you can reach your consumer – and not using them. It is the creation of that content that is of the most importance in both the situations, because it is the content that, ultimately, will attract and then retain consumers, who may become loyal to you.

It is then important that a digital marketing agency works with the content creators that are best for their brand – whose content will ensure that your product or service will appeal to your target audience.

Influencer Marketing

When you learn more about digital marketing, one of the things you’ll be told is that you should work with influencers to push your product. In the beginning, you will be tempted to look for an influencer who has a large following and whose posts and interests are somehow linked to your product or service. This should mean that at least a percentage of their followers should fit into your target audience. However, for an influencer to work as a content creator for digital advertising, you need to be sure that their input will be sustainable: that they will create content that is relevant to your brand into the future.

👉 Read More: Tips for Influencer Marketing

Social Media Advertising

Social media has emerged as a dynamic and versatile platform for digital advertising. It’s not just a place for socializing; it’s a vast marketplace where brands can connect with their audience in a more personal and engaging way. On Instagram, alone, there are over 2 billion users. Facebook registers over 3 billion active users and majority of those users are content creators.

By leveraging the targeting capabilities of social platforms, advertisers can reach a specific demographic, ensuring their message reaches the right eyes. The power of visual and interactive content on social media cannot be understated. It’s an ideal medium for storytelling, showcasing products, and even conducting real-time customer service. As your social media presence grows, you can move to paid advertising.

Live Stream Marketing

An extremely effective option for digital advertising is live streaming. Live stream marketing has rapidly gained momentum as a powerful tool in the digital marketing arsenal. It enables brands to interact with their audience in real time, fostering a deeper, more authentic connection. Whether it’s a product launch, behind-the-scenes content, or Q&A sessions, live streaming offers immediacy and interactivity that traditional marketing can’t match. Brands can receive instant feedback, answer questions, and adapt their message on the fly. The sense of urgency and exclusivity often associated with live streams can drive higher engagement rates and create a buzz around events.  

With OneStream Live’s versatile platform, marketers can seamlessly schedule, broadcast, and simulcast live streams across multiple social media platforms, reaching a wider audience simultaneously. The ability to schedule streams in advance, customize content, and enjoy real-time analytics makes it a valuable asset in your digital marketing strategy, ensuring that your message reaches the right audience, at the right time, and on the right platform. Harnessing the potential of live stream marketing with OneStream Live opens up exciting possibilities for engaging your audience and boosting brand visibility.

👉 Read More: Content Ideas for Live Streaming

Monetizing Live Streams

The digital age has witnessed a significant transformation in how we consume content. Monetizing live streams has become a game-changer, enabling content creators, influencers, and businesses to engage with their audiences while generating revenue. Let’s explore some popular options:

Sponsorships and Collaborations

Brands and companies are eager to tap into the engaged audiences of live content creators. Partnering with relevant sponsors can be a lucrative avenue. Sponsored content, product placements, and collaboration deals are all part of the game.

Donations and Fan Support

Engage your audience by offering them the chance to support your work. Platforms like Patreon or Ko-fi allow your fans to contribute directly, either as one-time donations or regular subscriptions in exchange for exclusive perks.

Ad Revenue

On platforms with built-in advertising systems, like YouTube, enabling monetization can earn you revenue based on ad views. The more engaging your content, the more you can potentially earn.

Merchandise Sales

Promote and sell merchandise related to your brand or content during your live streams. Use e-commerce platforms to facilitate merchandise sales. Use OneStream’s Live Selling feature to boost online sales.

Affiliate Marketing

Partner with companies whose products align with your content and promote them during your live streams. Earn commissions on sales generated through your unique affiliate links.

Pay-Per-View and Ticketed Events

Host exclusive live events or shows and sell tickets to access them. This is a fantastic way to offer premium content to your dedicated followers.

👉 Read More: How to Monetize YouTube Channel

Concluding Thoughts

The monetization of live streams represents the dynamic intersection of content creation and digital advertising. As content creators continue to captivate audiences with engaging and relevant material, savvy marketers have found innovative ways to connect their brands with viewers in real-time. By leveraging various monetization strategies, from sponsorships and ads to fan donations and merchandise sales, live streamers are turning their passions into profitable ventures. This synergy is reshaping the digital landscape, providing opportunities for influencers, businesses, and content creators alike.

OneStream Live is a cloud-based live streaming solution to create, schedule, and multistream professional-looking live streams across 45+ social media platforms and the web simultaneously. For content-related queries and feedback, write to us at [email protected]. You’re also welcome to Write for Us!

Picture of Lucille Adams
Lucille Adams
Lucille Adams is a researcher and writer in the area of personal and business financial management. Her core focus is covering sound, conservative cash flow and investing strategies that unlock long-term value for small business owners, entrepreneurs, families, and retirees.

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