What is Video Paywall?
The technology of safeguarding access to various kinds of digital content by allowing only subscribed members to read, use, or view files is called Video Paywall.
For subscriptions, users must purchase access by completing the payment process. The fee can be either one-time or valid on a recurring basis. Platforms like Netflix use Video Paywalls to determine who gets access to their premium content. They have the liberty to restrict access and control their prices, generating a more predictable revenue stream.
Types of Video Paywalls
- Hard Paywall: Here, all the content inside a website or platform is restricted. A subscription must be purchased to access all restricted digital assets.
- Soft Paywall: Users access some content as a trial or preview. To get full access to all the content, they must make full payment. This technology is also called Metered Paywall.
- Freemium Paywall: In this, users can get access to free content for an unlimited time. But to get access to restricted or premium content, they will have to pay.
Major Paywall Business Models
- Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD): Users pay a small recurring monthly or annual fee to get a subscription to an entire library of digital content.
- Transactional Video-on-Demand (TVOD): Users can purchase digital content on a Pay-Per-View (PPV) basis. For example, Amazon Prime can pay a small one-time fee to rent a film or a series.
- Hybrid (SVOD +TVOD): A combination of TVOD and SVOD to diversify user experience and control access to various kinds of digital assets.
The Need for a Video Paywall
- Helps broadcasters and creators set the price for their digital content.
- Allows platforms and websites to control their income and revenue streams.
- Helps safeguard the business against advertisers and platform crashes.
- Allows businesses to build a reliable, close relationship with viewers.