- One of the most popular ways for content creators and businesses to make money is to display advertising alongside online content. This could be in the form of adverts displayed on a webpage, adverts that play before, during or after content on video sharing and streaming services or adverts that are displayed in apps and games. Some games allow users to watch adverts to receive free in-game items such as extra lives or virtual currency.
- Content creators on social networks and video sharing platforms receive a very small amount of money from the platform per advert view, they rely on large audiences in order to generate income. Businesses, online services and search engines sell advertising space in order to make money.
- Popular vloggers and celebrities may be paid by companies to endorse a product in the content they create and share online. This can boost sales of a product if it is positively recommended by a high profile person. There are rules around this and a celebrity must make it clear that they have been paid by a company to promote their product. Some celebrities and popular online figures may also promote their own products and services too.
- For some celebrities and content creators, selling merchandise can earn more money than the content they create. Most set up an online shop linked to their social network accounts or official website and post adverts about their merchandise on their social media channels.
- Some online content creators and businesses may also offer subscriptions or features/services that are only accessible to those who pay a monthly fee. These are typically set up to be recurring payments taken from billing information provided to the service or stored on a device.
- An increasingly common way for popular social media figures to make money is to receive gifts or donations from their viewers and followers. Some social networks and video streaming platforms offer viewers the ability to purchase virtual gifts or currency and then donate these to their favourite content creators.
Advice:
- Explain to your students the ways that social media influencers and popular figures make money and how they may play a role in that process by watching adverts, liking content, subscribing or donating.
- Discuss with your students how difficult it can be to make a living as an online content creator. Many children wish to be the next big social media star or vlogger, but success in this area requires patience, determination, skill, hard work and luck!
- Explain to your students that digital content (subscription fees, digital gifts and currency) costs real money. You may wish to show or explore some examples of these on popular services they use. Remind them that they should always ask a parent/carer’s permission before spending money online and always ask for help if unsure.
- Be engaged and discuss your student’s favourite online personalities – this can help you understand their appeal and your students’ desire to support them through donations, subscriptions or buying merchandise.