YouTube and Haley

[john]

I made this thread after pondering some combination of the state of the music industry, music videos, YouTube sensations, Haley's circumstances, and YouTube as a medium. I also watched some of my favorite Lake Street Dive videos after somebody linked to this one on twitter:



It got me thinking that while Haley's SMYM video was a fun project, it was relatively spendy. Attractive, high quality videos like the one above can be made on the cheap. Take Casey's video SIL as an example that is a little closer to home.



While I was looking at YT as a means to publicize songs, and generate sales or interest without spending a lot of money, I also ran into this article about YT allowing for donations.

Google Makes Good On Promise Of YouTube Donations Option
INDUSTRY, YOUTUBE NEWS

By Jeff Klima 9:56 am September 2, 2014

Google promised YouTube a while back that a “fan donations” option would be coming; apparently they’ve now delivered.

An icon in the upper left corner now appears on videos by creators who are willing to accept donations and for a fleeting moment, the icon will post a message asking if you’d like to “support” the Youtuber in question:

<<video example>>

Of course, YouTube makes their cut of that. According to Android Police, in the U.S., YouTube makes 5% of the donation plus 21¢. So for a $10 donation, YouTube would net 71¢, with the rest going to the creator — extremely fair terms to be sure.



Additionally, Android’s YouTube app allows for chipping in support as well (no official word if it’s coming to iPhones, but expect it). In addition to the U.S., creators in Japan, Australia and Mexico also have optional access to the donation button.



YouTube donations tend to be hit or miss though. When YouTubers ask for financing on crowdfunding sites, the internet shows up in droves. When sites tried adding pay channels, all we heard were crickets. Is this new donation icon too aggressive? Or will it be the answer to many YouTubers’ Adsense woes?
http://newmediarockstars.com/2014/09/goo...ns-option/

My mind takes all this in a lot of directions.

Want to draw attention and subscribers? Do a quality cover of something hot.


40 million views probably helped her get more than 1.5 million subscribers. Note the boxes to subscribe and download the song. Soon it will probably also include a donation box.

Madilyn Bailey 3 months ago
Seriously.... your continued support on this video has changed my life!!! Thanks you so much for each and every view!!! LUV ya!!! <3

Madilyn is pretty much a random example I picked. I don't know much about her but I guess she got on The Voice. She sells singles on iTunes and Amazon and groups songs together, covers or originals and sells them as albums. LOOK:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_n_fe...=625149011


Haley could do some of these kinds of things (even if just putting together some low cost videos) and benefit. As everything changes in the music industry, one needs to consider the new opportunities that present themselves.

Just some thoughts.