With Zype, monetization is easy. We truly believe that you should profit from your hard work and content in any way you want, so we provide multiple monetization methods: SVOD, TVOD, AVOD or a hybrid. Now, because curation can be just as important as the content itself, Zype lets you monetize complete playlists.

Easily. Simply go to the desired playlist via the Zype platform. You should see the monetization option at the top.

You can then monetize your playlists the same way you monetize your individual videos: through ads, transactions and rentals. If enabled, playlist monetization also supports pass plans and redemption codes.

Have free content in the playlist bundle? No problem. Viewers will only be prompted to sign in/ purchase if the video they’ve selected is monetized. This allows you to keep your free content free, but also stress the importance of watching the whole playlist.

What’s the point of monetized playlists when you can just monetize each video individually? Well, it’s kind of like buying a single episode vs. an entire season; viewers don’t want to go through the hassle of buying each individual episode when you know you want to watch the whole thing.

So Zype can apply this to collections, in playlists.

Think about it. If you create your videos with the intention of being viewed consecutively, or completely, would viewers really get the full effect if they only watched one? It’s kind of like reading the first half off a book or only looking at the top of a painting. It disrupts your art. Enabling playlist monetization not only makes it easier for viewers to access your content, but also lets them know that the playlist was intentional and is part of the viewing experience. Nowadays, offering content is only half the battle; curation enables discovery and promotion-- especially if the content is bundled together, and purchased as a whole.

Check out how Havoc TV implemented a playlist monetized with advertising, and tell us it isn’t awesome!

Monetize Simply with Playlists

The OTT industry changes, and it changes often. Staying abreast of what's going on and how it can affect your growing video business is paramount, so we here at Zype would like to bring a trend to your attention — because it could involve your monetization strategies.

Roku has made a billing change, and they’re not the only marketplace to do this. In fact, most marketplaces seem to be moving in this direction, so let’s take a look at what’s happening.

At Roku, any app that you now submit with Universal Subscription monetization (such as clicking on a video that says "Visit this to subscribe"), will need to include a Roku Native Subscription option.

Roku is OK with, however, authenticating a user who is already subscribed by some other means (for example someone who has already subscribed to Star Talk via their website). Roku just won't accept any hint at "subscribe via this external payment source" popping up on the Roku app.

Native Subscription vs. Universal Subscription Models

Native subscription models (Native SVOD) go through the device itself. For example, in order to watch content on Roku, a native subscription model would require that viewers have a Roku account. Any content paid for via Roku native SVOD would be charged via Roku to the user’s credit card on file and subject to a percentage fee paid to Roku.

Universal subscription models (Universal SVOD) require a unique PIN or login for the content, and is accessible through any device; Netflix is a great example of a universal subscription service. The video businesses then do not have to give a percentage of the subscription fee to the platform.

As it turns out, this isn’t just a Roku-specific situation. It’s happening in many different places, too.

All app marketplaces seem to be moving in this direction, and it definitely seems to be to their benefit to gain some cut of revenue from native billing options — like we said, if you go through Roku’s native subscription model, they get a cool percentage. You might have noticed that Apple did the same thing about a month or two ago, and Zype updated the app to use email and password fields to authenticate users accounts instead of saying "Go to to subscribe.”

Workarounds and quick fixes aren’t ideal, however, and we’re on a path to concrete solutions.

On one hand, it’s easy to see why this is happening. It’s a simple way for Roku, Apple, and others, to make a little more money. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it, but the app owners do lose revenue this way vs. being able to point all their customers to a website to sign up for services, where ALL of the revenue gets collected.

Luckily, the Universal option doesn’t disappear entirely: it just becomes more difficult to educate customers about the way to pay that doesn’t have to be split with the marketplace.

Roku Billing Change: What It Is And How They’re Not The Only One

The recent news of Sling TV making its way onto Comcast 's X1 cable box read like a joke at first, but the news has since settled in and apparently it's very true. Even with the passage of time since the announcement it remains unusual — but is it really as crazy as we think?

Don’t get us wrong: it’s good for consumers. The more options Comcast offers, the better. It’s just a strange move on both Comcast and Sling TV’s parts. They’re competitors . What could they possibly have to gain?

The X1, made by Comcast, is a cloud-based, internet-connected cable box. It’s like the offspring of a Roku and a normal cable box, in that it can run a bunch of different apps (like Netflix, for instance, and soon Sling TV) but still give Comcast subscribers their usual cable box experience in accessing their programming.

Sling TV is an OTT TV service — like Playstation Vue or DirecTV Now — that offers channel programming like classic cable, but purely over an internet connection. The appeal is smaller channel bundles for lower prices than what classic cable offers. It's an app that requires third party hardware to use it, too, like an Amazon Fire TV or Playstation 4.

Allow the Dish Network to offer an app on a Comcast cable box? That’s where things get weird. On the surface, it looks like customers would be paying for a TV service (Comcast) to then be able to pay yet again for the same TV channels (on Sling) they already get from Comcast. Why would anyone want do that?

Well, not all of those TV channels double up, and there is programming available to Sling TV that isn’t available for Comcast — especially for  “ multicultural consumers ” in the form of non-English programming. So we start to see the reasoning behind it on Comcast’s end.

For Sling, it’s more about getting the service in front of a bunch of eyes, like the millions of customers that have the potential to get fed up with Comcast. Those unhappy people might give Sling a chance through a free trial and wind up either doubling up on subscriptions for the extra programming... or cut ties with Comcast entirely. That's a win/win for Sling, because remember: even if the X1 box goes away with the canceled Comcast subscription, people can still find Sling elsewhere on other devices.

Could it be true, though? It really does feel like Comcast is trying to offer an all-around package with the X1 that might entice customers to stay, especially by treating apps like Netflix as they do HBO (which, you know, is exactly what Netflix wants)— as a premium channel that gets offered like all the others. The question remains, though: will people really be inclined to pay the extra $40+ for much of the same programming they already get with their Comcast subscription, or will the Sling TV app end up going largely ignored?

We’ll just have to wait and see. There is no official debut date, but according to Engadget , it will be coming soon enough.

Sling TV On Comcast's X1: Is It As Weird As You Think?

Change is no longer on the horizon — change is here. The entertainment and technology industries are responding to a market that is rapidly embracing cord-cutting and dropping middlemen. There have never been as many opportunities for your growing video business as there are right now .

But the OTT space is still so new and that in itself can be daunting. There will be new learning experiences during this veritable gold rush of opportunities, including new terminology and phrases that might not make sense for you right out the gate. We’d love to take the edge off for you.

Staying up on the trends might be hard, but here is a quick and simple guide to some of the most common — and more obscure —  OTT terms, acronyms and phrases you will need to know as you take your video business over the top and online for your fans and customers.

Over The Top // This is the no middlemen, direct-to-consumer, internet-based delivery for content. Example: StarTalk All Access’s Roku app is the OTT destination for all things science.

Video On Demand // If the programming isn’t live, and the consumer is choosing the content to play, this is Video on Demand. Example: Night Flight has some of the best horror VOD in the land.

Application // These are the programs you download to hardware and ecosystems from their given stores. Example: Just grab the new Anthony Cumia app from the App Store and start watching already.

Set Top Box // An internet-connected device that streams OTT video. Example: The Apple TV is one of the most popular STBs on the market.

Amazon Fire TV // Amazon’s set-top box for streaming media. Example: Grab the remote, it’s time to watch some Global Citizen on the AFTV.

Apple TV Operating System // This is Apple’s software for their Apple TV set-top box. Example: Have you updated to the new tvOS yet? I hear Apple added some functionality.

Online Video Platform // A place for users to upload, store, and distribute content online. Example: The key is to find the right OVP for your business so you can monetize and scale.

Playstation 4 // Sony’s gaming/media device. Example: When I’m not gaming, I’m still watching HBO on my PS4.

Direct To Consumer // When your content skips over the middlemen and goes directly to the consumer. Example: Netflix doesn’t need to find a TV channel to show their content, they’re already DTC.

Advertising Video on Demand // Using advertising as a form of monetization. Example: Hulu’s tiered AVOD system seems to working just fine for them, I’m not sure I know anyone who has gone commercial-free for more money.

Subscription Video on Demand // Using subscriptions as a form of monetization. Example: Netflix subscribers climbed due to Stranger Things being a hit, so their SVOD service is doing really well this quarter.

Transactional Video on Demand // Using transactions (purchases, rentals, etc.) as a form of monetization. Example: The iTunes Store lets me own or rent movies, and makes money off that TVOD service.

Multichannel Video Programming Distributor // This is something like a cable provider — a service that delivers packages of TV channels. Example: Comcast is one of the biggest MPVDs in the industry, offering packages past 200 channels.

Content Delivery Network // Proxy servers in multiple data centers, aiming to get high quality content to the audience with high performance. Example: Amazon offers a strong CDN option with their Amazon CloudFront through AWS.

Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality // The latest ways to view content, usually with the help of technologically advanced goggles or headsets, or using the camera on mobile devices. Example: Playstation’s VR headset is the least expensive AND has a bunch of content ready to go.

Electronic Sell Through // This is when you sell content online for unlimited viewing. Example: If you purchased Die Hard through iTunes, that transaction is considered an EST.

Content Management System // This is the backend software you use to manage your content, like Wordpress. Example: Zype’s dashboard is a single-pane-of-glass CMS that lets you control everything from distribution to monetization and analytics.

Internet Protocol Television // Delivering your content or programming over the internet in encoded “IP packets.” Example: IPTV is changing how we watch TV — straight through the internet.

Real Time Messaging Protocol // Originally proprietary tech for sending audio/video/data between Flash players and a server, Adobe has since purchased it and partially-released it for everyone. Example: If you want high-quality VOD and live media, I would consider looking into RTMP.

Multiple System Operators // Companies that own/operate two or more cable TV systems. Example: AT&T owns Uverse and DirecTV, making them a formidable MSO.

Variable Bitrate // A certain kind of bitrate used in sound/video encoding, but the files vary the output data for each time segment. Example: It might be slightly slower, but a VBR is going to give you wonderful quality during your streaming.

Constant Bitrate // When compared to “variable” bitrate, CBR is a codec’s constant data output. Example: Unlike VBR, CBR handles audio faster, but then you don't get great optimization for storage and quality like VBR.

Digital Rights Management // This is copyright protection for digital media. Example: The DRM on this video is super strong, I can only play it on my own devices, logged into my own account, and I can’t share it with anyone else.

Cost Per Thousand Impressions (The "M" is the Roman numeral for 1,000) // A commonly used form of measuring in advertising, denoting the price of 1,000 advertisement impressions on one webpage. Example: The CPM for that ad is right around $2 for every 1,000 impressions.

OTT Got You Lost? Here's An OTT Terms & Acronyms Glossary To Help Find Your Way

DIY solutions seem like a great way to grow your video business. You can be fully independent and own your content at the same time, what's not to love? Well, it’s an idea that seems a lot better than it actually is.

A do-it-yourself OTT solution is a complicated process of creation, development, and business strategy that can quickly become very expensive and time consuming — especially for those who are new to video businesses and video platforms. Let’s take a look at what goes into a DIY OTT solution.

 Produce, acquire, or secure video content. 

 Content Creator, License Holder, i.e. Content Owner 

You can store your content on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, or self-hosted using a cloud based solution. Note, if you choose to build your own cloud solution, you also need business integration tools. 

 Developer, Technology Team, Third Party Provider 

Create and develop your app. You can either build to web, mobile or OTT. It’s important to note that there are several levels of complexity depending on the target device. 

You’ll need to make sure that content is encoded for delivery on multiple devices with various quality settings for adaptive streaming. 

 Content Owner, Content Host, Technology Team, or Third Party Provider 

 Configure a content delivery network for your video and image assets. 

<strong>6. Build Content Management System Platform</strong>

 Build a platform and API to manage your video assets and metadata. 

 Organize and create relationships with your content, which includes adding metadata to populate your app endpoint. 

 Content Management System, Content Manager 

 Curate your content by creating playlists, categories and genres. 

 Content Manager, Content Management System or Technology Team 

 Create, produce and manage your image assets for display and aesthetic of the app. 

 In-house Designer, Design Agency or Third Party Provider 

 If you choose to monetize your content, decide what the best method of monetization is, and how you want to integrate payment providers into your content. 

Why You Should Hesitate About a DIY OTT Solution

A DIY OTT Solution Sounds Great, But Should Make You Hesitate — Here's Why

It’s true: you can customize the timing of your ads with Zype. It’s incredibly useful if you’ve decided to monetize your video business using AVOD, and we touched upon ad timings a little bit when we wrote about how to use them with the Zype platform. Now, we want to expand upon the reasons why ad timings truly matter.

In addition to traditional fifteen- and thirty-second commercials that run before, during, or after your videos, the industry has been playing with ad pods and specified ad timings. Ad pods simply stack 3 or 4 ads at intervals across your content, and might not feel very natural. Ad timings allow for the exact placement of ads into your content whether it’s five minutes into the video (00:05:00) ten minutes into the video (00:10:00) or even 17 minutes and 5 seconds into the video (00:17:05). This is a really useful model because it allows ads to play during logical breaks in the content and improves the viewing experience.

Nobody knows your content better than you do, so why would you leave your ad timings up to an algorithm? Sure, letting a robot do it might save some time, but the curation of ads into your content to align with natural breaks and/or the beginning/end of your videos has plenty of benefits that are worth the extra effort.

That personal touch might go largely unnoticed, and that’s fine, that's a good thing — people seem to only notice when they’re rubbed the wrong way with interruptions .

Like it or not, there’s a little bit of a science behind getting your audience to watch your advertisements, but it takes a little legwork on your part to figure out what they’re willing to endure. Some people are happy to watch a longer ad out front if that means the rest of the video will be ad-free, and some people would rather watch videos that happen naturally during breaks in action and drama, like a normal television show.

Trial and error (putting on your lab coat and testing it like a scientist) is something you can afford to go through when you’re in control of ad-timings, because you can tweak as much as you want based on how your users feel — and if you’re using Zype, you’ll have that direct connection to your audience so you can get real feedback and analytics when you need it most.

Nobody likes to watch ads — unless it’s The Super Bowl, the movie theater (people tend to love trailers, which are ads), or a famous director turning ad into a short film. But those seem to be the exceptions to the rule. Usually, people don’t want to be interrupted and bothered, especially with the same ads over and over. It’s understandable, but you still need to make money somehow, and if SVOD or TVOD aren’t in the cards, then AVOD might be the only option. Why not make it as harmless as possible?

Using ad timings can mitigate the annoyance and stress of having interruptions from ads. You can remove the irritation of having an ad start right in the middle of a line of dialogue, or right in the middle of a car chase. If your viewers are relaxed with how you’ve chosen to place your ads, the less likely they are to complain, or worse, stop watching, because of it.

Look, when it comes to making money off your video content, whether you’re a creator or content-owner, you need it to work so you can keep offering the good stuff to your audience. Luckily you have choices: AVOD, SVOD, TVOD, or a hybrid (Zype offers all of these.) If AVOD is your only option for whatever reason, you can have the peace of mind to know that with Zype you have the control you need and your customers deserve. Ad timings are important, powerful tools to have at your disposal, no matter how you look at it.

Why Ad Timings Matter

Zype's CEO on DEW Webinar: Optimizing OTT Distribution

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Monetize Simply with Playlists

Roku Billing Change: What It Is And How They’re Not The Only One

Sling TV On Comcast's X1: Is It As Weird As You Think?

OTT Got You Lost? Here's An OTT Terms & Acronyms Glossary To Help Find Your Way

Why You Should Hesitate About a DIY OTT Solution

Why Ad Timings Matter

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