TikTok is launching a new feature called “Series” that allows eligible creators to post content behind a paywall, the company announced on Tuesday. The new monetization feature adds another way for creators to monetize their content in the app. The series is currently only available to select creators, and applications to join will open in the coming months.
Series allows eligible creators to post collections of premium content behind a paywall for viewers to purchase for access. One series can contain up to 80 videos, each with a maximum length of 20 minutes. Standard videos on TikTok can currently be up to 10 minutes long, so the extended video length for Series gives creators more time and flexibility when filming things like cooking demos, beauty tutorials, educational content, comedy skits, and more. The change marks yet another way TikTok is pushing further into YouTube’s territory.
Creators can choose the price for their series that they believe best reflects the value of their exclusive content. The content can be purchased for access through direct in-video links or through a creator’s profile. A spokesperson for the company told AapkaDost that creators can keep 100% of their earnings after applicable fees for a limited time. TikTok is likely to make cuts in the future, but has not said how much it would be.
It’s worth noting that users cannot use Series as a way to post adult content, as Series content must adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
“From the best collection of must-know spreadsheet shortcuts to the most effective workouts or the latest baked oats recipe, the diverse array of valuable and entertaining content on TikTok has quickly become part of the lives of a billion people around the world the company said. said in a blog post. “Today we are introducing Series, a new way for creators to share their stories, talents and creativity as premium content as they further deepen their connection with the TikTok community.”
Today’s launch isn’t exactly a surprise, as The Information reported last month that TikTok was working on a paywall feature. The new feature allows TikTok to better reward creators, who are the driving force behind the app, as their viral videos have been vital to the app’s growth and popularity. However, the idea of exclusive content for paying users isn’t a new concept as Instagram allows creators to share subscriber-only content.
The new feature comes two weeks after TikTok launched the beta of a revamped creator fund called the “Creativity Program.” The program is designed to generate higher revenue and unlock more opportunities for creators. The Creativity Program is available to select creators on an invite-only basis, and coming soon to all eligible creators.
TikTok said it developed the new program based on feedback from creators about current earning opportunities, including the Creator Fund. The fund, which rewards creators for popular videos, was launched in 2020 with a commitment of $1 billion over three years. The model has been criticized by makers who have complained about low payouts. TikTok is now acknowledging these concerns with the launch of the new program.
The new Series feature and creativity program are the latest additions to TikTok’s suite of monetization tools, including LIVE Subscriptions and TikTok Pulse. The company also has tips and gifts monetization features.
The expansion of TikTok’s current payout offerings for creators comes as competitors expand their offerings. Last month, YouTube began sharing ad revenue with Shorts creators. No short video platform has yet figured out how to share ad revenue, giving Shorts a remarkable competitive edge.
TikTok’s latest announcements show that it wants to appease creators and give them more ways to make money through its platform amid increased competition from other companies.