Vimeo introduces subs payment options

Vimeo is allowing creators to charge a monthly subscription fee for fans to access their content for the first time.

The video site said that the rollout marked “the first phase” of new subscription tools for Vimeo On Demand – a pay-per-view content initiative that it launched in 2013 for Vimeo Pro members.

Vimeo said that the new subscription tools add another way video makers to earn revenue by selling direct to fans – in addition to a la carte sale or rental options – and is an alternative to “relying on interruptive advertising”.

“Subscription video on demand is a natural extension of Vimeo’s transactional VOD platform, giving creators a new way to sell content to viewers worldwide,” said Vimeo CEO, Kerry Trainor.

“Online video is entering an exciting new stage where creators don’t have to rely on pre-roll advertising alone to earn money, and Vimeo is building the open global platform for paid video distribution.”

The new SVOD options let content creators set their own monthly subscription price and choose whether to offer subscriptions worldwide or in selected countries. Vimeo said that creators would keep 90% of revenue after transaction fees.

Other tools offered by Vimeo are: a stats dashboard, giving access to subscriber data, including new subscriber count and subscription revenue; and audience development tools so that creators can offer free subscription trials or episodes and release bonus material to help grow their global audience.

“This is the first phase of Vimeo’s SVOD offering, which will be expanded later this year,” said Vimeo.