Ads and Revenue Sharing
Advertising has become a fundamental part of the internet landscape, enabling companies to provide free services to users. When done right, ads can be a win-win situation for both users and service providers. However, traditional social media companies have taken advertising to an extreme, desperately collecting user data to show highly targeted ads. This has led to a poor user experience and raised concerns about privacy.
The Current State of Advertising
Social media companies have become too dependent on collecting user data to show targeted ads. In their effort to gather as much information as possible, they've started designing their platforms around ads, prioritizing data collection over user experience. This approach has led to a loss of trust between users and social media giants, as people feel their privacy is being compromised for the sake of targeted advertising.
A Better Way Forward
The rise of AI has created new ways to show relevant ads without invading users' privacy. By using AI, platforms can display ads that align with users' interests based on their interactions within the app, rather than relying on extensive personal information. This approach is better for users' privacy and still benefits both advertisers and users.
Revenue Sharing with Creators
One of the best things about advertising is that it can help spread wealth from big companies to regular people, especially those who create content. Platforms like YouTube have successfully implemented revenue sharing models, enabling video creators to earn money from the ads displayed on their content. This has made a significant impact on the lives of many creators, providing them with a viable income stream.
Drawing inspiration from YouTube, our platform is committed to sharing 50% of our ad revenue with photographers, artists, and other creators. We believe that creators should be rewarded for the content they produce, as it is their work that keeps users engaged on the platform. Traditional social apps don't share ad revenue with creators, which seems unfair given that creators' content is what attracts users to the platform in the first place.
Ad-Free Version
While advertising is essential for the sustainability of most online platforms, we recognize that a small group of creators may prefer an ad-free experience and are willing to pay for it. We are considering introducing an ad-free version of our platform in the future, which would include additional features and benefits. By offering this choice, we aim to provide creators with more control over their experience.
The Inevitability of Ads
Some new apps pride themselves on being ad-free, often relying on subscriptions to generate revenue. This can work for small apps with small group of users, it is not sustainable for large-scale social platforms. The reality is that most people want to use apps for free and don't want to pay for extra features. A better way is to offer most services for free with ads, and then have a special version without ads and with extra features for people who are willing to pay for it.
Our Commitment to Creators
At our core, we are a platform dedicated to empowering photographers, artists, and other visual storytellers. We recognize that creators are the lifeblood of our platform, and their unique perspectives and talents are what make our community vibrant and engaging. That's why we are committed to supporting creators in every way possible, from sharing ad revenue to providing tools and resources that help them showcase their work and grow their audience.
We believe that by putting creators first and building a platform that celebrates their creativity, we can foster a thriving community that benefits everyone involved. Our goal is to create a space where creators can share their stories, connect with like-minded individuals, and be fairly compensated for their contributions.
Conclusion
Advertising is a necessary component of the internet ecosystem, enabling platforms to provide free services to users while supporting content creators. By using AI and implementing fair revenue sharing models, platforms can deliver relevant ads without compromising user privacy or experience. While some users may prefer an ad-free experience, the reality is that most are unwilling to pay for premium services, making advertising a necessary component for a successful platform. By prioritizing creators, respecting users' experiences, and maintaining control over the advertising process, we believe that advertising can create a win-win situation for all parties involved.