Have you ever been asked by a brand to sell your videos in perpetuity? I'm noticing a growing trend where brands are seeking perpetual rights to UGC (User-Generated Content). It's a significant decision, one that can shape the future of our content and careers. Let’s unpack this.
I’m Jess D, a content creator since 2011, who has collaborated with renowned brands. Through my journey, I've seen the evolution of content rights and how they impact creators. Here's a balanced view of selling content in perpetuity:
Pros of Selling in Perpetuity:
1. Lump Sum Payment: Often, these deals come with a hefty upfront payment, offering immediate financial gain.
2. Brand Exposure: Having your content associated with a brand indefinitely can increase your visibility.
3. Simplified Licensing: It eliminates ongoing negotiations or renewals, streamlining the process.
Cons of Selling in Perpetuity:
1. Loss of Future Revenue: Once sold, you can't monetize that content again, potentially losing out on future earnings.
2. Lack of Control: You have no say over how and where your content is used in the future.
3. Market Value Mismatch: As your brand grows, the content might be worth more than the initial sale price.
So, what if you’re not comfortable with selling in perpetuity?
1. Limited-Time Usage: Offer rights for a specific duration, like a year. It gives you more control and the option to renegotiate later.
2. Raw Footage Option: Provide raw footage instead. Brands get flexibility, and you maintain some rights.
I'm curious to hear your experiences and thoughts. Have you sold your content in perpetuity? Would you consider it? Share your insights and let’s discuss the best practices for UGC content creators in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
WOW! I never even considered all of these possibilities!
ReplyDeleteYour thoughtful suggestions sound excellent!
I tend to get overwhelmed by the extremely lengthy one-sided assertions in the one-sided 'agreements' large corporations assert as 'terms of use' AFTER videos have already been made and rights asserted by the creators. I am probably in the minority as I released all of my own customer full brief modelling and review photos and videos into public domain (labeled free for reuse) as I was making them and in the related video transcripts and blog posts.
People (you included) can use, share and republish them however they want to, no money involved. As long as my videos and photos are free, it's fine with me if people find a way to make money using them!
It seems that large corporations tend to attempt to assert ownership (and censorship) rights to them across the internet anyway.
It seems to me that the creators should be the ones to make the decisions with respect to those rights!
My women's underwear fashion review blog 'Full Brief Panties'
My YouTube (misterpantybuns's channel) customer blouse and full brief review videos
My Twitter @Panty_Buns
P.S.:
Please feel free to leave all of your links in comments on my blog posts
and please don't hesitate to be direct (no diplomacy necessary) in your comments and suggestions on my blog posts! :D