# The Best Pay-Per-View Video Platforms for Creators in 2026 [Guide] Explore the best pay-per-view video platforms, learn pricing strategies, and discover how to monetize your video content. **By James Johnson** · Published 2026-01-15 · Updated 2026-02-25 Tags: Monetization Platforms Canonical: https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/ --- Whether you’re an event-focused creator or looking to diversify your monetization strategy, paid events are an effective way to generate revenue for your business. At Uscreen, creators using mixed revenue models generated an [average of $67,196](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/creator-economy-statistics/) over the past year. As experts in video monetization, we know the right pay-per-view (PPV) video platform helps you deliver next-level [live streams](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/live-streaming-platforms/) in a way that’s accessible for your audience and appealing to new viewers. If you’re not sure how to find the best platform for your pay-per-view streaming needs, we’ve got you covered. Below, we break down the best pay-per-view video hosting platforms based on features, capabilities, and pricing. ## Reliable Streaming & Flexible Monetization for Live Events Ready to explore how Uscreen’s reliable, scalable solution is helping customers monetize live events through pay-per-view, on-demand content, and memberships? Yes! Tell me more… ## **Top pay-per-view video platforms at a glance** | **Platform** | **G2 Rating** | **Best For** | **Pricing** | | ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | | Uscreen | [**4.7 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/uscreen/reviews) | Experienced content creators looking to add community to their PPV content | Starting from $49/month | | Muvi | [**4.6 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/muvi/reviews) | Multi-format pay-per-view content | Starting from $399/month | | VPlayed | [**4.8 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/vplayed/reviews) | Entertainment-focused content creators | Only custom pricing available | | Dacast | [**4.3 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/dacast/reviews) | Enterprise solutions and PPV access to online events | Starting from $39/month | | Kaltura | [**4.3 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/kaltura-video-cloud/reviews) | Creators who want full creative control over their platform | Only custom pricing available | | Backlight Streaming | [**4.4 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/zype/reviews) | Traditional media publishers | Only custom pricing available | | Vimeo Streaming | [**4.3 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/vimeo/reviews) | Creators offering simple individual pay-per-view access | Starting from $12/month | | Wowza | [**4.5 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/wowza-streaming/reviews) | Businesses and developers building custom pay-per-view live and on-demand experiences | Starting from $195/month | | JW Player | [**3.4 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/jw-player/reviews) | publishers focused on video delivery, ads, and basic pay-per-view access | Contact directly for a quote | | Kajabi | [**4.2 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/kajabi-kajabi/reviews) | creators bundling videos with digital products and memberships | Starting at $71/month | ## **1. Uscreen** **Best for:** Experienced content creators looking to add community to their PPV content **G2 rating:** [**4.7 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/uscreen/reviews) !\[Uscreen homepage with copy: video creators build profitable memberships on Uscreen.]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-5-1055x579-a399f5.jpeg) Uscreen is an all-in-one membership platform built for video creators that helps them earn $150+ million each year. We help you unlock the full potential of pay-per-video streaming by [selling memberships](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/how-to-sell-memberships/) and developing an engaged community. With Uscreen, you can easily [create a pay-per-view website](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/create-pay-per-view-website/) using multiple [content monetization](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/content-monetization/) models, like: - One-off transactions - [Subscription video on demand (SVOD) models](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/avod-tvod-svod-monetization-models/) - [Premium video on demand (PVOD)](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/pvod-streaming/) We offer exceptional support and security to ensure your business is safe and support you in scaling your business through branded TV and mobile streaming apps. If you’re a creator who wants to build a long-term membership business with community spaces and video [streaming across multiple platforms](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/stream-multiple-platforms/), then Uscreen is a great option to explore. ### **Core features** - [**Live streaming**](https://www.uscreen.tv/live-streaming-platform/): Supports streaming on any device, live chat, pay-per-view, donations, and a live streaming calendar for better interaction and monetization - [**Viewer experience**](https://www.uscreen.tv/video-experience/): Offers customizable playlists, content filtering, auto-play, and collections to enhance user viewing - [**Mobile and TV apps**](https://www.uscreen.tv/app-builder/): Native apps on seven platforms like iOS and Android with features like in-app purchases, personalized playlists, offline viewing, and push notifications - [**Built-in community**](https://www.uscreen.tv/community-features/): Features user-generated content, posts with video integration, interactive challenges, an AI content creation assistant, and a channel-based feed to boost engagement - [**Marketing tools**](https://www.uscreen.tv/membership-tools/): A no-code website builder, APIs, email marketing, lead generation, audience nurturing, and win-back strategies with a free trial offer - [**Analytics**](https://help.uscreen.tv/en/articles/9998347-analytics-overview): Flexible monetization with 0% fee on purchases, detailed analytics by author/device, revenue reports, subscriber insights, and integrated payments - **Automations:** Uscreen powers the full member lifecycle from one place, so you can easily manage engagement, growth, and retention ### **Pros** - Netflix-style viewing experience - Multiple monetization options to generate revenue - Exceptional customer support - Best-in-class security - Branded mobile apps - Simple payment system ### **Cons** - No standalone video hosting - Unable to embed videos on an external website ### **Reviews** ### **Pricing** Uscreen has four [pricing tiers](https://www.uscreen.tv/pricing/): - **Starter:** $49/month (monthly only) - **Growth:** $149/month + $1.99 subscriber fee, billed annually - **App essentials:** $449/month + $0.99 subscriber fee, billed annually - **Custom:** Custom pricing ## **2. Muvi** **Best for:** Multi-format pay-per-view content **G2 rating:** [**4.6 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/muvi/reviews) !\[Muvi website with copy “Launch your OTT Platform Instantly”]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-1-1055x579-e63b2a.jpeg) Muvi specializes in scalable [over-the-top (OTT) video streaming platforms](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/ott-platforms/). Their out-of-the-box tailoring makes it a solid choice for anyone from beginner to seasoned content creators. Their pay-per-view video platform is a great choice for anyone looking to take advantage of multiple content formats. Muvi allows you to create and sell both audio and video content, which can be a great option for podcasters and creators looking to use transactional video. Live streaming and video on demand come standard, giving more content variation to round out your content library and match user intent. And, they built in content management capabilities to make this process easier. Variety is the name of the game for Muvi, and they offer nine different video monetization methods (including pay-per-view), giving you a high level of flexibility. And, they’ll let you keep 100% of your revenue. Muvi’s pricing is more like that of a video hosting provider, where they focus on the number of accounts, bandwidth, and storage, meaning you can do a lot with lower-tier packages if you can find a workaround, and pay for only what you use. It’s also worth noting that Muvi charges infrastructure fees for bandwidth and storage after you reach your free limit. ### **Core features** - An [HTML5 video player](https://www.uscreen.tv/video-experience/) that’s compatible across all devices - The ability to create live streaming channels and reach anyone, anywhere - Build your own audio and video streaming platforms, like Tidal or Netflix - Video monetization that covers pay-per-view, subscriptions, and more - A post-event content library so people can still watch later ### **Pros** - Nine possible video monetization methods - 100% revenue retention - Supports video and audio content - Ability to sell physical goods like merch ### **Cons** - Limited branding and design options - No marketing tools - Complicated storage and bandwidth pricing ### **Reviews** > The Muvi team has been very helpful in migration of our user data from our previous platform. They are always on hand and responsive to queries, and ready to offer solutions to our concerns. [Verified G2 Review](https://www.g2.com/products/muvi-one/reviews/muvi-one-review-11601731) ### **Pricing** Muvi has multiple products with separate [pricing plans](https://www.muvi.com/one/pricing/): - Pay-per-view starts at $9/month + 9% commission fee - Muvi One (OTT streaming) plans range from: ## **3. VPlayed** **Best for:** Entertainment-focused content creators **G2 rating:** [**4.8 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/vplayed/reviews) !\[Vplayed homepage with copy: launch a complete OTT platform in just 4 days]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-1055x579-6d5d4c.jpeg) VPlayed (formerly Contus Vplayed) is a pay-per-view video platform that’s primarily designed for creators who want to build a business around entertainment-focused PPV streams. They provide one of the most customizable solutions in this list, giving you complete control over the look and feel of your platform. They also emphasize security with advanced encryption types that protect your content. This has helped them to become a prolific pay-per-view tool in developing and multilingual markets, like Brazil, Indonesia, and India. VPlayed also boasts a suite of over 1,000 streaming features, alongside flexible pricing and 100% revenue retention, making it a great starting PPV platform for a media production company. (You can even start with advertising-based video, if it’s a lower barrier to entry to drive revenue growth!) ### **Core features** - Completely customizable solution - 200+ integrations with external platforms and APIs - App and subscriber-focused platform - Cloud and on-site video hosting platform ### **Pros** - 100% revenue retention - AVOD, SVOD, TVOD, PPV video monetization - Advanced security with AES encryption - Flexible video hosting ### **Cons** - Expensive one-time license fee - Complex customizations - Not focused on audience engagement - Unproven in more developed markets ### **Reviews** > Streams with 4K quality having buffer-free renditions have been a class apart! Subtitles are now seamlessly adaptable to multiple languages which helps us to cater services to a larger audience. And to convert potential leads to prospective deals, tools in the video marketing suite have helped us to achieve maximum ROI within our branded platform. Tools like recommendation engines, social sharing, and metadata management have assisted us to drive up brand value. [Verified G2 Review](https://www.g2.com/products/vplayed/reviews/vplayed-review-8075702) ### **Pricing** VPlayed’s solutions are all custom, and they set [their prices](https://www.capterra.com/p/166345/vplayed/) based on your business needs. Reach out to their team to get an accurate quote. ## **4. Dacast** **Best for:** Enterprise solutions and PPV access to online events **G2 rating:** [**4.3 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/dacast/reviews) !\[Dacast homepage with copy: Online Video Platform. Take Your Online Video Delivery to the Next Level.]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-2-1055x579-6753d2.jpeg) Dacast is a versatile pay-per-view video platform. They specialize in video hosting, video on demand, and live events, with a focus on reducing the technical barriers to launching your video service. They’re most commonly used in enterprise stream pay per view, media and entertainment, sporting events, and even educational [event live streaming](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/how-to-live-stream-event/). Dacast offers white labeling to give you a high level of control over the look and feel of your content catalog and delivery. Though customizations can be complicated, there are some simple options to help you get started. Much like Muvi, Dacast’s model feels a little more like a video hosting provider over a [video streaming platform](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/vod-platforms/), because their infrastructure is built to reduce bandwidth costs and improve your broadcast quality. Dacast does charge a premium when it comes to revenue share, though. You’ll also be expected to pay a 9.9% commission plus an additional $0.40 charge for any PPV streams that you sell, making it an expensive PPV platform for those on smaller budgets. ### **Core features** - Customize your video player and add branding. - Live stream content to viewers around the world. - Bring quality content with a HTML5 player. - Understand viewer habits with their analytics. - Use different subscription models. - Organize and manage videos through their portal. - Monetize through AVOD, SVOD, or TVOD. ### **Pros** - White label video player - Full stack of live streaming and on-demand videos - Global reach through top-tier content delivery networks - Ad-based monetization available ### **Cons** - 9.9% commission on PPV sales - Issues with video performance for lower-tier plans - Complicated customizations ### **Reviews** > Dacast lets our team stay focused and fully control our content, keeping videos private and accessible only to our team. It’s great for hosting and live streaming, with a customizable player that avoids YouTube’s branding and distractions. Some uploads and video updates can be a bit slow, and full HD processing takes time, but overall it works well and integrates seamlessly into our training materials. [Gus, Multimedia Manager](https://www.capterra.co.uk/software/122710/dacast-web-conferencing?review=Capterra___3676222#highlighted-review) ### **Pricing** Dacast works on a [subscription pricing model](https://www.dacast.com/live-streaming-pricing-plans/) at these three tiers: - **Starter:** $39/month, billed annually - **Event:** $63/month, billed annually - **Scale:** $165/month, billed annually - **Custom:** Contact sales For PPV transactions, you’ll also be expected to pay a 9.9% commission plus an additional $0.40 charge. If that puts you off, check out some [Dacast alternatives](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/dacast-alternatives/). ## **5. Kaltura** **Best for:** Creators who want full creative control over their platform **G2 rating:** [**4.3 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/kaltura-video-cloud/reviews) !\[Kaltura homepage with copy: extraordinary video portals to boost your reach, engagement, and ROI.]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-3-1055x579-36b820.jpeg) Kaltura focuses on [video content management](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/video-cms/) with an emphasis on customization. It’s a great choice for broadcasters who desire complete creative control over their own website. They has many CDN partnerships that give them reliable coverage around the world, which is a must for live-streaming content, and scales to support a large body of users, especially popular among [educational markets](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/launch-elearning-business/). ### **Core features** - Quizzing features that reinforce [efficient course material](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/design-online-courses/) - A centralized online video hub to manage video-on-demand content - Captioning and translation services to reach global audiences - [Membership tools](https://www.uscreen.tv/membership-tools/) like advanced video analytics to make sense out of your data - Large-scale streaming options to reach unlimited audiences While Kaltura may be a better fit for a more established operation, its capabilities make it one of the best pay-per-view website platforms on the market. ### **Pros** - Great for educational content - Interactive video to customize streaming service - Emphasis on accessibility features - Extensive API integrations ### **Cons** - Steep learning curve - Focused on large and legacy institutions - Less familiar video interface - Costs more than similar alternatives ### **Reviews** > When it comes to creating business videos, Kaltura Video Cloud offers the best features and I like that it makes it possible to create video for different business use. With the tool, we can make videos for training, business communication and for all our marketing needs. I like that it centralizes management of our video content and comes with great analytics capabilities. Adaptive streaming and the amazing security features makes Kaltura Video Cloud unbeatable. I also like that we can always scale Kaltura Video Cloud based on our business needs and growth. [Gerald S, Verified G2 Review](https://www.g2.com/products/kaltura-video-cloud/reviews/kaltura-video-cloud-review-11952425) ### **Pricing** Kaltura’s pricing isn’t explicitly stated on their website, and many third-party estimations are unverified. So, you would need to [contact them](https://corp.kaltura.com/pricing/) for a quote. ## **6. Backlight Streaming (formerly Zype)** **Best for:** Traditional media publishers **G2 rating:** [**4.4 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/zype/reviews) !\[Backlight streaming with copy: engagement. Revenue. Maximize it all across OTT with Zype]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-4-1055x579-314ec6.jpeg) Backlight Streaming is a newer name in the pay-per-view video platform space, but it represents the combination of two well-established streaming services: [Zype and Wildmoka](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zype-inc_backlight-announces-new-organizational-structure-activity-7028729869014290432-86SY/?trk=public_profile_like_view). At its core, Backlight is a content management system built on its own cloud platform. This has allowed them to become a video provider that focuses on making complex PPV video content sales simple, especially for traditional media publishers that might be selling hundreds of pay-per-view products at the same time. Their focus is heavily on content delivery and navigation, with one of the standout features being the search function for content catalogs. They have a global and secure network of content delivery networks that maintain streaming speeds and can offer support for multilingual audiences around the world. You have the scope to build your own video streaming app long term, and if you have a technical team, the right developers can fully customize any aspect of your streaming website. ### **Core features** - The ability to upload videos in bulk - Live streaming to multiple social platforms, like [Facebook Live](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/youtube-live-vs-facebook-live/) and [Twitch](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/twitch-monetization/), at the same time - Multi-CDN support for fast and dependable content delivery - Supports large corporate events - Developers with full control over customization - Easy-to-use tools to build your own streaming app ### **Pros** - Intuitive tools to design streaming sites and apps - Unique content catalog designs with in-built search functions - Large content delivery network and multi-region configurations - Multilingual support options ### **Cons** - Limited reporting - Built for more traditional media publishers ### **Reviews** > I value the Zype platform’s ease of use and rapid response when updating our company’s app and OTT offerings. Zype’s services are also offered to our company at a great price. After I learned the interface, I am able to rapidly update our TV show’s assets and these reflect in near-real time. It’s also been a stable platform in that I don’t recall any downtime or outage with the apps/OTTs. I have also appreciated that my questions were answered within a reasonable timeframe when I had to contact Support. [Zsolt L., Verified G2 Review](https://www.g2.com/products/zype/reviews/zype-review-11834787) ### **Pricing** Backlight Streaming has stopped sharing their prices for this pay-per-view video platform openly. [Reports suggest prices start at $500](https://www.saasworthy.com/product/zype/pricing), but you’ll need to request a demo to get the most up-to-date information. ## 7. **Vimeo Streaming** **Best for:** Creators offering simple individual pay-per-view access **G2 rating:** [**4.3 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/vimeo/reviews) !\[Vimeo streaming website with copy: Vimeo’s ad-free platform provides everything you need to host, manage, and share high-quality videos.]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-7-1055x579-7d03fe.jpeg) Vimeo Streaming (formerly Vimeo OTT) is a popular video platform with straightforward pay-per-view capabilities for creators who want to sell individual videos or live streams. While it doesn’t offer advanced membership or community features, creators can quickly and easily monetize content, making it ideal for those looking for a simple PPV setup. Creators can sell one-time access to videos or rentals, restrict viewing through passwords, and embed content on their websites with a branded player. If you want more extensive community features, look at popular [Vimeo alternatives](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/vimeo-ott-alternatives/). ### **Core features** - Pay-per-view and rental options for individual videos and live streams - High-quality HD and 4K playback with adaptive bitrate - Password and access controls to manage who can view content - Basic video editing tools for trimming and enhancing clips - Customizable video embeds for branding across websites ### **Pros** - Intuitive, user-friendly interface - Established and trusted brand in video hosting since 2004 - Limited free plan available to test features and host videos ### **Cons** - Minimal marketing tools for driving PPV sales; you need external integrations - Limited support on lower-tier plans, with phone and live chat only for Enterprise - Lacks modern community and engagement features ### **Reviews** > I really like Vimeo’s extensive experience in the market and its professionalism in all aspects. Additionally, I love how Vimeo incorporates new technologies, which demonstrates its capacity for innovation and adaptation to the changing environment. Statistics are a standout aspect for me, as they offer a wide range of metrics to measure content, which is very beneficial for evaluating its performance. These analytical tools allow me to track in detail and obtain valuable information that helps me make better-informed decisions about the content I develop and share. [Paula Andrea N., Verified Review](https://www.g2.com/products/vimeo/reviews/vimeo-review-12029423) ### **Pricing** Vimeo OTT has [two different plans](https://vimeo.com/ott/pricing) depending on your size and needs: - **Standard:** $1 per subscriber/month plus 10% of one-time purchases - **Enterprise:** Custom pricing; contact their team for more details ## 8. **Wowza** **Best for:** Businesses and developers building custom pay-per-view live and on-demand experiences **G2 rating:** [**4.5 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/wowza-streaming/reviews) !\[wowza streaming page with copy: Wowza is the video engine for teams who need the freedom to deploy]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-8-1055x579-cdc669.jpeg) Wowza Streaming Engine is a high-performing platform designed for live and on-demand video. It supports multiple streaming protocols, integrates with CDNs for global distribution, and provides APIs and plugins for developers to build custom PPV workflows. While it excels in reliability and scalability, some setups require technical knowledge to configure advanced workflows. Although Wowza does not include built-in monetization, it can be paired with external payment systems to sell PPV content. This makes it a strong choice for enterprises or technical teams. ### **Core features** - Live and on-demand streaming with high-quality video delivery - Developer APIs and plugins for custom workflows and integrations - Secure streaming with DRM, encryption, and token authentication - Scalable architecture supporting SRT, HLS, and DASH protocols ### **Pros** - Flexible deployment, including cloud, on-premises, or hybrid, depending on your needs - High-performance and scalable infrastructure for global streaming - Developer-friendly APIs and SDKs allow complex PPV workflows and customizations ### **Cons** - No native monetization; it requires external payment integration for PPV - Some configurations require technical skills like editing code or configuration files - Monthly costs may vary based on pay-as-you-go pricing ### **Reviews** > I really appreciate how Wowza Streaming allows me to stream to multiple platforms without manual intervention, which simplifies the broadcasting of my bible study classes significantly. The convenience of being able to stream seamlessly, including integration with my mobile app, is a standout feature for me. I also value its affordability and the compatibility it provides with the various platforms I use. These aspects make it a valuable tool for my streaming needs. [Wade C., Verified Review](https://www.g2.com/products/wowza-streaming/reviews/wowza-streaming-review-11872549) ### **Pricing** Wowza offers [three different pricing plans](https://www.wowza.com/pricing), with one option being a one-time purchase: - **One month of streaming:** $295 (one-time purchase) - **Basic monthly:** $195/month - **Enterprise:** Custom pricing; contact sales ## 9. **JW Player** **Best for:** Publishers focused on video delivery, ads, and basic pay-per-view access **G2 rating:** [**3.4 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/jw-player/reviews) !\[JWP Connatix empowers you to stream, monetize, and optimize video at scale—all from one industry-leading platform built for performance]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-11-1055x579-fab013.jpeg) JW Player is a [white label video platform](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/white-label-ott-platforms/) for publishers and media companies to monetize live streams and on-demand content. Their customizable video player and OTT app support make them a great pick for delivering content across multiple devices. While they excel in advertising-based monetization, creators focused on standalone pay-per-view video or smaller-scale OTT operations may want to explore alternatives with simpler pricing and feature sets. ### **Core features** - Supports ads, subscriptions, and hybrid monetization models - Analytics and insights into viewer behavior and video performance - Multi-platform compatibility across web, mobile, and connected TVs - White label player for fully branded PPV experiences ### **Pros** - Well-established brand with a trusted, high-quality video player - Robust ad monetization tools with contextual targeting and real-time analytics - 24/7 live streaming support, suitable for large or complex live events ### **Cons** - Lack of pricing transparency on website - Better suited for broadcasters and large publishers - Some advanced PPV features are limited compared to alternatives - Interface can feel less intuitive than competing platforms ### **Reviews** > We have used it for 8 years, and we have not had any significant downtime or issues. It’s an established platform, which has been fairly stable also for higher usage. It can scale with bigger video needs — but tbh, nowadays all platforms can do that. So what’s best? They have delivered videos fine. [Verified G2 Review](https://www.g2.com/products/jw-player/reviews/jw-player-review-11786093) ### **Pricing** Contact [JW Player](https://jwx.com/contact-us) directly for a quote. ## 10. **Kajabi** **Best for:** Creators bundling videos with digital products and memberships **G2 rating:** [**4.2 out of 5**](https://www.g2.com/products/kajabi-kajabi/reviews) !\[Kajabi homepage with copy: Share your knowledge. Earn from your Online Courses]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-9-1055x579-567c77.jpeg) Kajabi is an all-in-one platform for creators who want to sell videos alongside courses, memberships, and other digital products. While they supports one-time video purchases, their strength lies in combining pay-per-view content with recurring subscriptions and product bundles. This makes it ideal for creators looking to build a long-term, monetized ecosystem rather than standalone PPV sales. The platform includes built-in marketing, website, and email tools, allowing creators to manage sales, subscriptions, and memberships without needing multiple third-party services. Creators focused on general PPV tactics may want to look for [Kajabi alternatives](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/kajabi-alternatives/). ### **Core features** - Video hosting for on-demand content and courses - One-time purchase, subscription, and membership options - Marketing automation and email campaigns - Website and landing page builder with customizable templates ### **Pros** - All-in-one platform for selling courses, memberships, and PPV content - Easy-to-use interface for non-technical creators - Built-in marketing and email automation simplify monetization ### **Cons** - Limited dedicated PPV tools compared to other platforms - Less flexibility for creators whose business is primarily individual video sales ### **Reviews** > As a consultant and marketer for almost 6 years who primarily helps course creators grow and scale their online businesses, Kajabi has been my go-to recommendation working with creators. It truly is a comprehensive, all-in-one solution with everything we need for a digital product business (website, landing pages, marketing automation, easy integration with Meta CAPI for tracking FB ads, upsells/downsells that boost AOV). Having everything in one place makes putting together launches and funnels super fast because I can create pages, forms, tags, automations, email sequences, countdown timers, events, etc. all in a single place. I love it. [Jonathan W., Verified G2 review](https://www.g2.com/products/kajabi-kajabi/reviews/kajabi-review-11757766) ### **Pricing** Kajabi has [four pricing plans](https://kajabi.com/pricing) to choose from: - **Kickstarter:** $71/month - **Basic:** $143/month - **Growth:** $199/month - **Pro:** $399/month ## **What is pay-per-view video streaming?** Pay-per-view video streaming is a monetization model for online video content where viewers pay a fee to watch a specific video or event. Unlike subscription-based services, which require recurring payments for access to a library of content, PPV charges viewers individually for each piece of content they want to watch. PPV delivers a range of benefits for creators, including: - **Direct revenue generation:** You earn money directly from your audience. Each purchase generates instant income, complementing recurring revenue models like [memberships or subscriptions](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/membership-vs-subscription/). - **Control over pricing and distribution:** You [set your own course prices](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/pricing-online-courses/) based on the value of your content, production costs, and market demand. You can also control the distribution of content, deciding where and how long it’s offered. - **Increased profit margins:** By cutting out advertisers or third-party distributors, PPV platforms typically produce higher profit margins per viewer compared to other monetization models. - **Enhanced content security:** Many PPV platforms offer [digital rights management (DRM)](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/drm-video-protection/) tools to protect content from piracy and unauthorized sharing, helping to maintain its exclusivity and value. - **Audience insights and analytics:** PPV platforms usually provide detailed analytics about viewer behavior, such as demographics, watch time, and purchase patterns. These insights help creators refine their content strategy, pricing, and marketing efforts. - **Flexible content offerings:** Creators can experiment with different types of content, from live events to exclusive releases. Since each piece is sold separately, you don’t have to worry about it impacting your subscription model. - **Niche audience targeting and unique event opportunities:** PPV is ideal for effectively reaching niche markets where viewers are willing to pay for specialized content, such as independent films, specialized sports, or workshops. - **Global reach:** PPV platforms allow worldwide audiences access to your content, giving creators the ability to reach international markets without regional distribution deals. - **Lower entry barriers:** Creators, especially smaller ones, can enter the market without large upfront investments or long-term commitments. PPV platforms provide the infrastructure needed to host, stream, and monetize content. ## **How does PPV work?** PPV is made possible through a set of features that control content availability and access. PPV video platforms host content that users can purchase for a one-time fee, permanently, or for a set period of time. PPV video platforms handle each transaction, processing payments and distributing content to users. In cases where users rent content, access to media is revoked after a predetermined number of views or a time frame has lapsed. !\[flowchart of membership vs ppv process, comparing the customer experience for both]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-3-1055x934-1d9299.png) ## **Key considerations when choosing a pay-per-view video platform** Choosing a PPV platform is an important decision for the next phase of your business. And, there are probably lots of features and tools you’re looking for in the perfect platform. But, there are eight things everyone should consider when doing their research, because they will have a large impact on how profitable, easy, and secure your business is to run: 1. **Monetization:** Does the platform offer you high flexibility in how you earn, like being able to choose between [one-time transactions and subscription payments](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/one-time-vs-recurring-payments/)? 2. **Revenue share:** What percentage of your sales will the platform take, and is that manageable alongside any monthly fees? 3. **Content management:** Does the platform allow you to easily manage your content and customize the viewing environment? 4. **Content delivery:** Can the platform stream your videos at the quality you need it to? And does it offer live streaming? 5. **Security:** Does the platform protect your content and data using tools like encryption, watermarking, and geo-restrictions? 6. **Support:** Does it have a customer support team to help you solve issues? 7. **Long-term scalability:** does the platform have the tools to support your growth, or will you need to change long term? 8. [**Mobile and OTT streaming**](https://www.uscreen.tv/app-builder/)**:** does the PPV platform allow you to stream on multiple platforms or devices, or even have the option to upgrade and grow? It’s important for you to find a solution that ticks as many of these relevant boxes as possible, because these are harder to compromise on than any combination of features ## **How to price your pay-per-view video content** Now you’ve got a better idea of which pay-per-view video platform you’re going to choose for video streaming, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll price your PPV videos. There are a few things to consider for your [video pricing strategy](https://www.uscreen.tv/membership-pricing-tool/): ### **1. Your audience’s willingness to pay** Pricing starts with understanding your audience. How ready are they to pay for content like yours? Consider what they value most and which elements would make your content worth the price. You might have an existing audience through recurring content like live streams, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re willing to purchase pay-per-view content. !\[Joe Horowitz]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/joe-horowitz-headshot-140x140-9a1ea4.jpeg) Many membership owners underestimate the value they bring to members. I recently heard an interview where a membership creator discussed their pricing strategy on Patreon. They believed they couldn’t change prices due to legal restrictions until they learned about annual memberships. They instinctively set their monthly prices at $5.99, assuming that’s the “best” price for their membership business. When they discovered their competitors were charging $15 and upwards, there was a jaw-dropping moment: how can we replicate that, we left so much money on the table, and relief in the sense of we know what we’ve got to do now. **Joe Horowitz** *** VP Growth & Analytics at Uscreen The best way to get this information is by asking them directly through email marketing surveys or conversations in your community. If you can’t do either of those, the remaining points in this list can help you make an informed estimate. ### **2. Your niche and the demand for PPV videos** Your content niche directly affects how much your audience will pay. Let’s look at two sides of the entertainment industry to understand this a little better. If you [sell videos online](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/sell-videos-online/) in the form of TV shows or movies, pricing tends to be lower because these formats have become more of a commodity through popular platforms like Netflix and Apple TV. For example, a single movie rental might cost $5. On the other hand, [Filmmakers Academy](https://watch.filmmakersacademy.com/catalog) sells videos educating people on how to become a better filmmaker. This is a more specialized offering with fewer creators producing that content, allowing for higher price points. They can charge $500+ per year for access to their library because of the unique value they provide. !\[Filmmakers academy membership page showing a monthly vs annual membership plan. $49/month vs $449.99/year]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-6-ee686e.jpeg) Analyzing your niche and the demand for your PPV content helps you set the right price. It can also help to take inspiration from competitor pricing. ### **3. Your competitors** Pay close attention to your competitors’ pricing to access their streaming platform and get a sense of what you could charge. There are some great industry benchmarks that you can start with, that will give you a solid starting point: !\[Uscreen graph showing different membership and pay per view pricing benchmarks]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-4-1055x621-9a7a15.png) Doing comprehensive competitor research is important. Take a close look at what viewers receive for the price points they charge: - Is it just access to a single piece of pay-per-view video content, or do they get unlimited access? - Are there different prices for desktop and mobile streaming? - Is the price different for a live event vs. an on-demand recording? - Do they charge more for access to streaming apps? - Knowing this can help you split your content out into different tiers and pricing models. ### **4. Your video streaming pricing tiers** One of the best parts about pay-per-view video platforms is that many let you set different pricing tiers. That means charging more money for different levels of access or content. These tiers are a great way to help you drive revenue growth and also collect data on which pricing models work best to sell your videos online. ![](/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/chris-sharpe-67ea69.jpeg) In smaller settings, the more you can increase the parasocial content on your membership, the more valuable it becomes. To be able to produce more content and increase community engagement in its small setting, you need to raise prices. **Chris Sharpe** *** Co-founder and COO at Find What Feels Good For example, let’s say you’re building your pay-per-view business as a sports streaming website. You could set up your pricing model like: - **Top fan:** Access to the live event, a recording, and the community area - **Matchday access:** Access to the live event only - **Casual supporter:** Access to the recording only This is a simple and effective way to earn more money while stretching your video content further! ### **5. Your revenue goals** Finally, consider how much you want (or need) to earn from your streaming platform. !\[Joe Horowitz]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/joe-horowitz-headshot-140x140-03d15e.jpeg) You should raise your prices at least every two years and consider offering annual memberships as a high-value source of recurring revenue. Our data shows that for annual memberships, churn rates are relatively lower, and customer lifetime value (LTV) is significantly higher than monthly memberships. **Joe Horowitz** *** VP Growth & Analytics at Uscreen **Ask yourself:** What are your revenue goals, and how can you build your business to meet them? To help answer this question, we’ve built a [pricing calculator](https://www.uscreen.tv/membership-pricing-tool/) that does a lot of the legwork for you! !\[membership pricing made easy with Uscreen]\(/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-10-04821f.jpeg) ## **Create your pay-per-view video platform with Uscreen** Putting your content behind a [video paywall](https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/video-paywall/) creates consistent income from every view while giving you full control over your content. You deserve to earn the most from your work, and choosing the right pay-per-view video platform helps ensure that happens. Uscreen stands out by offering flexible monetization options, so you can find the model that fits your audience. Beyond monetization, Uscreen helps you engage viewers through community features and tools designed to create the best possible user experience for your audience. ![](/images/blog/pay-per-view-video-platform/image-12-1055x478-7b8dc7.jpeg) ## **Pay-per-view video platforms FAQ**