It's no secret that it's extremely difficult to monetize short-form, user-generated video on the Internet. YouTube is the obvious example of this reality.
While everyone is struggling to find answers to this supposed dilemna, the answer is really right before us: create long-form video and put it up online.
Why? People using the Internet have already let it be known through surveys and polls that they are more than willing to exchange watching ads for free content.
Oddly enough, it's just the opposite for short-form video, as viewers have no interest in watching ads in exchange for viewing short video content on the Internet.
This is Google's problem, as they know there isn't much they can do about the millons of videos on YouTube that are worthless from a business standpoint, as they can't be monetized. So in order to make money in their video division, they're going to have to become a content company of some type, which they are already taking steps toward becoming. They're also trying to cut some deals with media companies to offer their content on the site.
In other words, why try to beat your head against the wall trying to placate those who don't want to watch ads, and also try to monetize content ad agencies and companies have no interest in placing their brand against?
The answer is to put up higher quality, long-form content that viewers want to watch, who also know and accept there must be advertising to pay for it. Simple enough.
We're going to see that happen more and more in the months ahead. Watch for Google to continually announce some type of professional content on YouTube going forward.
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