Get In The Game

The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) Education sub-committee hosted an online Reggae Open University Panel Discussion on "Monetising Live-streams in COVID Times".

If you missed it, here’s my recap.

The key takeaway: communicate and collaborate.

COVID or no COVID, content is king, and video is the king of kings.

“Content creation refers to the original content. For content based on derivative works – new content based on content previously created by others – rights management is an important consideration. Each platform handles it differently, and the customary disclaimer may not be enough to prevent copyright strike. Seek guidance from JARIA.”

The Panel

JARIA Vice Chairman Duane ‘Bebble Rock’ McDonald assembled a brilliant panel that included DJ/producer/promoter Washly Fire; actor-comedian and promoter Christopher 'Johnny' Daley; live-stream producers I Shango of UBQT Studios and M-ONE Productions' Saeed Thomas; content and events producer Carleen Samuels and digital marketing executive Tara Playfair-Scott.

In the 90-minute discussion, the panel offered great advice on the technical aspects, scalability, copyright considerations, marketing and, of course, monetising live-streams. Practitioners are urged to “get in the game” by capitalizing on what you already have. Focus on building your audience and spending your resources on what appears on the screen. There is a lot of professional help available if you “communicate and collaborate”. See how it comes full circle!

The panel added that content creators should change with the times, based on research, to take advantage of new opportunities and link up with agencies that can provide support.

The Solution

Live streaming, premieres and uploads present several options to monetize. But there is no turnkey solution. Payment platforms like PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, Patreon, Amazon, website paywall or membership fees can be used as stand-alone portals or alongside content consumption platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, MixCloud, Soundcloud and Zoom among many, many others.

Some content consumption platforms, like YouTube, pay you for your content, based on advertising revenues, while others do not, like Instagram.

You can also monetize content through sponsorship. Offer value to your sponsors in return for consideration. Yes, it’s a broad statement. That’s because the range of sponsorship options is quite broad. Get creative and get sponsored.

Beyond sponsorship and direct payments from fans or platforms, content creators can earn indirectly. Showcasing talent may bring other job opportunities, bookings or sales. It’s called brand building. You gotta have a brand, ‘cause you can’t sell what you don’t have.

The Beginning

To get started you need two things, an idea and a smartphone. From there, you can scale up to the stars (every pun intended). There are several local service providers to help you realize your vision; watch the video for the list. From simple to sensational, there have been many successful live streams, premieres and uploads since the onset of the pandemic in March, again watch the video for a list. Check them out for inspiration (and entertainment).

The most crucial step is to “get in the game”.

For more information on JARIA email: JARIA.org@gmail.com or visit: www.JARIAJamaicaMusic.com

IG - @jareggaeindustryassociation | FB - @JARIA.Official

Special thanks goes out to Headline Entertainment for facilitating my participation in the discussion.