YouTubers have started making significant amounts of money by selling their unused video footage to companies that build artificial intelligence models. AI creators are seeking exclusive, previously unreleased videos to train their algorithms, and they are prepared to pay users for access. According to Bloomberg, which cites insider sources, OpenAI, Google, Moonvalley, and several other AI companies are paying hundreds of content creators for their unpublished videos, offering anywhere from $1 to $4 per minute. Prices go up depending on the quality or format of the content. For instance, 4K videos cost more, as do non-traditional videos shot from drones or using 3D animation.
Some content creators record hundreds of hours of footage each year while making videos for YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. However, the majority of that content never actually makes it online, meaning the creators don’t earn anything from it. By selling this unused material to companies, creators can diversify their revenue streams. “Everything you’ve put out there is essentially out there for the taking, and we’ve seen companies just copy it and put it in their system. This is a way to actually participate in this, to do it in a much more legal, structured way,” says Dan Levitt, senior vice president at Wasserman, which represents numerous social media stars.
We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available, but so far this development has opened up a unique path for creators looking to profit from content that would otherwise go to waste. Many have already begun exploring these opportunities, carefully weighing the benefits against any risks. The deals often hinge on how the footage will be used and the assurances offered by the AI companies involved.
Growing Demand from AI Creators
Most of the AI companies mentioned have shown a keen interest in obtaining fresh, high-quality material that has never been released to the public. Their algorithms benefit from diverse video styles, ranging from standard formats to 4K, drone-captured segments, and 3D-animated scenes. The willingness to pay higher prices for certain types of footage underscores the growing need for specialized content. In turn, this has encouraged more creators to look closely at the unused footage they have amassed over the years.
Protecting Creators’ Rights
According to Andrew Graham, principal at Creative Artists Agency—which has over a dozen clients considering deals with AI companies—most agreements include clauses preventing these companies from creating digital copies of the creators themselves or replicating exact scenes. These provisions also stop AI firms from using footage in ways that might harm a creator’s image or reputation. While there is still ongoing debate about how best to maintain control over one’s content, such contractual safeguards are seen as a positive step toward ensuring creators remain comfortable with how their footage is used.
Although there is plenty of discussion around ethical and legal implications, the current trend presents a new revenue opportunity for creators worldwide, notes NIX Solutions. As the market evolves, many will be watching to see how these deals shape the relationship between content creators and AI companies. For now, it appears that creators have found a promising way to make additional income from their archives of unused videos—and we’ll keep you updated on any new developments in this space.