In an unexpected development, YouTubers and digital creators are finding a lucrative side hustle: selling their unused video footage to artificial intelligence (AI) companies. These companies are eager to acquire fresh, unpublished content to train their algorithms, and creators are capitalizing on the opportunity.
Why AI Companies Are Buying Unused Footage
Top tech companies like OpenAI, Google, and Moonvalley are offering creators significant sums—sometimes thousands of dollars—for their unused footage. Because this content has never been posted online, it’s considered more valuable for training AI models. Rates vary between $1 and $4 per minute, depending on factors like resolution and uniqueness. High-quality 4K footage or drone shots fetch top dollar, while standard videos from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok typically earn $1 to $2 per minute.
The Demand for Massive Video Data
Why do AI companies need so much video content? It’s all about improving their video-generation tools. To create cutting-edge AI systems that can turn text prompts into realistic videos, companies need vast amounts of training data—millions of hours of it.
With concerns over copyright violations and legal repercussions, AI companies are steering clear of publicly available videos. Instead, they’re turning to unused content as a safer and more reliable alternative. As Dan Levitt, senior vice president at Wasserman, explains, “It’s an arms race. They all need more footage.” However, Levitt warns that this lucrative opportunity for creators may not last forever.
Turning Extra Footage into Extra Income
Many creators produce far more video content than they actually use. Instead of leaving this footage in digital archives, they’re licensing it to AI companies, creating an additional income stream beyond traditional ad revenue and brand deals.
Companies like Moonvalley are sourcing the bulk of their AI training data from filmmakers and content creators willing to license their unused footage. This approach benefits both parties: AI systems gain valuable data, and creators earn extra income.
Legal Concerns and Copyright Issues
The rise of this trend coincides with growing criticism of AI companies for using publicly available content without compensating creators. Several lawsuits have been filed, accusing AI firms of infringing on intellectual property rights. Licensing deals, however, offer a fair and transparent alternative.
Agencies like Troveo AI and Calliope Networks are now helping creators manage their licensing rights. These companies act as intermediaries, collecting videos from hundreds of creators and licensing them to AI companies. Some creators are even negotiating contracts directly with AI firms.
Protecting Creators’ Rights and Reputations
To ensure creators are fairly compensated and their reputations safeguarded, licensing agreements often include provisions that prevent AI companies from misusing the footage. For instance, agreements typically ban the creation of digital replicas or any use of footage that could harm a creator’s image.
“We’re making sure our clients are protected and fairly compensated,” says Andrew Graham, head of digital advisory at Creative Artists Agency, which represents top creators like YouTube’s Alan Chikin Chow. Troveo has reportedly paid out over $5 million to creators and works with nearly every company developing AI video models.
A Promising Future for Unused Video Sales?
As AI video technology continues to evolve, more creators are likely to explore selling their unused footage. For now, it’s an innovative and profitable opportunity for digital creators to maximize the value of their content. Whether this trend will remain viable in the long term, however, is yet to be seen.
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