Decoder with Nilay Patel Why Hank Green can’t quit YouTube for TikTok
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Aug 2, 2022 
Hank Green, CEO of Complexly and co-creator of Vlogbrothers, dives deep into the contrasting monetization models of YouTube and TikTok. He highlights YouTube's creator-friendly revenue share versus TikTok's fixed creator fund, stressing how it affects content creators' livelihoods. The discussion also touches on the complexities of producing educational media, the challenges of selling companies like VidCon, and the emotional balance creators face in a rapidly changing online landscape. It's a candid look at the intersection of creativity, business, and platform dynamics.
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YouTube's Partner Program
- YouTube's Partner Program, offering a 55/45 ad revenue split, is the gold standard for creators.
- Other platforms like TikTok and Instagram lack this model, hindering sustainable creator income.
VidCon Sale
- Hank Green sold VidCon to Viacom, not a conference company, for strategic reasons.
- Viacom would prioritize VidCon's coolness over pure profit, aligning with Hank's goals.
Complexly's Revenue
- Complexly diversifies its income, with YouTube contributing about a third.
- Other sources include merchandise, crowdfunding, direct ad sales, and grants.