In a surprising twist, YouTubers and digital creators are making extra cash by selling unused video footage to artificial intelligence companies. These AI companies need unique, unpublished videos to train their algorithms, and creators are happy to cash in.
Why AI Companies Want Unused Video Footage
Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Moonvalley are paying creators thousands of dollars for access to their unused footage. This footage, which hasn’t been posted online, is seen as valuable since it’s fresh content that AI can learn from.
The price? Anywhere from $1 to $4 per minute of footage. The rate depends on the quality: 4K videos or footage shot with drones fetch higher prices. Regular content from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok usually goes for $1 to $2 per minute.
The Need for Massive Video Data in AI
But why is this happening? Well, AI companies are working hard to build better video generators. These systems need millions of hours of video data to get it right. Companies like Meta, Adobe, and OpenAI have already rolled out AI video generators, which turn text prompts into videos. But they need a huge amount of content to make this work.
Since these companies are unable to use publicly available content to avoid copyright claims and possible lawsuits, this new route seems like the way to go. As Dan Levitt, senior VP at Wasserman, puts it, “It’s an arms race, and they all need more footage.” He sees this as a golden opportunity for creators, at least for now. But Levitt warns that this window won’t stay open forever.
Creators Turning Extra Footage into Extra Income
For many content creators, producing video content is part of the job. Yet, not all of it ends up online. Much of it stays in the archives, unused. By selling this extra footage to AI companies, creators are finding a way to diversify their income streams. It’s more than just brand deals and ad revenue.
Moonvalley, for example, relies heavily on footage from creators. They source most of their training data directly from filmmakers who are willing to license their unused content. The idea is simple: help AI systems grow while putting extra money in creators’ pockets.
Legal Concerns and Copyright Protection
This new trend comes as AI companies have faced backlash for using publicly posted content without compensation. Creators have filed lawsuits, arguing that their intellectual property is being used without permission. Levitt sees licensing deals as a way for creators to participate in the process and get paid fairly.
Agencies like Troveo AI and Calliope Networks are stepping in to help creators manage the rights to their footage. These companies collect videos from hundreds of creators and license them to AI companies. Some creators are even negotiating directly with AI firms.
Protecting the Creator’s Reputation
Troveo has paid out over $5 million to creators, and Marty Pesis, CEO of Troveo, says they’re working with almost every company building video models right now.
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But what about protecting the creator’s reputation? Most licensing agreements include clauses that prevent AI companies from creating digital replicas or using footage in ways that could harm a creator’s image.
“We’re making sure our clients are protected and fairly compensated,” said Andrew Graham, head of digital advisory at Creative Artists Agency, which represents top creators like YouTube’s Alan Chikin Chow.
Does This Unused Video Sale Trend Have a Future?
As AI video technology keeps advancing, more creators will likely jump on board to sell their footage. For now, it’s a new, lucrative avenue for digital creators looking to make the most out of their unused content.
