Just when it appeared that Web 2.0 may be abandoning the UGC ship for premium content, Break.com, a social video site for guys, is upping its budget to add more user generated content to the site. Through Break’s “stimulus package,” the site is increasing its investment in content purchased from its users and other amateur filmmakers by 50%.
Break.com, which had 3.8 million unique visitors worldwide in March according to Comscore, buys original user generated content from its audience. Break says that it spends between $200 and $1000 per video. Additionally, Break.com licenses professional content from a number of sources, including the NBA, for a higher amount. Break.com also produces content internally. In total, Break has acquired over 2,000 clips. This year, Break says it has purchased more than 140 user-submitted videos that have been seen published on the site.
Break.com is surviving in a space where many of its competitors are dropping out. 60Frames, another video entertainment site, recently shut its doors, because of lack of funding. And Metacafe just eliminated its Producer Rewards program, which paid producers for content. Break.com hasn’t been immune to layoffs but it seems to be surviving, and maybe even growing despite the shakeup at other online video entertainment sites. In early April, Break Media, parent company of Break, acquired HBOLabs, HBO’s digital content studio.
Last year, Break.com launched an ad network, targeting ad 18-34 male demographic.
Wow, didn’t realise these guys were still trying to make it work. Kudos to them for trying to work out a ROI strategy, before during and after Youtube dominated the market.
Yup! They’ve been working it for a long, long time. Good to know that they still work at it. That’s perseverance men!
What factors do they use to distinguish between paying $200 and $1000 for the videos?
I think it’s $200 for non-exlcusive rights, $400 for exclusive rights and then any range up to $1000 for the contests they run every so often or something like that. It’s legit though. I’ve been paid a couple times. Great for extra beer money!
Break.com is a quality site. I think they should be held apart from other general video sites like YouTube. They have a good following.
Break has really nailed the programmed entertainment sector. They have an incredible quality of editorial and are laser focused on the male demo. They rock.
break is cool but i still prefer jokeroo or funnyjunk for killing time
All I know is Keith Richman (CEO) is an all around rockstar..
great work! look at that growth, up and to the right..
Break.com is really good but Bebo.com and Youtube .com are the best player in social video media sites.People still believe on YouTube
I think Break’s been a money maker for years. I remember when it was Big-Boys then then it rebranded to Break. I believe it was a one man success starting from humble beginnings.
They paid me $500 for each one of these bad boys:
http://www.brea...ng-break_1.html
http://www.brea...cliff-jump.html
Break.com is the shiz
Worst idea ever.
If you’re going to post videos, might as well get paid. But to have your videos chosen to get paid sometimes feels like winning a raffle. you just don’t know which video they will pick.
These makes me wonder what their future would be? Maybe, An archive of legally bought user-generated and professional created contents.