The AI Video Arms Race: YouTube Creators Cash In on Exclusive Footage
YouTube creators and digital content producers are finding a new revenue stream by selling their unused video footage to artificial intelligence (AI) companies. OpenAI, Google's Alphabet, Moonvalley, and other AI firms are offering lucrative deals to content creators for access to their unpublished videos, with payments ranging from $1 to $4 per minute of footage. The unique and exclusive nature of this content makes it valuable for training AI algorithms, especially videos shot in high quality like 4K or captured using drones and 3D animations.

AI companies are in a race to gather vast amounts of data to train their systems, with the launch of AI video generators by OpenAI, Meta Platforms, and Adobe in 2024. Dan Levitt, senior vice-president of creators at Wasserman, notes the growing demand for footage, predicting a profitable window for creators willing to license their content in the next few years. This opportunity allows creators to monetize their unused video content beyond traditional advertising deals.
Moonvalley, a key player in sourcing training data for AI, highlights the importance of collaborating with content creators and filmmakers to license their video content. However, the use of publicly posted content by AI companies has sparked criticism and legal challenges. In 2024, lawsuits were filed against OpenAI, Meta, Nvidia, and others for allegedly using intellectual property without proper compensation, prompting calls for creators to sign licensing agreements to protect their work.
Talent agencies representing digital creators are partnering with licensing companies like Troveo AI and Calliope Networks to manage the rights of creators' video footage. These companies negotiate terms with content creators and then license the content in bulk to AI firms. Marty Pesis, CEO of Troveo, reveals that over $5 million has been paid out to creators, with agreements in place to prevent AI companies from replicating creators' content or using footage in a way that could harm their reputation.
Andrew Graham, head of digital corporate advisory at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), emphasises the importance of ensuring creators are fairly compensated and protected from any misuse of their content. CAA, representing social media stars like Amelia Dimoldenberg and YouTube sensation Alan Chikin Chow, is actively negotiating deals with AI companies to safeguard their clients' brands and interests.
YouTube creators and digital content producers are selling unused video footage to AI companies for $1 to $4 per minute.
AI firms like OpenAI and Google are in an intense race to gather data for training their algorithms.
Legal challenges have arisen over the use of publicly posted content by AI companies without proper compensation.
Source: SCMP