[rchaud]

> Then, they need to allow micro-pledges in addition to likes. I would happily buy a pack of 100 pledges for $10 (ie. one pledge = 10c) and tip that towards the videos that I've really liked.

This is the right way to support creators, one that doesn't introduce all the messed up incentives generated by ad-based content monetization.

But it won't work, for the same reason it never has. People associate online content with "free". Getting them to pull out a card is close to impossible. This is doubly so when you consider that it's mostly kids and teens spending hours watching these videos.

Most adults who can pay their way aren't watching toy unboxings or some influencer's 'daily vlog'. Kids and adults alike also are unlikely to adjust to a system where they need to remember to pledge or tip. They are watching tens of videos per day, how would they make that decision?

[olyjohn]

You can pay for YouTube Premium. It lets you watch the videos ad-free. I assume that the creators still get paid for my views, since I'm paying for the ad-free experience. I don't even have to bother choosing who the money goes to. Just watch their videos and they get a few cents.