In a bold move to enhance user experience and maintain its commitment to creative freedom, Odysee has announced the complete removal of all advertisements from its platform. Julian Chandra, the platform’s Founder, Creator, and CEO, shared the news with users in an email earlier today, marking a significant shift in the platform’s strategy.
A New Monetization Model
Chandra’s email conveyed Odysee’s confidence in its new monetization programs to help creators earn a living without relying on traditional advertising revenue. “We don’t need ads to make money as a platform,” Chandra wrote. “Ultimately, sacrificing the overall user experience to make a few bucks isn’t worth it to us, nor is it even sustainable for a platform that wishes to make something truly open and creatively free.”
A Stand Against Conventional Media Models
The decision to eliminate ads aligns with Odysee’s broader vision of resisting the conventional trajectory of media platforms becoming heavily dependent on advertising. “Media platforms, even ones that market themselves as ‘free-speech,’ typically devolve into advertising companies and become beholden to their paymasters,” Chandra noted. “It’s been that way for centuries and will never change.”
Contrasting with Industry Giants
The announcement comes when significant platforms like YouTube are increasingly aggressive with ad deployment. Chandra pointed out that even platforms touting free speech build their ad businesses, reinforcing Odysee’s belief in a different path. “It’s apparent to us that we’re building a model for Odysee that will keep it sustainable not only financially but in its ability to provide an incorruptible user experience,” he stated.
User-Centric Approach
Odysee’s approach, which may be seen as unconventional or niche, is firmly rooted in its commitment to user satisfaction. “The world will use Odysee on terms agreeable to its users, and we know our users don’t like ads,” Chandra emphasized.
As Odysee embarks on this new journey, the platform hopes to set a precedent for sustainable and user-friendly digital spaces, free from the constraints of traditional advertising models.
