I was just referring to the direct monetization which looks to me relatively marginal unless you reach viewers in the 7 or 8 digit numbers at which point most youtubers already have started having other source of revenues anyway which are probably higher than what youtube provides: consulting, physical shows/appearances, sponsorship, merch, own brands, etc.
I understand that network effect is probably more important than anything else but to me content platforms are more a way to get and stay known than a direct source of revenue. Hence the success of instagram and tiktok with the newer gen whose shorter forms of content and lower searchability involve smaller investment and production cost and more immediate followship[1].
[1] people more immediately subscribe for fear to not have to wait to get access to feed again while on youtube it is still relatively easy to find back videos or consult channels without subscribing.
I understand that network effect is probably more important than anything else but to me content platforms are more a way to get and stay known than a direct source of revenue. Hence the success of instagram and tiktok with the newer gen whose shorter forms of content and lower searchability involve smaller investment and production cost and more immediate followship[1].
[1] people more immediately subscribe for fear to not have to wait to get access to feed again while on youtube it is still relatively easy to find back videos or consult channels without subscribing.