#96 — What you can learn from the top 8 paywall models
Welcome to our newest subscribers 👋🏼 This weeks issue is packed full of interesting stories about revenue models, YouTubers and booming subscription rates during a global crisis. It was difficult to feature just one article as a top pick!
Get in touch by hitting reply — let us know what bought you to publisher weekly?
💯 Top picks
Top 8 paywall models: What you can learn from Wired, Bild, The Athletic and Co.
Take a look at the subscription tactics these eight publications offer, and how they have created a successful business model by dedicating time and resources to some interesting experiments.
💸 Business models
I couldn't find startup-focused YouTubers. So I turned myself into one!
This IndieHackers interview with Will Kwan is a fascinating read. Will launched a self-titled YouTube channel that now makes $3k/month by sharing stories about being a startup maker.
How publishers worldwide are using different business models to grow revenue
What’s New In Publishing summarise the latest Innovation in Media 2019-2020 World Report from FIPP’s (paid access) which explores the different business models publishers are using worldwide.
How the Daily Beast is accelerating revenue diversification
The Daily Beast CRO Mia Lehmkuhl Libby explains how the Beast is seeing 30% declines in programmatic ad revenue since the coronavirus crisis began, but has managed to offset this decline with with “three digit” increases in subscriptions.
Will publishers be able to retain all their new "crisis" subscribers?
Twipe take a look at what happens when publishers stop acquiring new readers at record pace, and how to retain subscribers in the face of economic pressure and news fatigue.
Magazine publishers are reporting booming subscription rates and higher digital content audiences
“During difficult times, the majority of people claim that focusing on their passions helps them cope. So it’s no surprise that right now many magazine publishers are reporting booming subscription rates and higher digital content audiences.”
Disney Plus surpasses 50 million subscribers
“The international rollout of Disney Plus in a number of countries has helped it roll past the 50 million subscriber mark, the company has announced. To compare, Netflix has 167 million subscribers worldwide.”
✍️ Modern journalism
What’s the point of a fashion magazine now?
“Glossy magazines sell fantasy. Now they have to reckon with reality. It’s complicated.”
In an uncertain time, The Week Junior informs children without scaring them about the world we live in
“It’s our mission to bring the news of the world to children every week, no matter what’s happening in the world.”
👩💻 Technology
Coronavirus seems to have made podcasts more of an afternoon thing than a morning thing
Find out what is happening in the world of podcasts in the latest Hot Pod newsletter.
🤷 WTF?
Over 500,000 Zoom accounts sold on hacker forums, the dark web
“Over 500,000 Zoom accounts are being sold on the dark web and hacker forums for less than a penny each, and in some cases, given away for free.”
