Creator tools have been making headlines lately but companies need upgraded video tools as much as ever.
JW Player announced a huge $100 million funding round last week following the growth of its video streaming traffic, which increased by nearly 200% over the last year. You may recognize the company — it’s not a hot fresh startup. It was JW Player that powered YouTube’s first video player back in 2008. Now the company powers video for over 600,000 apps and sites.
Dave Otten, JW Player CEO and founder, told TechCrunch that the company plans to use fundraising to tackle monetization-related features — which makes perfect sense. Monetization needs are not specific to the passion economy. As more companies move to paywall written content on their own sites, so goes video.
The company also plans to expand its live video and on-demand features — its live-streaming traffic, in particular, grew 400% over the last year.
Live streaming is seeing upgrades elsewhere too. In April, Be.live announced mobile streaming on Product Hunt. The company has been enabling 3rd party streaming since 2016 but professional live streaming often involves desktop tools. The new launch enables streaming and easy editing on the go with just your phone.
For its part, newcomer ClearMix is tackling the video-creation process for businesses, beginning to end. In its Product Hunt launch on Friday, ClearMix CEO Ian Folau noted that even though video editing tech has greatly evolved, companies still struggle with video production.
ClearMix takes a 100% remote approach. Customers start by ordering new videos online, a ClearMix producer directs the shoot with their HD webcam and proprietary recording studio, editors handle post-production, and you get your video in a library where you can download it or share as GIF.
Early adopters had this to say:
“Really good for people who want to start a Kickstarter but don't have the money for an expensive pro setup!” - Vagif Aliyev
“Video used to be really hard to do well and was something that only series A+ companies could do. Clearmix made it SO easy.” - Will Drevno
Creators make video look easy, but for marketers and startups that need a hand...
Last month we wrote about an influx in community tools that give creators one spot to manage their content and businesses, and a bigger slice of their own pie.
Yesterday, Spore threw its hat in the ring. Spore is an all-in-one place for creators — from podcasters to writers — to managed their content and get paid for it. Early adopters (and investors) include Justin Kan and Josh Constine.
In terms of differentiation, maker Antonia Gary Jr. said: “Community is an area we prioritize but our overall focus is on giving creators ownership over their entire brand.”
At the beginning of the month, we introduced our latest online hackathon, Makers Festival - Green Earth edition. Then you submitted your products — innovative ideas for making an impact across areas of sustainability, climate change, and more.
We had a few favorites of our own but first, we want to hear yours. Today is the last day to vote for your favorite submissions. It’s as simple as an upvote.