Monetization Matters: Keeping Kast Strong As Our Community Grows … And Announcing the iOS App!
By Justin Weissberg, Co-Founder and President, Kast
In the course of this incredible journey we’ve begun with Kast, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the essential steps that build toward monetization. We all know that even the most innovative platform needs enough runway to become sustainable over time. We all know the risks, as well. Companies run out of track if they don’t develop a plan for monetizing their experiences early on, but they can run out of patience from their community if they monetize in ways that don’t feel right.
So, it’s crucial to make monetization an open conversation with the Kast community. The way I see it, there are three central ideas in play. Since listening and sharing are what this company is all about, I want to highlight them with you. Have a look at the first three phases of how the team is developing Kast’s monetization plan.
- The Mobile App Arrives. The iOS app is live, and kasters can download it for $9.99. As we grow and develop our community, we plan to add even more benefits and features to Kast. If you want to have iOS native mobile access now, plus get the bonus of being a Kast founder, we have made it available for purchase with a one-time price. That comes with the Kast Founder’s Pack, which I’ll dive into next on this list.
2. The Founder’s Pack Goes Live. The idea of the Founder’s Pack is common in video games, but it’s not so common in streaming services. At the heart of the concept, the Founder’s Pack means opening access to everything from playing around with potentially new versions of the platform to working with the development team personally on emerging Kast features and capabilities. Plus, the Pack comes with Founder’s status — your name immortalized on our website as well as within planned community-facing elements of the platform to come. So, how do you get one? The number one way is to download the new iOS app. However, we get it. We know that not everyone has an Apple device, but you may still want to be a Founder. So, we’ve created a web founders package. For $26 (+shipping), you will become a founding Kaster and get a fresh limited edition Kast shirt!
3. Future Snapshot: Parties As Subscriber-Supported Spaces. Kasters, envision this: a world-famous DJ, or esports champion, or celebrity chef — the list can go on — joins Kast every month and teaches a master class. You subscribe and join the watch party. Maybe you have a killer idea yourself. We work together and create a subscription series around that content. Everybody should win. We would love feedback on this one — what are you thinking about; what would you guys want? A virtual economy? Partnerships where you can monetize your own channels? Whatever it is… phase three is more of an open discussion with the community. I’m looking forward to sharing and exploring the possibilities.
The real trick is to transform Kast to an platform that empowers everyone with the opportunity to deliver value and capture resources in connection with the content and experiences they share. One thing is sure, I believe and know that the Kast community is unique. These new steps will always be about making certain that Kast’s community can grow and become the strongest possible version of unique. I want us all to be kasting in the years to come. Our promise lies in protecting the best elements of how we watch together, play together, and be together online.
