Featured image by kentoh

The video streaming industry is rapidly changing, and streaming fans around the world now have more options than ever to choose from. In short, the streaming industry’s future is bright.

Covid Gave Video Streaming Services the Push They Needed

As the pandemic locked much of the world down, many businesses began investing in new video streaming services. This marked a path for new entrants into the Netflix-dominated market.

RELATED ARTICLE: WANT AN ONLINE BUSINESS? TRY ONE OF THESE

For instance, NBC Universal introduced their Peacock TV streaming service this year. Additionally, Apple TV+ and Disney+ launched similar services as well. Now, both BBC and the Discovery Channel are working to launch digital subscription services in the near future.

Of course, as new players come along with their video streaming services and inventions, things will change. Just as the Netflix rental DVD was in itself an innovation, so, too, was the advent of its online video streaming platform. These innovations have completely changed the industry’s landscape. In fact, production houses are now avoiding movie theaters altogether and launching their material on video streaming services instead.

As the industry continues to evolve, streaming services are now entering the industry intent upon content production themselves. What’s more, they are coming in with budgets in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This is a major shift that was heretofore unheard of.

Consumers Are Abandoning Cable Services

According to Screen Binge, the biggest players in the streaming video on demand (SVoD) industry are Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. Obviously, Netflix is leagues ahead of Amazon. On the other hand, Amazon has a somewhat different model, bringing more creativity, innovation, and unique service to the game. We can expect similar efforts from other players as the industry continues to grow.

The trend toward video streaming is burgeoning because people are cutting the cord. Moreover, it is new video streaming service providers that will be key beneficiaries of the industry’s growth. What’s more, they will be able to build upon the solid foundation laid by the streaming king, Netflix.

VPN Services Boost International Streaming

There is a key benefit here for Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. That is, while other providers are limited to just a few countries, these two have almost maximum global coverage. Disney+ is working on increasing its accessibility, but it has not been launched internationally at the moment. Their launching process will continue until near the end of 2021.

You can see the comparison of different streaming platforms below, based on spending for acquiring and producing content.

It’s worth mentioning here that Disney+, even at the very beginning of their video streaming launch, had on board a number of prominent production companies. Included are the likes of Pixar, Nat Geo, Marvel, and Star Wars. In addition, Disney+ brought their own original content to the playing field.

This groundbreaking innovation had not been previously put forward by any other forum. The fact that Disney+ had 10 million subscribers on the day of launch and has now risen to 86 million subscribers shows a measure of the strong trend toward online video streaming.

Video Streaming Goes International

People from all over the world want to access content, but not everyone has access to all content. In fact, some video streaming services are not accessible in every country. One issue is that most channels come from and are confined to the United States. However, individuals may want to access, for instance, US Netflix in the UK.

This has led to a rise in the use of VPN services, making it a multi-billion dollar industry. By using a VPN service, people can circumvent problems of content licensing and geo-restriction. For example, Disney+ is not yet available globally. However, many individuals use a VPN and connect to a server in a country where it is available. Then they can watch the content they prefer in this way.

Video Streaming Services Take Steps to End Password Sharing

Another anticipated shift in the industry is the solution to the practice of password sharing. Password sharing costs streaming services billions of dollars every year. Some companies have already started cracking down, though. For example, Spotify has begun checking their family plan by tracking GPS in efforts to get rid of the problem.

Other solutions, such as fingerprint access or iris recognition, are also under consideration by some video streaming services. Therefore, in the near future, it will no longer be so easy to use a friend’s credentials to get into, say, Netflix for free.

What Lies Ahead for the Video Streaming Industry?

Plenty of video streaming services are either launching or are poised to launch in the near future. This scenario will probably continue to evolve over the coming months. In fact, numerous streaming services will likely continue to show up on the scene for the foreseeable future.

Initially, this could create a problem for some people of having to subscribe to several services in order to get the shows and movies they prefer. However, this could eventually lead to the convergence of multiple streaming services or to the development of special platforms where users can access many services by subscribing to a single source.

The world of video streaming continues to grow and evolve, as evidenced by new alternatives such as Disney+ and Apple TV+. More services are expected to launch in the coming months. However, we can eventually expect some sort of unification in the industry, leading us into the second phase over the next decade or so, as video streaming services continue to mature. In fact, in 2021 and beyond, we can expect a totally transformed video streaming industry.

Featured image by Tumisu from Pixabay

What’s currently going on in the crypto trading realm? One thing you can know for sure is that it’s growing. It always stays on an exponential curve, and it can change drastically in the course of weeks, even days. It is an exciting part of the world to have knowledge in, and even better to know how to invest in. 

RELATED ARTICLE: CRYPTOCURRENCY: WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS

Crypto’s Growing Market

When Bitcoin was launched more than a decade ago, people were not as thrilled as they currently stand. The course of time ignited the power of crypto trade, and now individuals are more interested than ever to own digital assets of all kinds. Many crypto coins have gained fame and support from the international audience, such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum, and Ripple. 

The consistent investment rate from crypto trading users worldwide has made this blooming market possible. Individuals are looking at various ways to channel their crypto investments, and the variability is never-ending. Each crypto value holds a certain price that differs accordingly. This can happen due to market inflation, world pandemics like COVID-19, and so on. 

RELATED ARTICLE: DIGITAL CURRENCY: TRADING RIPPLE IN AN ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN

Who Is Interested in Crypto Trading?

The investment in digital assets has gained interest from all age groups in all parts of the world. Preceding the launch of Bitcoin in 2009, the age groups most interested in this reign were the youth. After the launch, and Bitcoin’s breakthrough in 2017, people of all ages have chosen to avert their gaze on crypto investments.

You do not necessarily have to be extremely tech savvy in order to know how to maneuver in the crypto market. There are many ways through which you can assert profit from, and it has never been more transparent and easy than now. 

For instance, mining has gained incredible spotlight in recent years. The machines are growing in number both east and west. Additionally, auto trading robots such as the Bitcoin Profit App have gained incredible fame due to their high rates of profit with modest investments. Most applications have security so that cyber-attacks cannot penetrate through, leaving your digital assets complete safe. Moreover, it is possible to earn as much as $1,500 on a daily basis through the help of these auto trading robots which engage online in crypto trade.

Crypto Trends in 2021

With the rise of the current world pandemic, people have chosen to investment their money in digital assets. Hence, it’s predictable that the value of crypto values will continue to increase in 2021 as well. As to how, it changes between crypto coins. From what we have deduced so far, Bitcoin stays a hegemon regarding crypto coin power. It has not left the throne for almost a decade now. So, it may be a rather good place to start your crypto trading adventure.

RELATED ARTICLE: WHATS THE FUTURE OF CRYPTOCURRENCY IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY

Featured image by Cristian Dina from Pexels

Instagram shot to fame as a premier photo-sharing app that allows users to take images and videos of their favorite items and people and post them. Today, it has one billion users with an estimated 500 million users every day. This makes it not only a great platform for sharing images but also an important advertising platform for businesses. Instagram likes have emerged as an important aspect of the platform’s ranking algorithm. 

RELATED ARTICLE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIGITAL MARKETER

Instagram Likes Show How Engaged Users Are

Instagram likes rate the degree of users’ engagement with your brand. More importantly, likes also denote the reputation your brand has among your followers. The number of likes your post generates shows how popular it is among users. Therefore, it’s an especially important ranking parameter. This explains why everyone wants to get as many likes as possible. Some people prefer to buy Instagram likes as opposed to accumulating them over time. But if you decide to purchase likes, you should ensure that you know the best site to buy Instagram likes. Continue reading to learn why Instagram likes still matter.

Instagram Likes Enable You to Outrank Your Competitors on Social Media

One of the advantages of having more likes on your profile or post is that having more likes boosts your reputation among your competitors. As we already mentioned, more likes equal more engagement as well as involvement between your users and your brand. When your followers like your profile and your posts, it shows they enjoy the content you post. This explains why likes on your post have a positive effect in outperforming your competitors.

Likes Are Important Social Proof

One of the surefire ways to gauge the popularity of a fan page is to look at the number of likes and follows it has. This fact alone doesn’t do much to bring in other follows and likes. However, it would be foolish to overlook this social proof.

If you visited a company’s page on, for instance, Facebook, and realized they have only a few likes, you would wonder why that was so.

The number of Instagram likes a company has speaks volumes about it. For example, if a company has hundreds of thousands of likes, visitors think it is trustworthy, since so many people like it.

On the other hand, if a brand has been active for a few years but it still has only a few likes, anyone can tell right away that there is a problem somewhere. It is therefore important to purchase more likes. This sends the right signal to the public. When you do so, however, ensure you find the best site to buy Instagram likes. One of the best is likes.io. They sell authentic Instagram likes.

You Can Gain Exposure from Virality

On Instagram, new likes will often show to your users’ friends. They appear as recommendations in their feeds, which leads to your page getting more exposure. This does not immediately translate to more likes, but it can. This is important because new likes have the potential to create more business for you.

RELATED ARTICLE: WEBSITE VISIBILITY: SEO TECHNIQUES TO BUILD YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION

Instagram Likes Confirm to Visitors That Your Business Is Successful

When a business has a significantly large of Instagram likes, it will appear as a well-established and successful brand in your customers’ eyes.

But this is a fact that many business owners and entrepreneurs don’t want to believe. These people often refuse to see Instagram likes as a determining factor for ranking. They wrongfully think that their customers believe the same as they do.

But despite what they want to believe, the truth of the matter is that the number of likes a brand has can affect customers’ first impressions.

Instagram Likes Improve Your Search Engine Ranking

Your Instagram likes represent more than just the credibility and reputation your business has in the industry. Importantly, they also affect how your website ranks in the search results.

If you have amassed a good number of likes on your Instagram post or profile, it enables your post or profile to be seen on the Discover Page. This goes a long way toward boosting your business sales. What’s more, it also generates more attention from your users.

Likes Are a Simple Positive Signal for the Customer

The chief importance of Instagram likes is that they show your customers that things are working correctly. From the perspective of a social media consultant, this might not be the best indicator. However, from the outside, it’s precisely what the client wants to see. 

What Should You Do About Fan Turnover?

There is a significant fan turnover rate in the realm of social media. This is an important metric that refers to fans unfollowing you and moving on. When these less active fans go on to other pages, you should ensure that you bring on some more active followers to replace them.

New Likes Indicate Future Possibility for Your Business

Businesses that specialize in forging relationships with new fans and followers will celebrate every new like as an achievement. 

Provided you understand how to keep your users engaged and take them through your sales funnel, you will find that every new like is a potential for future business.

You can take advantage of Instagram and other social media sites to build your business. This means you should connect it with other segments of your marketing campaign like your company website, mobile app, and email list, just to mention a few.

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES FOR BUSINESSES

Conclusion

The importance of Instagram likes in forming a formidable marketing campaign cannot be overemphasized. Likes may not directly bring in sales, but they play a crucial role in building your brand and your company. Likes are an acknowledgment from users that you are doing something right. More likes also help to boost your search engine ranking and give you maximum exposure.

However, if yours is a small company that’s just getting started, it may be a while before you accumulate a significant number of likes. To jump the queue and avoid waiting for years before you get those likes, consider purchasing real likes from reputable companies. The best site to buy likes from is likes.io. Here, you will get real, authentic likes that boost your chances of success.

Featured image by Mizter_X94 from Pixabay 

If you have a YouTube channel, you are definitely looking for different ways to make a living from it. You can monetize your YouTube videos, get sponsorships, use affiliate links, sell merchandise, and get funded by your fans. Among all of these ways, the most popular one is probably the establishment of an e-shop to sell your YouTube merch. Every YouTuber with a decent following and videos that get YouTube views creates merchandise that fits their channel’s tone and style that their users can purchase.

Therefore, if you have managed to attract a large number of followers on YouTube, selling merchandise is an option you could explore. No matter what merch you choose to sell, though, make sure to create videos that get more views on YouTube so your channel gains attention from a wide audience.

In this article, you will discover the best platforms for creating and selling merchandise for your YouTube channel.

#1 Teespring

Teespring is one of the most popular platforms among YouTubers, as they make the designing and sharing of YouTubers’ merch quick and easy. The only thing you need to do is create the initial design. Then Teespring will be responsible for the production, promotion, and distribution of your products. Just make sure to create videos that get YouTube views so you create a loyal audience.

RELATED ARTICLE: 4 REASONS SHIPPING PRODUCTS IN BUBBLE MAILERS MAKES SENSE

#2 Merch by Amazon

Another platform you can use to sell your products is Merch by Amazon. When you are using this website, you can be sure that the service will be excellent since it is created by Amazon. To use this service, you only need to upload your artwork, pick the product type, and choose a color. Then, Merch by Amazon will produce, ship, and manage your products.

#3 Bonfire

Bonfire is another great platform to create an e-shop for your YouTube channel’s merchandise. This website is amazing because it accepts all YouTubers, no matter the size of their channel. On this platform, you create the design of your merch and launch your e-shop. Then, you promote your products. Once your fans buy them, the website is responsible for the production and shipping. If you get more views on YouTube from Stormviews, you can reach more users and make more sales. 

#4 MerchLabs

MerchLabs is one more platform you can easily use to create and sell your merchandise. This website has been designed to match the needs of the modern social media influencer. For this reason, you can start selling your products within 24 hours, making production and distribution easier than ever before. Stormviews can help you get YouTube views to promote your merch and generate more sales.

#5 SpreadShop

On SpreadShop, you can easily create an e-shop for your YouTube merchandise completely free of charge. The signup process is quick and you can have a store ready in a couple of minutes. The only thing you need to do is to upload your designs and use them in the variety of products that SpreadShop offers you. Make sure your videos get more views on YouTube so you properly promote your merch.

#6 Printful

Printful is a great platform that makes the establishment of the e-shop for your YouTube merch very easy. The website offers 266 customizable products that you can decorate with your designs. Then, when your fans buy these products, Printful will produce and ship them, no matter where the buyers are based. This way, you can make international sales and start earning a profit. The only thing you must do is to visit Stormviews to get YouTube views and persuade more users to buy them.

#7 Killer Merch

Another website you can use for this task is Killer Merch. This is probably one of the most professional agencies for the promotion of your YouTube channel. However, keep in mind that this might be one of your most expensive options. Killer Merch has a creative team that will create unique merchandise for your channel, and they will also be responsible for further promotion.

#8 Fanjoy

Fanjoy is another great option for selling your merchandise. This website brings internet creators, such as YouTubers and social media influencers, closer to their fans. The company was established in 2014 and since then, it has shipped more than 3 million packages to fans all around the world. To make your merchandise profitable, you need to get more views on YouTube by visiting Stormviews.

#9 Cafepress

Cafepress is a platform where you can design and purchase the merchandise you will sell to your fans. However, this website doesn’t allow you to create a personal store. You will have to find another website creator to do that. In any case, you can get high-quality products that you can offer to your subscribers. 

#10 Printify

Printify is another amazing platform that makes the sale of your YouTube merch a quick and easy process. On this website, you can create custom merchandise on more than 300 products. Then, you can set up a store and start selling them to all of your fans. The platform will handle the production, management, and shipment of your products, as soon as you start getting new orders. However, you need to remember that by visiting Stormviews to get YouTube views, you can convince more users to buy your merchandise.

#11 Amplifier

Amplifier is a new platform by the team behind Merchify. They have kept everything great about the previous website and amplified it to offer you excellent services. As in most of these platforms, you can place your custom designs on various types of products. When you get orders, the company will produce and ship them. At the same time, you can manage the orders and check the shipment process.

#12 Spreadshirt

One more great platform you can use is Spreadshirt. This is an excellent option for every YouTuber who wants to start earning money. This website has a great variety of pre-made designs, and you can also upload your own creation. The process is easy, and you can have your merchandise ready without much effort.

RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO CREATE BUZZ AHEAD OF YOUR BUSINESS LAUNCH

Choose One of These Platforms and Start Selling Your YouTube Merch

Since you are a YouTuber, you need to have your own merchandise line. Use one of the above platforms and start selling your merch immediately. No matter which one you choose, though, you need to get more views on YouTube from Stormviews. When you do, more users will discover your YouTube channel and your merchandise.

RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO START A DROPSHIPPING BUSINESS IN 5 SIMPLE STEPS

Featured image from Freepik

Being an ambitious student is always hard. It takes a lot to achieve success while at college. However, it also takes a lot to succeed in life in general. A key common trait all successful people have is ambition. In a nutshell, being ambitious means having a strong desire to achieve something, to outdo the rest. So, there is no wonder why such people are so successful.

Such students always strive to break out of the box, expand their horizons, and achieve success. If this sounds like you, the good news is that you’ve got some pretty solid basis for future success. However, to stay on track you need is to use your ambition corectly. By using it correctly, we mean making the most of it by taking proactive steps starting right now. One such step is landing a job.

RELATED ARTICLE: IS ENTREPRENEURSHIP RIGHT FOR YOU?

Top 5 Jobs for Ambitious Students

Being an ambitious student, you should already understand college can give you a solid base for the future. However, this base is mostly theoretical. On the other hand, it is vital to have a practical base to achieve success in life. Namely, actual skills and hands-on experience. In order to get it, you need a job.

If you are determined to start a career while still being a student, we’ve prepared a list of the best jobs for ambitious students. These can be a great start for you.

1. Academic Writer

If you are great at writing papers and have a solid knowledge of one or a few subject fields, this is the option for you! Today, there are many great writing services like EssayHelp that are constantly looking for new talents. You can either join one of those or even start your own small academic help service.

Being an academic writer has two significant perks. First of all, it pays well. It is a type of work that allows you to make money while constantly leveling up your own skills and knowledge. 

As we all know, lifelong learning is one of the keys to success. This makes academic writing a perfect opportunity for a student with ambition.

2. Office & Administrative Jobs

This option will not be right for everyone. This is mostly because office positions typically require your full-time commitment. Yet, filling pretty much any office or administrative vacancy while still at college can really help you after graduation. It is a way to see how offices work “from the inside” and gain some valuable experience.

To give you some ideas, this can be any of the following roles:

• Office Manager
• HR Representative
• Secretary
• Administrative Assistant
• Office Clerk

There are also many other entry-level office positions that will suit a student. So, you will have enough options to choose from.

3. Internships

If you are considering the possibility of working while studying, some other worthy options to look at are internships. These opportunities are created specifically for ambitious students to help them prepare for future careers.

There are many different kinds of internships. There are both paid and unpaid opportunities in many different industries. These include sales, marketing, IT, engineering, fashion, and many others.

There are plenty of reasons to choose an internship. They bring plenty of benefits. Most importantly, landing an internship gives you an opportunity to gain some professional experience in a large company and, possibly, get hired after you finish your internship.

RELATED ARTICLE: STUDENT RENTAL PROPERTIES: WHAT LANDLORDS CAN EXPECT

4. Campus Jobs

When you start searching for a student job, one thing you need to know is that you often don’t really need to look any further than your own campus. Though many students don’t consider this option, most universities and colleges offer their ambitious students a wide range of positions on campus.

Typically, these positions may include:

• Teaching Assistant
• Campus Brand Ambassador
• Librarian
• Research Assistant
• Campus Tour Guide
• Dorm Receptionist

Typically, to find out what opportunities are available at your college, you simply need to contact the college administration or look up the information on the school’s website. For sure, working on campus has many benefits.

5. Web Developer

Of course, this last option on this list will not suit everyone. However, if you are ambitious, tech-savvy, and looking for a job that is both fun and high-paying, consider becoming a web developer.

It is great if you already have the needed knowledge and skill base for this position. However, even if you don’t, you can always hone your skills and learn how to become a web developer. There are plenty of courses that can help you with this. 

So, if this opportunity sounds right to you, don’t let the lack of skills stop you! Of course, it will take time to master the art of web development. But if you manage to do this, it will be a great start for your future career.

In fact, if you are looking for options in the IT sphere, there are plenty. Apart from a web developer, there are many other well-paid options such as web designer, software engineer, QC specialist, and many others.

The Bottom Line

Without any doubt, student years are saturated with lots of events, activities, and duties. With so many things going on around you, pulling out a full-time or even a part-time job is a real challenge. However, if you are up for it, working while studying has its perks too.

To begin with the obvious, it is a way to make some money for a living. At the same time, landing a job while still being at college offers you plenty of exciting networking opportunities and a chance to get some valuable work experience. Thus, if you are a proactive and ambitious student, it is the way to go!

Hopefully, this article will help you find some worthy job ideas to get started. These are only some of the many opportunities you can pursue. So, if you are ready for a challenge, go for it and you will succeed!

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 MISTAKES STUDENTS MAKE DURING JOB INTERVIEWS

Featured image by Tim Gouw from Unsplash

Do you know that you only have seven seconds to make a positive impression on your recruiter? This is before you even get to the interview.

As a job seeker in the 21st century, the first challenge you have to tackle is to get shortlisted for a position. So when you get that opportunity, you want to ensure everything works in your favor. You might have had brilliant essay writers craft your resume, but you have to shine in the interview to secure the job. If you have an interview lined up in the near future, here are seven common mistakes students make. 

1. Not Doing Your Homework

If you thought your research skills would not be relevant outside college, now is the time you are proven wrong. Hiring managers often complain that candidates do not do sufficient research on the firm or the role they are applying for. They are looking for people who take initiative, and the best way to show this is to come sufficiently prepared for the meeting.

It reflects poorly if you are unaware of the image of the company, its products, or services. You do not have to be an expert, but you should at least have the necessary information that will help you maintain a conversation.

2. Being Late to the Interview

Your interview is not the place where you want to be fashionably late. It sends a message that you are not serious about the job, and lack respect for all the parties involved. If something unexpected comes your way, make sure you contact the HR manager and let them know of your circumstances. It will help to convey you are professional while you are putting your best effort to be there on time.

RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO EFFICIENTLY SHRE COMPANY KNOWLEDGE

3. Not Dressing for the Interview

If you are applying for a job in the corporate office, you do not want to show up wearing a wrinkled shirt and casual shoes. In simple terms, you have to dress for the role you are applying to.

The key here is to be conscious of the company culture. Be sure to browse the website and social media profiles for photos of the work environment. This should help you with an overall idea of the dress code and the ambiance. Regardless, always make sure your clothes are tidy, and that you look professional.

4. Not Maintaining Positive Body Language 

It is not only your appearance that counts during an interview but also how you carry yourself. Even with the right responses to all questions, wrong body language can put off the entire interview.

Everything matters here, from a firm handshake, to your posture and sitting style. If you use hands naturally while talking, do not hold back during your interview either. Only make sure that the gestures aren’t too dominant. Most importantly, remember to make eye contact and stay confident in your responses.

5. Not Being Professional About Your Previous Work

If you start to badmouth your previous job or company, it is likely for the hiring manager to assume you will do the same in your next position as well. No matter how bad your experiences were, do not be cynical about it during the first meeting.

If you had some issues with your previous employer, you could mention it. However, you have to be diplomatic and professional in doing so. It would be better if you can phrase it in such a way that your previous role did not align with your career goals. This might not be the case for students. However, note the point if your internships are discussed during the interview.

6. Not Asking Questions During Interviews

To the hiring manager, no questions could easily translate to lack of interest. Obviously, whether you actually have questions will depend on what was covered in the interview. But it is never a bad idea to enquire for more details about the job. For instance, ask if the position is new. Maybe it opened because the previous employee left.

If you have different levels of interviews, save the questions regarding your salary, benefits, and vacation to the last one. It would be best to prepare a list of questions to ask before you get to the interview.

7. Not Asking About the Next Steps

If you are applying for your first job, it’s likely that you are overwhelmed during the process. You might not know how things work after the interview, or how you will be informed. Do not hesitate to ask these follow-up questions.

It is a good idea to ask your interviewer for their business card, which is an excellent way to gather their name and contact information. As you near the end of the meeting, ask what the next steps in the hiring process are.

Final Thoughts

Remember, an interview is not a one-way street, though it might appear so. You are not only there to sell yourself to the employer, but also to find out whether the workplace is a match for you. Your ultimate aim as a student might be to get a job, but also be sure to take note of how welcoming the place is, whether people are smiling at you, whether the space is too quiet or too loud. Such observations will tell you a lot about the job.

RELATED ARTICLE: COLLEGE STUDENTS: HOW TO LAUNCH YOUR FIRST COMPANY