Author: Jiyun Kyung, Business Development (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiyunkyung/)
WEPIN Partners Day 2024 Speakers
① Verychat: "The Future of Web3 Mass Adoption Through the History of Computer Popularization"
③ map3protocol: "Web3 based Real-World Map"
④ Metacultures: "Global Mass Adoption through K-Culture Performance"
⑤ BitBlue: "Entertain Transformation; AltTown"
⑥ Socialus: "Building YouTube Investment Ecosystem with Web3 Wallet"
⑦ StudyRich: "StudyRich X WEPIN, Creating WEB3 Learning App"
⑧ Modern Lion: "Driving Blockchain Mass Adoption through NFT"
⑨ WEPIN Wallet: "Growing Together with Partners, Shaping the Future of Web3 Mass Adoption"
[TL;DR]
- Leveraging YouTube channel data analytics to facilitate channel trading and investment, while implementing fractional investment models and blockchain technology for transparent ownership and value management
- Creating new revenue streams through digital goods and NFT issuance of YouTube channel IP, fostering an ecosystem where fandom and investors can grow together
- Expanding global services by developing channel value verification and investment platforms that combine Web2 YouTube with Web3 technology
About Socialus
Founded in 2017, Socialus is a platform providing diverse insights through YouTube big data collection and analysis, including channel rankings, growth rate assessments, and annual reports. In 2022, the company launched Korea's first YouTube channel exchange, facilitating channel ownership trading and investment while pioneering new business models within the YouTube ecosystem.
In 2023, Socialus acquired Tubers, Japan's largest YouTube big data company, expanding into a global social IP investment platform. Based on Asia's largest YouTube data infrastructure, the company is innovating channel value assessment and ownership management systems, building an ecosystem that benefits both investors and channel operators.
Furthermore, Socialus is developing a 'Social Registry' that combines blockchain technology and the Web3 ecosystem to enable NFT issuance of YouTube channel ownership and fractional investment. Through collaboration with WEPIN wallet, the company is enhancing transparency in ownership and investment records, establishing itself as an innovative platform gaining attention in global markets through the convergence of YouTube and Web3.
Building YouTube Investment Ecosystem with Web3 Wallet
Hello everyone. I am probably the person here who knows the least about Web3. If I were to give examples of how little I know about Web3, you would understand why. However, I'll skip discussing how large the YouTube market is, as I believe you're already well aware of this.
South Korea has approximately 40,000 major YouTube channels. The combined value of these channels totals approximately KRW 1.4 trillion. New channels emerge constantly, while existing ones continue to grow steadily. The 40-50,000 channels I mentioned include only the major channels we know of; the number would be significantly higher if we included lesser-known channels.
Globally, there are approximately 51 million YouTube channels, with about 100,000 active in South Korea. These numbers increase substantially in Japan and Southeast Asia. The reason I'm discussing the YouTube market is straightforward."
Despite YouTube's significant growth as a central platform for content and marketing since 2008, the majority of channels continue to rely on conventional revenue streams limited to view-based monetization, advertising/product placement, and group purchasing models. We believe the YouTube business ecosystem is ready for next-level evolution.
Since 2016, our firm has specialized in YouTube data analytics and collection. Leveraging data from major YouTube channels, we have established a data-driven enterprise, delivering comprehensive channel rankings and annual market reports.
In 2021, we initiated a strategic expansion along two key business verticals. We developed a proprietary platform facilitating YouTube channel transactions, enabling both channel ownership transfers and strategic channel investments.
The launch of our channel trading platform organically generated various complementary business opportunities. For instance, we received an inquiry from a channel owner with 2 million subscribers who expressed interest in divesting their channel while seeking growth capital for further expansion. This market demand catalyzed the development of our channel investment model and the implementation of innovative financing solutions, including fractional investment schemes.
In this process, we successfully acquired Tubers, Japan's leading YouTube data analytics company, positioning us as the holder of Asia's largest YouTube data repository.
We have developed sophisticated algorithms for precise YouTube channel valuation and implemented comprehensive systems for ownership verification, value assessment, and transaction facilitation. Our platform enables instant channel valuation through a simple interface - users can receive a price estimate with just one click.
While YouTube's monetization potential is widely recognized, questions frequently arise about specific revenue potential and investment opportunities. YouTube channels present a unique investment proposition compared to traditional assets, as investors can actively participate in value creation. They can engage through likes, subscription promotion, and witness real-time channel growth - features that make YouTube channels particularly attractive to investors.
Our core competency lies in YouTube channel data analytics, enabling us to identify high-potential channels in their early stages. We possess comprehensive growth projection data that can forecast subscriber growth over one to two-year periods for channels currently at various subscriber levels. For instance, if we acquire a 30% equity stake in a channel with 50,000 subscribers, and it grows to 150,000 subscribers within a year, the equity value increases proportionally.
Fractional investment, a familiar concept to those in Web3, represents an innovative approach to channel investment. This model extends beyond traditional profit sharing, creating a unique ecosystem where both fandom and investors collaboratively drive channel growth.
The discussion thus far has centered on channel trading and investment methodologies. Within Korea's financial framework, while conservative in nature, we're observing gradual progress in funds, Security Token Offerings (STOs), and fractional investment schemes.
Consider a scenario where we invest in a channel with 50,000 subscribers, acquiring a 30% equity stake. When the subscriber base expands to 150,000 within a year, the equity value appreciates significantly. This approach offers more than just profit distribution - it creates a unique collaborative growth experience between fandom and investors.
The primary challenges in facilitating fractional investments and STOs are ownership verification and value assessment. After careful consideration, we have decided to implement blockchain technology as a solution. We are developing a 'Social Registry' system for channel ownership verification and value assessment.
This system will provide channel owners with definitive proof of ownership and value assessment, complemented by our MOU and collaboration with the WEPIN wallet.
Socialus plans to pursue three key business initiatives through our partnership with WEPIN wallet:
First, recording channel ownership and value assessments on NFTs or blockchain through the Social Registry. Second, storing investment records, transaction processes, and ownership stakes in the WEPIN wallet. Finally, utilizing the WEPIN wallet to enable YouTube channels to issue NFTs, sell digital goods, and monetize their IP.
While I am still learning about Web3, our nine years of experience since 2016 in expanding business through YouTube data analytics has enabled us to explore the potential synergies between YouTube and Web3. It's particularly exciting to be part of the process of creating new value by integrating Web3 technologies with YouTube, a Web2 platform.
Today, I have presented the new business models for YouTube channels and the potential of Web3 technology. The YouTube ecosystem continues to expand through various approaches, including channel trading, investment, and NFT issuance. For more detailed information, please visit the Socialus platform. Thank you.
Note: This content has been edited from presentations delivered at WEPIN Partners Day 2024. Please be advised that some content may vary from the original presentations.
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