The online self-distribution industry is heating up. VHX, after two years in public beta, has officially opened to the public, offering anyone with a series, film, or other video project a flexible, cheap platform on which they can distribute their work at any price.
VHX first launched in 2012 as a digital distribution platform open to a select few creators. Since then, it has served as the online home of several high-profile projects, including Aziz Ansari’s Dangerously Delicious, Improv Everywhere’s We Make Scenes, and Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart, and Mamrie Hart’s Camp Takota. It jump-started its plan to expand out of beta last August, when it raised a $3.2 million funding round for its public debut.
As part of its official launch, VHX is offering its users a price cut. Instead of the 15-20% cut it previously skimmed off the top, it is now taking just 10%, plus a 50 cent fee for each transaction. “Our platform works for a lot more than just film and TV,” explains an introductory blog post. “Faith, fitness, lifestyle, education…the list goes on. VHX also works for organizations both big and small: individuals, distributors, studios, networks, and more. Make a site to sell your work, distribute your project, and own the relationship with your audience.”
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As crowdfunding becomes a more viable method through which creators can support their work, self-distribution will rise as well. The two industries are close cousins, and VHX has even cut deals linking it to platforms like Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Its public launch comes just a few days after Vimeo souped-up its own self-distribution service, so creators looking to sell their work online now have several strong platforms to choose from.
