Category Archive: 'Uncategorized'

Wistia, the subscription provider of video hosting services, just released a new feature called SuperEmbed that may make opt-ins more likely through social media.

SuperEmbed lets Wistia users customize any video that they share via YouTube, their own blog/site, or through other social media platforms. Not only does this allow for easier manipulation of design elements, like color and presentation, but users can also include a call-to-action. The service also lets you simply check a box to share the video via a variety of social media platforms.

This is good news for sites that have videos in front of or behind the paywall (the latter would be able to link to more content within the site). Also, the SuperEmbed site looks pretty user-friendly, with enough options to increase opt-in rates, but not too many that you get lost or overwhelmed.

The one feature that may need to be used with caution — the overlay option for the video. Instead of streaming inline, you can make the video appear as a pop-up or overlay. While this has been shown to work well for opt-ins and conversions, users will have to test whether it’s a good idea for video (from personal experience, I sometimes like to play a video and listen to it as I scroll down the page–the overlay prevents you from viewing other content on the page clearly).

Have you used SuperEmbed? If so, please write us and tell us about your experience, especially the overlay feature.

Skeptical that your product and service is conducive to online subscriptions? Well, two newsmakers may make you rethink that.

Israeli company Sarin Technologies is launching a Diamond Assay Service, an online subscription service that “enables members of the jewelry and diamond industry to verify whether a diamond is authentic; ascertain its geometric parameters and cut grade; issue printed reports; and propose possible solutions for re-cutting and re-polishing.” B2B subscriptions services are usually pretty good bets and we think this is a great idea, especially given the rise of “recycled” (i.e., used) diamonds due to the recession. But the lack of any competitors in the field also means its a risky venture.

Meanwhile, on this side of the pond, the DNA testing and genealogy service 23andMe is taking some heat for a change to their subscription policy. In short, they changed their terms without notifying customers, discontinuing services that they previously stated would not end regardless of whether customers kept their subscriptions. They seem to be facing the same conundrum many Internet businesses do — they first offered a service that grew in popularity, and now are faced with the complicated task of trying to fit it into a sustainable and profitable business model.

This serves as a lesson to us all — while unique services can be conducive to a subscription model, the hard thinking has to happen up front.

If you’re in the planning stages for your great online venture, check out the handy financial calculators on our sister site, Subscription Site Insider. And take heart that slow growth can lead to high profits — a new report found that most Americans prefer getting their movies through online subscription sites than any other method except “live on TV.”