Draft:LYKSTAGE

LYKSTAGE is a user-generated video-sharing platform that operates on a watch-time monetization model. Unlike traditional platforms, creators on LYKSTAGE earn from the first day based on the total watch time their content accumulates, rather than relying solely on views or subscriber counts. The platform is operated by LYK Inc, a video hosting and broadcasting company based in New York City and registered in Delaware. Founded by Adris Chakraborty on July 20, 2023, LYKSTAGE has seen significant growth and is positioning itself as a key player in the digital video content landscape. As of September 2024, LYKSTAGE hosts a community of over 54,226 users, including creators and viewers. Creators have uploaded over 46,680 videos, while users have collectively watched more than 8,842 hours of content. This engagement reflects the platform's growing influence and active participation from its user base in both content creation and consumption.

LYKSTAGE was initially rolled out in India as a testing phase to refine the platform based on user feedback. After a successful test period, the platform expanded to the United States in August 2024, allowing for user sign-ups and further feedback collection from the U.S. market. The platform aims to expand into additional territories as it grows and enhances its offerings. LYKSTAGE hosts and has plans for a diverse range of both live and non-live video content, including music videos, video clips, news, short films, feature films, songs, documentaries, movie trailers, teasers, live streams, vlogs, and more. In addition to user-generated content, LYKSTAGE also supports the distribution of linear TV channels, making it a versatile platform for various types of video content.

History

LYKSTAGE was founded with the vision of transforming the video sharing and user-generated content landscape by creating an inclusive platform where both creators and viewers are rewarded for their participation and engagement. The inspiration for LYKSTAGE arose from the challenges faced by many creators on existing platforms, including limited monetization opportunities, high thresholds for earnings, and a lack of global reach. Adris Chakraborty, the founder, aimed to create a platform that addresses these challenges by offering a monetization model focused on rewarding content engagement through watch-time. On LYKSTAGE, creators are compensated based on the watch time their content generates, ensuring fair compensation.

As LYKSTAGE continues to grow, it is expanding its offerings based on user feedback. The platform now hosts a wide range of content categories, attracting individual creators, established media entities, and businesses seeking new ways to distribute their content. This approach is laying the foundation for continued growth and positioning LYKSTAGE as a notable player in the global video-sharing ecosystem.

Target audience

While the platform is open to all users aged 13 and above, LYKSTAGE's primary target demographic is individuals aged 18 to 35 years old—young adults who actively engage with digital content. This group is typically tech-savvy and familiar with the online video ecosystem, making them ideal for both content creation and consumption. In addition to individual creators, LYKSTAGE aims to attract professional creators, influencers, and businesses seeking an interactive and rewarding space to connect with their audience.

Market position

As a newly launched platform, LYKSTAGE is building its presence in the competitive video-sharing landscape, aiming to position itself alongside industry leaders. While still in the early stages of growth, LYKSTAGE differentiates itself by focusing on watch time as a key metric, rather than solely on view counts or minimum follower requirements. The platform's unique model rewards both creators and viewers, ensuring it stands out in the evolving digital content market. As it continues to grow, LYKSTAGE seeks to establish a niche by emphasizing user interaction and community-driven engagement.

Revenue share program

LYKSTAGE operates a revenue-sharing model that benefits both creators and viewers. This model rewards contributions based on watch time and content traction, without imposing minimum follower requirements or any other thresholds. Creators can begin earning immediately once their videos are monetized, with no minimum thresholds. Monetization occurs when an advertisement is served on their content, which happens under certain conditions, such as sufficient content traction, ad safety compliance, and a minimum video length of three minutes for the platform. Earnings are directly linked to the ad revenue generated by the content's performance.

Viewers earn LYK Coins, the platform's official currency, based on the time spent watching monetized videos. For every uninterrupted 30-second viewing interval, a Watch Time Unit is accumulated and converted into LYK Coins. These coins can be redeemed for cash, subject to a verification process that requires a valid ID and bank account.

Technological features

LYKSTAGE is built on a user-friendly interface and employs advanced algorithms for personalized content recommendations. These recommendations are based on users' search queries, language preferences, and interest settings, ensuring a tailored viewing experience for each user.

Supported file formats

The platform supports a wide variety of video file formats, including mp4, mov, flv, 3gp, avi, mpg, ogg, webm, mkv, and H.264. This flexibility allows creators to upload content in a format that best suits their production needs.

Sign-up options

Users can sign up using an email address or through integrated services like Google or Apple. There are two types of sign-up options available:

• Individual User: For those looking to watch, engage with, and upload content.
• Business User: For organizations and professionals seeking to leverage the platform for marketing, brand building, or content distribution.

This flexibility accommodates both individuals and businesses.

Platform features

LYKSTAGE offers a range of features that enhance both creator and viewer experiences, including:

Video Upload & Scheduling: Creators can upload content and schedule it for future publication.

Interactive Features: Users can like, comment, share, subscribe, add videos to a watchlist, and report inappropriate content.

Playback Controls: Features like Picture-in-Picture mode, video speed settings (0.5x to 2x), and video quality adjustments (from 360p to 1080p).

Communication Notifications: In-app pop-up messages, email notifications, and reminders to keep users updated about new content and platform changes.

Video Offerings on LYKSTAGE

LYKSTAGE provides a diverse range of video content designed to cater to a wide audience:

Regular Videos: Users can access a variety of freely available content, exploring different topics and interests without any cost.

Premium Videos: LYKSTAGE plans to introduce Premium Videos, which will offer exclusive content through rental or monthly subscription-based access. This feature aims to provide users with an enhanced viewing experience and high-quality content.

Password-Protected Videos: Soon to be launched, this feature will allow users to restrict access to certain content, ensuring only authorized viewers can watch specific videos, offering enhanced privacy and control.

Live Streaming & LIVE TV: LYKSTAGE is developing live streaming capabilities for select users, regardless of whether they are individuals or businesses, based on their track record on the platform. Additionally, LIVE TV will be available to business users selected based on LYKSTAGE's criteria, enabling them to broadcast real-time content from various networks and channels.

These features allow for a comprehensive and dynamic viewing experience, catering to both individual and business users, while ensuring high-quality content and controlled access where needed.

Policies and guidelines

Despite being a relatively new platform, LYKSTAGE has established comprehensive policies to protect user content and ensure a safe community such as privacy policies, copyright claims, and more.

LYKSTAGE has established a robust set of policies to ensure safe and fair use of the platform.

These include:

• Community Guidelines
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

External links

• LYK Inc.