Watcher Entertainment, known for its unscripted videos on YouTube, announced the launch of its own subscription streaming service. Full seasons of new shows will be available exclusively on the streaming service, while first episodes will still be uploaded to YouTube.
The announcement received negative reactions from fans, who criticized the $5.99/month subscription fee and the decision to move content behind a paywall. Some fans expressed disappointment and concern about the affordability and accessibility of the subscription service.
Watcher defended the move, citing the need to reduce reliance on advertising revenue and invest in high-quality content production. The launch of the subscription service aims to provide an alternative revenue stream and enable the company to create more diverse and expansive content offerings. New series, such as "Travel Season," will be exclusive to paying subscribers, featuring collaborations with former BuzzFeed hosts.
Disclaimer: It's essential to approach these observations with kindness, objectivity, and a spirit of improvement. Constructive criticism should aim to offer insights that facilitate growth without disparaging individuals or their work. Critiquing business decisions involves recognizing the real impact they have on people's livelihoods. My intent is not to belittle Watcher Entertainment but to provide constructive feedback that may enhance their relationship with their audience and guide their business decisions more effectively.
Here's a breakdown of the key criticisms leveled against Watcher's decision, along with potential alternatives to address these concerns:
Criticism:
Alienating Announcement Wording: The announcement stating "We're leaving YouTube" without sufficient context or explanation alienated fans who felt blindsided by the decision, leading to confusion and frustration.
Lack of Gratitude: The announcement of the move to a subscription-based streaming service lacked acknowledgment of the journey from BuzzFeed to Watcher. Without recognizing the significance of this transition, fans may have felt that their support and loyalty throughout this evolution were not valued.
Insensitivity to Financial Constraints: Watcher's subscription model at $6 per month was criticized for its insensitivity towards viewers, particularly college students and young adults facing financial constraints. Several comments expressed disappointment and skepticism about the future of the channel, fearing that the move to a subscription-based model would alienate a significant portion of Watcher's audience.
Oversaturated Market: Criticism extended to comparisons with other major streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, with fans questioning whether Watcher's content justifies a similar pricing model. Critics questioned the necessity of adding another paid streaming service to an already oversaturated market, potentially burdening consumers with additional subscription fees.
Patreon Already Exists: Some fans questioned the necessity of paying for Watcher's content when they already support the creators through Patreon subscriptions, which offer early access to episodes. "Watcher already has a three-tier paid offering on Patreon ($5, $10 or $25 per month) with varying levels of perks, such as 24-hour early access to new episodes (Variety 2024)." This duplication of paid offerings led to frustration among supporters.
Lack of Communication: Fans expressed disappointment over Watcher's failure to effectively communicate the reasons behind the transition and the potential impact on viewers, leading to a sense of disconnection.
Without clear explanations, fans were left with unanswered questions, such as:
Reasons for Transition: Fans wanted to understand why Watcher decided to transition to a subscription-based streaming service. Without a clear explanation of the motivations behind this move, viewers felt disconnected and uncertain about the future direction of the channel.
Impact on Viewers: There was concern among fans about how the transition would affect them. Questions about changes to content availability and accessibility went unanswered, leaving viewers feeling uninformed and apprehensive about the implications for their viewing experience.
Financial Management Concerns: The decision to hire new hosts for Travel Season while reportedly struggling to pay existing staff raised questions about Watcher's financial management and allocation of resources.
Lack of Understanding of Audience: Watcher's decision to prioritize high production values over audience preferences suggests a lack of understanding of what resonates with their viewers. The company's focus on high quality production may overlook the appeal of authentic, relatable content, leading to a disconnect with their audience.
Evaluation of Current Content: Watcher should critically assess the content available on their streaming service to ensure it aligns with audience preferences and expectations. The current offerings on WatcherTV, such as "Travel Season," do not resonate with viewers or meet their desires, it may lead to dissatisfaction and reduced subscription retention.
Watcher Logo
Alternatives:
Transparency and Inclusion: Watcher could host live Q&A sessions on platforms like YouTube or Instagram, where they address questions from fans about the decision to launch a subscription service and openly discuss the financial challenges they face. They could also conduct surveys via social media or email to gather feedback on pricing, content preferences, and desired features for the streaming service.
Utilize Existing Platforms: Currently, Watcher underuses their Patreon. Watcher could offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content or bonus episodes to Patreon subscribers as a way to incentivize support and maintain a connection with fans who may be hesitant to pay for another subscription service. They could also host Patreon-exclusive live streams or virtual events where fans can interact with the creators and provide input on upcoming projects.
Content Focus: Prioritize content that resonates with the audience, emphasizing storytelling, authenticity, and relatability over high production value to foster stronger connections with viewers.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Watcher could explore partnerships with other content creators or production companies to co-produce new series or share resources and expertise. By collaborating with like-minded creators, they can reduce production costs and reach new audiences who may be interested in similar content.
Audience Feedback: Watcher could create dedicated feedback channels on their website or streaming platform where subscribers can submit suggestions, vote on upcoming content ideas, and participate in polls or surveys. By actively listening to their audience, Watcher can ensure that their content remains relevant and engaging.
By considering these alternative strategies, Watcher Entertainment could potentially mitigate backlash and maintain a positive relationship with its fanbase amidst the transition to its subscription streaming service.
Addressing Lack of Understanding of Audience:
Understanding the audience is paramount for any content creator, and Watcher Entertainment's announcement seemingly overlooked this crucial aspect. While aiming for higher production quality might align with their aspirations, it's essential to recognize what has made them successful thus far and what resonates most with their audience.
Watcher's success has largely been built on factors such as genuine engagement, relatable content, and a strong sense of community, rather than solely relying on High def 4k production values. By prioritizing these elements, they have cultivated a loyal fan base that values authenticity and connection.
Therefore, the lack of understanding of their audience in the announcement is a significant oversight. Instead of focusing solely on high production quality, Watcher should consider doubling down on what has already made them successful: fostering genuine connections with their audience, creating relatable content, and maintaining active community engagement.
These examples illustrate how Watcher Entertainment's emphasis on viewer engagement, authentic content, community interaction, diverse projects, and personal connection resonates with its audience, showcasing that high production values are not always necessary for success:
Viewer Engagement Over Production Quality: Watcher recognizes that audience engagement is paramount, often prioritizing captivating storytelling and relatable personalities over extravagant production values. By focusing on content that resonates with viewers and fosters a sense of connection, Watcher maintains a loyal following that values authenticity and creativity.
Authentic Investigative Content: "BuzzFeed Unsolved" exemplifies Watcher's commitment to authentic storytelling. Despite not relying on high production values, the series captivates audiences through genuine curiosity, witty banter, and immersive storytelling. This approach resonates with viewers who appreciate the series' down-to-earth style and relatable humor.
Community Interaction and Engagement: Through initiatives like the "Watcher Weekly" series and Patreon platform, Watcher actively engages with its audience, involving them in content creation and fostering a strong sense of community. By providing opportunities for fans to interact directly with the hosts and contribute to the show's direction, Watcher strengthens the bond between creators and fans, enhancing viewer loyalty and engagement.
Passion Projects and Diverse Content: Watcher's diverse range of content, including projects like "Too Many Spirits" and "Top 5 Beatdown," demonstrates the company's versatility and creativity. These passion projects cater to various interests within the audience, showcasing that engaging content doesn't always require extravagant production values. Instead, it thrives on genuine enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep understanding of audience preferences.
Personal Connection and Relatability: Watcher's success lies in its ability to connect with viewers on a personal level, fostering a strong sense of relatability and authenticity. Whether exploring spooky legends or debating pop culture trends, the hosts of Watcher embody genuine curiosity, humor, and camaraderie, resonating with audiences worldwide. By prioritizing authenticity and relatability over flashy production values, Watcher has cultivated a loyal fan base that values genuine connections and engaging storytelling above all else.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, while Watcher Entertainment's decision to launch its own subscription streaming service has drawn criticism from its fanbase, it presents an opportunity for reflection and growth. By addressing concerns such as alienating announcement wording, insensitivity to financial constraints, and a lack of communication, Watcher can foster a more positive relationship with its audience.
It's crucial for Watcher to recognize the value of audience feedback and prioritize transparency and inclusivity in its decision-making processes. Moreover, the company should focus on creating content that resonates with its viewers, emphasizing authenticity and relatability over production values.
Ultimately, by engaging with their audience in a meaningful and respectful manner, Watcher can navigate this transition effectively and strengthen its position in the digital entertainment landscape.
References
Spangler, T. (n.d.). Watcher Entertainment Launches Its Own Subscription Streaming Service: ‘We’re Leaving YouTube’. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/watcher-entertainment-leaving-youtube-launches-subscription-streaming-service-1235217096/
Watcher Entertainment. (n.d.). [Screenshot of Watcher Entertainment logo]. Retrieved from https://www.watcherentertainment.com/
Watcher Entertainment. (n.d.). Watcher’s Move Off YouTube to Paid Streaming Service Sparks Angry Fan Backlash. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/watcher-entertainment-leaving-youtube-launches-subscription-streaming-service-1235217096/
Spangler, Todd. "Watcher Entertainment Launches Its Own Subscription Streaming Service: ‘We’re Leaving YouTube’." Variety, 16 Apr. 2024, https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/watcher-entertainment-subscription-streaming-service-1235223603/.
Swell Entertainment. (2024, April 27). how to destroy your audience's trust [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOiPU-dwjqQ&t=628s
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