Buying Content - exclusive and non-exclusive

Hi folks,

I was asked if I can write a little about the various types of content and what to take into consideration when buying it - so here we go.

First of all let's define what is exclusive, non-exclusive and semi-exclusive content:

Exclusive (or custom) content is produced exactly to the specifications of the client with the models, location, props etc. he picked. It is sold only once (to this client) and usually the client receives all rights of utilization (internet, print, DVD, TV etc.).

Non-exclusive content can be licensed unlimited times to an unlimited number of licensees. But the rights the licensee acquires are usually limited to internet or print or DVD only. Unless agreed otherwise.

Semi-exclusive content is usually limited either by time (exclusive to one licensee for a certain time frame) or the number of licenses sold (for example max. 10 licenses).

All 3 categories of content have advantages and disadvantages, more about that later.


Now why should you buy content at all since so much stuff is available for free nowadays?

Good news: As a webmaster that only promotes sponsor programs, you probably don't have to buy any. 10 or 15 years back, webmasters used to buy (or "collect") their own content to build galleries etc. simply because no one was giving any to them for free.

Nowadays that's not a problem anymore, sponsor content is free and plenty.

Using that to promote said sponsor program also has the advantage that the surfer will find exactly the same content in the member area that the webmaster used for promotion.


Ok, but what if you need to buy content because you wan to run your own tube or paysite?

First question: Exclusive or non-exclusive content?

This question has been debated to death already and there is only one answer: It depends.

A site like Bang Bus would not have made millions and become this popular if the content wasn't exclusive and specifically produced the way it is for only this site.

On the other hand: Buying exclusive content that features solo girls masturbating on a sofa while the same girls do the same on a different sofa on another website can be a waste of money.

So when you order exclusive content, make it stand out from the rest.

And even more important: Do not buy exclusive content when you have no traffic yet. Even if this advice might hurt my business. ;)

But over the years I have seen many people with great plans that spent tons of money to have great content produced and when they finally started their project, they were surprised that no one came and signed up.

When you spend $2000-$5000 on a single scene you better be sure how to make this money back.

And when we talk about this amount of money, you also better make sure who you deal with. There are plenty of established producers on GFY, just do your homework before sending anyone any money upfront. Ask for references, ask for samples of 2257 documentation, let them show you sites they shot for. None of the established guys will refuse to answer any of those questions and it saves you from losing money.

And please make sure you receive all ID docs, model releases, raw pictures and video data after each shoot, it can always happen that someone goes out of business and will not respond anymore - and without all the docs, your content is worthless.


Now when it comes to non-exclusive content, there are other pitfalls.

Naturally, because it can be sold unlimited times, non-exclusive content is much cheaper, nowadays you can already get scenes for less than 1 USD each.

Now I don't want to debate the quality of this content but I think we all can agree that content cannot be produced for prices like this.

So why is it so cheap? Eventually it has been sold already hundreds of times, it's up to you to decide if this content is still worth anything to you.

But besides this discussion, it has also happened in that past that the original owner of this content didn't know anything about his content being sold to others. So it would be wise of you to ask the content provider for proof that he is allowed to distribute said content. If the provider is legit, he will have no reason to deny that.

Also in case of non-exclusive content make sure to receive all 2257 documentation along with the content. There are people out there that had to delete large libraries they paid for because the provider went out of business and they never received the docs.

And please read the license agreement before you buy non-exclusive content and/or talk to the content provider when you have any questions.

Non-exclusive content usually has limited rights - like internet usage only or limited use of the content for promotion.

You can also not simply buy videos and put them in full length on your tube site and assume it's fine. It is your job to make sure you use the content within the license agreement and it will save you a lot of headache when you follow those rules.

I think that's enough for now, please post any questions you have in this thread and I will do my best to answer.


About the author:
Together with my business partner, I run AmazingContent.com – high quality licensed and custom adult content since 2003. We sell (and broker) non-exclusive content through our online shop and we have shot more than 10,000 custom scenes for various websites over the years.