Vimeo launches private beta of pay-to-view video rentals
updated 11:52 am EST, Wed November 14, 2012
Beta system allows for two-month rentals, filmmaker pricing
Vimeo has updated its service to include pay-per-view rentals. Available to content creators in a private beta, the new Movies service allows filmmakers to recoup their costs by offering their projects to viewers as streamed rentals, with automatic downloads to a "Watch Later" list for offline access expected to be offered shortly after the preview phase.
The initial batch of rentable movies consists of six movies, ranging from snowboard film Jeremy Jones' Further to Beauty is Embarrassing, to hacker documentary We Are Legion, each costing between $5 and $9, and depending on the film, up to 60 days to view it within. Filmmakers have control over regions videos are available in, as well as viewing periods, bonus content controls, and pricing.
Vimeo will be releasing the full pay-to-view system to all Vimeo PRO members in early 2013, though it is not clear how much of a cut Vimeo will take from videos served to customers, or if there will be a set-up cost for creators.
