In recent years, it has become clear that advertisers have a lot of control over online speech. Advertising boycotts and demonetization efforts by advertisers have emerged as potent tools to influence the content hosted by platforms. When advertisers withdraw from platforms, citing content disagreements, it effectively limits what can be said or shown, as creators and platforms alike rely heavily on advertising revenue.
The situation creates a precarious environment where the threat of losing financial support can compel platforms and creators to self-censor, often sidestepping topics that might be deemed controversial by some advertisers. This financial vulnerability opens up a broader debate about the sustainability of relying solely on traditional advertising models, which can be whimsical and politically or culturally biased.
To combat this, Rumble, a video-sharing and cloud services platform, has introduced an intriguing model. By forming strategic partnerships with brands that align with its mission and values, Rumble is exploring new monetization pathways that do not solely depend on mainstream advertising networks. This approach was vividly illustrated in a recent announcement where Rumble revealed collaborations with three unique brands: Pawsitive, Be Naked, and 5G Free.
