Start-up Stars: How Cosmofeed is democratising the digital content creation landscape

Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series – START-UP STARS. We, at Adgully, wholeheartedly support the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years.

Cosmofeed was founded by Vivek Yadav and Vishnu Pathak in September 2021. The Gurgaon-based startup started off by giving creators a space to build communities and host events through the app. Ever since its inception, Cosmofeed has welcomed over 1 million members and more than 7,000 creators are part of the platform with 20% of the creator base currently monetising.

In conversation with Adgully, Vivek Yadav, Co-founder, Cosmofeed, speaks about the growth and entrepreneurial journey of Cosmofeed, he business strategy, offering various tools for creators to monetize their content, the ambition of being a complete Creator Operating System, industry trends, and much more.

Could you provide an overview of Cosmofeed and the inspiration behind creating a platform that offers comprehensive monetization solutions for creators?

Creating Cosmofeed was born out of a shared understanding of the challenges faced by content creators, particularly those outside the top creator segment. Alongside Vishnu, our co-founder, we envisioned a platform that served as a one-stop solution for content creators and digital entrepreneurs, regardless of their location. Our driving force was to simplify the complexities of managing and monetizing content, offering comprehensive solutions for creators to build and monetize their personal brands. We zeroed in on key monetization features like subscription plans, event hosting, course creation, and automated transactions. Our goal was to empower creators, providing them with the ecosystem to turn their passion into a reliable and sustainable income source. Cosmofeed is more than a platform; it’s a commitment to democratising the digital content creation landscape, making it accessible and rewarding for creators across the board.

Moreover, we aimed to foster a culture where creators could cultivate a cult audience or a loyal fanbase. This community-building aspect was crucial, as we believed that creators deserved not just recognition, but a dedicated following willing to invest in their value-based premium content. The vision was to help creators achieve independence with their earnings, allowing them to focus on their craft and build a sustainable career on their terms.

Cosmofeed provides various tools for creators to monetize their content. Can you elaborate on the different revenue streams available, such as ads, subscriptions, and more?

When we talk about creator monetization, it’s crucial to recognize the limitations of traditional revenue streams like brand collaborations and ad revenue. These methods, while valuable, come with their own set of challenges, say, especially for micro & macro creators and influencers aiming for consistent income. External factors can make it tough for creators, particularly those in the macro and micro-influencer spectrum, to maintain stable and predictable revenue.

At Cosmofeed, we’ve taken a different approach to tackle this challenge head-on. We offer creators a suite of products to not just rely on brand collaborations and ads, but to establish and monetize their communities directly. Unlike platforms solely dependent on external collaborations, Cosmofeed gives creators the means to build a loyal fanbase or community. Our platform opens up various revenue streams, including selling digital products or assets, managing and hosting events, selling courses, monetizing private Telegram channels, and conducting personalised 1:1 session.

This diversified suite of products is designed to put creators in control of their income streams. We emphasise the creation of dedicated and engaged communities willing to invest in premium content and personalised interactions, providing creators with a more sustainable and reliable income source.

The emphasis on building deeper engagement within communities is intriguing. How does Cosmofeed enable creators to foster direct interaction with their audience, creating a more vibrant and connected community?

Absolutely, when we talk about community building on Cosmofeed, we’re diving into something more profound than just likes and comments. It’s about creating a genuine connection, a two-way street where creators and their audience engage in a meaningful dialogue.

Firstly, data ownership is key. In this era where every click is like gold, creators should have the rightful ownership of the data generated by their audience. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about understanding what makes your audience tick. By giving creators full control over this data, we’re laying the groundwork for more targeted and effective content creation, especially the kind that pays the bills.

Then, there’s the premium content engagement. It’s not just a show of appreciation; it’s a continuous feedback loop that helps creators evolve. It’s this ongoing conversation between creators and their audience that turns a community into a dynamic, responsive force.

If we talk about one of our products, the SuperProfile – imagine having the power to seamlessly launch your digital products, courses, events, or 1:1 session, all from a single link. SuperProfile is a one-link microsite, helping creators shape their brand narrative effortlessly. The best part is that it's designed for everyone, whether you’re monetising or aspiring to start monetising.

But we didn’t stop there. We know that the journey from interest to purchase needs to be smooth. That’s where automation comes in. Confirmations, invoices, access links – everything happens automatically. It is not just about convenience; it’s about ensuring a hassle-free experience for both creators and users.

Cosmofeed is more than a platform; it’s an ecosystem designed to empower creators. We’re not just facilitating interactions; we’re providing the products and features to help creators shape their narrative, whether it’s through data ownership or the game-changing SuperProfile. It’s about making that transition from a follower to a customer seamless and effective. That’s what community building means to us at Cosmofeed.

The platform allows creators to tailor their offerings based on audience preferences. Could you share examples of how this flexibility empowers creators to experiment with different content formats, and engagement strategies?

Of course, at Cosmofeed, we’ve designed the platform with a creator-first mindset, providing them with the products, tools and flexibility to tailor their offerings based on audience preferences. This flexibility is empowering creators across diverse categories to experiment with various content formats and engagement strategies.

One notable feature is the ability for creators to build waiting lists through the Audience tab. Our analytics tab takes it a step further by offering valuable insights into consumer preferences. This allows creators to make informed decisions, whether it is launching a new product, pricing it appropriately, or running promotional offers using discount coupons.

Being part of the Cosmofeed ecosystem offers creators a unique vantage point. They can observe and learn from the strategies of similar creators in their content type and category. This inspires them to venture into new territories, experimenting with a variety of products. For instance, we have astrologers and spiritual coaches monetizing through one-on-one sessions, fitness influencers selling personalised transformation plans, photographers offering presets, artists conducting art workshops, and educators selling courses.

What is particularly exciting is the diversity of content and monetization strategies being explored. Whether it is creating enticing landing pages, writing compelling copies, adding relevant multimedia content, or offering discounts, creators have the flexibility to unleash their creativity without worrying about technical hassles. Cosmofeed is truly a one-stop platform for any creator or entrepreneur looking to launch their digital product or service, saving them time and enabling them to focus on what they do best – creating remarkable content.

Looking ahead, what is the vision for Cosmofeed in terms of supporting creators and shaping the future of content monetization? Are there any upcoming features or initiatives you’re excited about?

Looking ahead, the vision for Cosmofeed is grand, and it is all about empowering creators in every aspect of their journey. Right now, our primary focus is on solving the puzzle of monetization, product by product. We’re working on different products and tools to cater to the diverse workflows of creators.

But here’s the exciting part: we’re not stopping there. The ultimate goal is to transform Cosmofeed into more than just a monetization platform. We want it to be a complete Creator Operating System – a one-stop solution for creators to navigate their entire creative process. Imagine this – a space where creators can not only earn, but also brainstorm new content ideas, seamlessly create and schedule their content, keep an eye on their online presence, and establish a robust and sustainable business model on the foundation of the community they have built.

What really excites me is the prospect of providing creators with a holistic platform, a place where they can thrive, not just financially, but creatively. We’re weaving in features and initiatives that align with our core belief of putting creators first. It is not just about shaping the future of content monetization; it is about shaping the future of how creators operate in the digital landscape.

Stay tuned for what’s coming because we’re determined to make Cosmofeed the driving force behind creators’ success stories, where they don’t just create content; they craft a legacy. That’s the journey we’re on.

As a founder, what challenges have you faced in establishing Cosmofeed, and what key learnings would you share with other entrepreneurs in the content and tech space?

Definitely, the journey of building Cosmofeed has been challenging, but filled with lessons. Beyond the typical start-up stuff, there has also been this constant battle to stay at the forefront of technology, devising effective monetization strategies, and keeping the audience engaged in this hyper-competitive space - that’s the real adventure.

I mean, let’s talk numbers for a moment – less than 0.2% of creators effectively monetizing. That’s a huge market gap, and it is precisely what fueled our motivation.

So, what have we learned? Agility and a user-centric approach are non-negotiable. The tech landscape evolves at warp speed, and we’ve to match its pace. Innovation is our compass; we’re always looking for the next big thing. And data – is not just about making decisions; it's about making smart, data-driven decisions.

Building resilient networks has been a game-changer. The folks we connect with through this product, the creators and users – they're the heart of Cosmofeed. We’ve found that growing a business is not just about tech and strategies; it’s about people.

And you know, the mindset of constant learning and perseverance – that’s the true north. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, to do better. We’re not just building a brand; we’re building relationships with the incredible creators and people we work with.

How do you envision the future of content monetization, and what innovative approaches is Cosmofeed exploring to stay at the forefront of industry trends?

Looking ahead, the future of content monetization is incredibly exciting, especially here in India. With our booming population and more folks jumping onto the internet and consuming content, we’re looking at a massive $100 billion opportunity. And you know what’s interesting? The mid-tier creators, those with followers ranging from 50,000 to 800,000, are taking centre stage in this content revolution.

If we talk about trends - Traditional TV subscriptions are taking a hit, with less than 50% of households expected to subscribe this year, down from 75% in 2015. Why? Because things are changing. We’re talking tokenization, revamped subscription models, and a surge in audience support through gifts. It’s like the whole content monetization game is getting a makeover.

Globally, the utility of Blockchain offers creators a direct line to monetization through tokenization and smart contracts. Imagine, artists tokenizing their digital masterpieces, ensuring ownership and letting the whole world access their genius. And then there’s AI and predictive analytics, giving creators a sneak peek into user behaviour. It’s like having a crystal ball for tailoring monetization strategies that users will love.

The stats are promising too. A forecast says 5 million individuals are gearing up to become their own bosses, cultivating a personal brand. The future is looking pretty bright for creators wanting to monetize their content.

Now, where does Cosmofeed fit into all this? Well, we’re working hard to be the go-to platform for creators, the all-in-one solution. From making it a breeze to upload content to handling payment processing and giving creators the lowdown on their audience, we're like the Swiss Army knife for content creators. We’re not just a platform; we're the partner creators need to navigate this exciting future of content monetization.

What advice would you give to content creators looking to maximise their monetization potential on platforms like Cosmofeed?

For content creators aspiring to maximise their monetization potential on platforms like Cosmofeed, my advice draws from our journey. First and foremost, prioritise the professional aesthetics of your channel; treat it as your brand, ensuring a polished and consistent visual theme. Beyond content quality, strategic audience growth is crucial. Actively promote your content across various social media channels, collaborate with fellow creators, and engage with your audience by responding to comments, fostering a loyal community.

Remember the 100 true fans theory? Don't need millions; you just need a dedicated bunch. So, focus on creating content that hits home. Be authentic, raw, and provide real value. That's what keeps your fans coming back.

Reach out to brands that align with your content. Craft a killer pitch – it could be an email, a social media message, or through YouTube sponsorship platforms. And why stick only to YouTube? Spread your wings on platforms like Instagram; it is like fishing in a bigger pond.

Explore all your revenue streams. Like, YouTube ads, launching and selling digital products and services on Cosmofeed – we’ve got your back with a smooth automation system for your premium valuable content.

Remember, it is not just about making content; it is about building a community. Harness that power, stay true to your craft, and the monetization game will follow suit.