How will knowledge payment be priced in 2025?
In the knowledge monetization space, subscription and membership models are two common revenue strategies.
The subscription model centers on recurring payments—users pay weekly, monthly, or annually to access regularly updated content or services. For example, on the Yetu platform, columnists may launch monthly paid reading plans where subscribers receive exclusive articles or industry insights on a regular basis. This model emphasizes continuity and depth, making it ideal for creators who offer structured, in-depth knowledge, such as professionals in education, finance, or tech.
In contrast, the membership model focuses more on identity and privileges. For instance, when Yetu users join paid communities, they become members with access to exclusive content, group interactions, and special benefits. This approach prioritizes a sense of belonging and long-term engagement, making it well-suited for personal brands or niche KOLs building tight-knit communities.
These two models are reshaping content creation in different ways. Subscriptions require creators to maintain a consistent publishing rhythm—on Yetu, contracted authors often update their columns once or twice a week, which can limit creative flexibility. Memberships, however, combine content with interactive experiences. Creators on Yetu often host events or discussions, turning one-way content delivery into two-way engagement.
The models also shape user relationships differently. Under subscriptions, users are primarily content consumers, and loyalty depends on content value. Memberships, on the other hand, foster group identity through community and activities—like Yetu’s photography group organizing offline photo walks—building stronger bonds and reducing churn.
Yetu’s experience also shows a growing trend of hybrid models. Some creators adopt a tiered “subscription + membership” strategy: standard content is offered through basic subscriptions, while premium services are reserved for higher-tier members. For example, a psychology columnist on Yetu might offer a yearly subscription at ¥99, and a ¥399 membership tier that includes monthly private consultations. This layered approach caters to both general and niche audiences, maximizing monetization potential.
Yetu’s analytics tools further support creators by tracking member engagement. If the system detects a drop in interaction after three months, it alerts the creator to adjust their benefits.
Ultimately, both subscriptions and memberships aim to turn content value into sustainable income. Subscriptions suit creators seeking stability, while memberships excel at building fan-based ecosystems. Platforms like Yetu lower the barrier to monetization through flexible models and data support. In the future, knowledge monetization may no longer be an either-or decision. Instead, as Yetu demonstrates, creators can mix and match subscriptions, memberships, and one-off purchases like building blocks—achieving a tailored fit between content value and user demand.
