License unused video footage to AI companies what founders report, what it costs, how to start

How License unused video footage to AI companies works

1. Inventory your raw footage (hours, resolution, subjects)
2. Apply to a broker, who checks rights and quality
3. Sign a licence (exclusivity, likeness, usage limits)
4. Upload and get paid per accepted minute

• Rates: $1–4 per minute; brokers Troveo, Calliope Networks 1 Press & research · grade B (reliable source) · 13 Oct 2026

What founders report earning

Note Regular content ~$1–2/min; 4K, drone and 3D higher. One creator earned $33k in a year from ~1,000 hours of footage.

Pay figures are what platforms advertise or what workers report, each with its date. They are not typical or guaranteed earnings: yours depend on your skills, hours, location and how much work is available.

• Earnings examples: Troveo paid a handful of creators >$1M each; Peter Hollens ~$33k/yr for ~1,000 hours 2 Press & research · grade B (reliable source) · 31 Oct 2025

What it costs to start

How to start

1. Start with B-roll you own outright

Tips

• Check exclusivity and likeness clauses (no digital doubles)
• Only license footage you fully own (no third-party music, faces without releases)

Is it still working in 2026?

Evidence: None No recent case we know of. ? How many founders reported success with this model in the last 12 months. More in the glossary

What to watch

• Rights must be clean (music, faces, locations)
• Per-minute rates are low for regular footage

Lawsuits and complaints are allegations unless a court has ruled. We report their status with dates and sources and update it when it changes.