"But before they can become global media brands, venture-backed video content providers need to earn revenue. Dublin-based BalconyTV, which showcases up-and-coming music artists, has nearly 32 million views but is exploring advertising, sponsorships and brand partnerships to capitalize on its massive following.
"We'll probably bring a brand on board and advertisers in the short-term," said BalconyTV Chief Executive Stephen O'Regan. "We need to get a lot of things right before we can reach our goal of becoming a large music brand globally."
AwesomenessTV, meanwhile, is currently relying on advertising revenue it shares with Google but Terbeek said the earnings were "material" so far. But he added that larger opportunities including licensing content to third parties and big media brands exist down the road, not to mention potentially lucrative exit opportunities."