How Does TLDR Really Make Money?

Buy a copy of Too Long: www.toolong.news
Every year we like to update you on our finances, so in this video we tell you exactly how much we earned from KZbin and how much money TLDR is making.
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Our mission is to explain news and politics in an impartial, efficient, and accessible way, balancing import and interest while fostering independent thought.
TLDR is a completely independent & privately owned media company that's not afraid to tackle the issues we think are most important. The channel is run by a small group of young people, with us hoping to pass on our enthusiasm for politics to other young people. We are primarily fan sourced with most of our funding coming from donations and ad revenue. No shady corporations, no one telling us what to say. We can't wait to grow further and help more people get informed. Help support us by subscribing, engaging and sharing. Thanks!

[@TLDRnews]

We've slightly extended the window for ordering Premium Edition copies of Too Long - so presuming they're still on the store when you visit you're all good to place an order

[@georgechristoforou991]

LOL. We believe this not. Any news with a wide reach is funded directly or indirectly by the establishment. All news channels might start independent but will eventually be bought or forced to tow the line. You are no different.

[@marengoczar5035]

Maybe there a better method to subscribe directly on KZbin, as you have join buttons on your various channels, but to me, it does not make sense to subscribe to just one. It'll be easier if there was just one channel with all the videos. Or do a pateron.

[@SaintGerbilUK]

If you wanted to save money maybe consider moving out of central, central London. It might help with your biases too.

[@lawyermahaprasad]

You forgot one more source , where your CEO does OF 😂😂😂😂

[@Kaede-Sasaki]

I understand the need for ads on KZbin. I just wish there were a way where you could put them so the ad doesn't come on right in the middle of a sentence. Perhaps you could have a little splashscreen saying you'll be right back just like they do for some tv shows.

[@skahtty]

Imagine if this level of ethics and transparency still existed in mainstream media

[@TheLuuuuuc]

As they've said it's really difficult to keep this up. The system they exist in is causing such journalism to die out, it's not just personal decisions. Either the system has to fundamentally change or alternatively there at least need to be select news shows - like government funded ones - that can do that without being part of the system.

[@thearpox7873]

@@TheLuuuuuc It's because we have a lot of new news sources due to the internet, but the old ones still exist and are only now shrinking. The market is over-saturated. In other words, the market has yet to stabilize, and talking about fundamental change may be premature.

[@loowyatt6463]

Most mainstream media are this transparent about their funding as they are legally required to as public companies.

[@duran9664]

🚩Unfortunately, u will NOT be able to survive for long on ur current scheme 🙄 Evil always wins & u will be part of it soon 🙄

[@thearpox7873]

@@duran9664 'k, Moloch.

[@thejnd0]

Props to TLDR for always being transparent and impartial. A refreshing change from other media.

[@aceman0000099]

Yep, especially newspaper media. I'm finding it tough to look through the pages these days, unless I hold them up directly to the sun, and even then I can just barely make out some silhouettes. We need transparent media like TLDR. (I watch them via projector on my window)

[@LindaAndrews-ly1qf]

They have a left-wing bias

[@Patrick-y4d1z]

Transparent maybe, but definitely not impartial in the slightest.

[@livelyosprey]

@@Patrick-y4d1z example?

[@luisfilipe2023]

Yep people have no idea how tight it is to run a business

[@Suscida]

As a premium KZbin user I REALLY appreciate that you put the sponsorship ads at the end

[@aceman0000099]

Show us your premium emojis then.

[@kleptokiller]

@@aceman0000099wait what? We have premium emojis? I just got it because I hate ads

[@Kanbei11]

They're not necessarily a channel member. That's entirely different from KZbin premium ​@@aceman0000099

[@aceman0000099]

@@kleptokiller maybe it's when you become a channel member on certain channels, I thought it was all the same

[@Mosern1977]

Premium membership is the best money I spend every month. I consume a lot of KZbin, and getting that add free is worth it.

[@stereomachine]

I bought a yearly subscription to Patreon, knowing I wouldn't get any rewards from it. You guys rock and deserve the money. Happy to keep paying.

[@HappyfoxBiz]

that's one thing that I noticed missing from this is the patreon, it must have been bundled in the "others" section as it was so little that it's not noteworthy.

[@p.alterego3424]

@@HappyfoxBiz .... dude you are a pure soul. this video is highly manipulation. they want to get your money. and they wana show how tight everything is. but patreon is where the money is. and that point they skip. believe me they get a shit ton of money. but thats the big laughing point of you tube. a bunch of millionairs beg for money from ordaniary people. and call it support or patreon. and then sell your soul to the advertisment. understand you get news and they get money and the advertisment industry gets your soul :)

[@transvestosaurus878]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="349">5:49</a> this has got to be your best worst spelling ever. Bless you, oh chaotic bastard, who KNEW you didn't know how to spell 'miscellaneous' and just took a wild swing at it anyway

[@_michel]

Exactly what I thought haha

[@FakenameStevens]

Oh no! Lol

[@TheOnesAtTheBottom]

I think that's the ancient greek philosopher, Misculanious

[@BarrenBones-t2h]

there has to be at least a tiny chance that it was deliberate (to boost comment engagement), but it was pretty funny

[@travellingtom6091]

They gave up and wrote "misc." on the second slide.

[@alantully455]

Very interesting. Bit sad that a news company being open about their finances is unusual. I also like your policy of paying all your staff. Keep it up guys. What you do is important.

[@Macewindy]

Hmmm. It's VERY easy to look up actual annual reports and usually only takes a few seconds. Claiming that (most) other news companies are not open about their finances feels like a very cheap shot.... Fun fact. TL;DR doesn't give a link to their report, nor past reports. While not all companies link their reports, some do link it in easy to find places on their website. Plus, speaking as an accountant. This 'annual report' is actually quite lacking and missing A LOT .... Few examples: 1- No actual link to the report. And no annual report on their official website either. If you claim to be open, then actually BE open ;) 2- The ONLY mention of anything balance sheet related is that they don't have loans. Where is the rest of the balance sheet? 3- They spend 110k pounds for office space. Spending is not the same as costs. So .... do they spend 110k pounds? Or does it cost 110k pounds? That's a very big difference. To put it easy, when you buy a desk for 1.000 pounds, You spend 1k pounds. In terms of a financial report, you will spread those 1k pounds over several years, severely reducing the yearly costs. 4- They gave us the KZbin ad revenue, but then proceeded to ignore the KZbin premium revenue. Which slice is YT-premium? And which slice is Patreon? They did mention they got money from it. But how much was this?? All in all, this report is rather vague, really skimming the basics. And using incorrect financial terms.

[@monsieurmrfox]

You guys rock, the transparency is so refreshing

[@Proudenglishperson]

They have non 😂😂there liars

[@ancientsounds6989]

Refreshing but need some jerk seasoning on rainy days

[@scootergrant8683]

But also well presented and a very valuable insight into some of the ways KZbin channels go about financing. It's clear TLDR are very business savvy.

[@sudhanvakashyap297]

@@Proudenglishperson source?

[@f.o.8547]

​@Proudenglishperson you're probably American

[@deathdrone6988]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="60">1:00</a>. The moment you complained about mid-roll ads I got served one🤣

[@edloner6327]

Same bro

[@Jordan_Kochev]

KZbin wanted to provide an example

[@calex1801]

Same

[@Kazavop]

same

[@andrewbrian7659]

Pretty sure I remember another youtuber saying that they can tell KZbin where to run ads in the video, genuinely wouldn't be surprised it that was absolutely intentional on their part.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much for explaining this. Very few viewers realise the complexity of earning revenue online. I don’t most people realise how much time, effort and expense goes into making videos. Taking a few one at to watching an ad is a small price to pay for otherwise free content.

[@krisztianandrasi8202]

TLDR TEAM... you are the best thing that happened to journalism for a long time. Thank you for being an example.

[@anubis3669]

Ahh yes TLDR’s annual transparent-financial report. The only financial report I look forward to. Keep up the great work!!

[@skillyoshi]

honestly, i was starting to resent the channel a bit due to increased ad space, but I now see that it is mostly to provide livable wages to your staff. Thank you so much for being transparent, and letting me be a more informed subscriber.

[@craigsteele101]

Nice to see a KZbin channel being open and honest. I’m sure a good chunk of people just think “loads of subscribers = loads of money” Glad to see you’re sticking to your morals and ethics

[@iansmith6279]

Phenomenal openness. Did have a moment of confusion debating whether "misculanious" was a typo or a regional term

[@FastGuy1]

😂😂 i thought this was Australian english or Pidgin for a second there

[@underman105treturns]

You guys make quality content worth every dollar

[@Dbnfkdifiekdndn]

And that’s why every business should be run like TLDR. Transparency is king

[@dftfire]

For any company which is publicly-traded (offer stocks or shares in them) you will find how they're funded in their filings Similarly, charities have to report their income sources and expenditure yearly too They're not totally unique in this 🤨

[@Darkcamera45]

@@dftfire no most media doesnt do this which means we dont know exactly where there biasees come from

[@TheFakeVIP]

I can honestly say that TLDR has changed my life. As a teen I'd always had one eye on politics but never strayed too far in that direction, now, as a 21 year old, I'm getting much more into it. TLDR doesn't only produce good content that got me more interested, it also acted as a catalyst for me to find other political podcasts and news sources, which is vital to exploring a problem-space as large and deviceive as politics. Thank you for all that you do. P.S. Would love to see more TLDR podcasts answering questions, and responding to feedback from the audience.

[@SaintGerbilUK]

Do be aware of their biases, if the Tories were still in power they'd have had a video up about the infighting and disarray caused by the two child policy vote.

[@n00dl3]

​@@SaintGerbilUK Let's talk about your biases. You've left at least two comments on this video making accusations about biases, so let's see what you have to say for yourself.

[@MindOfBrianna03]

@@n00dl3 Exactly. 😠

[@SaintGerbilUK]

@@n00dl3 I'm on the right, I don't claim to be an impartial unbiased source of news.

[@ZenoGotWet]

​@SaintGerbilUK . I like TLDR as they seem unbiased. Let's say they are biased. Do you as someone on the right know of any right leaning channels but to the same extent?

[@davidasheddan]

This transparency alone just made me subscribe to TooLong. Keep up the good work!

[@briancarroll0]

This is just for anyone who's not used to analysing businesses. If the business owner is taking a wage of 50K and the business' profit is 0. It doesn't matter whether the business is profitable because the owner's wages make the business unprofitable. Usually, an owner will adjust their wages every year to maximise tax efficiency so that they pay the least amount of tax possible. Now this isn't me accusing TLDR of doing this but it is a very valid note that if the owner's wages are included there, those are most likely variable right now or will be variable in the future, unlike a normal employee whose wages are fixed year to year.

[@RafaelW8]

I've been following TLDR News since it was just Jack and a single channel with 10k subscribers. I am happy to have stuck so far, and I trust your journalism more than any other. You guys make some mistakes here and there, but keep improving all the time.

[@realFriedrichHayek]

I wasnt expecting the full numbers being shared, only percentages, very impressive and appreciated.

[@mundea]

regardless of how much money TLDR makes, all of you need a raise. Top quality content from you guys

[@itsSandanuK]

if there is any media company that I want to see make absolutely BANK, that's TLDR. Great work guys!

[@GuardianOfEntropy]

This is definitely one of the most important videos you guys made. Transparency is one of the most critical aspects for a news channel. Good job!

[@akmalbakar5078]

Thank you for all your contributions to independant journalism! Wish I could support this project more. The merch sounds like a great idea, would definitely like a tldr tote bag.

[@dasnac69]

Glad to see a news company being transparent about their finances, keep up the good work

[@PatrickOlof]

Honestly I rate TLDR so much, my favourite outlet for news by far 🎉

[@rodbennett]

I am a premium KZbin subscriber, and it is the best money I have ever spent. Glad to see creators get a little more than if I was not. I also get You tube music for the subscription, which I use instead of Spotify.

[@1337vice1337]

Agreed, not having to watch ads while still being able to support the videos i watch is great and i know in the past premium used to give a little less then ads so knowing it's more now is good to know.

[@fh5kskalf]

They should unbundle it. It feels like a scam to pay $14 for it because it includes a $10 service I don't want.

[@MindOfBrianna03]

Agreed. Same here. 😊

[@chrisk_nfl4120]

This video has me feeling the same way. I never knew YT Premium was that good for creators It's getting to the point where I use YT more than Nebula, which is crazy cause I actually like the concept of Nebula

[@lewiskelly14]

But you support Google and they're arseholes.

[@OneShadeofBlack]

Respect for putting this out there, almost every youtuber/content creator are always so secretive about how much they make.

[@hornetgamer8980]

Huge respect to you for doing this. To be honest should be promoted as a must-watch for anyone interested in the economics of KZbin, even if not interested in politics.

[@distinctdipole]

I appreciate the openness. And hope, yes it's a big hope, that such behaviour inspires other media outlets to do the same.

[@tambeealgabbac1244]

Just wow, what a great news outlet and channel TLDR is. I normally don't comment on KZbin, but I had to share my appreciation to your ethics,impartialism and transparency.

[@theglobalgambit]

The timing of that first ad was just 😂👌

[@recom273]

330K from ad’s … excellent work guys, it’s good to know your work is valued.

[@MindOfBrianna03]

Yeah, but that ain't enough imo.

[@sejarahnow4991]

TLDR is a lot more transparent than NHS 🤣

[@DH-bg1qo]

Well one is a tiny business and the other is the 7th largest employer in the world.

[@darthkek1953]

The KGB inner circle is more transparent than the NHS. Cobalt-lined lead is more transparent than the NHS.

[@jaker962]

You guys are absolutely fantastic, I can’t miss a video on any of your channels. This level of transparency and honesty is next level. Thanks for everything, truly incredible organization

[@JeanQPublique]

Thank you for showing this kind of operating model and transparency are possible.

[@michelcharbonnier7603]

Really appreciate this transparency. I'm amazed how you can create such high-quality content despite other news outlets having bigger budgets to work with. Keep up the great work!

[@unqueb]

Honestly I love you guys. You are my main sources of news and I know that you guys actually care about how you research and tell the new. Tysm for your work!

[@zhytch]

I just love everything about you guys. Been here watching since the days of 50,000 subscribers.

[@mvn4514]

I' m a premium KZbin subscriber. I'm glad to know my subscription is continuing to support your amazing channel.

[@anthonyn.7379]

We can always appreciate the transparency you guys give us

[@rohannandi557]

Honest and independent journalism is the pride of a free society

[@Szymuszka]

This would be so great if every KZbin creator would also be as transparent as you are.

[@Louis-rx2dw]

Hats off to you guys. the best ive found at plainly laying out events without opinion and now the most transparent 🎉

[@shapedjarl846]

This is really valuable for informative shows to be transparent and I deeply appreciate this. Thanks mate

[@alphanomega888]

Thank you guys for being so transparent and providing truly impartial political updates.

[@pauldonnelly7949]

One of the most informative and transparent vids I've seen on KZbin, certainly an insight to social media workings, and why some channels behave the way they do. Money is tight but considering a Too Long subscription on the base of this vid. Thanks for the refreshing view.

[@jmaxted5570]

I love how transparent you guys are! Keep doing what you do!

[@tomturton]

'Misculanious' is my favourite TLDR News typo so far!

[@Kaede-Sasaki]

It's the new British spelling. Gong Auf de rauckers, it az.

[@petekarm]

Thank you for your work and transparency

[@clownkirkpatrick]

This level of transparency is totally unheard of and awesome, it's one of many reasons why you are the best

[@dera_ng]

Disagreements aside, you guys all rock!

[@simplephotos6803]

I genuinely hope you guys keep growing, within 5 years I do think you’ll be HUGEEE

[@jasonbuggy6236]

I never buy anything from youtube channels that sales stuff but just bought a copy of too long to support tdlr, you guys should never worry about the financials and just be able to focus on making the best content possible, keep up the good work and thanks for transparency for making videos like this.

[@jamesklusener]

this video was exceptionally put together and transparent! wish more channels did this! thanks tldr!

[@pcrato0627]

It's incredible how transparent you guys are with these sorts of topics. A real breath of fresh air! Keep up the good work!

[@daviddiallo110]

LOVE the transparency keep up the good work!

[@gardelitozz7184]

Love you being so Transparent, thank you GUYS

[@andrewmcalister3462]

I appreciate the openness and transparency.

[@underman105treturns]

The language in the advertisements made me suspicious of how you guys were going financially to be honest the “stay free for as long as possible” is very different from the “continue to stay free”

[@TLDRnews]

That's a fair point - I think we were mainly alluding to the fact that (at least earlier this year) we were losing money. We didn't plan to suddenly paywall content or anything, but we were aware that at that trajectory we weren't going to be around forever. We're now doing better, but it was more us saying "journalism is expensive" and "we'll continue to do this for as long as we have the money left in the bank" - Jack

[@underman105treturns]

@@TLDRnewsno that’s completely fair, I wasn’t critiquing you guys at all, it just raised red flags in my own mind about the possible financial issues behind the scenes, that’s all, you guys do great journalism I have been watching for 3-4 years (on different accounts so it won’t say that on this one) but you guys have only been transparent and trust worthy the entire way, whether it’s from the podcasts critiquing yourselves, or the big (jet lag esc) race to deliver merch showing off all the team members, you guys have done a great job and I don’t expect that to come at little cost, I will be re signing up to nebula after my curiosity stream deal ends this year, once again through you guys as I believe your journalism is worth the money.

[@federicocucinotta7772]

This is amazing. I've been watching your content for a long time, and knowing about the choices you make behind the scenes really helps to know what you stand for and why you do what you do. Thanks for this.

[@jordibfo]

Man this is incredible, this is a breath of fresh air. We really appreciate it

[@AttilaTheDev]

950K a year? Wow. I genuinely expected a lot more for such a prominent set of channels. Anyhow. Kudos and keep going. Wishing growth and further success. Kind regards, another Premium subscriber. 😊

[@rkid7342]

A commendable show of transparency. Hats off to you.

[@hestonmarshall3926]

I do appreciate how open you are and it doesn’t feel like you are trying to hide something shady a thing I sometimes feel with mainstream news

[@ipsylon9833]

Thanks for sharing the reality of the situation you are facing. I highly value this level of engagement and transparency!

[@soundscape26]

I like your transparency guys. Good job.

[@kilacoda]

I remember watching political news channels like TestTube News, Seeker Daily and DNews growing up which really helped me build an interest in world affairs. All of those are gone now sadly, but TLDR has done a wonderful job in reviving unbiased geopolitical content on KZbin!

[@chrisk_nfl4120]

I used to love TestTube and Seeker. I guess TLDR showed how hard it is to be an independent news outlet for revenue

[@19932603A]

Mad props for the transparency.

[@gabrielketzer7084]

Huge respect to TLDR for doing this, don’t think I’ve ever seen this kinda of transparency from any news organisation. I think we need to see these kind of values across so many industries going into the future.

[@willemvanriet7160]

TLDR is the best way to get your news by far! No drama or exaggeration, just the current situation as it develops! I listen daily

[@guyschultz2123]

I worked with jack before KZbin became his full time job. Bought my copy to support. Keep up the great work!

[@megapangolin1093]

Thank you for this excellent video. It is so rare for anyone to be so up front about costs and revenue, and it says much about the ethos of TLDR (Still not sure what the intials refer to). I always appreciate the very clearly narrated, punchy to the point, well scripted delivery and well turned out and presentable presenters, it helps when staring at a vid for 10 mins at a time. I continue to recommend your channel widely. If I want to know something topical I know where to go. Well done all.

[@MindOfBrianna03]

TLDR is usually an abbrivation for "Too Long, Didn't Read". 🙂

[@sailordragonkirby7437]

I genuinely appreciate the breaking down of your finances!

[@kieranlewis1265]

This sort of transparency with TLDR and the viewer is why I gain my news information from TLDR, being largely unbiased, transparent and giving the necessary context to understand, i am happy with the adverts and sponsorships TLDR incorporates as it funds a very healthy and integral business, well done guys!

[@Wheedlinglemur]

Absolutely incredible. The level of transparency here is wonderful. I'm so glad I found this channel years ago. TLDR, your content and ethics have made you my video news media of choice for "Too Long" (lol). Keep up the great work. I wish your organization nothing but the best into the future!

[@taiphun]

Thank you TLDR team! This is the level of honesty of any channel who discusses any kind of politics! I am going to have to use this video as an example of good practice!

[@lolipops8503]

Just bought my copy! Thanks so much guys for all your hard work

[@maalmaha]

I will most certainly support you , and watch all your adds. Keep pushing the boundaries.

[@viktorandersson7802]

Love the transparency!

[@populardrinker]

Really appreciate your daily content, recaps, etc. you all are a fantastic, neutral, and observant group which goes into detail on topics not discussed in our media here in America

[@anderarias]

Thank you for the transparency. That's how it should be. You gained one more follower.

[@shai7207]

ty for being transparent. hope you keep growing

[@michaelt251]

Really impressed by that level of transparency - subscribed to Too Long.

[@alexneumann3]

I (and I think most of us) really appreciate this transparency. Thank you for everything you do!

[@Shadowknightneo]

Well done for being honest and open. I'd love to see more of these types of videos. Background videos on the main presenters, how much goes into each video. Editing and your journalistic guidelines you stick by, feedback and bias opinions from viewers.

[@Kristaliorn]

Would have been interesting to know more about the shorts. I heard that they are good for most. Yours were always really good and Informative

[@DarkHarlequin]

Big cudos for being open in this amount of detail!

[@PhailingMath]

You all do amazing work. Your transparency on all topics is commendable. All the best!!

[@markthompson1439]

I appreciate both the work you put in all your content and the transparency in this video. Just purchased a copy of too long and look forward to receiving it!

[@killertortoise1]

Love this, please please keep up this level of transparency! Looking forward to my copy of too long to arrive!

[@luna237]

Huge respect to you guys for being so transparent!

[@nerenahd]

You guys are amazing. I literally listen to your stuff every single day to go to sleep. Big fan.

[@starflowers1751]

I feel like i just spent time watching a 10 minute ad...but liie, an actually good ad. Good job

[@karituurihalme1007]

I am very happy that you do digital versions of Too Long. If I had even a remote interest in magazines, I would get it.

[@cianoreillycork]

Fascinating to learn about the behind the scenes, amazing channels keep up the great work!

[@rachaelamber22]

Thanks for the breakdown. I wish other content creators were more transparent

[@Tmac4unc]

You earned a subscription because of your transparency. I thank you.