What are the affordable video hosting services similar to vdocipher, that provide encrypted video streaming options?

Hey there! This doesn't seem to meet the definition of a partnership, especially if all of the funding is coming from you. You certainly want to demonstrate that you value his expertise and contributions but it really sounds like you are bringing your first employee (if you are based in the U.S. learn more about how the IRS designated independent contractors from employees here http://bit.ly/IRScontractorvsemployee). Without having many other details, my suggestion is that you connect with your local economic development council or workforce council to prepare yourself for becoming an employer. Your discussions will change from percentage to salary. You might also consider developing an operating agreement for commission-based compensation on any sales that he brings in. I really hope this helps!

Great question. I think you'll find that most video production companies are "reputable" however the bigger question is what kind of quality do you want and what is your budget? Having been a creative and video director for 20 years, I've seen budgets from $1,000 to $100,000 for videos, for widely varying types of projects. For a simple explainer you are looking in the realm of $500-$5000 depending the on quality and customization. There are places that charge more and do amazing work but those companies are typically creating work for bigger brands. Hope that helps.

If your talking about the pixel quality it depends on your brand. The content of the video is far more important. You should take into account on a broader level whether an explain-er video will increase conversions verse a text based explanation due to trade offs. Video: Visual elements help with user experience and also increase transparency with brand. The con is that search engines can't read video's and only the video description will be recognizable. (A work around is having a transcript of the video which may take away from the user experience). Also video's decrease your websites page speed. Text: This will allow people and search engines to read your content. May decrease visitors engagement and increase bounce rate. Solution: I have been in a position where we did an A/B text on having a video verse image to explain the concept. Turns out both performed nearly identical. We choose the image because videos hurt page speed. Page speed is a part of Google's algorithm for search engine results. Consider creating a landing page with bullet points around customers pain points (not your product/service benefits) with a CTA that takes them to your video or offer. With an explain-er video I'm guessing your offering an unique product or service.

I remember that Adobe Media Encoder used to have options for water marking. Check that and possibly, but unlikely Apple Compressor out. Hope that helps!

I like to approach these things with big wins. One, ask yourself who your message would help? Who would find this really valuable? It may not be people you'd typically think. Look outside of your industry. Find where those people hangout online. Where are they on Facebook? What are they reading? etc. Then brainstorm ways that you can show up on those channels. For example: let's say your peeps love Forbes. Have you pitched Forbes yet? Or let's say that mommy bloggers would go crazy for your idea (so you think). You hit up some of them via email and tell them you'd love to share this free content. You'd think it'd be valuable. Content creators are always in the biz of finding more great content. So, when you can provide it and it makes sense (your job is to show why it makes sense) then people are happy to promote. The scariest part about this is pitching it because it can feel vain. The key is thinking about those you're helping, removing yourself from the equation and releasing the outcome. Then see what happens :) Happy to discuss in detail how you can find potential partners to promote your work, formulate the pitch and even create some email templates for you to send out on a call. Shoot me a message if you want to set up a call.