Author Topic: The reason why sales dropped on VideoBlocks / Storyblocks (Read 2149 times)

MichaelRon · « **on:** January 27, 2019, 14:28 »

I believe the reason why sales dropped on VideoBlocks / Storyblocks is because they changed their search algorithm.

I haven't checked this for some time, but now when you search you only get result from the Member Library - the Marketplace result are now separate somewhere in the bottom of the page.

Some time ago the default search filter was set to All, now the default is Member Library.

Even more, sometimes when you click on the Marketplace videos from the bottom of the search results page you get a pop-up warning message: "Marketplace clips are not included with a subscription."

So they are making it harder for clients to get to our videos... What do you think?

stockfotograf · « **Reply #1 on:** January 27, 2019, 16:16 »

This is by design, given their "Unlimited Member Library Downloads".

Our videos are just click baits for their collection.

JoeClemson · « **Reply #2 on:** January 27, 2019, 17:26 »

Adding my videos to Videoblocks takes minimal effort as part of my normal workflow of uploading to other agencies, so I have carried on uploading my most recent material. However, having had this searchbias against 'Marketplace' videos pointed out, I am now thinking that even minimal effort is too much. If I am going to upload |I like to think that I have at least some chance of selling, and this stacking of the cards largely rules out that possibility. Time to move on, it seems.

Noedelhap · « **Reply #3 on:** January 27, 2019, 17:44 »

Ever since their commission cut uploading there seems like wasted time, and dwindling sales do not change that.

Mantis · « **Reply #4 on:** January 27, 2019, 19:08 »

Quote from: MichaelRon on January 27, 2019, 14:28

I believe the reason why sales dropped on VideoBlocks / Storyblocks is because they changed their search algorithm.

I haven't checked this for some time, but now when you search you only get result from the Member Library - the Marketplace result are now separate somewhere in the bottom of the page.

Some time ago the default search filter was set to All, now the default is Member Library.

Even more, sometimes when you click on the Marketplace videos from the bottom of the search results page you get a pop-up warning message: "Marketplace clips are not included with a subscription."

So they are making it harder for clients to get to our videos... What do you think?

No. They have enough content in their owned collection that the subject matter covers much of what would be in the paid collection. If they changed anything it is to drive traffic to their owned collection. Either way, this was all by design. Any level-headed person knew that this was the intended outcome. And so did VB, SB or whatever you want to call them.

jamesbenet · « **Reply #5 on:** January 27, 2019, 21:56 »

Good catch!

Also you get this pop up that basically scares you to see the marketplace results when you select it on the left column, It makes it even more difficult for making potential buyers search.

I have contacted VB with my concerns as a complete lack of sales is pushing me to stop uploading and re examine the future if it continues.

Not Today · « **Reply #6 on:** January 28, 2019, 02:04 »

I've just said good bye good riddance to them - emailed them and asked them to delete my whole portfolio.

The lack of sales, compared to the other top and middle tier websites (or even low earners), didn't give me confidence that they were actually reporting sales properly to us - I've got peace of mind now, feels good to move on.

But you're right it could be the way their website is set up with MarketPlace. Either way, I'm out.

cobalt · « **Reply #7 on:** January 28, 2019, 02:51 »

To compensate the lower royalty, they raised their prices.

Looks to me like this killed their USP for many buyers.

stockmarketer · « **Reply #8 on:** January 28, 2019, 05:15 »

We discussed this a while back in this thread: http://www.microstockgroup.com/videoblocks/i-stopped-uploading-new-material-to-videoblocks-till-i-see-upswing-in-sales/

Many of us saw a HUGE drop when they made marketplace content nearly invisible to buyers with their search change. I went from having an average of one video download every day to just a few a month. I no longer upload there.