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Strollerderby
Is Making Money Off of Your Child’s YouTube Videos Okay?
YouTube has become a phenomenon that has the ability to make stars out of average, everyday folks who wouldn’t otherwise get that exposure in their day-to-day lives.
But what about the kids featured in YouTube videos? Is it okay for parents to profit from their child’s YouTube stardom?
Take, for instance, the adorable Lily, whose reaction to a surprise trip to Disneyland was captured on video and went viral in a heartbeat.
The exposure of her reaction video racked up the views and has been earning the family money from the ads posted next to the video. Also? The video will be used as part of Disney’s commercial campaign.
Should parents be using their kids to make money like this?
In most cases, when these videos go viral, the parents maintain that they originally took the video and shared the footage on YouTube with friends and family.
What’s the harm with the videos taking off in popularity and earning the family a little money — or exposure?
Check out the little girl who sings Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” – not only did the video go viral, but the girls in the video got an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, where they met and rapped with Minaj.
Heck, even Justin Bieber got his start on YouTube, and that kid isn’t doing too badly for himself.
Critics of posting videos of kids on YouTube will argue that it’s not exactly a safe practice, exposing your kids to the huge online world out there.
Do you agree? Or do you think “What’s the harm?” – especially if you have the next Justin Bieber on your hands?
Toddler’s got talent! The 10 cutest singers on YouTube
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1 Comment
Caitie commented on Nov 07 11 at 12:33 pmIf the money coming in from the videos will benefit the child. I don’t see the harm. Well, as long as they don’t end up creepy showbiz parents.
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