How to Bring in Paid Subscribers by Giving Free Incentives?

Have you ever wondered why many video platforms offer some content for free? Are the platforms so generous that they would provide their service for free? No, right?
Offering free video is one of the smartest ways to capture people's interest. The idea is simple: Let your visitors see for themselves how great your content is, build trust and let them want more.
If you're running a video streaming platform, a learning site or any video services, be it providing educational content or your views on politics, fitness or a channel on lifestyle vlogging or cooking, offering some free content is a strategy to attract viewers. This later helps in upgrading to paying subscribers.
In this blog, you will find exactly what kind of free videos work best, why they matter and how to use them to grow your audience.
Why Free Video Content Works So Well
Imagine you want to buy a new car, and before purchasing the car, you go for a test drive. Similarly, in the case of a subscription, free video content works like a free test drive. It helps the viewers to know what they are going to pay for once they start subscribing to the channel.
It is like keeping one window open to see what’s inside and create a curiosity in the mind for knowing what’s more in store. First, it acts as a habit, making it impossible to stop watching one video after another. Just think about the latest episodes of Stranger Things, which keep you coming back every time to Netflix and get a subscription for each season. Once you’re hooked, it creates curiosity and a willingness in the viewer's mind to know what happens next, and that’s when the game begins!
The chances of subscribing become much higher when viewers get hooked on your content. The real challenge does not lie in getting someone to watch your video for the first time, but turning that casual viewer into a subscriber, which is where the real relationship starts. People subscribe the moment they trust that whatever you upload next will be worth their time. And a little preview of your content helps them to decide well.
It makes your life simple — No more begging for subscribers or using flashy tricks. You’ve already proven your value through your content. Now, you’re simply giving viewers a gentle nudge to stay connected for more future content.
Why does Amazon Prime provide a 30-Day Free Trial?
Amazon Prime Video gives a free trial so new customers can watch movies and shows without paying at first. This helps them understand the quality and value of the service. The trial makes people feel comfortable trying it and many of them later become paid subscribers. The free trial also benefits Amazon in other ways because once people join Prime for their video content, they often start using other Prime services like fast delivery and shopping deals, which ultimately helps in their sales.
They also sometimes offer the first episode of a big new show for free to get you paid, knowing that once you start a series, you'll be willing to pay to know more.

These platforms and other video businesses have all used similar tactics and have confirmed that free content is a proven driver for conversions — From a mere viewer to a paying subscriber.
4 Simple Ways to Use Free Content
You can use these four methods to start using free content to grow your business today:
Free Trials (The Best Option)
Try before you buy! You let someone have full access to all your videos for a short time, like a 30-day free trial. Let the viewers explore everything for free and let them decide if they want to continue further with the platform.
To make it smoother for the customers, you often ask for their payment details while signing in, but they are not uncharged until the free time is over. After the trial is over, they automatically become a paying customer without doing anything extra.
Our platform, Skara, offers a 30-day free trial so new users can explore the platform before paying. The trial is designed to let users understand how Skara works and test all the important features. You can edit according to your preference and build their websites without any commitment. The goal is to help you understand how the platform works before deciding to subscribe to our platform.

Free Videos
Watch the first episode for free!
Think in terms of a series. If you run a cooking channel, don't just post a single video about the cooked dish. Create a series that walks viewers through the entire journey over multiple episodes of multiple cuisines and let them view the first few episodes for free.
The first few videos will create tension and curiosity in their minds, leading them further to know more about what happens next and will eventually lead them to subscribe to the platform. The subscription will be an easy one, as they know what they are offered. As they already have a sneak peek of what's inside.

Win-Back Trials
When you cancel your subscription to any platform, you notice these gentle reminders of the unpaid bill. While some of your favourite content is streaming, you do not want to miss it. After a few months, you find special offers being showered on you with huge discounts.
You can offer another free trial later for people who cancelled, especially when you have added some new content. This will help bring former customers who might have left for reasons and might change their decision with the new offers. Discounts move the subscribers to pay easily and have a higher chance of getting more viewers.

Coupons
Coupons can work wonders in the case of driving sales. It attracts customers who may be hesitant to buy at full price. Tell me who doesn't like getting some free goodies or some extra discounts on their purchase. No one, isn’t it?
Similarly, it is the same with video content businesses. You can use coupon codes to give trial-free content or discounts on your content, and make your customers or viewers feel special with these coupons and discounts as a festive gift.
Similarly, it is the same with video content businesses. You can use coupon codes to give trial-free content or discounts on your content, and make your customers or viewers feel special with these coupons and discounts as a festive gift.

Conclusion
Offering free content isn't just a marketing trick. It is a smart way to build trust and encourage viewers to become paying subscribers. When people get a chance to experience your videos without any risk, they're more likely to see the value you provide and commit long-term.
FAQs
- Why should I offer free content?
Free content gives viewers a chance to test your content before subscription. It helps to build trust and increases the chances of turning casual viewers into subscribers
- How long should a free trial be?
Normally, a 30-day trial is often provided on most platforms. Even a 7-14 day trial is usually enough for viewers to explore the content and decide if they want to continue further.
- Are coupon codes useful?
Yes, coupons help during promotions and social media campaigns by giving discounts or limited free access.
