Google launches Qaya service for digital content creators
Google team launches new service called Qaya, which allows content creators to easily set up new web storefronts where they can sell their products and services directly to their audiences.
The project is the latest to emerge from Google’s in-house project incubator Area 120, which was recently part of a larger company reorganization that raised its profile after several of its previous projects moved to various parts of Google, including the cloud, search, purchasing and commerce divisions.
The new company, Qaya, was co-founded by Nathaniel Havery, who previously worked in the Kormo job market targeting the next billion internet users, especially those in markets like India, Indonesia and Bangladesh.
After hearing dozens of creators talk about how difficult and time-consuming it is to start their own digital business, he came up with the idea for Qaya, a service that would allow them to sell directly to the public.
And there was a demand for a flexible, codeless product that could serve as a single hub where content creators could make money from their work and better connect with their audiences.
Qaya’s solution enables content creators to create personalized online storefronts displaying their products, services and other digital downloads, which can then be linked to the YouTube product shelf and integrated with Google search and purchases.
Through these stores, content creators can include such items as photos, files or eBooks, digital arts, photo filters and settings, productivity models, sewing patterns, fitness videos, etc.
The company claims that up to 1,000 products can be hosted per storefront. In addition, if the initiator sells physical goods or services through other platforms. The import function allows him to display these elements on his Qaya page, integrating with his personal brand.
Each store also gets a personalized URL that can be used in place of the links it puts on social media sites.
Google aims to empower content creators to sell more products
These services allow content creators to create small websites that indicate their diverse online presence. Including social media channels, stores, blogs, music, podcasts, and more.
Qaya stores also allow content creators to post links to their other online accounts. But the site’s broader goal is to connect fans directly to the content the creator offers for sale.
Google Pay is integrated with Qaya and supports various types of monetization. Including subscription, tip and one-off payments. Qaya also provides information and analysis on the sales performance of content creators’ products.
The product is currently free, with monetization being handled on a transactional basis. In other words, content creators keep the vast majority of the income they make from the products they download and sell through Qaya.
Google says the new service is being released as a beta in the United States. But non-U.S. Users can get on the waiting list while waiting for Qaya to roll out in their country.
Creators who want to access the beta can request an invite on the Qaya website.