Daniel Graf, Kyte1

CEO
San Francisco - CA United States

The big idea: In 25 words or less, please tell us how this Fast 50 Nominee is helping to address the planet's problems.

Kyte provides anyone – from consumers to major recording artists - with an easy way to instantly broadcast video to multiple destinations and has come up with a way to monetize online video.

Please describe how this nominee is using business as a force of positive change. What technology, idea, or strategy is the nominee using -- and what problem, such as global warming, poverty, or pollution, does it address? (suggested length: 100 words)

Online video is the hottest thing on the web and YouTube is now a household name; however, few in the space have yet to develop a viable strategy for monetizing video content.

In order to accomplish the goal of monetizing UGC, Kyte is relying on “Super Users” or individuals with celebrity status who have a dedicated fanbase looking for fresh and authentic content. These artists or celebrities can use their branded Kyte channels for massive viral distribution of content to viewers. This in turn, becomes a draw for advertisers and a way for Super Users to grow their audience, establish their brand and communicate with viewers in a two-way dialogue.

During a time when the music industry is suffering from declining album sales, Kyte is first reaching out to musicians who need a new way to make money through establishing themselves as a brand entity. To help them do this, the Kyte Professional platform delivers custom player branding, elevated viral elements and most importantly, e-commerce integration – meaning that artists can now sell tickets, music and merchandise using their Kyte Player. The Player is the next evolution of online video as it blurs the line between producer and audience, converting passive viewers to active participants and engaging the audience through real-time, two-way communication.

The reason why many companies have had a difficult time making money from UGC, is due to the fact that advertisers are reluctant to spend money to attach their brand to home videos that generate small audiences. Daniel will be able to share why “Super-UGC,” such as backstage content from 50 Cent’s most recent tour which has generated millions of views and thousands of player embeds, or Raheem DeVaughn improvising on his hotel room piano, provides more incentive for advertisers to spend dollars on video content. In addition, Daniel will talk about the emerging “cost-per-engagement” business model, which is proving to be a simple and efficient way of generating revenue.

What are the results, both financial and social? How has the nominee's business performed, and what impact has it had on the problem it addresses? (suggested length: 100 words)

With these strategic investments and partner relationships, Kyte is building a social communications ecosystem on a global scale with massive viral distribution and monetization potential. In addition, by working closely with artists and mobile carriers, Kyte is furthering its reach and expansion into media and entertainment. Kyte is currently working with artists from all four major music labels, including 50 Cent and Grammy-nominated Raheem DeVaughn. These artists use the Kyte Platform to broadcast mobile video in real-time to multiple online and mobile destinations. Fans interact with the content on the web through the embedded Kyte Player “super widget,” or from their mobile phones through the iPhone-optimized Kyte Mobile Web. Artists such as 50 Cent are experiencing millions of show views and massive viral content distribution across thousands of websites.

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