Have a GoPro? You could be sitting on an income stream you haven’t tapped into yet. Whether you’re into mountain biking, travel, skateboarding, or scuba diving, there’s money to be made from the footage you already shoot.
People are hungry for high-quality action footage. Brands, content creators, and video production companies need videos just like yours. The better your videos, the higher the chance they’ll pay for them.
Make Money Licensing Your GoPro Videos
One of the best ways to turn your footage into cash is through licensing. When you license a video, you retain ownership. Clients pay you for the right to use your clips in ads, documentaries, or online content.
There are platforms that help you do this. They connect creators with buyers. Here’s where to start:
- Jukin Media: This company will pay for viral clips. You can sell outright or split revenue.
- ViralHog: They buy and license wild, entertaining, or unexpected moments caught on camera.
- Newsflare: If your GoPro captured breaking news or unusual real-life events, Newsflare might want it.
To catch their attention, your footage should be compelling, high-quality, and real. A moose charging your snowmobile? Sellable. A front-flip on a dirt bike? Worth uploading. A perfect sunset timelapse? Less likely to sell unless it has a twist.
Get Paid by YouTube
YouTube still pays—if you work smart. The YouTube Partner Program lets you earn money from ads shown on your videos. But you need to hit their thresholds:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 hours of watch time in a rolling 12-month window
Once you qualify, ad revenue starts flowing. But don’t stop there. You can boost income through:
- Sponsored content from camera brands or outdoor gear
- Affiliate links in video descriptions
- Merchandise sales linked from your channel
Videos that perform best on YouTube usually follow a theme: POV shots, clear audio, short intros, clean transitions. Punchy editing and an engaging title also help.
Sell Footage as Stock Video
Stock footage is in demand. Companies, ad agencies, and YouTubers need polished B-roll and action shots for their projects. Your GoPro videos could fill that gap.
Sites to consider:
- Shutterstock
- Pond5
- Adobe Stock
Before uploading, follow these steps:
- Edit for clarity and flow. Shaky or slow clips don’t sell well.
- Submit full HD or 4K quality only.
- Use descriptive keywords so people can find your footage.
Content buyers often want generic clips with multiple possible uses—like biking down a scenic trail, hiking through the forest, or paddling a canoe.
Turn Your Content into Gear Reviews or Tutorials
GoPro owners love watching how others use their gear. If you’re already testing accessories, mounts, or new cameras, monetize those efforts.
Ways to profit from review or tutorial content:
- Post on YouTube and monetize with ads and affiliate links
- Create your own blog and embed your videos
- Pitch your videos to tech or camera blogs for paid placement
Ask yourself: Would a beginner learn something from this content? If yes, it’s worth posting. Gear comparison videos, settings walkthroughs, and low-light performance demos get consistent views.
Start a Patreon for Your Adventures
If you consistently produce cool adventures—mountain climbs, drone flights, deep dives—those videos may attract a paying audience.
Set up a Patreon and offer followers premium content like:
- Behind-the-scenes footage
- Gear checklists
- Monthly Q&As or livestreams
Patreon works better for creators who have built trust and a following. If your content is consistent and unique, you attract the kind of fans who’d pay to support more of it.
Join GoPro’s Awards Program
GoPro wants your best footage. That’s why they created GoPro Awards. You upload videos directly to them. If selected, they pay you cash. No strings.
What GoPro looks for:
- Unique angles
- Epic moments
- High-quality video with correct exposure, framing, and minimal shakiness
Accepted footage could earn $500—or more. They also accept raw clips, photos, and bloopers. Submit to contests like:
- Everything We Love Contest
- Best Line Awards
- Million Dollar Challenge (once a year, big payouts)
Sell Action Edits to Brands or Social Creators
If you have editing skills, sell complete videos—not just footage. Brands love short, punchy edits for social media. Personal trainers, influencers, or product resellers want clean action shots they can use on their channels.
How to position yourself:
- Create a sample reel (1 minute long)
- Include transitions, music, and branded overlays
- Upload it to a Fiverr or Upwork profile
Charge per edit or sell standard packages. For example, $75 for a one-minute clip with three revisions. If your work pops, word spreads fast.
Bundle and Sell Your GoPro Footage as a Digital Product
Turn your raw footage into downloadable bundles. Think of it like ready-to-edit content. Buyers are YouTubers, vloggers, or editors who want fast access to quality visuals.
Package your work by theme:
- Trail running in Colorado
- Surfing in Indonesia
- Motocross in Baja
You can sell these bundles on marketplaces like:
- Gumroad
- Sellfy
- Etsy (yes, digital downloads are allowed)
Add value with bonus assets like LUTs (color presets), thumbnails, or intro animations.
Pitch Clips to Local News Outlets
Did your GoPro capture a wildfire? A tornado? An avalanche? If your video shows something newsworthy, local or national news outlets may want it.
Steps to sell news footage:
- Edit the clip briefly; aim for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Upload it to YouTube with contact info in the description.
- Email the station directly. Subject line: “Exclusive footage of [Event Name] – Available for License.”
This route is hit or miss. But if you do catch something rare, it could land on national TV—and bring in licensing money.
Work With Tour Companies as a Videographer
Tour operators want footage of their adventures—zip lines, rafting trips, canyon hikes. Offer your services to shoot and edit videos they can promote online or give to customers.
Some adventure companies hire freelancers for:
- Daily tour highlight reels
- Promo videos for social media
- Upsell packages (souvenir videos for customers)
Reach out in person or email local companies in travel hotspots. Bring a one-minute sample reel and a simple rate card. You can shoot with your GoPro and edit on any laptop. This type of work can lead to repeat gigs and long-term contracts—especially in tourist seasons.
Create Niche Content Channels
Stand out by focusing on a specific GoPro niche. You don’t need millions of views if your audience is loyal and reachable.
Examples of tight niches:
- Urban bike racing POVs
- Freediving in cold water
- Rock climbing tutorials for beginners
Once you build an audience around a niche like this, making money becomes easier through brand deals, affiliate links, and community support platforms like Buy Me A Coffee or Ko-fi.
License Directly to Brands or Agencies
If you catch something amazing, don’t wait for a third-party site. Reach out directly to brands that match your niche. If your video showcases their gear or aligns with their market, they may license it directly.
Email tips:
- Write short and clear. Example: “Hi [Brand], I filmed something I think your team will love. It features your [product] in action. Let me know if you’d like to use it—here’s a link.”
- Include the link to an unlisted YouTube or Vimeo video.
- Suggest a few usage ideas—social media ads, stories, or promotional clips.
This path works best when your footage includes a recognizable product and high visual impact.
Practice Makes Profit
To earn from GoPro footage, you need two things: solid content and strategies to market it. That comes with practice. Start uploading, start pitching, and start treating your GoPro like a side business.
You already shoot. Now it’s time to turn clips into dollars.
