The World's Mayor Newsletter | Legacy & Media Insights by Joshua T. Berglan

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Joshua

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It's Absolutely Bonkers to Pay to Be on a Streaming Platform—Unless You Own It

By Joshua T. Berglan

A graphic showing logos of major streaming platforms behind a 'stop' sign, with text 'Self-Host Your Content'

Hey there, I'm Joshua T. Berglan. The idea that creators should pay for placement on platforms like Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV highlights a core tension: trading control and revenue for reach. Self-hosting flips the script, putting you in charge. Let's break down why it's often the smarter, more sustainable choice for independents.

The Hidden Costs and Fees of Third-Party Platforms

Distributing content on major platforms involves developer fees, revenue cuts, and app development costs. These can eat into 30% or more of your earnings, making it feel like you're renting space in someone else's empire rather than building your own.

Developer and Submission Fees: Getting started requires paying for access. The Apple Developer Program is $99/year, and custom Roku or Fire TV app development can cost thousands. ( Source )
Revenue Shares and Monetization Cuts: Platforms like Apple, Roku, and Amazon take a significant slice (typically 20-30%) of your earnings from subscriptions, rentals, or in-app purchases. ( Source )
Ecosystem Lock-In: You're restricted to a specific audience and compete in a crowded marketplace where algorithms favor established players. ( Source )

A creator with 10,000 subscribers at $5/month could lose $180,000 annually to platform cuts alone.

Risks of Relying on Third-Party Platforms

Beyond costs, these platforms introduce vulnerabilities that can derail your business overnight, as they prioritize their profits and policies over yours.

Loss of Control & Censorship: Platforms can flag, remove, or bury your content due to strict rules or algorithm changes, risking deplatforming and cutting off access to your audience. ( Source )
Audience and Data Ownership Issues: You don't own your viewer data, limiting your ability to build direct relationships. The platform controls analytics and can distract viewers with suggested content. ( Source )

Why Self-Hosting on Your Own Platform is Better

Self-hosting puts you in the driver's seat. While it requires setup, the long-term gains in profit, control, and brand equity are substantial.

Full Revenue Retention: Keep 100% of your earnings from subscriptions, ads, donations, or any model you choose—no 30% cuts. ( Source )
Complete Control and Customization: Own your branding, UI, and content delivery. Avoid censorship, set your own rules, and build an experience that keeps viewers engaged without third-party distractions. ( Source )
Privacy, Security, and Data Ownership: Protect user data, secure your content copyrights, and scale globally without the risk of being deplatformed. You build equity in your brand, not someone else's.

Ready to Build Your Own Media Empire?

Take control of your content and legacy. My books provide a roadmap for independent creators to thrive in the modern media landscape.

Get 'Media Company in a Box' Read 'The Bridge to Media Empowerment'

Or visit my website for more insights.

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Insights on media, legacy, and mindset from The World's Mayor.

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By Joshua Berglan • February 11, 2026

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In this powerful interview with Joshua T Berglan, Nathaniel Allenby reveals how survival became art, kindness became currency, & circus became a vehicle for healing

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By Joshua Berglan • February 6, 2026

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Energy Justice: Girls Powering Africa's Future | CSW70

By Joshua Berglan • January 23, 2026

DoTheDream YDI launches $21M Girls in Energy initiative at UN CSW70—empowering 14,980 African girls to lead the 10MW solar revolution. Joshua T. Berglan reports.

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By Joshua Berglan • January 21, 2026

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By Joshua Berglan • January 17, 2026

Psychiatrist Dr. Aninda Sidhana shares her survivor story and Mindweave healing framework. Explore her advocacy for mental health and gender equality.

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Executive Burnout Protocol: The Cortisol Cut-Off

By Joshua Berglan • January 3, 2026

Discover the biological truth of decision fatigue. Joshua T. Berglan reveals the "Cortisol Cut-Off" protocol to prevent executive burnout in the C-Suite.

From Failure to Framework: Truth & Neurodiversity

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By Joshua Berglan • December 31, 2025

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By Joshua Berglan • December 30, 2025

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By Joshua Berglan • December 30, 2025

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By Joshua Berglan • December 28, 2025

Joshua T. Berglan explores the art of unlearning, the dangers of deep fakes, and why seeking the absolute truth requires getting wrecked.

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By Joshua Berglan • December 28, 2025

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Escape the AI Slop Era with Joshua T. Berglan. Discover Omnimedia Architecture, avoid the vampire brand trap, and build a trusted legacy. Watch Episode 3 now.

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