Rumble

Rumble, which originated in 2013 as a video-streaming platform, has expanded its services over the years to include web-hosting. The creation of Rumble was driven by the intention to safeguard the principles of a free and open internet, particularly in response to “cancel culture.”

As Rumble seeks to combat censorship and promote freedom of expression, it has become a hub for various video channels, often with a conservative political orientation, where individuals can express themselves without the risk of being banned from other social media platforms such as YouTube and Twitter. A notable example is Steven Crowder, a US-Canadian comedian and political commentator, who has primarily migrated to Rumble after being temporarily suspended by YouTube in 2021 for violating their policies on "hate speech." This suspension followed his comments on transgender issues.

For Rumble's supporters, the appeal lies in not relying on dominant technology companies that exercise significant control. Rumble has witnessed a sharp increase in its user base in recent years, coinciding with the intensification of content moderation efforts by larger competitors. In 2020, for instance, YouTube removed over 34 million videos worldwide, including those categorized as harassment, incitement to violence, hate speech, or misinformation.

Creators on Rumble have the choice of selecting from four distinct account types:

1) Free account: Under this option, creators' videos will be exclusively shared on Rumble. If a video is approved, creators will earn USD 50, and if it makes it to the "front page" of Rumble, creators will receive USD 100.

2) Publisher account: With a publisher account, Rumble manages a creator's videos, which will be featured on Rumble, with the possibility of Rumble sharing it on platforms like YouTube and other social media platforms. Creators will receive 90% of the earnings the video generates on YouTube and 60% from other sites.

3) Business account: For a monthly fee of USD 25, creators can provide ad-free viewing.

4) Personal account for sharing videos only with family and friends.

In March 2023, Rumble announced that creators would be granted extended monetization prospects until the end of the year. During this period, creators would receive 100% of the revenue generated from the sale of monthly subscription badges, a newly introduced feature priced at USD 5 per month. Furthermore, the platform compensates streamers with 60% of the advertising revenue generated on their content. Additionally, Rumble features a tipping system called "Rants," akin to Twitch Bits, allowing users to support their favorite streamers through monetary contributions.

Key customers and partners

Rumble reported that it had an active user base of over 80 million users at the end of 2022.

It has forged exclusive partnerships with prominent content creators and streamers such as Russell Brand and Andrew Tate. Other noteworthy creators on Rumble include figures like Jidon "JiDion" Livingston "DJ Akademiks", IShowSpeed, and Kai Cenat.

Funding and financials

Rumble was listed on the Nasdaq in September 2022 via a special purpose acquisition corporation (SPAC) Cantor Fitzgerald Acquisition Corp VI, where it raised USD 400 million. The listing attracted investments from Cantor Fitzgerald, a leading global financial services group.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Rumble secured private funding from conservative venture capitalist Peter Thiel and J.D. Vance, author of "Hillbilly Elegy" and a Senate candidate.

Rumble’s revenue for 2022 was USD 39.4 million (up 316% from FY 2021) and its net loss for 2022 was USD 11.4 million (losses reduced by 15% from FY 2021).