🗞️ News Break Contributor Program.
- A part of the nation’s leading local news app, designed to fill news deserts across the U.S.
- Anyone—journalists, bloggers, community voices—can write or create videos about local news, with their work distributed to millions of users .
- No strict vetting to start—begin as a “Community Voice” and grow your profile
🏷️ Contributor Labels & Verification.
- Community Voice: Default label for new contributors
- Writer: Requires verification from other platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Medium)
- Contributor: For verified writers with monetization access and no policy strikes
Higher labels often yield better visibility and trust.
💵 How Monetisation Works.
Three key steps:
- Publish ≥10 original stories (≥250 words + images) and gain 100+ registered followers Vocal
- Apply for monetization via Tipalti
- Your approved pieces begin earning based on views and in-app engagemen.
Payment schedule:
- Earnings are calculated each calendar month and released by mid-next-month
🧑💻What You Can Publish.
- Articles: Minimum 250 words, 1+ image, no clickbait,
- Videos: 30 seconds to 10 minutes (best between 1–6 mins), with clear headline/description
- Can use AI content, but must disclose at the top of the article or video caption.
📊 Revenue Breakdown & Challenges.
- Initially, NewsBreak offered guaranteed minimum payouts (~$1,000+/month), but now relies entirely on performance-based metrics (views, engagement)
- This shift has led to fluctuating income:
- Some earn $2K–$4K/month, especially in large markets.
- Others see dramatic drops—sometimes $6 for 15K views—as attribution and algorithms change .
⚠️ Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Millions of users monthly; helps build following | Algorithm changes can tank reach unexpectedly |
| Low barrier to entry | No guarantee of consistent payouts |
| Supports local storytelling and video content | Monetization only after 10+ stories + 100 followers |
| In-app analytics and dashboards available | Editorial hold-ups + vague rejections reported |
🧠 Insider Tips from Contributors
“You need a U.S. phone number … I used Open Phone’s free trial”—significant if you’re outside the US Vocal
“It took me more than a month to get 100 registered followers … suddenly I had 165 registered” Vocal
Warning signs: sudden follow/view drops, delayed payments, withheld content Reddit
🚀 Best Practices to Maximize Reach & Income
- Focus on local, original reporting—this is what NewsBreak
- Publish regularly (2+ times/week) to maintain visibility
- Use authentic, clear headlines; include images/videos that are owned or allowed
- Cross-promote via social media to gain followers faster
- Track analytics in the Creator Dashboard (especially in the Monetization tab)
🧭 Who Is It For.
- Local journalists, bloggers, videographers
- Freelance writers wanting to build a national-local footprint
- Creators of hyperlocal content that mainstream media often miss creators.newsbreak.com
🏁 Is It Right for You?
✅ Ideal if:
- You’re U.S.-based (or have a U.S. phone number)
- Want to grow a local audience
- Can produce original 250+ word articles or short videos regularly
- Are comfortable with variable income and platform changes
⚠️ Consider alternatives if:
- You need predictable earnings
- Prefer content fully monetized elsewhere (Medium, Substack, self-publishing)
- Don’t have access to a U.S. number or follower buildup strategy.
