Self-Releasing a Comedy Special on Curios Creator Studio

Sell your special directly to fans—keep 100%, own your audience, and skip the streamer middlemen

1. Prep Checklist

Asset Recommended Spec Why it matters
Final video file MP4 (H.264/H.265), 1080p or higher Curios streams and (optionally) allows fan downloads
Thumbnail / cover art 1920 × 1080 JPG/PNG Used on the listing card and player UI
Trailer clip (optional) < 60s MP4 Great for Preview Files
Caption file (optional) SRT or VTT Improves accessibility and SEO
Launch-day price e.g., $14.99 Set pricing in Sales & Pricing panel

2. Create the Project shell

  1. Log in to studio.curios.com with your email + 6-digit code.
  2. Click ➕ New Project and title it: Live at the Laugh Box (2025).
  3. Complete the wizard (Save Draft or Review & Publish is fine).

3. Add your Special as a Collection

  1. Inside the project, click + New Collection.

Collection Information:

  • Title: “Live at the Laugh Box – HD”
  • Description: Include runtime, rating, and any bonus features

Private Files: Upload your MP4. Add SRT/VTT subtitles if available—Curios pairs them automatically.

Preview Files: Upload a short trailer clip or teaser (30–60s).

4. Price, Rental, or Presale?

Go to Sales & Pricing → Listing Details. Choose from:

Scenario Setting
Buy & keep forever Listing Type → Buy Now → $14.99
48-hour rental Second Listing → Rental → $4.99 → Rental Period: 48h
Presale Create listing before uploading. On release day, upload MP4 and click Update Collection

You can stack listings with start/end dates to automate sales or promos.

5. Publish & Share

  1. Click Create Collection, then Publish Project
  2. Copy the collection’s marketplace URL and drop it into bios, emails, etc.

6. After Launch—Own the Data

  • Go to Studio → Statements → Orders
  • Click Download CSV to get buyer emails and data
  • Use the list to promote tour dates, merch, or future specials
  • To fix or replace content, just re-upload your MP4 and click Update Collection

7. Advanced Plays

Goal How-to
Tip-Jar Addon Create separate collection titled “Support the Comic” with pay-what-you-want
Audio-Only Spin-Off Duplicate project, upload WAV/MP3 → Price: $4.99
VIP Bundle MP4 + PDF joke book + uncut bonus reel
Geo-targeted Tour Promo Filter Orders by ZIP → email local presale links

8. Why This Beats Waiting on a Streamer

  • 100% payout—Curios adds a small buyer fee, never takes from you
  • Instant delivery—no external link juggling
  • Proof of demand—Louis C.K. earned $1M in 12 days, Schulz made $7M solo
  • Permanent storefront—fans can buy this and preorder your next special

9. Launch-Day Checklist

  • Upload MP4 + captions in Private Files
  • Add short teaser to Preview Files
  • Set Buy Now + (optional) Rental listings
  • Publish Project
  • Post link on social and email list
  • Export buyer CSV 24h later and say thanks!

Questions? Email [email protected]—our team handles creator issues faster than a heckler gets a clap-back. 🎤