Recently 
There has been a growing movement called Podcasting 2.0 to enable direct peer to peer payments between the listen and creator. This is called 'Value 4 Value', the idea that a creator doesn't need to use advertising or paywalls or sponsorships to earn a living. Instead their audience can support them with whatever amount they think the show is worth. This was first focused only on podcasting and this thriving ecosystem has produced >8 popular podcast apps that enable you to do this (see this 3speak video for a practical run through: ).
This system is not just limited podcasting and the next area gaining traction is music. Musicians are starting to turn away from Spotify where they are not rewarded for their efforts. And this will eventually make it's way to all digital content (blogs, audio books, photography, AI art, video, etc) as creators realise they can make a better product without being limited by external forces like advertisers & unfair monolithic distribution platforms. And consumers realise they can connect directly with their favourite creator and receive thanks for their support. The future is bright and the future is V4V!
