“Exactly. So you need to plan ahead. Let’s say rent is due on the 1st. Request your payout by the 15th of the previous month at the latest. Also, never request a payout on a Friday before a holiday weekend—banking delays will kill you.”

“What about taxes?” Lena asked.

Lena sighed. “Okay. So: choose exclusive for originals, direct deposit, wait 14 days, request payouts mid-month, avoid holiday weekends, and save a third for taxes.”

“That’s the part nobody talks about. ManyVids does not withhold taxes. You’re an independent contractor. Take 25-30% of every payout and put it in a separate savings account. I learned that the hard way when I got a $4,000 tax bill with only $200 saved.”

Mia clicked to the “Payout Settings” tab. “Minimum payout is $50 for direct deposit, $20 for Paxum. But here’s where people mess up—they forget the 14-day holding period. When you earn money today, MV holds it for 14 days in case of refunds or chargebacks. So your available balance is always two weeks behind.”

Mia pulled up the “My Sales” report. “Track three numbers: gross earnings, net after MV’s cut, and pending balance. And turn on ‘Automatic Payout’ only if you have a buffer in your bank account. Some weeks you’ll earn $30, and the auto-payout will trigger fees if it’s below a certain threshold.”

Lena nodded. “I’ve seen the payout tiers. 60% for standard sales, 80% if you’re exclusive. But exclusive means I can’t sell the same video anywhere else, right?”

“First,” Mia said, pulling up Lena’s dashboard on a laptop, “ignore the ‘store credit’ option unless you’re buying MV gear. Always choose direct deposit or Paxum for real cash.”