Introduction
YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for creators to share their content with the world. With over 2 billion active users, there is a huge potential audience for creators to reach. However, in order to make money from your YouTube channel using tools and features provided by YouTube, you need to be a member of the YouTube Partner Program. But fear not, there are also many ways to monetize your channel without being a member of YPP and we will cover them in this article.
Requirements for the YouTube Partner Program
To be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program and all its features, you need to meet one of the following requirements:
- 1000 subscribers with 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months
- 1000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days
There is also a new and simplified way to access monetization features on YouTube, called Expanded YouTube Partner Program. It has lower entry thresholds and allows creators to monetize their channels using channel memberships, Super Chat & Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and Shopping.
To be eligible for the Expanded YouTube Partner Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- 500 subscribers
- 3 public uploads in the last 90 days
Either:
- 3,000 public watch hours on long form videos in the last 365 days
- 3 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days
Once you meet these requirements, you can apply to the YouTube Partner Program. If your application is approved, you will be able to start monetizing your channel.
Monetization Features on YouTube
There are many different ways to monetize your YouTube channel. Here are the features available for YouTube Partner Program members.
- Advertising
This is the most common way to monetize a YouTube channel. When you enable advertising on your videos, viewers will see ads before, during, or after your videos. You will earn money based on the number of ads that are shown and the number of people who watch and click on them. To ensure that your content will be monetized, check whether it complies with YouTube's policies on creating advertiser-friendly content: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6162278
- Memberships
YouTube memberships allow viewers to support your channel on a monthly basis. In return, you may grant them access to exclusive content, such as early access to videos, members-only live streams, members-only community posts and behind-the-scenes content. Read more about membership perks and pricing here: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7544492
- Super Chat and Super Stickers
Super Chat and Super Stickers are ways for viewers to donate money to your channel during live streams and premieres. Super Chat messages will appear at the top of the chat, while Super Stickers will appear as animated stickers. Learn how to turn this feature on: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9278306
- Super Thanks
Super Thanks is a way for viewers to donate money to your channel after a video has been published. Fans can buy and post a distinct, colorful, and customizable comment in the video’s comment section. Check Youtube’s Super Thanks tips: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/13615971
- YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that allows viewers to watch YouTube videos without ads. Creators who are part of the YouTube Partner Program earn a share of the revenue from YouTube Premium subscriptions. This also applies to Shorts and often accounts for a significant portion of the shorts revenue.
- Shopping
YouTube Shopping feature allows creators to sell products directly to their viewers. This can be done through live streams or through dedicated product pages. Get started with Shopping on YouTube: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/12257682
External Monetization Methods
In addition to the monetization methods offered by YouTube, there are also a number of external methods that creators can use to make money from their channels even without being a member of the YouTube Partner Program. These include:
- Crowdfunding platforms
Patreon.com and Patronite.pl are examples of crowdfunding platforms that allow creators to receive monthly donations from their fans. If you have a profile on such a platform, you can encourage your viewers to support you via video description or during the video.
- Affiliate marketing and discount codes
Affiliate marketing is a way to earn money by promoting products or services from other companies. When someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you will earn a commission. Another popular method which can be very effective are discount codes. You can get your personal discount code for the product or service you are promoting. When someone uses the code on your partner’s platform to make a purchase, you will earn a commission.
- Partnerships with brands
Partnerships with brands can be a great way to earn money and promote your channel. These partnerships can involve product placement, sponsored content, or even paid sponsorships. Check tips for getting brand deals: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/12928947
- Promotion of Own Goods and Services
Creators can also promote their own goods and services on YouTube, even if they are not part of the YouTube Partner Program. This is a great way to reach a wider audience and generate sales. For example, a business owner could create videos about his company or products.
Tips for Monetizing Your YouTube Channel
Here are a few tips for monetizing your YouTube channel:
- Create high-quality content that your audience will enjoy. The better your content is, the more likely people are to watch it and interact with it.
- Build a strong audience. The larger your audience is, the more money you can potentially earn.
- Promote your monetization methods. Let your viewers know how they can support your channel.
- By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in monetizing your YouTube channel.
How to Avoid Demonetization on YouTube
In addition to the tips for monetizing your YouTube channel, there are also a few things you can do to avoid demonetization. Demonetization, also known as “yellow dollar” is the process of removing or limiting ads displayed alongside your videos. Here are a few tips for avoiding yellow dollar on YouTube:
Be familiar with YouTube's policies. Take some time to read through YouTube's advertiser-friendly content guidelines so you know what is allowed and what is not: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6162278
Context matters! Content may or may not be demonetized, depending on the context. Learn about best practices for creating advertiser friendly content and how to add context to your videos: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9348366
Here are some specific examples of things that can lead to demonetization:
- Content that is harmful or unsafe, such as hate speech, violence, or child abuse content.
- Content that is inappropriate for all audiences, such as sexually suggestive content or inappropriate language.
- Tobacco-related or firearms-related content if presented without additional context.
In addition to the tips above, there are a few things you can do to avoid problems with losing revenue from your videos:
- Use caution when using copyrighted material. If you use copyrighted material in your videos, make sure you have permission from the copyright holder.
- Be transparent about your sponsorships. If you are sponsored by a company, make sure you disclose this information in your videos.
- Be respectful of your viewers. Avoid making offensive or discriminatory statements in your videos.
Conclusion
There are many different ways to monetize your YouTube channel. The best way to find the right monetization methods for you will depend on your content, your audience, and your goals. Experiment with different methods to see what works best for you.