YouTube has become a prominent platform for content creators looking to share their passion, expertise, and creativity with the world. With millions of active users, it offers a significant opportunity for earning revenue through monetization. However, many aspiring YouTubers are unaware of the specific requirements needed to start making money from their channels. This blog post will guide you through the essentials of YouTube monetization, including the requirements for regular videos and YouTube Shorts, how to create a channel, and other ways to make money on YouTube.
About YouTube Monetization
YouTube monetization allows creators to earn money from ads shown on their videos, channel memberships, Super Chat, and other revenue streams. To access these features, creators must first join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which comes with specific eligibility criteria. Meeting these requirements can unlock a sustainable income stream, making YouTube not just a hobby but a viable career option.
YouTube Channel Monetization Requirements
To monetize your YouTube channel, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Follow all of YouTube’s policies and guidelines: Your content must adhere to YouTube’s community guidelines, terms of service, copyright laws, and monetization policies.
- Live in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program is available: YPP is not available everywhere, so ensure it’s accessible in your country.
- Meet the eligibility thresholds: Starting mid-June 2023, YouTube has expanded the YPP to include more creators with earlier access to fan funding and select Shopping features. The eligibility requirements now include:
- 500 subscribers with 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days, and 3,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or
- 500 subscribers with 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days, and 3 million valid public Short views in the last 90 days.
- Have a linked AdSense account: You’ll need to connect your YouTube channel to an AdSense account to receive payments.
- Enable 2-step verification on your Google Account: This enhances the security of your account, ensuring your content and revenue streams are protected.
Many countries including Nigeria are not eligible to monetize their channel with 500 subscribers or 3,000 public watch hours. to check eligible countries, click here
YouTube Monetization Requirements for Shorts
With the rise of short-form content, YouTube Shorts has become a popular feature. To monetize YouTube Shorts, you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). The specific requirements for Shorts monetization are:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days or 4,000 watch hours on long-form videos in the last 12 months
These requirements ensure that creators producing engaging and popular short-form content can also benefit financially from their efforts.
How to Create a YouTube Channel and Make Money from It
Creating a YouTube channel is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Sign in to YouTube: Use your Google account to sign in.
- Create a new channel: Click on your profile picture in the top right, go to “Your channel,” and click “Create a new channel.” Follow the prompts to name your channel and customize your profile.
- Upload content: Start by uploading videos that reflect your niche. Consistency is key, so establish a schedule that works for you.
- Optimize your videos: Use keywords, compelling titles, and engaging thumbnails to attract viewers. Adding descriptions and tags will also help your videos rank better in search results.
- Promote your channel: Share your videos on social media, engage with your audience, and collaborate with other creators to grow your subscriber base.
- Apply for the YouTube Partner Program: Once you meet the monetization requirements, you can apply for YPP through the YouTube Studio. Go to the “Monetization” section and follow the steps to join.
- Monetize your videos: After joining YPP, you can start monetizing your content by enabling ads, setting up channel memberships, and utilizing Super Chat for live streams.
Can I Monetize My YouTube Channel Without 1000 Subscribers?
No, you cannot monetize your YouTube channel without having at least 1,000 subscribers under the standard requirements. However, with the expanded YPP criteria starting mid-June 2023, you can monetize your channel with 500 subscribers, provided you meet the additional watch time or Shorts views requirements. This change is aimed at making monetization more accessible to a wider range of creators.
Other Ways of Making Money from YouTube
Aside from the traditional ad revenue through YPP, there are several other ways to make money on YouTube:
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services in your videos and include affiliate links in your descriptions. Earn a commission for every sale made through your link.
- Merchandise Shelf: If you have a loyal fan base, consider selling branded merchandise directly on your YouTube channel.
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like Patreon allow your audience to support you financially on a recurring basis in exchange for exclusive content or perks.
- Sponsorships: Partner with brands for sponsored content. Companies often pay influencers to promote their products or services in videos.
- Online Courses and E-books: If you have expertise in a particular field, create and sell online courses or e-books to your audience.
- Super Chat and Super Stickers: During live streams, viewers can pay to have their messages highlighted in the chat, offering another revenue stream.
Summary and Conclusion
YouTube offers a plethora of opportunities for creators to monetize their content, but it comes with specific requirements. Understanding and meeting these criteria is crucial to start earning money on the platform. Whether you are creating long-form videos or engaging in the latest trend of YouTube Shorts, the path to monetization requires dedication, consistency, and adherence to YouTube’s guidelines.
By creating high-quality content, engaging with your audience, and exploring various revenue streams, you can turn your YouTube channel into a successful venture. Remember, while reaching the 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours milestone may seem challenging, it is achievable with persistence and passion. With the new expanded YPP criteria, more creators can now access monetization opportunities with 500 subscribers and other specific watch time or Shorts views requirements. Start your YouTube journey today, and unlock the potential to earn money while doing what you love