YouTube is a popular video hosting platform for both professionals and amateurs. It’s also a great way to make money if you know how to use it. If you’ve ever wondered how to monetize YouTube channel for any purpose, you’ve come to the right place!
This article teaches you about YouTube channel monetization, including tips, the definition of YouTube monetization, relevant policies, and what to do if you’re rejected.
You can make money on YouTube by applying for and being accepted into the YouTube Partner Program. You may also be eligible for Shorts bonuses as part of the YouTube Shorts Fund even if you are not a member of the YouTube Partner Program.
Ways To Monetize YouTube Channel
You can choose how you want to monetize your YouTube channel, thus:
If you are a member of the YouTube Partner Program, you can earn money by:
- Ads
- Channel Memberships
- Super Chats & Super Stickers
- Shopping
- YouTube Premium
- Super Thanks
Some of these monetization features require different qualifications. If you are eligible, this article will explain how to enable each of these features.
Having said that, however, before going into the topic proper, let’s start with a basic definition.
What exactly is YouTube Monetization?
YouTube monetization refers to your ability to earn money from your videos. If you want to be considered for YouTube’s monetization program, you must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months. We’ll go over the requirements in detail later.
How To Monetize YouTube Channel
Before you begin, ensure that you have completed all of the steps necessary to enable monetization on your YouTube channel and set up an AdSense account for payments. Follow the steps below to monetize your YouTube Channel:
#1. Turn on ads
You can enable ads if your video complies with our advertiser-friendly content guidelines. If you’re unsure whether your video is eligible, consult the self-certification guidance and examples on that page. Ads will not appear on a video if you enable them.
Before any ads appear, the video will go through a standard process that includes automated or human reviews to ensure that it meets our guidelines.
By enabling ads for YouTube videos, you confirm that you have all the necessary rights to the visual and audio elements of those videos.
Note: You can also enable or disable video advertisements in the YouTube Studio app on your mobile device.
To Turn on ads for individual videos:
- Sign in to YouTube.
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- In the left menu, select Content.
- Select a video.
- In the left menu, select Monetization.
- Then, choose the type of ads that you want to run.
- Click on Save.
To Turn on ads for multiple videos – How To Monetize YouTube Channel
To enable ads for multiple videos you’ve already uploaded, follow these steps:
- Sign in to YouTube.
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- In the left menu, select Content.
- Select the grey box on the left of the video thumbnail for any video you want to monetize.
- Click the Edit dropdown in the black bar above your video list and click Monetization.
- Click On in the monetization dropdown.
- To change ad settings in bulk: Click on Add edit.
- Click Update videos,
- then, check the box next to “I understand the consequences of this action”
- Click Update videos.
#2. Turn on channel memberships
To turn on memberships for your youtube channel:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio on a computer or mobile.
- Click Monetization in the left menu.
- Select the Memberships tab. This tab will only appear if your channel is eligible.
- Click Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions.
#3. Turn on Shopping
Shopping allows eligible creators to create and connect their own store to YouTube in order to feature their own products in their videos and live streams while earning money.
To turn on Shopping for your channel:
- On a computer/mobile, sign in to YouTube Studio.
- Click Monetization, in the left menu
- Click the Shopping tab. This tab will only appear if your channel is eligible.
- Select Get Started, then
- follow the on-screen instructions to link your store to your YouTube channel and turn on Shopping features.
Learn more about eligibility, and how Shopping works here.
#4. Turn on Super Chat & Super Stickers
During live streams and Premieres, fans can interact with creators via Super Chat and Super Stickers. Fans can purchase Super Chats to highlight their message in live chat, as well as Super Stickers to get an animated image that appears in live chat.
Follow these steps to turn on Super Chat & Super Stickers for your channel:
- On a computer/mobile, sign in to YouTube Studio.
- Click Monetization, in the left menu
- Select the Supers tab. This tab will only appear if your channel is eligible.
- Click on Get started then, follow the on-screen instructions.
- Once you’ve completed all the instructions, you’ll see2 the options:
- “Super Chat” next to a button you can turn on or off.
- “Super Stickers” next to a switch you can turn on or off.
#5. Turn on Super Thanks
Super Thanks allows creators to earn money from viewers who want to express their appreciation for their videos. Fans can purchase a one-time animation in exchange for a unique, colorful, and customizable comment in the video’s comment section.
To turn on Super Thanks for your channel follow the steps below:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio on a computer.
- Click Monetization in the left menu.
- Select the Supers tab. This tab will only appear if your channel is eligible.
- Click Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions.
- When you’ve finished all of the instructions, “Super Thanks” will appear, along with a switch that you can turn on or off.
#6. Turn on YouTube Premium revenue
You don’t have to do anything special to enable YouTube Premium revenue. If a YouTube Premium subscriber watches your content, you’ll receive a portion of the fee they pay for YouTube Premium. Every video you upload (that adheres to our Community Guidelines) qualifies for YouTube Premium revenue.
Find out more about YouTube Premium.
Seven (7) YouTube Monetization Rules – How To Monetize YouTube Channel
Begin by following these seven monetization rules if you want to monetize your YouTube channels.
1. Create an AdSense Account
This is a significant starting requirement, so get it done first. AdSense is Google’s in-house ad platform that is used to promote and sell advertising space through various channels, including YouTube. Connect that account to your YouTube channel.
2. Learn the YouTube Partner Program Requirements
The next step is to join the YouTube Partner Program, abbreviated as YPP. Access to resources such as the merchandise shelf and channel memberships is provided by the membership. Before YouTube even considers you for YPP membership, you must meet the following criteria:
-
- Demonstrate that you are adhering to YouTube’s monetization policies.
- Users must have viewed your content for at least 4,000 hours in the last year.
- You must have at least 1,000 subscribers.
- You must be in an area where the YPP is available.
- There are no community guidelines strikes against your channel.
- You must have an AdSense account linked.
- You adhere to YouTube’s monetization policies (see below)
- A two-step verification on the Google account associated with your YouTube channel adds an extra layer of security.
3. Enable YouTube Monetization
Once your application has been approved, open your YouTube Studio, go to the “Enable Monetization” tab, and follow the instructions.
4. Follow the YouTube Monetization Rules
There are many rules to follow, and your channel will be monitored to ensure compliance. Among these policies are:
-
- Google AdSense policies
- Monetization policies
- Community Guidelines
- Copyright
- YouTube’s Terms of Service
5. Stay within copyright laws by licensing your background music. Copyright is a serious business. Consider using Lickd to add good music to your videos. How To Monetize YouTube Channel!
6. Things to Avoid if You Want to Effectively Monetize YouTube Content
Avoid the following pitfalls or you will scare away potential advertisers:
-
- Disagreement and misleading or false statements We have free speech, but it comes with obligations. For example, you could be penalized for purposefully inciting controversy with deceptive or inflammatory language.
- Excessive profanity. A few curse words will not get you in trouble, but as with the movie rating system, excessive obscenities will.
- Thumbnail previews that are deceptive. If your video is about cleaning an assault rifle and the thumbnail image is a basket of fluffy kittens, it may be flagged for misleading content.
- Content that is overly shocking. Although this is not a deal breaker, advertisers are wary of being associated with content that is controversial or of questionable taste, especially if there appears to be no reason for it.
7. Other YouTube Money-Making Strategies
Finally, broaden your horizons and consider the following other methods of monetization:
-
- Merchandising: People adore trinkets (e.g., t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, keychains, ball caps)
- Affiliate link clicks: Join an affiliate program and earn referral commissions.
- Sell your video rights: Other brands may be interested in licensing your videos for monetization!
- Get fan support/patronage: Use platforms like Patreon to provide your viewers with extra features and special perks in exchange for their financial support.
YouTube Channel Monetization Policies
Let’s go over two key steps in YouTube’s channel monetization policies. Some of these ideas have already been discussed earlier. How To Monetize YouTube Channel!
1. Applying to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
YouTube takes about a month, possibly longer, to review your membership application and make a decision. During the application process, YouTube will look for the following criteria:
- Main theme
- Newest videos
- Most viewed videos
- The biggest proportion of watch time
- Video metadata (e.g., titles, descriptions, thumbnails)
2. Avoiding YouTube Copyright and Monetization Mistakes
As previously stated, copyright infringement on YouTube is a serious offense. As a result, you should only upload videos that you have created or have permission to use. Copyright also includes audio and music tracks, videos created by others, and other copyrighted works.
Policy violations can lead to:
- Account closure or suspension
- Getting rid of all advertisements in your videos
- Being removed from the YPP
The Best 10 Ways to Monetize on YouTube
Finally, here are the top ten methods for YouTube monetization: How To Monetize YouTube Channel!
1. YouTube Ads
This is the most basic, straightforward, and widely used method of monetization. These ads appear before or during a video and can be controlled through a variety of YouTube ad formats.
2. YouTube Premium
This is a subscription service that allows members to download videos and watch ad-free content. Fortunately, you can still get paid for your videos with this service because subscription revenue payments are distributed to video creators in the same way that ad revenue payments are. The amount is determined by how frequently Premium members view your videos.
3. Affiliates – How To Monetize YouTube Channel
Have you ever watched a video where the host provides a link to a company’s website where you can consider purchasing their goods and services? That is a referral program. Each successful purchase earns you a commission.
4. Channel Membership
A monthly subscription is required in exchange for exclusive benefits such as exclusive videos, one-on-one live chats, and product discounts.
5. Patronage:
We discussed this earlier. Consider using a third-party platform like Patreon to allow customers to support your channel in exchange for exclusive rewards. And speaking of treats.
6. Merchandise:
This is yet another strategy we’ve discussed. Today, there are dozens of supported merchant platforms ready to assist you in selling your branded goods to your fans.
7. Paid Sponsorships:
Obtaining a company or brand to sponsor your content in exchange for using, demonstrating, or discussing their products or services in your video is a paid sponsorship tactic.
8. Super features like Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks
These “super” features come in three varieties, all of which appear in chat messages displayed during YouTube live streams:
-
- Super Chat: This feature prioritizes your chat messages over everyone else’s.
- The Super Stickers: Similar to Super Chat, this feature allows fans to buy and share eye-catching, appealing stickers to pin at the top of a chat stream.
- Super Thanks: This feature allows users to show their appreciation to their favorite creators. For a small fee, users can have a featured comment in the chat as well as an animated GIF.
9. YouTube BrandConnect:
This service connects brands with YouTube creators for content marketing campaigns and is currently available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
10. YouTube Shorts Fund
This $100 million fund is intended for Shorts creators who meet certain criteria.
What to Do If You Are Rejected by the YouTube Partner Program
Don’t give up if you are rejected by the YPP. After 30 days, you can reapply for the YPP. Fortunately, YouTube lets you make things right by sending a notification outlining which policies your channel violated.
So you’ll get feedback on what needs to change and when it’s time to make the changes and earn that coveted YPP membership! How To Monetize YouTube Channel.
YouTube Monetization Frequently Asked Questions
How To Monetize YouTube Channel FAQs:
1. Can I use a licensed Lickd chart track in multiple videos?
No, a chart track can only be used once. Licenses are single-use and only apply to one video.
2. My YPP is constantly being rejected. How many applications can I make?
There are no restrictions. Never give up!
3. Is there a way for me to get around the 1,000-subscriber requirement?
Nope. You’ll need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of video viewing over the last 12 months.
4. How do I know if my channel is profitable?
When you enable ads, you will see a monetization icon in the form of a green dollar sign ($) next to each video.
5. But can I challenge a yellow dollar sign?
Check your content against Google’s advertiser-friendly content guidelines. If your content does, in fact, adhere to those guidelines, you may file an appeal.
6. My videos have a monetized icon, but it’s a yellow dollar sign, not a green one. What does this imply?
A yellow dollar sign icon indicates that, while your video is monetized, it does not meet all of the guidelines for advertisers, so some brands may opt out, reducing your revenue.
Do You Want to Improve Your Digital Marketing Capabilities?
Videos are an essential component of digital marketing. Assume you want to pursue a career as a digital marketing professional or simply improve your current marketing skills. In that case, tontimes.com has the resources you require to expand your knowledge. How To Monetize YouTube Channel!
The Digital Marketing Specialist Master’s program at Tontimes will train you as a digital market specialist in conversion optimization, digital analytics, search engine optimization (SEO), social media, pay-per-click, content, mobile, and email marketing.
Furthermore, the program prepares you for a career in the industry through content provided by a partnership with Harvard Business Publishing Education, work on real-world projects, and Expert sessions from Facebook teams.
After you’ve earned your Digital Marketing Specialist certification, look into Tontimes’s Advanced Social Media Certification training course. This course combines advanced social media, content marketing, and web analytics disciplines to assist you in elevating your brand and executing successful social campaigns.
You will also learn valuable skills like strategy, reputation management, and influencer marketing.
Take Home
So, go to Tontimes today and either up your digital marketing game or start a new career!
Do you need more help?
Drop your comments or questions in the comment section below.
However, if you think that this post (how to monetize YouTube channel) will be helpful to others, then share it on social media.