How to monetize YouTube channel: YouTube has revolutionized the digital landscape. With over 2.49 billion people using it globally, YouTube has become the second most popular search engine in the world. YouTube is indeed a great starting point for professionals and amateurs looking forward to beginning their careers in content creation.
Before you start, browse the web to learn How to monetize your YouTube channel. YouTube monetization requirements are only limited to a channel’s number of subscribers and watch time because, after all, those are the biggest milestones.
Having said that, to get paid for your content and know YouTube monetization requirements, you need to understand the tips, the meaning of YouTube monetization, and the rules. Learn with us how to generate income from brand deals, video ads, affiliate links, and a lot more.
Key Highlights:
- YouTube has established itself as an attractive platform for making money, benefiting side hustlers, full-time users, and professionals through a variety of monetization methods.
- Content creators must meet the YouTube Partner Program criteria to unlock exclusive features and monetization opportunities. Basically, YPP includes watch hours, policy adherence, subscribers, and a linked AdSense account.
- For successful YouTube channel monetization, creators must follow the rules, which include understanding the YPP requirements, creating an AdSense account, allowing monetization, and complying with the platform’s policies.
- Other than Ads, you can use multiple monetization routes, including YouTube Premium, affiliates, merchandise, memberships, sponsorships, and advanced features like Super Stickers and Super Chat.
What is YouTube Monetization?
YouTube monetization refers to making money from your YouTube content. This income is generated through multiple channels, primarily advertisements, which appear before, during, or after video playback. The concept of monetization is relatively simple and easy.
To generate revenue from YouTube, creators first need to become YP (YouTube Partner) by joining the YPP (YouTube Partner Program). Content creators need to follow specific criteria decided by the platform to participate in the monetization program.
Now, let’s discuss what YouTube monetization criteria must be fulfilled:
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Adhere to YouTube’s Monetization Rules & Policies
Content creators must follow the official YouTube Channel Monetization guidelines and policies. This ensures that your content is suitable for ads and complies with community standards.
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Geographical location
To be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program, creators should be based in a country where the program is accessible.
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No Active Community Guidelines Strikes
YouTube channels that violate community policies and guidelines may be disqualified from YPP. Ensuring a clean record relating to content violations is essential.
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2-Step Verification
It is a security requirement to provide an additional layer of security to the Google account registered on the YouTube channel through 2-step verification.
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Relevant AdSense Account
You must have an AdSense account associated with your channel. Brands that want to advertise on the platform build up these adverts via Google AdSense Network.
Adsense is an advertising platform from Google, and attaching it allows users to generate income from ads that appear on their videos. You can create a new Adsense by following the YouTube help guide.
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Watch Hours
Generating 4k watch hours in the last 1 year shows that YouTube content is engaging and preserves viewership. This standard is essential for assessing the overall appeal and popularity of the channel.
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Subscriber Count
Getting at least 1k subscribers/followers shows that the YouTube channel has relevant followers interested in the content. Followers receive notifications about new content, and uploads, thereby increasing viewership.
Top 12 Ways How to Monetize YouTube Channel 2024
If you are wondering How to get monetize on YouTube, here are 12 methods you can start with:
1. Become a member of the YouTube Partner Program
To make money from your YouTube channel, first apply for the YouTube Partner Program. AdSense monetization of YouTube content through Google AdSense is one of the simplest and popular ways to earn revenue from your YouTube videos.
After linking your channel to a Google AdSense account, submit your content for monetization via AdSense. If your content meets the monetization requirements decided by YouTube, it will be certified for monetization. Meet the following requirements to be part of the YouTube Partner Program:
- Must have a minimum of 1,000 subscribers
- Must have a minimum of 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months
- You should follow the aforementioned YouTube Partner Program Requirements
Before enabling monetization on your account, YouTube will go through your application and make sure that you have adhered to its policies and regulations. It may take up to a month to receive a response from YouTube about your request for its Partner Program. Once you are accepted into YPP and start generating income from ads, the only thing left to do is turn on ads on your account.
In case your request for the YouTube Partner Program is rejected: You can reapply in 30 days.
2. Sign up for an affiliate program | How to Monetize YouTube Channel
Another appealing method of monetizing for YouTube creators is affiliate marketing. If you sell a product through this approach, you will make money every time. To kick off, join an affiliate program. Well, there are several options available depending on where you reside. Each affiliate is presented with a unique link that leads customers to the promoted good or service.
You can support your affiliate link by creating video marketing for that specific product and then putting up your affiliate link in the video description. Any of the following could serve as an ideal video:
- Shooting an unboxing video
- Shooting a review of the product (gadget, etc.)
- Shooting a how-to-video
Don’t forget to add an affiliate disclaimer, letting your subscribers know that you’ll receive a commission if they make a purchase through your link. You can mention it in the content or even add it to your video description.
You will receive a commission for every sale made through your unique link. Choose affiliate programs for your brand of products or register with an affiliate network. Below are some popular networks for affiliate marketing:
- Walmart
- ClickBank
- Amazon Associates
Also Read: Top 7 Tips YouTube Channel Hacker for An Influencers
3. Work as a YouTube Influencer | How to monetize YouTube channel
Searching the web to know how do you monetise your YouTube channel? The answer is becoming an influencer. Sponsorships and influencer marketing are trendy topics among creators. And businesses are spending their marketing budgets on creators who have already earned the trust of their target audience.
If you’re able to find the right partnerships, it opens up a lot of opportunities for you as a creator. YouTube influencers, just like affiliate marketing, can generate a handsome amount by promoting brands’ products and services.
If you have an engaged and massive following and your content is relevant to their niche market, businesses/brands will be interested in working with you. But, it can be hard to get brands to partner with you, especially if you don’t have a lot of subscribers. To come out of this situation, join influencer marketing. Plus, list yourself on several platforms for better exposure. Further, make sure to label sponsored content – As Paid Promotion – while following Google’s Ad Policies to prevent penalties.
4. Content Licensing
Looking for how do I monetize my YouTube channel? And ever created a viral video? If yes, then you can license it and generate revenue when media websites ask to use it. It is expected that you will receive requests from multiple platforms that want to feature your content.
Since it is licensed, they will have to pay to use it on their publications or channels. You can apply this to your most popular videos and get paid for them. To make it easy for others to reach out if they want to use your viral video, be sure to include an email address in your “About Page” on your channel.
Additionally, listing your successful videos on a marketplace is a great option so that interested buyers can quickly find and purchase your content for their platform. As a result, this maximizes the exposure and monetization potential of your viral videos.
Also Read: How to Create a YouTube Channel Account | Ultimate Guide
5. YouTube Channel Memberships
This enables your viewers to support your YouTube channel by generating monthly revenue in exchange for exclusive benefits available only to members.
Up to five levels of YouTube membership can be created, with special bonuses added upon reaching each level. Creators must have at least 1,000 subscribers and be over the age of 18 to qualify. Along with this, you must also be a YPP member.
To enjoy unique privileges and bonus content, you will be able to ask your viewers to subscribe to your channel, which in turn will cost them a small fee ranging between $0.00 to $100.
For any reason, if your account is canceled or you violate the Community Standards, your members will get a refund for the earlier month of their subscription.
6. YouTube Premium
Premium membership allows creators to view ad-free instead of YouTube commercials, giving them an additional source of revenue. Notably, YouTube’s payment policy for creators through YT Premium is 45% of net revenue, which is allocated to creators who monetize for a short period of time.
When you subscribe to YT Premium, no ads are shown, no matter who created the content. Instead, a % of the subscription amount obtained by YouTube Premium is distributed to the content creators who made the videos.
With YouTube Premium Membership, your monthly fee is distributed to the creators whose videos you watch the most. As a monetized creator, you just need Premium Subscribers to watch your videos to generate income from them.
Also Read: what is Influence Marketing and Strategy ? Boost Your Brand Success
7. YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, typically made with a handset and uploaded via the YouTube App, similar to IG Stories. You can make money from YouTube Shorts via monetization, which was introduced on May 21. Only creators who meet YouTube’s criteria, however, can get paid for their shorts.
The below requirements must be fulfilled to be eligible for the YouTube Shorts Fund:
- Must have at least 1,000 subscribers
- Must have at least 10 Million original views in the last 90 days.
Also Read: Top 10 Youtubers In India | Biggest Stars You Need to Know
8. Sell Merchandise
Wondering how to monetise your YouTube channel? Consider selling merchandise to your audience. Purchasing caps, notebooks, keychains, and notebooks is an effective way for supporters to show their support for your channel. However, this method is best suited for channels with a large number of subscribers.
Apart from increasing your channel’s subscriber numbers, selling branded goods is a great way to monetize your YT channel and gain visibility for your brand online and offline.
It is much easier to generate revenue by selling merchandise than by utilizing AdSense. Instead of relying on hours watched or views received, you’re relying on an ever-growing fan base to purchase your merchandise. One must have an official artist channel, and 1,000 subscribers or must be 18 years to unlock the merchandising feature.
9. Creating and Selling Online Courses
Another fantastic way to make money on YouTube is by selling online courses. Offering online courses is an effective way to make your skills more profitable to your audience. As long as your online course offers something valuable to your audience, they will be more than happy to invest their money and sign up.
An online program may be in the form of a video or an e-book. Whichever format you use, remember, be sure to provide high-quality content that impacts your audience and brings value. It’s easy for viewers to know what you’re doing, which can cause people to start doubting your services or stop interacting with your YT channel. The result will be that you could be missing out on a lot of potential revenue.
10. Crowdfunding
Even if you already have channel membership activated, you have more ways to generate revenue from your viewers. With crowdfunding, you can make money as a content creator. Be careful though as this might turn off some of your followers as it can come across as pleading.
In fact, if you offer premium-quality videos, viewers will be more than pleased to provide revenue to your channel. Furthermore, your success is determined by your skills and the benefits you can offer to your funders. To boost income for your project, you can scroll through crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter. If you’re still wondering how do you monetize your YouTube channel, we have two more methods left. Let’s take a look.
11. Super Stickers and Super Chats
Monetize your YouTube channel and earn money with Super Chat and Super Stickers. This option is available when you work as a YouTube partner while live streaming. Both Super Stickers and Super Chat can be enabled in live chat for a small price to make your audience’s messages stand out from the rest.
They’ll also get customized badges and emoticons during your live session. Plus, they get members-only perks like live chat with you. To qualify for it, you must be at least 18 years of age and live in a location where Super Chat is available.
12. Drive Traffic to your Blog | How to Monetize YouTube Channel
Serves as an amazing tool, YouTube lets creators to ads their business, increase subscriber count, and improve their site or blog traffic. To start off, create a blog using the same name and logo that you already have on your YT channel. Make sure your channel and blog look and feel the same, so make sure they have a lot of similarities in terms of design. Once this is done, you can add a link to your site or blog in the video link description.
YouTube Monetization Rules 2024
If you want to monetize your YouTube content, follow the below YouTube monetization rules:
1. Build up an AdSense Account
The first rule is to create an AdSense account, which is a major initial requirement. So, prepare it beforehand. Therefore, let’s get this out of the way first. This is Google’s in-house advertising platform, which markets and sells ad space through a variety of channels. Plus, it involves YouTube, of course. Attach that account to your YouTube channel.
2. Join the YouTube Partner Program
The second step is being aware of the YouTube Partner Program requirements. Membership provides access to resources including channel subscriptions and a merchandise shelf. Below are the criteria you need to meet before your channel will consider you for Partner Program membership.
- Confirm that you’re following YouTube’s official monetization guidelines and policies.
- The audience must have watched a minimum of 4,000 hours of your content in the last 12 months.
- Creators must have a minimum of 1k subscribers
- Creators must have an associated AdSense account
- Creators must live in a location where the YouTube Partner Program is accessible.
- No Community Guidelines strikes applicable to your YT channel
- Creators have an additional layer of security through 2-step verification on the Google account linked to their YouTube channel.
3. Turn on YouTube Monetization
Once your monetization application is accepted, you need to follow the steps below:
- Open your YouTube Studio App.
- At the bottom, tap ‘Content’
- Pick the video that you want to monetize on your channel or disable ads for.
- Tap, ‘Edit’
- Select ‘Enable Monetization’.
- Select to turn on video ads
- Tap, ‘ back to return to the settings page
- Tap Save
For YouTube monetization check, follow the two steps above, then tap Monetization at the top; to show videos with a green icon, tick Monetized. To show videos with a red and gray icon, tick Not Monetized. To show videos with a yellow icon, tick Limited. Finally, tap on Apply.
4. Follow the Monetization Rules of YouTube
There are several rules to follow, and your YouTube channel will be monitored to verify that you comply with them. Below are the official policies:
- Community Guidelines
- Google AdSense Policies
- Monetization Policies
- Copyright
- YouTube’s Terms of Service
5. Staying within copyright laws on YouTube
Here are essential guidelines:
- Upload only original content and ensure that must be licensed for your use.
- In case you’re using copyrighted content, limit its use to purposes like criticism, commentary, or education while keeping it transformative.
- Get proper licenses or permission for any 3rd party content you want to utilize, such as video clips or music.
- Avoid re-uploading someone else’s content, even if you credit them, unless you have their permission.
- Pay attention to YouTube’s Content ID system, which flags copyrighted content. Respond appropriately to claims to stop strikes on your channel.
6. Avoid some pitfalls if you’re wondering how to monetise youtube
- False Statements/ Controversy & Misleading
Freedom of speech also comes with responsibilities, and using inflammatory or misleading language to stir up controversy can have consequences. Intentionally spreading controversial or incorrect information can result in penalties.
- Overuse of inappropriate language
Swearing occasionally might be fine, but using too much offensive words or language can lead to your content being flagged, similar to how movies are rated.
- Deceptive thumbnail images
If the subject of your YouTube video doesn’t match its thumbnail, such as showing animals for a video on weapons, it could be flagged for misleading viewers.
- Overly provocative content
While it may not always be banned, advertisers tend to avoid content that is controversial or in poor taste, especially if it lacks a clear purpose.
7. Expand your Horizons
If you’re interested in knowing how to get monetized on YouTube, expanding and considering other methods can be a game-changer.
- Merchandising
Audiences love products like mugs, t-shirts, ball caps, hoodies, keychains, etc.
- Become a part of the affiliate program
Join affiliate link clicks programs and get paid from referrals
- Promote and sell your video rights
Other businesses might be interested in licensing your content for their monetization purposes.
- Use platforms
Platforms like Patreon provide your audience with special perks and exclusive features for their monetary support.
Conclusion
You might have planned to start your YouTube journey but don’t know about YouTube monetization. Luckily, we’ve got all the methods covered. YouTube has given many global creators the opportunity to earn money from what they love. As a content creator, all you have to do is decide what kind of monetization method works best for your channel. Likewise, you can try more than one monetization strategy on your YouTube and see the ones that work effectively.
