YouTube offers creators various ways to monetise their content, starting with early access to fan funding features like Memberships, Super Chats, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks. These options allow creators to earn money directly from their audience, even before meeting the requirements for full ad revenue monetisation through the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP). In this article, we will explore how these features work, the eligibility criteria, and how they can contribute to your overall monetisation strategy.
What is Early YouTube Monetisation?
Recently, YouTube introduced an expansion of its Partner Programme to offer creators the opportunity to start earning earlier by providing access to fan funding features with lower eligibility criteria. This initiative aims to support creators in their journey by allowing them to monetise their audience engagement even before reaching the requirements for ad revenue sharing.
To qualify for early monetisation, creators need to:
- Reach 500 subscribers.
- Post 3 public uploads in the last 90 days.
- Achieve either 3,000 watch hours in the past year or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days.
These early monetisation features include:
- Channel Memberships – Allowing viewers to support creators with monthly payments in exchange for exclusive perks like badges, emojis, and members-only content.
- Super Chat & Super Stickers – Paid messages and animated stickers viewers can purchase to stand out during live chats.
- Super Thanks – A tip feature that lets viewers donate directly to creators on regular videos.
Full Monetisation through the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP)
To access full ad revenue earnings, creators must meet higher eligibility thresholds:
- 1,000 subscribers.
- 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
Once eligible, creators can apply for the YouTube Partner Programme through YouTube Studio. The application process involves linking an AdSense account and passing a content review process to ensure compliance with YouTube’s guidelines.
Community Guidelines and Monetisation
Maintaining compliance with YouTube’s guidelines is essential for continued monetisation. Issues that can impact monetisation include:
- AI-Generated Content: Using AI tools to create content is allowed, but it must be original and not violate copyright policies.
- Copyrighted Content: Avoid using copyrighted music, images, or video clips without proper permission. Even AI-generated remixes of copyrighted material can cause issues.
Getting Paid & What to Expect
Creators receive payments through AdSense once they reach a payment threshold of $100 USD or the equivalent in their currency. New creators starting with memberships and fan funding features can expect varied earnings depending on audience size and engagement levels.
YouTube BrandConnect: Connecting Creators with Brands
YouTube BrandConnect is a self-service platform designed to help creators earn money through branded content campaigns. It connects creators with brands looking for sponsorship opportunities, offering a way to monetise content beyond ad revenue and fan funding.
How BrandConnect Works
BrandConnect offers creators a range of tools to manage sponsorships directly through YouTube Studio. One of its key features is the customisable Media Kit, which provides audience insights tailored to the creator’s channel. This helps creators pitch their content to brands and secure sponsorship deals.
Brands can use the BrandConnect platform to search for creators that match their target audience, making it easier for both parties to collaborate effectively. Once a sponsorship deal is secured, creators maintain full creative control, allowing them to integrate brand messages in a way that aligns with their content style.
Eligibility for BrandConnect
To access YouTube BrandConnect, creators must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be part of the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP) and eligible for revenue sharing.
- Be based in one of the available countries or regions.
- Have no active Community Guidelines strikes.
Maximising BrandConnect Opportunities
To get the most out of BrandConnect, creators should:
- Maintain an Updated Media Kit: Regularly update audience insights and content metrics to keep the Media Kit relevant.
- Engage Authentically with Brands: Choose partnerships that align with your channel’s niche and values.
- Deliver High-Quality Content: Keep content professional and engaging to attract high-quality sponsorship deals.
By leveraging YouTube BrandConnect, creators can unlock new revenue streams while keeping creative integrity intact. As branded content becomes an increasingly important part of the creator economy, tools like BrandConnect offer opportunities to grow and sustain a channel financially.
