YouTube is the most popular video-based platform that millions of users around the world try every day. One of the new features added to this platform is YouTube shorts that allow YouTubers to share videos up to 60 seconds. But how does YouTube shorts monetization work to help creators earn money from their content?
If you already know how to become a YouTuber but are looking for new monetizing opportunities, monetization YouTube shorts is a good idea. In this article, we will provide a full guide on everything you need to know for earning money from your short content.
How Does YouTube Shorts Monetization Work?
If you are talented in creating short-form videos or you are already a YouTube influencer, YouTube Short is a perfect place to earn money from your content. But how to activate YouTube shorts monetization? Follow these simple steps to find out how to turn on monetization on YouTube shorts.
- Sign in to your YouTube account on a PC (As an alternative, you can apply on the YouTube Studio app).
- Click your profile picture at the top right corner of your screen and choose ‘YouTube Studio’.
- In the left menu, click ‘Earn‘.
- Select ‘Apply’.
- Click ‘Start’ to review and accept the base terms.
Now, YouTube will add your name to the review list and you will receive their answer in a couple of days. Keep in mind that following these steps doesn’t mean everyone can earn money from creating short videos. You need to meet some eligibility requirements that we will discuss in the next parts.
YouTube Shorts Monetization Requirements
If you join the YouTube Partner Program, you can now start earning money by creating short videos. To join this program and access YouTube monetization shorts options, you need to meet these requirements:
- Have at least 1,000 subscribers and 10 million eligible public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
- Have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours on long-form videos.
Other than these two factors, make sure your content follows YouTube’s Originality Policy, showing the content is created by you, not someone else.
How To Earn Money From YouTube Shorts Without Monetization
Now that you know everything about activating YouTube shorts monetization, let’s take a look at other opportunities to earn money. The answer to how much YouTubers make depends on the other methods they use for monetizing their channel. So make sure to check them all if you want to maximize your income.
1. Sponsored Content
One of the most common and easiest ways to monetize YouTube shorts is by creating and uploading sponsored posts. This means you can collaborate with a brand or another YouTuber to introduce their products/channel.
Payment methods and the amount of money you can make depend on the average views and the number of subscribers you can. Different types of influencers (based on their audience) can ask brands for more cost of the ad. You can also increase the amount of your income by sharing the website link on video descriptions.
2. Sell Products and Merchs
Another option for monetization for YouTube shorts is selling products and merch. After building a popular YouTube channel and attracting a dedicated number of subscribers, you can start selling your brand products by providing a link to your website in the description box of long-form videos.
On the other hand, as a YouTuber, you might get some fans after a while who like to support you by purchasing branded fan merchandise. Unfortunately, YouTube shorts don’t provide a description section for adding links. But you can mention your merch on the video and ask your subscribers to check the link on your profile or a long video.
3. Join An Affiliate Program
Similar to brand sponsorships, Affiliate marketing programs allow you to earn money by promoting products and brands. In affiliate programs, you have dedicated links to the products’ shopping page. For each purchase made from your link, you will receive a commission.
As we mentioned in the previous parts, you can not add links to short videos. But you can use your videos to review products and invite users to check links in other places. For those who are looking for YouTube monetization shorts through affiliate programs, Amazon Affiliate programs and Amazon influencer programs can be good starts.
4. Channel Memberships
YouTube Shorts creators can also offer channel memberships to their subscribers. Channel members pay a monthly fee to access exclusive badges, emojis, and other perks. This method is not really a YouTube monetization shorts option. However, it can provide creators with an additional source of income while building a loyal community with short content.
Brand Collaborations – How to Find Brands in Your Niche?
Now that you know how to make money from your YouTube Shorts, let’s talk about teaming up with brands in your niche that align with your audience. Imagine getting paid to create content that you love! But how do you find these brands? That’s where Ainfluencer comes in.
Ainfluencer is a DIY influencer marketing platform that connects brands and influencers of all sizes across different industries. With powerful search filters, you can find your best collaboration match based on hashtags, locations, niches, budgets, etc.
With Ainfluencer, it only takes a few minutes to run campaigns and collaborations and the best part is that it’s completely free for both sides.
Conclusion
YouTube Shorts monetization offers a fantastic opportunity for creators to turn their talent for creating short videos into money. By consistently producing engaging content, interacting with their community, and meeting YouTube’s eligibility requirements, creators can unlock different monetization methods and start earning from their Shorts.
FAQs
Earnings from YouTube Shorts vary based on factors like viewer engagement, ad impressions, and the number of subscribers. The more popular your Shorts are, the higher your potential earnings.
If you are not eligible for YouTube Shorts monetization, there are still ways to earn money from your Shorts. One option is to focus on building a loyal community of viewers. Another way is to collaborate with brands for sponsored content or product placements within your Shorts.
YouTube Shorts monetization begins once a creator meets the eligibility criteria set by YouTube. To be eligible, your channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers, and your videos need to accumulate 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months. You must also adhere to YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines.
No, you need to be a part of the YouTube Partner Program to be eligible for monetization.
