In today’s world, people become self-made celebrities overnight. And all the credit goes to YouTube.
But YouTube is not just about creating and uploading engaging content or acquiring millions of views; it’s about generating revenue too. So, how to monetize YouTube, is what this article is about.
Wondering how that happens? If you have mastered the YouTube algorithm, its SEO and were successful in decoding the respective analytics, now is the time to start making some money out of YouTube.
The monetization policy is quite fluctuating, which might not be great news, but don’t worry – we have your back.
Before you enable the monetization option in your YouTube account settings, prepare your channel for monetization. Here are some tips and tricks on how to monetize Youtube.
How to Prepare Your Channel for Monetization
Since monetization approval by the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is required, it is best to make your account ready for it so that there are higher chances of getting approved.
We say this because YouTube takes 30 days to review your application, and if it is rejected, you cannot re-apply for the next 30 days. Therefore, try to give your best shot in the first go.
Avoid duplication at all costs. Ensure you have licenses for all your content, be it stock footage, audios, or videos.
Moreover, make sure that you have an AdSense account and that it is connected with your YouTube account. This is needed because there needs to be a channel through which payment can be made by YouTube.
Once you have ensured this, let’s move on to enable the monetization option for your YouTube channels.
How to Enable the Monetization Option on Your Channel
It is easy; just follow these steps.
- On the top right corner of your screen, there will be an icon. Click that, and the drop-down menu will appear.
- Choose the option ‘YouTube Studio.’
- After clicking that, you need to go to the ‘Channel Menu,’ which will appear on the left side of your screen. Here you need to choose ‘Monetization.’
- Once you click monetization, a window will appear, and then click ‘Start.’
Once this is done, you’ll have to be patient and wait for 30 days.
Since this process is manual and actual human beings are checking your account, it is understandable that it takes time. But this does not mean that you just wait idly.
Try posting every day and keep your subscribers engaged and connected. This can be a great way to increase your subscriber count.
What Exactly is Reviewed?
As mentioned earlier, the whole process is manual; therefore, reviewing every video or audio is not possible. Therefore, the focus is more on the general stuff. These may include:
- The general theme that your YouTube channel has or follows
- They will definitely view your most viewed videos
- There is also a high chance that they check the newest video that gets uploaded on your channel
- They will also look at video descriptions, title thumbnails, and even video content
What if You are Rejected?
If you do get rejected, YouTube will be giving you a reason behind the rejection. However, this reason can be categorically general as they would not pinpoint the video that is actually causing the same issue.
However, you will have to recheck your channel to see where the guideline is being broken. Then, after finding the issue, you need to remove that particular content from your account to proceed further. You can re-apply after 30 days, though (as aforementioned).
What if You are Accepted?
If luckily you do get accepted, you can earn a good amount of money. However, this varies from one YouTuber to another, the niche every video creator targets, and how much the ads cost.
But usually, the rate that exists is $1 to $3 for every 1,000 views received. To earn a good amount of money, and this means a good source of monthly income, you need to achieve somewhere over a million views.
Therefore, many YouTubers do not rely only on this source of monetization. We’ll outline a few more ways through which you can earn good revenue.
Other Means to Earn Money Through YouTube
YouTube earning is one example of an online business. Monetization is a great option, but returns can be minimal as it is based on views and subscribers. Experiment with other ways of earning. Let’s discuss additional means.
Affiliates
This is an easy means to earn. When you sign up with a brand for this, you will be given unique links called affiliate links. These links basically are discount codes that your respective subscribers can use to earn a discount. Revenue earned through this is such that every time a sale is made using that code, you will get the promised commission from the brand.
Super Chat
This is a tool introduced by YouTube for live streaming. The main feature of this tool is that viewers can pay you to get their chat messages highlighted.
Merchandise
You can sell merchandise like T-shirts, bands, caps, or anything if you have a loyal following. In addition, your merchandise can feature any special tagline, phrase, or inside joke that you have with your subscribers. But for this, survey your followers on what they would like as you do not want to create something with no demand.
Paid Sponsorships
This is the best and the most profitable way of making money on YouTube. In this, you basically make exclusive content for specific brands with which you partner.
Since you are endorsing their brand, they pay you in return. This endorsement can be in many ways; you can directly market it, you can do a subtle brand placement in your videos, post a review maybe, or any other such creative way. For this, you need to go the extra mile to pitch and sell your work to different companies. But trust us, it’s definitely worth it.
Paid Features
This method may not give you actual cash, but free products are good too, aren’t they? When you are still developing your channel, this will eventually help you reach the level you to get paid sponsorships. In this, you get free products where you have to review or showcase them.
Some Tips You Must Follow
If you think making it to the level you can monetize is the only thing that makes you successful, you’re wrong. Equity building is vital for any business, be it an online or offline business.
In online businesses, and to be specific in this case – YouTube – it is essential to continue providing value to your subscribers.
Try doing the following while you run your channel:
- When sponsoring products, sponsor only those you would actually buy
- Post consistently
- Quality should always come first
- Understand your audience and their needs
- Diversify your platforms. Get into blogging or social media
- Use SEO
- Keep your audience engaged and give them incentives through rewards
FAQ
What are the Requirements to Monetize YouTube Videos?
- You need to have 1,000 subscribers
- Your channel should have a public watch time of 4000 hours over the past year.
- All the recommended YouTube policies should be followed.
- You should have an AdSense account ready to operate.
Don’t try to fool the system with strategies like ‘subscriber for subscriber’ or any such stunt because you will be caught and denied monetization.
How to Turn on Channel Memberships?
To enable this, you need to be eligible for Channel Memberships. If you follow this eligibility criterion, follow these steps:
If you are using your computer, sign in to your Google account and go to the ‘Memberships’ page. Click on ‘Get Started.’ You will then receive complete guidelines.
How Can I Make Monetized YouTube Videos Without Showing Myself on Camera?
If you’re not comfortable showing your face, don’t worry because there are ways where you can still make videos, upload them and earn money, all without revealing your face. You can go for any of the following options:
- Podcasts
- Screen-sharing
- Gaming
- Pet videos
- Animations
- Compilations
- Videos on third parties like actors etc.
- Cooking videos
- Disguise
- Photography or Travel Videos
How Does YouTube Pay You? Is it By Credit Card or Check?
A: There are several options by which you can receive your payment. Choose the methods you prefer in the Payment Method Selection Threshold. The provided options are:
- Wire Transfer
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
- Rapida
- EFT via Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA)
- Checks
Conclusion
Mastering how to monetize YouTube can be hectic and tiresome but do not forget that diligence is the key to success and more money. However, enjoying your work and being passionate about it is what will keep you going.
Also, remember that your subscribers are what will make you or break you. Therefore, keeping them happy and satisfied will keep your boat floating too. Never compromise on quality.
