It can be terrifying when YouTube’s monetization policy changes because it does so frequently. We assure you that you have nothing to worry about because we are here to guide you through every step of the YouTube monetization process. With information directly from the incredible community of YouTube creators, you’ll be prepared to expand your channel quickly. Let’s first go through some of the fundamental steps involved in enabling YouTube monetization. Where do you even begin?
How Do I Qualify for YouTube Monetization?
First, your channel needs at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours minimum of recent public viewing time to be eligible for monetization. This rule, which went into effect at the start of 2018, is another approach for YouTube to prioritize watch time (instead of view count, which was the platform’s prior emphasis). Watch time has increased in value for producers since YouTube ultimately wants to keep consumers on the platform for as long as possible. Fortunately, we have a guide to assist you in launching and expanding your YouTube channel. The 1,000 subscribers/4,000 hours of watch time thresholds are actually rather achievable, according to discussions in the YouTubers and youtube subreddits! Additionally, once you’ve put Professional SEO Company, it won’t take long for you to reach those magic numbers.
What counts as “Public watch time?”
The total number of hours viewers have spent watching the public films on your channel is referred to as “public watch time.” Videos that have been deleted, unlisted, or in private do not count toward this total.
Do Not Try to Game the System
As we’ve said before, do not try to game the system. Your monetization application could be denied if your channel shows any signs of engaging in “sub4sub” or “view4view” strategies. In other words, if you’re subscribing to other people’s channels in exchange for subscriptions to your channel, or watching other channels’ videos in exchange for watching hours on your own channel, YouTube could find out and deny (or disable) your monetization. So don’t do it.
YouTube is a search engine, just like Google, so sure, there are ways to improve your visibility, but if you do anything to game the system, YouTube’s advanced algorithm will catch it and penalize your channel. Shady YouTube’s marketing strategies are a risky move and a waste of time. You’ll receive the subscribers you deserve if you follow your creative instincts and concentrate your efforts on creating content that you enjoy.
Prep Your Channel for Monetization
There are a few things you can do to increase the likelihood that your channel will be authorized for monetization before you click the “Enable” button to begin monetizing it. Don’t take any chances; you want revenue to start flowing in as soon as possible. It might take up to 30 days for YouTube to assess your channel, and you have to wait a further 30 days to apply if your application is declined. Duplication is among the most frequent excuses given by YouTube for not approving monetization requests. (By the way, if your application is rejected, YouTube will explain why on your monetization page, though the details can be a little hazy.) Let’s now discuss ways to prevent this. Make sure you have the necessary licenses before using stock video and music.
This is actually very simple if you’re utilizing content because each audio or video clip has a license that you can download at any moment. Even if you don’t monetize your channel, it’s still crucial to understand where to get and where to keep these licenses.
How to Make YouTube Commercialise in 3 Simple Steps
What do you do now that you’ve attained the required amount of members and watch hours and have looked for any warning signs on your channel? It’s time to understand how to make YouTube monetized.
- After clicking on your icon in the top right corner of the screen, select YouTube Studio from the dropdown menu.
- Once inside YouTube Studio, select Monetization from the Channel option on the screen’s left-hand side.
- Finally, in the Monetization window, click Start.
You have now consented to the conditions of the YouTube Partner Program. Simply register for AdSense or link an existing account to get started. This is ultimately what enables your channel to generate revenue. After that, YouTube will ask you to select your monetization choices. Don’t stress too much about this step; you may later modify your monetization options to just monetize specific videos.
Wait for Monetization Approval
YouTube monetization is more complicated than just clicking a button. An application assessment by YouTube normally takes 30 days. A backlog does, however, occasionally develop.
This is crucial to remember because it implies that you won’t be able to start making money for at least 30 days. Throughout this waiting period, all you can do is keep working hard. Make sure you’re still concentrating on SEO, keep uploading frequently (the YouTube algorithm rewards channels that update consistently), and continue to interact with your audience. You could suffer long-term harm if you let your channel lag during this time. Increased watch time and subscriber numbers can both help your channel generate new revenue streams in addition to monetization.
There Are Other Monetization Options
One way to generate money on YouTube is through monetization, but there are other alternatives as well. Although there are obviously a lot more, enabling YouTube monetization is a fantastic, very simple entry point. Because YouTube advertising has a fairly low threshold for subscribers and viewing time, It can help your channel grow even when it is just getting started. However, when your audience grows in size and attention span, you should think about other revenue streams—especially if they are devoted and active subscribers.
1. Patronage
One of the most well-known online patronage systems for YouTube creators is Patreon. Your devoted fans can donate a set sum each month through Patreon in exchange for access to unique content. You can have different levels of patrons and provide them exclusive content (that free members cannot see), behind-the-scenes footage, or both. Some YouTubers offer day-early access to their subscribers’ videos, while some even include one-on-one time with the creators. For creators with devoted followings, Patreon is a terrific choice. The majority of the time, you can win your followers’ loyalty by being active and constant in your communication with them.
2. Merchandise
Merch is really popular. Try things out a little bit before printing 1,000 t-shirts for all 1,000 of your subscribers. Inquire about your audience’s interest in purchasing your goods. You can make suggestions for particular products or even ask customers to remark on the goods they would want to purchase. Selling merchandise is especially beneficial if you and your fans have a shared vocabulary, catchphrases, or inside jokes. Once you start selling goods, you can also use them in giveaways, and contests, and even make one of your Patreon tiers available for purchase.
3. Affiliates
The good news is that signing up for an affiliate program is rather simple. Simply put, the pay is less than what you would get from a sponsored sponsorship. Your followers will be given a special link or promotional code if you sign up for an affiliate program with a particular retailer, which they can use to make purchases from that retailer. You will receive modest compensation for each time your link or promo code is utilized. To increase profits, mention the affiliate code in your videos and in the video descriptions.
4. Product Features
While product features are a wonderful first step toward paid sponsorships, they might not actually generate any money. Brands may send you their items to feature in your videos and/or to evaluate as your fan base grows. Free things are fantastic, right? You can approach potential sponsors on your own, without having to wait for companies to get in touch with you. Make sure you only pitch to businesses that will benefit your channel (although, you may start receiving random product feature requests along the way).
5. Paid Sponsorships
The goldmine for making money on YouTube is paid sponsorships. Brands pay you to mention or promote their product in your videos at this point. To be absolutely honest with you, achieving this aim will be difficult. However, it is never too early to begin promoting yourself to businesses. Engage with them on social media, explain how you would benefit their business, and give them examples of prior affiliate or product sponsorship campaigns that were a success. Even if you haven’t quite reached your target subscriber number yet, you’ll still get seen by brands. Once more, only choose businesses that are appropriate for the material you provide.