How to monetise your YouTube channel
Monetising your YouTube is no easy task, but with the right approach, it provides the opportunity to become a lucrative revenue stream for content creators. With over 2 billion logged-in monthly users and billions of hours of content consumed daily, YouTube presents endless opportunities for individuals and businesses alike to monetise their content. In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of YouTube monetisation, from joining the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP) to leveraging various revenue streams available on the platform.
What is YouTube monetisation?
YouTube monetisation is the process of earning money from the content you create and upload on the platform. This can include revenue generated from advertisements, channel memberships, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, among other sources. The primary method of monetisation for most creators is through the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP), which allows you to earn a share of the revenue generated from ads displayed on your videos.
What are the requirements to join the YouTube Partner Programme (YPP)?
Before you can start monetising your YouTube channel, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria set by YouTube. Here are the key requirements:
1. Set up Google AdSense:
Google AdSense is a programme run by Google that allows publishers on the Google Network of content sites to serve automatic text, image, video, or interactive media advertisements that are targeted to site content and audience. To monetise your YouTube channel, you need to link it with a Google AdSense account. Follow these steps to set up Google AdSense:
- Sign in to your YouTube account.
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- In the left menu, select “Monetisation.”
- Follow the on-screen steps to accept the YouTube Partner Programme Terms.
- Sign up for Google AdSense.
2. Meet the YPP eligibility requirements:
To qualify for the YouTube Partner Programme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have more than 1,000 subscribers on your channel.
- Have accumulated at least 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months.
- Comply with all YouTube policies and guidelines.
3. Work with YouTube monetisation experts:
If you’re struggling to hit the YPP eligibility criteria, it might be worth hiring a YouTube expert who can help you. Sometimes you can be making great content, but just not getting the hits that you deserve. Digital marketing experts can utilise practices outside of YouTube to help your target audience find and engage with your videos. These can include:
- Creating Google Ads to boost your views
- Optimising your channel’s SEO to ensure your videos come up in organic searches
- Create campaigns on social media channels to direct users to your videos
- Partner with other content creators
Don’t forget, you can find offers on PeoplePerHour from YouTube monetisation experts to help get your channel bringing home the bacon.
4. Enable YouTube monetisation:
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you can enable monetisation for your YouTube channel by following these steps:
- Sign in to your YouTube account.
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- In the left menu, select “Monetisation.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enable monetisation for your channel.
5. Ensure you’re following YouTube’s monetisation policies:
To maintain your eligibility for the YouTube Partner Programme and continue monetising your content, it’s essential to adhere to YouTube’s monetisation policies. These policies include guidelines on content suitability, copyright compliance, and advertiser-friendly content. Make sure to review and familiarise yourself with these policies to avoid any violations that could result in demonetisation or other penalties.
How else can you monetise your YouTube channel?
While the YouTube Partner Programme is the primary source of revenue for many creators, there are several other ways to monetise your YouTube channel:
1. YouTube affiliate marketing:
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale or lead generated through your referral link. You can incorporate affiliate links into your video descriptions or create dedicated affiliate marketing content to monetise your YouTube channel.
2. Use the Super features:
YouTube offers several features that allow viewers to support creators directly, such as Super Chat and Super Stickers. Super Chat allows viewers to purchase highlighted messages during live streams, while Super Stickers enables viewers to purchase animated stickers to show their support.
3. Channel memberships:
Channel memberships allow viewers to become paying members of your channel in exchange for exclusive perks, such as badges, emojis, and members-only content. You can set different membership tiers with varying benefits to incentivise viewers to join.
4. Sponsorship and brand deals:
Collaborating with brands and sponsors can be a lucrative way to monetise your YouTube channel. Brands may approach you directly or through influencer marketing platforms to sponsor your content or offer brand deals in exchange for promotion to your audience.
5. Merchandise:
Selling merchandise, such as branded apparel, accessories, or digital products, is another popular revenue stream for YouTubers. You can use platforms like Teespring, Spreadshop, or Shopify to create and sell merchandise directly to your audience.
Monetising your YouTube channel requires a combination of strategy, consistency, and creativity. By joining the YouTube Partner Programme and exploring additional revenue streams like affiliate marketing, channel memberships, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, you can turn your passion for creating videos into a sustainable source of income. Keep experimenting, engaging with your audience, and refining your content to maximise your earning potential on YouTube.
