Channel Monetization

Easily check if a YouTube channel or video is monetized with is this Channel Monetized – your go-to monetization checker.

Understanding YouTube Channel Monetization

YouTube monetization is a dynamic process that allows content creators to derive income from their videos on the platform. This financial incentive has turned YouTube into a lucrative space for both professionals and amateurs, offering a way to earn money while sharing engaging content. To embark on this monetization journey, it’s crucial to comprehend the definition, eligibility criteria for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), and the key requirements involved.

What is YouTube Monetization?

YouTube monetization refers to the ability of content creators to earn money from the videos they upload on the platform. This income is generated through various channels, primarily advertisements, which are displayed before, during, or after the video playback. To participate in YouTube’s monetization program, creators need to adhere to specific criteria set by the platform.

Eligibility Criteria for the YouTube Partner Program

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the gateway to unlocking advanced features and, more importantly, monetization opportunities on the platform. To be eligible for YPP, creators must meet the following criteria:

Follow YouTube’s Monetization Policies: Creators must adhere to YouTube’s guidelines and policies, ensuring that their content complies with community standards and is suitable for advertising.
Watch Hours: Creators need to accumulate at least 4,000 watch hours on their videos over the past 12 months. These metric gauges the overall engagement and viewership of a channel.
Subscriber Count: A minimum of 1,000 subscribers is required. This threshold signifies that the channel has a significant and engaged audience.
Linked AdSense Account: Creators must have an AdSense account linked to their YouTube channel. AdSense is Google’s advertising platform, and linking it enables creators to earn revenue from ads displayed on their videos.
Geographical Location: Eligibility for the YPP is contingent on the creator’s geographical location. The program must be available in their region.
No Community Guidelines Strikes: Channels with a history of violating community guidelines and policies may face disqualification from YPP. Creators must ensure a clean record regarding content violations.
Two-Step Verification: Adding an extra layer of security to the Google account associated with the YouTube channel through two-step verification is a security requirement.

Key Requirements Subscriber Count and Watch Hours

Subscriber Count (1,000): Achieving a minimum of 1,000 subscribers demonstrates that the channel has a dedicated audience interested in the content. Subscribers receive notifications about new uploads, contributing to increased viewership.
Watch Hours (4,000): The accumulation of 4,000 watch hours over the past 12 months signifies that the content is engaging and retains viewership. This metric is vital for evaluating the overall popularity and appeal of the channel

The Seven YouTube Monetization Rules

If you want to monetize your YouTube offerings, start by following these seven monetization rules.

Create an AdSense Account

This rule will be a significant starting requirement, so get it out of the way first. AdSense is Google’s in-house ad platform used to promote and sell advertising space via different channels, and yes, that includes YouTube. Link that account to your YouTube account.

Learn the YouTube Partner Program Requirements

Your next step is joining the YouTube Partner Program or YPP. Membership provides access to resources such as the merchandise shelf and channel memberships. Here are the criteria you need to meet before YouTube even considers you for YPP membership:

Prove you’re following YouTube’s monetization policies
Users must have watched your content for at least 4,000 hours over the past 12 months
You need at least 1,000 subscribers
You need a linked AdSense account
You must be located somewhere where the YPP is available
Your channel has no community guidelines strike against it
You’re following YouTube’s monetization policies (see below)
You have an extra layer of security via a two-step verification on the Google account associated with your YouTube channel.

Enable YouTube Monetization

Once your application is approved, open your YouTube Studio, select “Enable Monetization,” and follow the instructions.

Follow the YouTube Rules on Monetization

There are many rules to follow, and your channel will be monitored to verify that you comply. These policies include:

Stay Within Copyright Laws

License Your Background Music. Copyrights are serious business. Consider using Lickd to add good music to your videos.

Things to Avoid If You Want to Monetize YouTube Content Effectively

Avoid these pitfalls, or you will scare away potential advertisers:

Controversy and misleading or false statements. We have freedom of speech, but it comes with responsibilities. For example, you may get dinged by deliberately creating controversy with misleading, inflammatory language.
Excessive bad language. A few swears won’t get you in hot water, but, as in the movie rating system, excessive obscenities get you flagged.
Misleading thumbnail previews. If your video is about how to clean an assault rifle and the thumbnail image is a basket of fluffy kittens, your video could get flagged for misleading content.
Unnecessarily shocking content. Although this isn’t a deal-breaker, advertisers are wary about being associated with controversial content of questionable taste, especially if there appears to be no reason for it.

Other Tips to Make Money on YouTube

Finally, expand your horizons and consider these other monetization methods:

Merchandising : People love tchotchkes (e.g., t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, keychains, ball caps)
Affiliate link clicks: Join an affiliate program and get commissions from referrals.
Sell your video rights: Other brands might be interested in licensing your videos for their monetization purposes!
Get fan patronage: Use platforms like Patreon to offer your viewers extra features and special perks for their monetary support.