With the rise of short-form content, YouTube has introduced YouTube Shorts, a new way for creators to reach audiences quickly. But can you actually make money from these 60-second or less videos? The answer is yes, but how much you earn depends on several factors, including your views, engagement, and the monetization methods you use.
In this article, we’ll explore all the ways you can monetize YouTube Shorts and provide insights on how to make the most out of your short-form content.
How Does YouTube Shorts Monetization Work?
YouTube Shorts was introduced to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels, offering creators an opportunity to create bite-sized content that can reach millions of users quickly. The monetization model for YouTube Shorts is similar yet distinct from YouTube’s traditional long-form content.
The main way YouTube monetizes Shorts is through ad revenue sharing. This is how it works:
- Ad Revenue Pool: YouTube pools together the ad revenue generated by Shorts.
- Revenue Split: YouTube keeps 55% of the revenue, while creators get 45%.
- Music Usage: If you use licensed music in your Shorts, a portion of your earnings will go to the music rights holders, leaving you with a smaller share.
Creators who qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) can take advantage of this revenue sharing. To be eligible, you need:
- At least 1,000 subscribers and either:
- 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days, or
- 4,000 watch hours from long-form content in the last year.
Once you meet these criteria, you can start earning from the ads shown between Shorts in the feed.
Other Ways to Make Money with YouTube Shorts
1. YouTube Shorts Fund
Before YouTube rolled out ad revenue sharing for Shorts, it introduced the YouTube Shorts Fund, a $100 million initiative to reward creators based on their Shorts’ performance. Although the fund is no longer the primary revenue source, it set the stage for monetizing Shorts content. If your content gets significant views and engagement, you may still receive bonuses or incentives from YouTube.
2. Brand Sponsorships
Another lucrative way to make money from YouTube Shorts is through brand deals and sponsorships. Brands are always looking for ways to reach younger audiences, and Shorts provide a perfect medium. If you can attract a large and engaged audience, brands may pay you to promote their products in your Shorts.
Even if you don’t have millions of followers, you can still get brand deals if you have a loyal audience that aligns with a brand’s target market.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a popular option for monetizing all types of content, including YouTube Shorts. You can promote products and include affiliate links in your profile or description. When viewers make a purchase through your links, you earn a commission. Although you can’t directly place affiliate links in a Short, you can creatively guide viewers to the links via your channel or other platforms.
4. Merchandise Sales
If you’ve built a strong brand around your content, selling merchandise is a great way to monetize Shorts. Whether it’s branded clothing, accessories, or digital products, Shorts are a great way to showcase your merchandise. Creators can use platforms like Teespring to sell directly through YouTube by linking their store to their profile.
5. Fan Funding
Creators can also monetize Shorts through fan-funding options, such as Super Thanks, Super Chats, and Channel Memberships. While Super Thanks allows viewers to tip creators for specific videos, Channel Memberships let fans pay for access to exclusive content. These methods are not limited to creators with massive followings, making them accessible even for smaller channels.
How Much Can You Make from YouTube Shorts?
The revenue potential from YouTube Shorts varies widely, but it’s generally lower than traditional long-form videos. Reports suggest that creators can earn between $0.05 to $0.07 per 1,000 views. For example, a Short that garners 1 million views might generate $50 to $70 in ad revenue. This is significantly lower than what creators earn from longer videos, where the RPM (revenue per thousand views) can be as high as $3 to $5 or more, depending on the niche.
Additionally, many creators supplement their income with brand deals, affiliate marketing, and merchandise sales, which can dramatically increase their overall earnings.
Best Practices to Maximize Earnings from YouTube Shorts
1. Post Consistently
Consistency is key on YouTube. The more you post, the more likely your content will appear in the Shorts feed and gain traction. Creators who upload regularly tend to build a stronger relationship with the algorithm, which can help your Shorts reach more people.
2. Optimize for SEO
Just like with long-form content, optimizing your Shorts for search engines is essential. Use relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions, and make sure your content is aligned with trending topics in your niche.
3. Use Eye-Catching Thumbnails
While Shorts play in a vertical format, you can still use thumbnails to grab viewers’ attention when your content appears in other parts of YouTube, like the “suggested videos” section. Creating custom thumbnails can boost your click-through rate, increasing your views and potential earnings.
4. Engage with Your Audience
Building a community around your content can significantly impact your earnings. Engage with your viewers through comments, live streams, and fan-funding options like Super Thanks. The more connected your audience feels, the more likely they are to support you through memberships, donations, and merchandise purchases.
5. Leverage YouTube Analytics
YouTube provides powerful analytics tools to help you understand what’s working and what isn’t. By paying close attention to metrics like audience retention, click-through rate, and engagement, you can tailor your Shorts strategy to maximize views and earnings.
FAQs About YouTube Shorts Monetization
Can You Monetize YouTube Shorts Without 1,000 Subscribers?
Yes, you can monetize through Super Thanks, Super Chats, and Channel Memberships with just 500 subscribers. However, for ad revenue sharing, you’ll need to meet the 1,000 subscribers threshold and additional viewership requirements.
How Much Money Can You Make from YouTube Shorts?
You can expect to earn $50 to $70 per million views on Shorts. However, your total earnings depend on the engagement, the number of views, and other revenue sources like sponsorships and affiliate marketing.
Can Small Channels Make Money from YouTube Shorts?
Absolutely. Even if you’re not part of the YouTube Partner Program, you can still make money from YouTube Shorts through fan-funding, affiliate marketing, and merchandise sales.
Is It Possible to Get Sponsorships for YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Brands are increasingly using YouTube Shorts to reach a wider audience, and many are willing to pay creators for sponsored content, even if they don’t have millions of followers.
