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Whether you create content specifically for YouTube or post highlights of your game streaming, YouTube Shorts is a platform (within the YouTube App) that you should explore. Creators are flocking to make Short content (vertical videos that are 60-seconds or less ) because of their higher chances of discoverability when compared to traditional YouTube videos. Though the platform has a ton of potential and is likely to rival other short-form video apps such as Instagram Reels and TikTok, you may be wondering how a creator can monetize YouTube Short videos. Of course, we’ve done some research and will break it down for you in just a bit.
If you’re unfamiliar with YouTube shorts, you can read this blog post that walks you through everything you need to know to get a full rundown. Below, we explain how you can make money from YouTube Shorts because, after all, monetizing your content is what can keep you going as a creator looking to turn your passion into profit!
Monetizing Through the YouTube Shorts Fund
Like many other social media platforms, YouTube is committing to pay creators to make short-form videos on their platform. The YouTube Short Fund is a 100 million dollar initiative to pay creators for original YouTube short content throughout 2021 (when it initially launched) and 2022. The amount you receive from a “shorts bonus” will be based on metrics such as views and watch time, so the payout can defer amongst videos and creators.
Though, at the present moment, the fund has an expiration date (end of 2022), the YouTube Creator channel has mentioned that they’ll be looking for more opportunities to help creators monetize, so the Short’s Fund may not be the end all be all.
What are the requirements for the YouTube Shorts Fund?
You don’t have to be a part of the YouTube Partner Program to start earning money from your YouTube Shorts. However, YouTube recently announced that in early 2023, Shorts creators will be eligible for YPP. To qualify, these creators must have 10 million shorts views in a 90 day period to receive 45% of the revenue from ads on their videos.
Below are the official requirements for the YouTube Shorts Fund as outlined by the platform.
- Channels must upload at least one eligible original YouTube Short within 180 days
- Channels need to abide by official YouTube’s Community Guidelines, copyright rules, and monetization policies.
- Channels must upload original YouTube Short content. Repurposed videos, non-original content, or videos containing watermarks from other social media platforms will not be eligible.
- Creators must be 13 years or older in the United States, or the age of majority in their location.
- For creators 13–18 years old, a parent or guardian must accept terms and set up an AdSense account for payment to be processed.
- Creators must be in one of the qualifying monetizable regions.
How Can You Receive the Shorts Bonus?
Once you are eligible to receive a shorts bonus, you will be notified via email and the YouTube app. To obtain the bonus, you must accept the terms and link an active Google Adsense account. Be sure to claim your shorts bonus by the 25th of every month, or it will expire. You’ll typically receive the funds between the 21st and 26th of the following month after claiming your bonus via the form of payment linked to your Adsense account.
Sponsored Content
No matter what platform you post on, sponsored content or brand deals are a great way to monetize when other opportunities aren’t available. Don’t be afraid to reach out to brands you’d like to partner with for paid opportunities within your niche. One important thing to note is that you must disclose any sponsored content on YouTube (shorts or otherwise) per the FCC.
Can You Monetize YouTube Shorts with Ads?
The short answer is no. However, rumor has it that YouTube is testing adding Ads to Shorts Videos. Considering the platform is no stranger to helping creators monetize via ads, this may be on the way, so be sure to check back for updates. Although you can’t receive ad revenue from YouTube Shorts directly, the views and subscribers you may gain from posting shorts may help you meet channel monetization requirements, such as 4000 watch hours and 1000 subscribers (for those posting traditional long-form video on YouTube).
Are you currently posting to YouTube Shorts? Ask us any questions you may have.