Yes, we can earn from YouTube Shorts, and I’ll explain how this works.
YouTube Shorts are bite-sized videos (60 seconds or less) that have exploded in popularity, and the good news is that YouTube has created ways for creators to monetize these short videos. If you're interested in making money with YouTube Shorts, keep reading for a complete guide.
1. What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are quick, vertical videos that you can record directly from your mobile phone. They're meant to grab viewers' attention fast with entertaining, informative, or educational content. The rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels has made this short-form content incredibly popular, and YouTube jumped on board with Shorts. These videos have to be 60 seconds or less and typically focus on highly engaging and shareable content.
Since the format is so short, it’s an excellent way to build quick engagements and get people familiar with your content, even if they don’t have time to watch longer videos.
2. How to Monetize YouTube Shorts
Monetizing YouTube Shorts differs slightly from traditional YouTube videos, but it is possible. Here are the main ways you can earn money:
- YouTube Shorts Fund: A fund that pays creators for their content.
- Ad revenue: YouTube plans to implement ads between Shorts, and creators can earn from this.
- Brand partnerships: Collaborating with brands that want to market through your Shorts.
- Promoting your own products or services using Shorts.
Monetizing is different for Shorts because they don’t run ads in the same way as regular YouTube videos. However, this doesn't mean you can't make money! Let's dive deeper into each option.
3. YouTube Shorts Fund
What is the YouTube Shorts Fund?
The YouTube Shorts Fund is a $100 million fund set up by YouTube to reward creators for their contributions to the platform. The fund is available in over 100 countries, and any creator who posts Shorts can potentially receive a payment from it. This is how many creators first begin to earn from their Shorts.
How Does It Work?
- You don't need to be a part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to earn from the Shorts Fund.
- YouTube selects creators based on their Shorts' performance. If your Shorts generate a significant amount of engagement (likes, views, shares), you may receive a bonus ranging from $100 to $10,000.
- Even if you have a small channel, as long as your content is performing well, you have a chance to earn from the fund.
YouTube will notify creators about their eligibility, so make sure your email notifications are on!
4. Earning Through Ad Revenue
Upcoming YouTube Shorts Ad Revenue Sharing
Starting in 2023, YouTube began rolling out ad revenue sharing for Shorts, allowing creators to earn from ads displayed in between Shorts. This represents a massive opportunity for creators to monetize their short-form content similarly to longer videos.
Here’s how it works:
- Ad revenue is split between YouTube and creators, similar to the revenue sharing model on regular videos.
- Since ads play between different Shorts, YouTube pools the revenue from these ads, and then creators receive a portion of the total pool based on the number of views their Shorts receive.
- Keep in mind that you'll need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program to earn from ads, which means you’ll need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million views on your Shorts over the past 90 days.
This is a great way to monetize if you consistently get high view counts on your Shorts.
5. Other Monetization Strategies
While YouTube provides ways to earn directly through its platform, here are other ways to make money from YouTube Shorts.
a. Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
If your Shorts get a lot of views, brands might want to collaborate with you to promote their products or services. Sponsored content is a great way to earn, especially if your Shorts cater to a specific niche. For example, if you create fitness content, brands related to health and wellness may approach you for partnerships.
b. Promoting Your Own Products or Services
You can use YouTube Shorts to promote your own products or services. For instance, if you have an online store, you can showcase your best-selling items in creative ways to attract customers. Shorts can direct viewers to your website, which could lead to sales. Even if you don't have your own product, you can recommend products through affiliate marketing, where you earn a commission for sales generated through your link.
c. Driving Traffic to Longer Videos
YouTube Shorts can act as a teaser for your longer videos or content. Use them to generate interest and drive traffic to your other YouTube videos, where you can monetize through traditional ad revenue. Since Shorts can get millions of views quickly, they are a powerful tool for increasing exposure.
6. Maximizing Your Earnings with YouTube Shorts
Now that you understand the basics, here are a few tips to maximize your earnings:
a. Post Consistently
One of the most important factors to succeeding with YouTube Shorts is posting consistently. Since these videos are short and can be produced quickly, aim to upload several Shorts a week. The more videos you post, the higher the chances of one going viral and earning you more.
b. Create High-Quality Content
Even though Shorts are brief, viewers expect them to be high quality. Use the right lighting, clear audio, and eye-catching visuals to make sure your content stands out.
c. Use Catchy Titles and Thumbnails
Just like with regular YouTube videos, you need to grab people’s attention with a catchy title and engaging thumbnail. YouTube Shorts don’t always let you choose a custom thumbnail, but the first few seconds of your video are key to drawing people in.
d. Experiment with Trends and Hashtags
YouTube Shorts often perform better if they follow a trend or popular challenge. Make sure to keep up with the latest trends and use relevant hashtags to increase your content's visibility.
e. Engage with Your Audience
Even if it’s a short video, engage with your viewers by responding to their comments. Building a community around your Shorts will make people more likely to return to your content.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About YouTube Shorts Earnings
a. Do I need to be a part of the YouTube Partner Program to earn from Shorts?
No, you can earn from the YouTube Shorts Fund even if you're not in the YouTube Partner Program. However, to earn from ad revenue, you’ll need to join the Partner Program.
b. How much can I make from the YouTube Shorts Fund?
Creators can receive bonuses from $100 to $10,000 depending on the performance of their Shorts.
c. Can I promote affiliate products through YouTube Shorts?
Yes! You can promote affiliate products in your Shorts and include affiliate links in your channel's description or comments.
d. Will YouTube pay me for views on Shorts?
YouTube doesn’t pay directly for views on Shorts unless they are monetized through the Shorts Fund or ad revenue sharing.
Earning from YouTube Shorts is an exciting opportunity, especially for those who enjoy creating short, engaging content. Whether you choose to earn through the YouTube Shorts Fund, ad revenue sharing, or other monetization methods like brand deals and affiliate marketing, Shorts offer multiple ways to make money. With consistency, creativity, and smart monetization strategies, YouTube Shorts can become a solid income stream for both beginner and experienced creators alike.