How to monetize YouTube shorts: Tips and tricks for success

Have you ever wondered how to turn YouTube Shorts into a money-making machine? With over 2.49 billion users worldwide, YouTube remains a powerhouse in online content, and its bite-sized Shorts are a massive hit, averaging 70 billion daily views.

Launched to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts offer creators a unique chance to engage a huge audience. But it’s not just about going viral; it’s about making money, too.

Since February 2023, creators can monetize Shorts through ads, with YouTube sharing 45% of ad revenue with eligible creators.

This article will discuss tips and tricks for success and maximizing YouTube short monetization effectively, helping you turn your content into profit.

Related Read: Mastering YouTube shorts in 2024: A guide for beginners

Can you monetize YouTube shorts? 

Yes, YouTube Shorts monetization is now possible! While YouTube has allowed creators to monetize long-form videos for over 15 years, YouTube Shorts, a newer video format, initially didn’t have monetization options. However, YouTube introduced shorts monetization in late 2022, allowing creators to earn money from their short-form content.

Monetization for YouTube shorts works through ad revenue sharing, where creators can earn a portion of the revenue generated from ads shown in the Shorts feed. Features like Super Thanks and the YouTube Shorts Fund provide further earning opportunities. Even short, engaging videos can contribute to creators’ income and channel growth.

With YouTube Shorts monetization, creators can tap into the growing popularity of short-form content while generating income from their creative efforts. Whether you’re new to YouTube or an established creator, Shorts offers a great way to monetize your work.

Related Read: 15 trendy YouTube shorts ideas for your upcoming videos

How does YouTube shorts monetization work? 

Monetization for YouTube shorts has become a multifaceted opportunity for creators, offering a variety of methods to earn from short-form content. While ad revenue sharing remains a core option, YouTube has introduced several other ways for creators to maximize their earnings. Let’s dive deeper into how YouTube Shorts monetization works, covering all available options.

Here are some methods to monetize your YouTube Shorts and turn your creativity into revenue:

Related Read: How to use social media platforms to monetize your video 

1. Ad revenue sharing

YouTube Shorts monetization is primarily powered by ad revenue sharing. Ads shown between Shorts in the feed generate income, and YouTube splits this revenue with creators. What differentiates this from traditional YouTube videos is that the revenue isn’t tied to ads running on your specific Shorts; instead, it comes from a pool of ad revenue generated across the Shorts feed.

This method is straightforward: the more views your Shorts gather, the larger the share you can receive from the total ad revenue pool. Creators must be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to access this revenue stream.

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2. YouTube premium subscription revenue sharing for shorts

In addition to ads, YouTube Premium subscription revenue sharing is another exciting avenue for Shorts creators. YouTube Premium subscribers pay for an ad-free experience; some of their subscription fees go directly to creators. This includes those producing Shorts, so when Premium users watch your Shorts, you still get a share of the revenue.

The significant part about this is that even if ads aren’t shown on your videos, you can still earn from users who pay for Premium, ensuring multiple streams of income from your content.

3. YouTube partner program (YPP)

To unlock the full potential of YouTube Shorts monetization, creators need to join the YouTube partner program (YPP). By joining YPP, creators can access monetization tools such as ad revenue sharing, Super Thanks, YouTube Premium subscription revenue, and more.

To qualify for YPP through Shorts, creators need at least 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days. Once you’re in the program, monetizing Shorts becomes more seamless, and you’ll also benefit from enhanced analytics and promotional tools to grow your channel further.

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4. Super thanks (Fan funding)

YouTube fan funding through Super Thanks allows viewers to directly support their favorite creators by purchasing “thanks” on their Shorts content. This feature offers another revenue stream where fans can contribute financially while receiving highlighted comments. Super Thanks enables a closer connection between creators and their audience, rewarding creators through views and direct donations.

This method can be particularly powerful for creators with loyal fans who want to support them beyond just watching their content. The feature is available to all creators within the YouTube Partner Program, further boosting their earnings potential.

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5. YouTube shopping

YouTube has introduced YouTube Shopping, allowing creators to add product links directly to their Shorts videos. This is particularly useful for creators involved in product reviews, lifestyle content, or brand partnerships. If you feature a product in your Short, you can seamlessly link it to your storefront, allowing viewers to purchase products without leaving the platform.

This integration of e-commerce opens up new ways for creators to generate revenue. Whether it’s merchandise, affiliate marketing, or promoting third-party products, YouTube Shopping turns your Shorts into a vehicle for direct sales.

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6. YouTube shorts fund

YouTube has set up the YouTube Shorts Fund, a $100 million fund to reward creators who produce engaging, viral Shorts. Creators do not need to be part of YPP to be eligible, making this fund accessible to a wide range of creators.

Each month, YouTube reviews the performance of Shorts and invites creators to claim bonuses. Depending on the reach and engagement of their videos, creators can earn between $100 and $10,000 from the fund. This initiative offers a valuable opportunity, especially for newer creators gaining traction with their short-form content.

Read Up: How to make short-form video content that stands out in 2024

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YouTube shorts monetization eligibility criteria 

YouTube Shorts have transformed the landscape of content creation, providing a dynamic platform for creators to express themselves and engage audiences in just a few seconds. As this format gains momentum, many creators wonder about the YouTube Shorts’ monetization requirements. Understanding these criteria is crucial for anyone looking to turn their passion into profit.

Here are the key eligibility criteria for YouTube Shorts monetization:

Minimum subscriber count

To qualify for full YouTube Shorts monetization, creators must have a minimum of 1,000 subscribers. This threshold ensures that creators have built a foundational audience before accessing monetization features. Achieving this subscriber count can feel daunting, but it’s also an essential milestone. It reflects a creator’s ability to engage viewers consistently and create a supportive community around their content.

Growing your subscriber base often involves producing high-quality content that resonates with viewers. Engaging with your audience, using compelling titles and thumbnails, and promoting your channel across social media can help attract more subscribers. By building a loyal community, you meet the eligibility requirement and set the stage for future growth and monetization.

View count requirements

In addition to subscriber count, creators must meet specific view requirements. You need 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days or 4,000 valid public watch hours of long-form videos in the previous 12 months. This dual requirement allows creators to choose the path that aligns with their content strategy.

If your primary focus is Shorts, aiming for 10 million views is more straightforward, as watch hours from Shorts themselves don’t contribute to this threshold. This encourages creators to innovate and attract viewers quickly, making Shorts an excellent way to build momentum. If you produce longer content, however, achieving the 4,000 watch hours can serve as a more viable target, especially if you’re consistently uploading engaging videos.

Expanded monetization program

For those just starting, there’s good news! Creators can monetize their Shorts before reaching all eligibility criteria through the expanded monetization program. Launched in June 2023, this program is designed for newer creators and those with smaller followings. To qualify, you need at least 500 subscribers, three valid public uploads in the last 90 days, three million valid public Shorts views, or 3,000 valid public watch hours of long-form videos in the past year.

While this program opens up monetization opportunities, it’s essential to note that you won’t have access to ad revenue sharing or YouTube Premium subscription revenue sharing until you meet the full criteria. However, features like YouTube Shopping and fan funding are still available, allowing creators to start earning even if their subscriber count is still growing.

Compliance with policies

Eligibility for YouTube Shorts monetization also hinges on compliance with YouTube’s policies. Creators must understand and adhere to the YouTube Channel Monetization policies, which include community guidelines and content standards. Your channel must be free of active Community Guidelines Strikes to qualify for monetization. This ensures the platform remains a safe and positive space for all users.

Staying compliant involves regularly reviewing YouTube’s policies and adjusting your content strategy. Engaging with your community positively and ensuring your content aligns with YouTube’s standards will keep your channel in good standing, making the monetization process smoother.

Account security

Another critical requirement is to enable 2-step verification for your Google account. This security measure protects your channel from unauthorized access and ensures that your content and earnings remain safe. Setting up 2-step verification is simple and can add an extra layer of security to your account.

By implementing robust security measures, you safeguard your channel and demonstrate professionalism and responsibility, which can resonate positively with your audience and potential collaborators.

Access to advanced features

For both the standard and expanded monetization programs, creators must have access to advanced features on YouTube. This access is typically granted based on your channel history or by verifying your identity. These features can enhance your content creation and management experience, allowing you to engage more effectively with your audience.

Active AdSense account

Lastly, you’ll need an active AdSense account to receive payments from YouTube. Setting up an AdSense account is straightforward and enables you to manage your earnings efficiently. Ensuring that your AdSense account is linked to your YouTube channel will streamline monetization, allowing you to focus on creating content.  

Simple steps for YouTube shorts monetization

To start monetizing your YouTube Shorts, follow these straightforward steps to become part of the YouTube Partner Program:

1. Sign in to YouTube

Sign into your YouTube account. This is the first step toward accessing your channel’s monetization features.

2. Access YouTube Studio

Click on your profile picture at the top right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select YouTube Studio. This is your central hub for managing your channel and its monetization options.

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3. Navigate to the Earn section

In the left menu of YouTube Studio, click on Earn. This section provides all the details related to monetization and potential earnings.

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4. Check your eligibility

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll see an Apply button. Click on it to proceed with your application. If you’re not yet eligible, don’t worry—click the Get Notified button to receive updates and return to complete the process when you meet the requirements.

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5. Accept base terms

Once you click Apply, a prompt asks you to review and accept the Base Terms. Please read through these terms carefully before proceeding.

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6. Link your AdSense account

Next, you’ll need to link your existing AdSense account. If you don’t have one, click Start to set up a new AdSense account. This step is crucial for managing your earnings.

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7. Application review

After linking your AdSense account, you must wait for YouTube to review your application. This process typically takes about a month, so patience is key.

8. Accept the Shorts monetization module

Once approved, return to the Earn section of YouTube Studio and accept the Shorts Monetization Module to start earning from your Shorts content.

Note on mobile applications

The steps are slightly different if you’re using a mobile device. Open the YouTube Studio app and tap Earn at the bottom menu to access the same features.

9. Monetize with Super Thanks

To start monetizing through Super Thanks fan funding, navigate to the Earn tab in YouTube Studio and click on Supers. Click Get Started and follow the prompts to enable this feature.

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10. Enable channel memberships

For Channel Memberships, go to the Earn tab, click on Memberships, and then select Get Started. This allows your subscribers to support you through monthly memberships.

Following these steps, you can effectively monetize your YouTube Shorts and unlock various revenue streams.

Some tips & tricks to make money with YouTube shorts

Monetizing YouTube Shorts can be exciting for creators looking to expand their income streams. You can enhance your visibility and engage your audience effectively with the right strategies. 

Here are some tips and tricks to make money with YouTube Shorts:

1. Engage with your audience for community building 

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Engaging with your audience is essential for building a loyal community. It boosts the visibility of your posts and fosters stronger connections. To effectively engage, make it a point to respond to comments on your Shorts, as this shows you value their input. Hosting live sessions and Q&As allows for real-time interaction, making viewers feel more involved. The Community tab is also a great resource for sharing updates, polls, and behind-the-scenes content. This feature isn’t just for long-form creators; it’s valuable for anyone looking to connect with their audience.

Here’s how to use the Community Tab:

• Post updates and behind-the-scenes looks to keep your audience engaged.
• Use polls to gather feedback or tease upcoming content.
• Listen to your community; their insights can guide your future content.

ContentStudio can enhance this engagement by helping you manage comments and interactions across platforms, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to connect with your audience.

2. Use trending topics to boost visibility 

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Leveraging trending topics is a powerful way to attract viewers to your Shorts. Stay updated with current trends through social media platforms or Google Trends, and create content that aligns with these themes. Incorporating popular music and sounds can also make your videos more relatable and shareable. Engaging with timely topics allows you to tap into broader conversations and increases the chances of your content going viral.

Here’s how to effectively use trending topics:

• Research trends regularly to stay relevant.
• Create content that adds your unique twist to trending challenges.
• Use popular hashtags to increase discoverability.

ContentStudio can assist you in tracking trending topics by providing analytics and insights, enabling you to pivot your content strategy to match what’s capturing attention.

3. Collaborate with other creators for mutual growth

Collaborating with other creators can expand your reach and introduce new ideas. Look for creators whose content aligns with yours to create joint projects or challenges. These collaborations attract both audiences’ attention and foster a sense of community among creators. Working together can inspire creativity and produce exciting content that appeals to a broader audience.

Here’s how to collaborate effectively:

• Identify creators in your niche and propose collaboration ideas.
• Share each other’s content to expose your channels to new viewers.
• Plan joint live sessions or video series for added engagement.

4. Diversify your content types for broader appeal

Diversifying your content types keeps your audience engaged and can help you reach new viewers. Experiment with various formats like tutorials, challenges, or humorous skits. This variety prevents monotony and encourages exploration of your channel. Understanding what content resonates best allows you to tailor future videos to audience preferences.

Here’s how to diversify effectively:

• Try different formats to see what your audience enjoys.
• Regularly solicit feedback to refine your content strategy.
• Use analytics to track which types of content perform best. 

5. Leverage YouTube shorts analytics for improvement

Utilizing YouTube Shorts analytics is crucial for understanding audience behavior and preferences. Monitor metrics like watch time, likes, and viewer retention to understand what content works best. Adjusting your strategy based on these analytics can improve engagement and growth.

Here’s how to leverage analytics effectively:

• Regularly review your video performance metrics.
• Identify trends and patterns in viewer behavior.
• Adapt your content strategy to focus on high-performing topics.

ContentStudio simplifies this process by consolidating analytics from different platforms, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly.

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6. Develop a consistent posting schedule for reliability 

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Establishing a consistent posting schedule is key to maintaining audience interest. Regular uploads keep your channel active and set expectations for your viewers. Communicate your schedule clearly to build anticipation and encourage return visits.

Here’s how to maintain a consistent schedule:

• Analyze your audience’s viewing habits to find the best posting times.
• Use a content calendar to plan and organize your uploads.
• Stick to your schedule as closely as possible for reliability.

ContentStudio makes automating and managing your posting schedule easy, ensuring you consistently deliver engaging content without overwhelming yourself.

7. Cross-promote on other platforms for increased visibility

Cross-promoting your YouTube Shorts on various platforms can significantly enhance your visibility. Share your Shorts on social media channels like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to reach different audiences. Tailoring your promotional content for each platform helps maximize engagement and drives traffic to your YouTube channel.

Here’s how to effectively cross-promote:

• Share snippets of your Shorts on other platforms with links to your channel.
• Use platform-specific features like stories or reels for promotion.
• Engage with followers on these platforms to build a larger audience.

ContentStudio facilitates seamless cross-promotion by allowing you to create, schedule, and manage posts across multiple channels, making maintaining a cohesive promotional strategy easier.

Final words 

Monetizing YouTube Shorts offers creators a unique opportunity to boost their income and engage a wider audience. You can maximize your potential earnings by implementing effective strategies like optimizing for SEO, collaborating with others, and leveraging trending topics. Consistency and audience engagement are crucial for sustained success.

Utilizing tools like ContentStudio can streamline your content planning scheduling, and analytics, making it easier to focus on creating captivating videos. Embrace these tips and tricks, and you’ll be well on your way to thriving in YouTube Shorts monetization.

FAQs

Can I get monetized on YouTube Shorts?

Yes, you can monetize YouTube Shorts. To qualify, you must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the YouTube Partner Program, which includes having a minimum number of subscribers and views.

How much money is 1,000 views on YouTube Shorts?

The earnings for 1,000 views on YouTube Shorts can vary widely, typically ranging from $0.01 to $0.03, depending on factors like viewer demographics and engagement rates. However, this can differ significantly based on monetization strategies you use.

Do you need 1,000 subscribers to monetize YouTube Shorts?

Yes, to access full monetization features, you need at least 1,000 subscribers. However, there are expanded programs for creators with smaller audiences, starting with as few as 500 subscribers.

How much can you earn through YouTube Shorts monetization?

Earnings can vary based on multiple factors, including views, engagement, and the monetization methods you use. Some creators report earning anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand per month, depending on their content and audience size.

How can I increase my Shorts views?

To boost your Shorts views, focus on creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. Utilize trending topics and hashtags, optimize your titles and descriptions for SEO, and promote your Shorts on other platforms. Consistency in posting and interacting with your audience can also help increase visibility.

Why do Shorts get 0 views?

Shorts may receive zero views due to several reasons, including poor optimization, lack of engagement, or failure to adhere to YouTube’s community guidelines. Additionally, if your channel is new or lacks subscribers, it may take time to build an audience.

What are the rules for YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts must be vertical videos that are 60 seconds or less. They should comply with YouTube’s community guidelines, copyright policies, and monetization rules. Content should be original, and creators must ensure they have the rights to any music or visuals used in their Shorts.