You have been working hard at building your YouTube channel and creating all those videos you have uploaded. You might even be investing in Google Adwords to help promote and drive views to these videos.
Wouldn’t it be nice to earn money…passively?
Below I will share two platforms that allow you to monetize YouTube videos. Be aware there are others but I only write about what I know.
YouTube’s Partner Program
The YouTube Partner Program allows Creators to build a business on YouTube with their videos. All the info you might want can be found here.
What is the YouTube Partner Program?
YouTube launched their Partner Program to provide content creators with more tools and resources.
The focus of these tools (according to YouTube) is to
1) allow you to improve skills,
2) build a larger audience, and
3) earn more money.
YouTube explains each feature on their official Creators Blog.
How do I earn money with YouTube?
Its actually very simple.
- You need a YouTube account.
- You need a Google Adsense account.
- You then need to associate the two.
Once you have associated the two accounts, YouTube will begin displaying advertisements on your videos (as long as you meet the guidelines).
You are paid when viewers click on the ads.
You have to follow the community guidelines or you will not be approved. They also have a program for Nonprofits.
Ad Formats
There are six ad formats YouTube allows you to display on your videos.
1. Display ads
These are ads that show up in the sidebar while your video is being watched.
2. Overlay ads
These are text/banner ads that appear while your video is playing (bottom center).
They can be minimized by viewers.
3. Sponsored Cards
These are ads that display as Cards (a sidebar that pops out from the right-side when you watch a video).
4. Skippable video ads
These ads play full screen before your video begins.
You typically have to watch for a range of 5 to 30 seconds. Viewers can then click “Skip This Ad” to jump directly to your video.
5. Non-skippable and 6) Long non-skippable video ads
These are short-length and longer-length video ads that stream before your desired video plays BUT you cannot skip them.
Notes
This is not a quick way to get rich but you can build a steady flow of income with a solid YouTube/video marketing strategy. As you grow your band/brand, you will see your revenue increase.
With that said, unless you are receiving thousands (or tens of thousands) of views on your videos, you will not see much income.
However, do not discount this as an option for making money passively. Even if you are new to YouTube or have low numbers – fact is you can earn money. It will just take longer for to build up to something significant.
Other Notes
Just food for thought. Most people tolerate the display ads without issue but the in-stream ads annoy some.
On the flip side, we are conditioned to watch commercials so “in-stream ads” isn’t a new concept; YouTube is just redefining how advertisers reach consumers online.
This is something to keep in mind if you decide to monetize your channel.
How Do I Join?
I have had a YouTube account for years so when I first became eligible for their Partner Program, a blue bar appeared across the top of the screen when I logged into YouTube saying something to the effect of… “monetize your videos with YouTube’s Partner Program. Join Now”.
I simply clicked join and YouTube walked me through the steps.
Another way to check is to look at your uploaded videos in YouTube’s video manager. If you are able to monetize, you will see a $ icon next to each of your videos. If the $ is green, then monetization is turned on. If it is gray, it is turned off.
Links
- YouTube Partner Program
- Becoming a YouTube Partner Just Got More Rewarding by Greg Jarboe (SearchEngineWatch.com)
- YouTube Creators Blog
Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs)
MCNs are affiliate networks you can join to monetize your videos. Instead YouTube showing ads from their Google Adwords platform over your videos, the MCNs will deliver ads to your videos from their clients.
Since I am only familiar with and have only worked with one MCN (referral link), I will mention it here. Ever since I switched from YouTube’s program to ScaleLab (referral link) I have seen an increase in how much I am earning from the ads on my videos. I am also receiving monthly payments to my PayPal.
I did earn money when I was with the YouTube Partner Program but I have never received a payment from YouTube.
You must apply and be approved to become a ScaleLab partner, but I highly recommend using this platform to monetize videos. I have been pleased with the results.
ScaleLab members also receive extra perks when they use TubeBuddy, which I discussed in this article.