Youtube has become a popular platform for content creators to share their videos with millions of viewers worldwide. With the rise of online advertising, many wonder how much money can be made from Youtube in 2018. In this article, we will explore various aspects that determine the earnings potential on Youtube.
1. Ad Revenue
The primary source of income on Youtube is through ad revenue. Youtube partners with advertisers who pay to display their advertisements before or during videos. The amount of money earned per view varies and depends on various factors such as the length of the ad, viewer engagement, and the target audience.
Some creators can earn around $0.01 to $0.03 per view, while others with a larger subscriber base and higher engagement can earn significantly more. However, it is important to note that earning solely through ad revenue may not be substantial for most content creators.
2. Partnership Programs
Youtube offers partnership programs such as the Youtube Partner Program (YPP) or the Google Preferred program. These programs provide additional opportunities to monetize content through higher-paying advertisements, brand deals, and sponsorships. Creators who meet specific requirements can join these programs and earn higher revenue.
However, it is essential to build a strong subscriber base and maintain consistent content quality to be eligible for these programs. Earnings from partnership programs can vary depending on factors like the niche, advertiser demand, and overall viewership.
3. Product and Merchandise Sales
Many content creators leverage their Youtube following to promote and sell products or merchandise. It can be anything from physical items like clothing, accessories, or digital products like e-books, courses, or music. The income potential from product sales depends on the popularity of the creator and their ability to convert viewers into customers.
Creators can earn a significant revenue stream through product sales, especially if they have a dedicated fan base that supports their work. However, it requires careful planning, marketing, and delivering quality products to succeed in this area.
4. Channel Memberships
Youtube offers a feature called “Channel Memberships,” which allows creators to offer exclusive perks to their subscribers in exchange for a monthly fee. These perks can include custom badges, emojis, early access to videos, or exclusive content. The earnings from channel memberships can provide a steady income stream for creators with a loyal fan base.
However, to be eligible for the Channel Memberships feature, creators need to meet specific requirements, such as having at least 30,000 subscribers and complying with Youtube’s policies and guidelines.
5. Crowdfunding and Donations
Many creators turn to crowdfunding platforms like Patreon to receive direct financial support from their audience. These platforms allow fans to contribute a certain amount of money regularly in exchange for exclusive content or other rewards. The income potential from crowdfunding depends on the creator’s ability to engage their audience and provide valuable content.
Additionally, some creators may receive direct donations through platforms like PayPal or livestreams. While donations are not a reliable source of income, they can provide additional support to supplement the earnings from other sources.
6. Brand Partnerships
Content creators with a sizable following often collaborate with brands to promote their products or services. These brand partnerships can be in the form of sponsored videos, product placements, or dedicated advertising campaigns. The earnings from brand partnerships can vary significantly and depend on factors like the creator’s reach, engagement, and the scope of the collaboration.
Building strong relationships with brands and maintaining authenticity in endorsements is crucial for long-term success in brand partnerships.
7. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services through unique referral links. Creators earn a commission for each sale generated through their links. Many content creators use affiliate marketing as an additional revenue stream by recommending products or services they genuinely support to their audience.
The earnings potential in affiliate marketing depends on the creator’s ability to effectively promote products, reach a suitable audience, and generate conversions. However, it is essential to maintain transparency and disclose affiliate links according to Youtube’s policies and guidelines.
8. Licensing and Content Sales
Creators who produce unique content, such as music, photographs, or videos, can license or sell their creations to other platforms or individuals. This can provide a significant income stream, especially if the content becomes popular and gains widespread attention beyond Youtube.
Similarly, stock footage websites or content aggregators may purchase content from creators for various purposes, such as advertisements or corporate videos.
9. Live Events and Performances
Many content creators organize live events, meet-ups, or performances for their fans. These events often involve ticket sales, merchandise stands, or partnerships with sponsors. The earnings potential from live events depends on factors like the creator’s popularity, location, and the scale of the event.
However, organizing successful live events requires careful planning, marketing, and understanding the audience’s preferences.
10. Patreon and Fan Funding
Patreon is a popular platform for creators to receive ongoing financial support from their audience. Viewers can pledge a certain amount per creation or on a monthly basis, providing creators with a stable income stream. Fan funding allows viewers to contribute directly through platforms like YouTube’s Super Chat or Twitch’s Cheering feature during livestreams.
Earnings from Patreon or fan funding can vary depending on the creator’s fan base and their ability to engage and provide value to their audience.
11. YouTube Red Revenue
Creators with significant viewership can earn a portion of the revenue generated through Youtube Red subscriptions. Youtube Red is a premium service that offers ad-free viewing, offline playback, and access to exclusive content. The earnings from Youtube Red revenue depend on factors such as the number of views and watch time from Red subscribers.
However, the availability of Youtube Red varies by country, which can impact the potential earnings from this source.
12. YouTube Premium Partnerships
Creators selected for the YouTube Partner Program Premium can earn additional revenue through user interactions with their content. These interactions can include clicks on cards or annotations, pre-roll ad views, or engagement with ads during their videos. The earnings from YouTube Premium partnerships depend on factors like viewer engagement, the number of ads served, and the advertiser demand.
13. Fan Engagement and Fan Clubs
Creators who have a dedicated and engaged fan base often create fan clubs or exclusive membership programs. These programs provide additional perks, content, or access to the creator. The income potential from fan engagement and fan clubs depends on the creator’s ability to offer valuable benefits and maintain an active and engaged audience.
14. YouTube Shorts Fund
YouTube has introduced the Shorts Fund to support and reward creators who produce engaging content on YouTube Shorts, the platform’s short-form video feature. The fund distributes money to creators based on their Shorts’ viewership and engagement metrics. The earnings potential from the Shorts Fund can provide additional income for creators utilizing this feature.
15. Direct Sponsorships and Endorsements
Established creators with a loyal following often receive direct sponsorships and endorsements from brands. These can range from product promotions to appearances in commercials or collaborations. The earnings potential from direct sponsorships and endorsements depends on factors like the creator’s reach, audience demographics, and the nature of the partnership.
In conclusion, the earnings on Youtube in 2018 can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including ad revenue, partnership programs, product sales, and various other revenue streams. It is crucial for content creators to diversify their income sources and build a loyal and engaged audience to maximize their earnings potential on Youtube.
References:
- “How Much Do Small YouTubers Make? Real SECRETS Revealed!” (Video Influencers)
- “How Much Money Do YouTubers Make?” (Business Insider)
About the Author:
John Smith is a digital marketer specializing in content strategy and social media marketing. He has helped numerous content creators grow their online presence and monetize their platforms effectively. He regularly shares his expertise and insights on his personal blog.
Image Credit: John Smith