Monetizing YouTube Shorts: A Deep Dive into Earning Potential

Recently, the popularity of YouTube Shorts has exploded and creators have been naturally curious about the monetization potential of their short-form content. YouTube Shorts, which allows users to create 60-second videos that are optimized for mobile viewing and discovery, is a viable way to make money off of your content. 

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about monetizing YouTube Shorts, including eligibility criteria, optimizing your content, and other ways to diversify your monetization strategy.

Can You Monetize YouTube Shorts? How Does It Work?

The short answer is yes - you can make money from YouTube Shorts. It works similarly to monetizing longer-form videos. Previously, a YouTube Shorts Monetization Fund was in place, distributing a substantial $100 million to the top creators on the platform. However, this left many aspiring creators wondering about their own earning potential. The landscape changed on February 1, 2023, when YouTube Shorts monetization became accessible to most creators through a revamped advertising revenue sharing model, replacing the Monetization Fund.

Creators can earn money through advertising revenue, channel memberships, and other monetization streams. However, while Shorts are part of the YouTube Partner Program, revenue is distributed differently than with longer-form videos. This includes revenue sharing from YouTube Premium subscriptions related to Shorts content, opportunities through YouTube Shopping, fan funding from viewers, and various monetization streams. 

The initial Shorts monetization approach was kickstarted with the YouTube Shorts fund in 2021, aimed at incentivizing creators to adopt the new format by rewarding engaging content. However, this fund was a temporary measure, and its discontinuation coincided with the launch of the more sustainable Shorts ad revenue sharing model in February 2023, signaling a new era for YouTube Shorts monetization.

Am I Eligible to Earn Ad Revenue from YouTube Shorts?

To be eligible for ad revenue from YouTube Shorts, your channel must be part of the YouTube Partner Program. Within the YouTube Partner Program, revenue sharing occurs on a 55/45 percent split between the platform and creators. 

To be eligible for YPP, creators need to have at least 1,000 YouTube subscribers and meet one of the following criteria: either accumulate 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months or achieve 10 million public YouTube Shorts views within the past 90 days. YPP not only facilitates ad revenue but also introduces other YouTube Shorts monetization tools like Super Chats, Super Thanks, and channel memberships, offering creators diverse avenues to monetize their content and foster audience growth. 

As the platform transitions from the Shorts fund model to the revenue-sharing model, creators can anticipate increased earnings, aligning with the growth trajectory of YouTube Shorts.

How to Start Monetizing YouTube Shorts: 4 Easy Steps

If you're a content creator looking to monetize your YouTube Shorts, you're in luck. The process of enabling monetization for your Shorts is simple and straightforward. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps involved in monetizing your Shorts and give you tips on how to optimize your content for better results.

Step 1: Join the YouTube Partner Program

Here are the necessary steps to joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and commence the monetization process for your YouTube Shorts:

• Sign in to YouTube.
  
  
• Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner and then select YouTube Studio.
  
  
• On the left menu, click Earn.
  
  
• If you meet the eligibility criteria, an Apply button will be visible. Click on it to initiate the application. If you're not yet eligible, opt for the Get Notified button, allowing you to return and complete the process once the prerequisites are met.
  
  
• Proceed by clicking Start to review and Accept the Base terms.
  
  
• Connect your existing AdSense account, or initiate the setup for a new one by clicking Start if needed.
  
  
• Exercise patience as YouTube conducts a thorough review of your application, a process typically taking around a month.
  

Step 2: Enable Monetization on Your Shorts

Upon approval, return to the Earn section within YouTube Studio and embrace the Shorts Monetization Module to finalize the setup and commence earning revenue from your YouTube Shorts content. From here, you can select the video you want to monetize and choose the type of ad format you want to use.

Step 3: Manage Ads on Your Shorts

Once you've enabled monetization on your Shorts, you can manage ads to ensure that they're displayed in a way that's best for your content. This includes choosing the types of ads you want to show, such as skippable or non-skippable ads, and the frequency of ad placement. 

Step 4: Optimize Your Shorts for Better Results

Optimizing your Shorts is crucial for maximizing your earning potential. This involves adding titles, descriptions, and relevant hashtags to your Shorts to help with discoverability. You can also utilize end screens and cards to encourage viewers to watch more of your content.

How Much Can You Earn From Shorts?

The potential earnings from YouTube Shorts can fluctuate significantly, hinging on factors such as engagement levels, niche specificity, and the composition of your audience. YouTube employs a comparable model for calculating Shorts ad revenue as it does for longer videos, considering variables such as the ad type and the viewer's geographical location.

Regrettably, the monetary returns from YouTube Shorts, at least in the current landscape, are not extraordinary. According to feedback from YouTube Shorts creators, the revenue per thousand views (RPM) typically falls within the range of $0.01 to $0.07. This translates to approximately $10 to $70 for a million views. 

In addition, assessing your YouTube Shopping revenue requires effective promotion of your products and consideration of their price points. Monitor the Revenue section in your YouTube Analytics to track earnings from YouTube Shopping tags in your Shorts. 

While YouTube Shorts are indeed monetized, the earnings generated are unlikely to supplant what creators typically accrue from long-form YouTube videos. Nonetheless, as highlighted below, the monetization features in YouTube Shorts are just one facet of potential revenue streams for your short-form content on the platform.

4 More Ways To Earn Money with YouTube Shorts

While ad revenue from YouTube Shorts is a new way to make money on the platform, it currently doesn’t generate that much revenue for creators. Fortunately, there are other monetization strategies that content creators can use to earn even more income. In this section, we'll explore some additional ways to monetize your Shorts.

Sell Merchandise and Digital Products 

If you have a dedicated fanbase, selling merchandise and digital products can be a great way to monetize your Shorts. This can include anything from branded merchandise like t-shirts and stickers to digital products like e-books or courses.

Memberships

Membership platforms like Patreon and Fourthwall allow fans to support their favorite content creators by paying a monthly subscription fee. In exchange, they gain access to exclusive content, merchandise, and other perks. By offering exclusive content to your supporters, you can earn a reliable stream of income.

Affiliate Programs

Affiliate programs can be an excellent source of revenue for content creators, especially if you have a niche audience. By partnering with relevant brands, you can earn a commission on any sales made through your unique affiliate link.

Brand Deals

Another way to monetize your Shorts is through brand deals or sponsorships. Brands are often willing to pay content creators to create Shorts that promote their products or services. By working with brands that align with your values and audience, you can earn a significant amount of money.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about YouTube Shorts monetization:

• Where can I see my Shorts ad revenue?
  

You can see your Shorts ad revenue in the YouTube Analytics section of your channel dashboard. A separate tab for Shorts analytics is available to see Shorts activity and revenue.

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

Yes, to be part of the YouTube Partner Program and be eligible for monetization, you need at least 1,000 subscribers.

• How much does YouTube pay for 1,000 views?
  

The amount you can earn from YouTube Shorts can vary from $0.01 - $0.07 per 1,000 views. However, this depends on several factors such as the type of Ads served, viewer demographics, and ad targeting options selected by advertisers. 

• How often can you monetize YouTube Shorts?
  

There is no limit on the number of Shorts that can be monetized. Monetization eligibility is based on your account activity and engagement, so you can monetize as many Shorts as you like as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Can copyrighted content be monetized on YouTube Shorts?
  

No, monetizing content that infringes on someone else's intellectual property rights is not allowed on YouTube Shorts or any other platform. Doing so can result in copyright strikes that can lead to the removal of monetization capabilities and, in some cases, termination of your channel.

Explore More Revenue Opportunities with Fourthwall!

If you're looking to maximize your monetization potential such as launching your own website, sourcing and selling products, and offering memberships to supporters, then exploring Fourthwall could be the way to go. Fourthwall is a creator e-commerce platform that offers an all-in-one solution for content creators. Turn your passion into profit by joining Fourthwall today.