How YouTube Channel Monetization Works

YouTube Channel Monetization is one of the major avenues of making money through audiovisual content. It’s a great avenue to promote your brand, products, or business as you make some cash out of the monetized ads. Even more, monetization requirements and procedures are easy to follow for the novice as well as beginners.

As for this term, — monetization, YouTube uses it as the official program for two-way traffic lead targeting, lucrative user-end outreach, and other value-added monetary benefits. Whereby, you’ll make money and entertain your subscribers with your videos.

As part of 2020 new goals (or resolutions depending on how you think of it), many YouTubers want to improve fan engagement and also monetize their content. Monetization is a big topic because successfully doing so allows a creator to turn his or her passion into a job, rather than juggling both.

What is YouTube Channel Monetization?

Interested in making money on YouTube? All YouTube creators can apply to join the YouTube Partner Program as long as it is available in your country.

And after you hit 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months and 1,000 subscribers, your activity will be reviewed against YouTube policies. If everything looks good, you’ll be able to join the YouTube Partner Program and begin serving ads on your content.

This threshold helps ensure revenue only flows to creators who are playing by the rules. The YouTube Partner Program (in short YPP) gives creators greater access to YouTube resources and features. And whether it’s to entertain, teach something, or show a special talent, your videos capture an interested audience who finds it valuable in some way.

Many times, your lead audience wants to interact with you, and might even have questions. And yes, they’ll pay to have those questions answered by you — not only is it a way for them to get some insight, but it’s also a way for them to get some interaction with you.

YouTubers have historically struggled to monetize their content through YouTube’s advertising program. In order to earn money from advertising, not only does the creator have to meet minimum requirements, but also must think of the success of the content through measuring views, rather than other factors such as viewer satisfaction.

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Everyone who meets the YouTube monetization threshold can apply for YPP, but you do need to meet some of the YouTube guidelines to be considered. This checklist is meant to guide you through the application process. But, first of all, you should follow all the YouTube monetization policies.

The YouTube monetization policies are a collection of policies that allow you to monetize on YouTube. And if you’re a YouTube partner, your agreement including the YouTube partner program policies requires compliance. Especially with these monetization policies in order to potentially earn money on YouTube.

It’s mandatory also, that you live in a country or region where the YouTube Partner Program is available. Have more than 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months. More than 1,000 subscribers, as well as have a linked AdSense account.

YouTube Channel Monetization Eligibility

Exemplary, for a YouTube video content clip to be eligible for monetization, it must be entirely made up of originally created content. And that which you own all the exclusive and intellectual property rights.

You’ll not be obliged to monetize clips where you have used some original creativity containing copyrighted content. Such cases include uploading new commentary on somebody else’s footage or creating a montage of clips from other sources.

And inasmuch as you may want to monetize a self-shot clip, it should not include in it any audio or video of copyrighted material in the background.

Such as from your TV or stereo, your phone in affiliation to an external audio system, and so on. Even if you are allowed to upload the clip in the first place. Notably, YouTube reserves the right to refuse to let you monetize a clip that has content that is not “advertiser-friendly.”

How do I Swap the audio track on my video?

YouTube offers a program called AudioSwap by which you can use copyrighted music in a clip as long as the rights holder has added the song to the AudioSwap library.

When this happens, YouTube adds advertisements to the clip but the revenue goes to the music rights holder, not you. If you want to make a clip eligible for monetization, you are not allowed to use Audio Swap songs in the clip.

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The audio swapping tool allows you to add music to your video from a library of licensed songs.

These songs are from our free Audio Library, and you may use them in videos that you monetize on YouTube. If your video contains copyrighted audio that has been claimed by Content ID or was manually claimed by the copyright owner, you can use the audio swapping tool to replace the claimed audio.

Once the claimed audio is replaced, the associated claim should be automatically released, and we’ll update any viewing or monetization restrictions on your video. You can also view the claimed segment(s) beneath the video player so you can position the audio track in such a way that will remove the claims from your video.

Please Note:

If your video has over 100,000 views, you may not be able to save any changes to your videos.
This restriction doesn’t apply to users who are in the YouTube Partner Program.
Also, this feature is only available for videos shorter than 6 hours.
You may only swap in one audio track from the Audio Library.
Trimming your video following a swap may result in your video being muted.

How do I add an audio track to my videos?

Sign in to YouTube Studio.
From the left menu, select Videos.
Click the video you’d like to edit.
From the left menu, click Editor.
In the audio row , select Expand + AUDIO.
Select a track by clicking Add to video and preview your video with the music track added.
You can click Play next to the name of the audio track to preview the track.
Search for a track using the search box, or click the Genre tab to browse by genre.
Once you’ve found a track you like, click Save changes, and the new audio will be applied to your video.

How do I customize YouTube audio position and length?

After clicking Add to video and selecting an audio track, the name of the audio track will appear below the player in a highlighted bar. Click the bar. You can now trim and drag the bar to customize the length and position by clicking the beginning or end of the bar and dragging it to the left or right.

After you’ve trimmed the track, drag it to a particular position in the video. This feature allows you to set when an audio track will play in your video. When there isn’t a claim on your video, you can adjust the volume of the audio to play music only, favor the original audio, or mix both.

Click Save Changes when you’re happy with the positioning of the track. With that in mind, you can get more pro tips on how to enhance your video production.

How does YouTube Channel Monetization work?

You can submit a video for monetization when you originally upload it by making sure to check the “Monetize my video” box on the “Monetization” tab of the upload page.

Alternatively, you can locate a video you’ve already uploaded to your channel’s Video Manager section and then check the “Monetize my video” box under the “Monetization” tab. YouTube will review the clip and will ask you to confirm you own the rights to the content, providing proof if necessary.

Once you have a clip accepted, you’ll need to link your YouTube account to a Google AdSense account to receive payment. YouTube doesn’t publicly reveal how much it pays people who have uploaded a video. Media reports suggest it isn’t simply a matter of how many people watch a clip. But also how attractive the subject of the clip is to advertisers.

This system means you may struggle to find an ideal balance between producing a clip that promotes your business and one that attracts advertisers and viewers. All Things D reported in March 2013 that the uploader usually receives 55 percent of the actual ad revenue and that average payment rates varied from Ksh.250 to Ksh.1000 per 1,000 views.

YouTube channel monetization policies & copyright strikes

If you’re monetizing on YouTube, it’s important that your channel follows YouTube monetization policies. Including YouTube’s Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, Copyright, and Google AdSense program policies. These policies apply to anyone in, or looking to apply to, the YouTube Partner Program.

If you get a copyright strike on your YouTube channel monetization page, it means your video has been taken down. Simply, because a copyright owner sent YouTube a complete and valid legal request asking them to do so.

When a copyright owner formally notifies YouTube that you don’t have their permission to post their content on the site, they take down your upload. In order to allow you time to comply with its general Copyrights Law.

Read and learn more about why YouTube enforces channel monetization policies

With time, many people have become self-centered to utilize other people’s intellectual property and or properties to their own benefit. Keep in mind, videos can be removed from the site for different reasons, and not all of which are copyright-related.

The main reason people steal content is that the YouTube monetization program pays. And it pays users directly from the money earned through their advertising program. Including producers to your videos and content clips, video management networks, music mixing DJs.

Content can also be monetized by your general business, brand, and products video content affiliates, vixens, influencers, referrals, digital communication partners, etc. This they do without any oral communication to you. And at times, with very little understanding on your side of how YouTube operates and how it benefits users.

What is a YouTube Multi-Channel Network (MCN)?

Each of the YouTube Account Monetization features has its own set of eligibility requirements. On top of subscribers and views count requirements. With this in mind, it is highly recommended that you Join a YouTube Monetization Network Program. That’s if you want to make more out of your YouTube channel monetization account.

The YouTube Monetization Multi-Channel Networks (“MCNs” or “networks”) are third-party service providers. They affiliate with multiple YouTube channels to offer various key services and solutions. Like audience development, content programming, creator collaborations, digital rights management, monetization, and/or content sales.

YouTube Help – Multi-Channel Network (MCN) overview for YouTube Creators

I could simply say, joining an MCN is an important choice for any YouTube creator. But, before you join, make sure you understand the basics. Like what services and/or results in the MCN will deliver in exchange for your payment. You should also make sure you understand when your payments will be distributed.

Additionally, through MCN, understand what protections you have. Such as if your MCN fails to pay you on time. Or even if it fails to pay you what you are owed. Some creators may choose to partner with an MCN for success. But, you don’t need to join it to be successful on YouTube.

Types of MCN channels under YouTube network:

Affiliate Channels are managed at scale by their MCN and reside in an Affiliate Content Owner.
Owned & Operated (O&O) channels are owned and operated by the MCN.

As for O&O mentioned above, it means the MCN has obtained the rights to the channel’s YouTube content.

And therefore, it assumes full liability for the content on YouTube and manages the O&O channels on a day-to-day basis. Differentiating between these two types of channels allows YouTube to apply our policies and channel features with clarity and fairness.

It’s important to realize, MCNs and other third-party service providers are not directly endorsed by YouTube or Google. But, you can view a list of YouTube Certified service providers in the Creator Services Directory.

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When you join an MCN, all your revenue will flow through your MCN’s AdSense account. And also your MCN will have access to your YouTube Analytics revenue data. So, make sure you know how to get help as a YouTube Creator and use YouTube’s support options, which are available to you whether you’re in an MCN or not.

Every YouTube Creator is eligible for the YouTube for Creators Program, which provides resources like workshops, meetups, channel consultations, production access to the YouTube Spaces, and more — all free of charge and based on your channel’s specific needs.

Some MCNs offer additional revenue opportunities. Such as brand sponsorships or dedicated sales teams, that may contribute to higher overall earnings for your channel. If a network offers you these services, you may wish to make sure they are specified in your contract.

What about MCN Contracts and Agreements?

As a matter of fact, MCN contracts are legally binding, so it’s important to make an informed decision. You may wish to even consult your own legal counsel. And therefore, before you join an MCN, read through your contract.

Joining an MCN has no impact on your revenue share with YouTube, which is outlined in its Terms of Service. MCNs typically take a percentage of revenue from the creator’s portion before paying them. In that case, make sure you at least understand the following key points.

First, make sure that you understand their fees as charged by the MCN networks. The specific services and level of support offered to your channel. Your obligations to the network, the duration of your contract as well as how to terminate your agreement.

What about Copyright Strikes and Takedown?

While an MCN may be able to help you understand or resolve a copyright claim, strike, or takedown on your channel, it doesn’t prevent the happenings. Bearing in mind, channels that are found to be in violation of YouTube’s community guidelines or copyright policies, receive strikes, or other penalties.

Whether or not they’re part of an MCN partnership program or not. You can learn about how to keep your channel free from strikes and takedowns in the Policy and Safety Hub and YouTube Copyright Center. All MCNs are responsible for providing value to their creators by following YouTube’s best practices.

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Some of the value-added services include: avoiding spammy, misleading language to recruit channels to join an MCN. Clearly explaining in a contract the services and levels of support provided. Acting in an honest and transparent way with respect to services offered and contractual obligations.

In addition to that, they provide true channels onboarding and releases in line with their contracts. And if an MCN doesn’t adhere to these best practices, it may lose account features and monetization. Not forgetting, if you believe that an MCN is not following YouTube’s policies, contact the Creator Support team.

Takeaway,

In reality, YouTube is now pulling in over 1.8 billion users every month which makes it one of the most popular service platforms in this century. With even more users than there are on Google’s Gmail Messaging Platform.

Competitively, YouTube’s monthly user number is nearing that of Facebook. Now that it’s the world’s largest and leading social media platform — with over 2 billion users. But, YouTube’s success is due largely in part to its extensive list of creators – known as YouTubers.

These creators range from amateur vloggers to professional online stars. Some of whom are the most influential voices on the internet. And in-kind, YouTube has paid out over $2 billion to its creators since 2007. That’s why YouTube developers constantly review all YouTube content— to make sure that it’s in line with their user policies.

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