Since its launch, YouTube has been a profitable platform for thousands of creators worldwide, offering a reach that many television networks envy. However, as the digital landscape evolves, so too does YouTube’s approach to content and monetization. For those aspiring to make a career on the platform, understanding one of YouTube’s most promising features—YouTube Shorts—can be pivotal.
The Emergence of YouTube Shorts
Inspired by TikTok’s explosive success in short-form video content, YouTube introduced Shorts in 2020. This feature allowed creators to upload videos under 60 seconds, driving new viewer engagement while replicating a “swipe-down” browsing experience. YouTube’s quick response not only showcased its adaptability but reinforced the idea that social media trends are fluid and platform-neutral.
Real-World Impact: How Short-Form Content Disrupted Social Media
Platforms across the globe rushed to adapt to TikTok’s short-form model, sparking a phenomenon where short, catchy videos became a primary way for creators to engage audiences. In India, where TikTok was banned in 2020, YouTube Shorts became a key substitute, with creators like Bhuvan Bam and Prajakta Koli leveraging it to expand their reach significantly.
The YouTube Shorts Fund: 2021 to 2022
To encourage content creation on Shorts, YouTube launched a $100 million YouTube Shorts Fund in 2021. This fund rewarded top-performing creators based on their engagement and viewership metrics. Unlike TikTok’s Creator Fund, which offered a revenue pool across all creators, YouTube’s approach rewarded high-performance, incentivizing creators to produce highly engaging content.
Historical Insight: In the two years the fund operated, it gave a financial boost to thousands of creators, bringing new life to YouTube and establishing a robust creator economy. For instance, creators like Alex Warren and FGTeeV reportedly earned significant monthly payouts, helping them reinvest in their channels and grow their content.
The Transition to Revenue Sharing in 2023 and Beyond
In February 2023, YouTube transitioned Shorts monetization into its YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Rather than periodic payouts, creators now benefit from ad revenue on Shorts, creating a more stable income stream.
This shift to revenue-sharing reflects an industry trend toward sustainable monetization models. Today, Shorts creators earn revenue from ads that play between videos. It’s a more predictable and fair approach, as it mirrors YouTube’s long-form video monetization and provides regular income to creators.
Comparative Insight: TikTok’s Creator Fund vs. YouTube’s Revenue Sharing
Unlike TikTok, where creators often expressed frustration over decreasing payouts, YouTube’s revenue-sharing model ensures that earnings are directly proportional to ad performance and viewer engagement. This shift to ad-based earnings means that, in 2024, creators can bank on consistent revenue growth as they build a loyal audience.
Requirements for YouTube Shorts Monetization in 2024
As of this year, the eligibility requirements for Shorts monetization include:
- 1,000 subscribers and 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days for Shorts Fund eligibility.
- For the YPP, requirements have been updated:
- 500 subscribers (down from 1,000)
- 3,000 public watch hours over the past 12 months (down from 4,000)
These relaxed requirements reflect YouTube’s commitment to making its Partner Program more accessible to up-and-coming creators.
Maximizing Income from YouTube Shorts in 2024
There are now several ways to earn on YouTube beyond ad revenue:
- Commerce Product Addendum: YouTube offers monetization through memberships, Super Chats, and Super Stickers, ideal for creators looking to monetize community interaction.
- Creator Music: This feature, launched in 2023, allows creators to license popular music, adding a new layer of production quality to videos. For instance, licensed tracks by global artists such as Lizzo and Sam Smith can be included in Shorts at a low cost, making content more engaging without risking copyright issues.Pro Insight: Licensing music for Shorts can attract broader audiences. Creators like Daniel Thrasher and Merrell Twins use this to create music-backed content that captures viewers’ attention within seconds.
How to Enable YouTube Shorts Monetization in 2024
To activate monetization on Shorts:
- Open YouTube Studio on a web browser (not available in the mobile app).
- Accept the Shorts Monetization Module in the terms and conditions.
- Turn on ads for eligible Shorts by selecting the content, clicking on the “Earn” tab, and choosing the ads you want.
By optimizing this setup, creators can generate consistent income, albeit with a 45% cut to YouTube.
How Much Can You Earn with YouTube Shorts in 2024?
Although specifics vary, many creators report an average earning of $0.04 per 1,000 views on Shorts, compared to approximately $5 per 1,000 views for long-form videos. For higher-income potential, creators often pair Shorts with sponsorships and brand deals, allowing them to promote products or services within their videos.
