How to earn with YouTube Shorts

Earning money with YouTube Shorts has become a significant opportunity for creators. Here’s a breakdown of the main ways you can monetize your short-form content:

1. YouTube Partner Program (YPP) & Shorts Ad Revenue:
   This is the primary way to earn directly from YouTube for Shorts.

   • Eligibility: To qualify for the YPP, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public Shorts views within 90 days.

   • Ad Revenue Share: Unlike long-form videos, where ads play directly on your video, Shorts ad revenue is pooled. Ads are run between Shorts in the Shorts Feed. YouTube takes all revenue from these ads and pools it. Then, creators get 45% of this pool, allocated based on their share of total Shorts views. YouTube uses music costs from this pool first if creators use licensed music.

   • This means: The more views your Shorts get, the larger your slice of the 45% creator pool will be.

   • Other YPP Benefits: Once in the YPP, you can also earn from Channel Memberships, Super Chat/Stickers, and Shopping features, even if your primary content is Shorts.

2. Affiliate Marketing:
   Shorts are excellent for quick product recommendations or demonstrations.

   • How it works: Showcase a product or service quickly and then direct viewers to a link in your Shorts description, pinned comment, or channel links for purchase. You earn a commission on sales made through your unique link.

   • Example: A 30-second Short demonstrating a useful kitchen gadget could have an Amazon affiliate link for it.

3. Selling Your Own Products or Services:
   Use Shorts as a dynamic advertisement for your own offerings.

   • Digital Products: Briefly highlight the benefits of your e-book, online course, or digital template.

   • Physical Merchandise: Show off your branded t-shirts, mugs, or other merch.

   • Services: Offer a quick tip related to your coaching, consulting, or creative services, then direct viewers to where they can learn more.

   • Example: A fitness coach could show a quick exercise tip and then promote their full workout program.

4. Brand Deals & Sponsorships:
   Brands are increasingly interested in Shorts for their high reach and engagement potential.

   • How it works: A brand pays you to integrate their product or message into your Short. This can be a quick shout-out, a product placement, or a demonstration.

   • Key: Your audience size, niche, and engagement will determine your rates.

   • Disclosure: Always disclose sponsored content using YouTube’s built-in paid promotion feature.

   • Example: A gaming creator could do a rapid-fire review of a new game or accessory in a Short, sponsored by the game developer.

5. Directing Traffic to Longer-Form Content:
   While not direct monetization of the Short itself, Shorts are a powerful discovery tool.

   • Strategy: Create engaging Shorts that act as trailers, highlights, or teasers for your longer YouTube videos.

   • Benefit: This drives viewers to your longer videos, which can generate more ad revenue, increase watch time (helping your YPP eligibility for long-form if not already qualified), and potentially convert them into loyal subscribers.

   • “Related Video” Feature: You can link a Short to one of your long-form videos, which is a great way to drive traffic.

6. Fan Funding / Donations:
   If you’re in the YPP, your Shorts viewers can use Super Chat/Super Stickers during your live streams or Premieres. Even outside YPP, you can link to external platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee in your channel’s links.

   • Example: A creator who posts daily Shorts with motivational messages might encourage viewers to support their work through Patreon for exclusive content.

Tips for Success with Shorts:

• Hook Immediately: You have seconds to grab attention.

• Keep it Concise: Get to the point quickly.

• Use Trending Audio: Leverage YouTube’s Shorts audio library for discoverability.

• Add Text Overlays: Make your Shorts understandable even with sound off.

• Engage with Comments: Build a community around your Shorts.

• Call to Action: Tell viewers what to do next (e.g., “Link in bio for full video,” “Follow for more tips,” “Check out my store”).

• Consistency is Key: Regular uploads help with algorithm recognition and audience retention.