If you're eligible to monetize your YouTube Shorts, you can turn on monetization by following these steps:
Subscribe in to your YouTube account on a computer. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen and elect" YouTube Studio" from the dropdown menu.
Click on "Shorts" in the left-hand menu.
Click on "Monetization" in the top menu.
If you're eligible to monetize your Shorts, you'll see an option to "Join the Shorts Partner Program." Click on this option and follow the instructions to complete the process.
Note that not all channels and creators are currently eligible to monetize their Shorts. YouTube is gradually rolling out this feature to more creators, so if you don't see the option to join the Shorts Partner Program, you may need to wait until it becomes available in your region or to your channel. Additionally, make sure that you comply with YouTube's monetization policies and guidelines to avoid any issues or violations.
Here are some additional details and tips that you might find helpful:
Eligibility criteria: To be eligible for the YouTube Shorts Partner Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your channel must have at least 1000 subscribers.
- Your channel must have at least 10,000 public views in the last 30 days.
- You must be located in a country where Shorts is available.
- You must comply with YouTube's monetization policies and guidelines.
- Monetization options: Once you're approved for the Shorts Partner Program, you can earn money through ads that appear before, during, or after your Shorts. You can also receive a portion of the revenue generated by YouTube Premium subscribers who watch your Shorts.
- Content guidelines: To ensure that your Shorts are eligible for monetization, make sure that they comply with YouTube's community guidelines and advertiser-friendly content guidelines. In general, you should avoid posting content that is sexually suggestive, violent, hateful, or harmful, as well as content that infringes on the rights of others, such as copyright or trademark violations.
- Creating engaging Shorts: To maximize your earning potential from Shorts, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience. Consider using popular trends, music, or hashtags to increase your reach and visibility. You can also collaborate with other creators or participate in challenges to increase your exposure and engagement.
- Analyzing performance: To track the performance of your Shorts and optimize your monetization strategy, you can use the analytics tools available in YouTube Studio. You can view metrics such as views, watch time, engagement, and revenue, and use this data to identify trends, optimize your content, and experiment with new strategies.
- Set up AdSense account: To receive payments for your monetized Shorts, you'll need to set up an AdSense account and link it to your YouTube channel. AdSense is Google's advertising platform that allows you to earn money from ads displayed on your content. Follow the instructions on the monetization page in YouTube Studio to set up your AdSense account and link it to your channel.
- Use relevant keywords: To help your Shorts get discovered by viewers, use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and hashtags. Use tools like YouTube's keyword planner or Google Trends to find popular keywords related to your content. Make sure to use keywords that accurately describe your Shorts and align with the interests of your target audience.
- Engage with your audience: To build a loyal following and increase engagement on your Shorts, engage with your audience by responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, and creating content that addresses their interests and concerns. Encourage viewers to like, share, and comment on your Shorts, and use their feedback to improve your content and build your brand.
- Stay consistent: To build momentum and grow your channel, stay consistent with your posting schedule and content strategy. Plan out your Shorts in advance, and aim to post at least one new video per week. Use a mix of evergreen and trending content to keep your audience engaged, and monitor your analytics to see what's working and what's not.
- Stay up-to-date: Finally, stay up-to-date with YouTube's policies, guidelines, and best practices for Shorts and monetization. YouTube is constantly updating its platform, and staying informed can help you avoid violations or penalties that could affect your earning potential. Join YouTube's Creator Insider channel or attend Creator Academy courses to stay informed and learn from other successful creators.
- Experiment with different formats: To keep your Shorts fresh and engaging, experiment with different formats and styles, such as animations, text-based videos, stop-motion, or hyper-lapse. Use creative transitions, sound effects, and music to make your Shorts stand out, and test different lengths and aspect ratios to see what works best for your audience.
- Collaborate with other creators: Collaborating with other creators can help you expand your audience and reach new viewers. Look for other creators in your niche or with similar interests, and collaborate on Shorts that showcase both of your talents. Use tags, links, and shout-outs to promote each other's channels and increase your exposure.
- Promote your Shorts: To increase your views and earn more money from ads, promote your Shorts on social media, blogs, or other platforms where your target audience hangs out. Use hashtags, embed links, and create teaser videos to entice viewers to watch your Shorts on YouTube.
- Optimize for mobile: Since Shorts are primarily designed for mobile viewing, make sure your Shorts are optimized for small screens and short attention spans. Use bold graphics, clear text, and eye-catching visuals to capture viewers' attention quickly. Make sure your Shorts are easy to watch without sound, as many viewers watch Shorts with the sound off.
- Track your performance: To maximize your earning potential from Shorts, track your performance regularly and adjust your strategy accordingly. Use YouTube's analytics tools to monitor your views, engagement, and revenue, and experiment with different types of content, keywords, or collaborations to see what resonates with your audience. Set goals for yourself and track your progress towards those goals over time.
- Create a consistent brand: To build a recognizable brand and stand out from the competition, create a consistent look and feel for your Shorts. Use a consistent color scheme, font, or logo across your channel, and create a unique style that reflects your personality and niche. Use templates or presets to save time and ensure consistency across your Shorts.
- Leverage YouTube features: To increase your exposure and engagement on YouTube, use features like end screens, cards, or polls to promote your Shorts and encourage viewers to take action. Use YouTube's Creator Studio app to schedule posts, respond to comments, or monitor your analytics on the go.
- Engage with your community: To build a loyal and engaged community on YouTube, engage with your viewers by responding to comments, hosting live streams, or creating content that addresses their interests and needs. Use social media to connect with your viewers outside of YouTube, and use their feedback to improve your content and build your brand.
- Network with other creators: Networking with other creators in your niche or industry can help you learn new skills, get feedback on your content, and collaborate on new projects. Attend industry events, join online groups or forums, or reach out to other creators directly to build relationships and expand your network.
- Be patient and persistent: Building a successful YouTube channel takes time, patience, and persistence. Don't get discouraged if your Shorts don't go viral right away, and don't give up if you don't see immediate results. Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content, building a loyal following, and optimizing your monetization strategy over time. With persistence and hard work, you can turn your YouTube Shorts into a profitable and rewarding venture.
- Focus on quality: While quantity is important for building your audience and increasing your exposure, quality should always be your top priority. Make sure your Shorts are well-produced, visually appealing, and offer value to your viewers. Use high-quality cameras, microphones, and editing software to create professional-looking Shorts, and invest in your skills and knowledge to improve your craft.
- Know your audience: To create Shorts that resonate with your viewers and earn more money from ads, it's important to understand your audience's interests, preferences, and needs. Use YouTube's analytics tools to learn more about your viewers' demographics, viewing habits, and engagement patterns, and use that information to tailor your content strategy and monetization strategy.
- Stay on top of trends: To stay relevant and engaging on YouTube, stay on top of trends, news, and popular culture. Monitor social media, news sites, or other sources of inspiration to find new topics or ideas for your Shorts, and use trending hashtags or challenges to increase your visibility and engagement.
- Learn from other creators: Learning from other successful creators on YouTube can help you improve your content, grow your audience, and increase your earnings. Watch other creators' Shorts, read blogs or articles on YouTube tips and tricks, or attend workshops or webinars to learn new skills and insights. Use that knowledge to improve your content and stay ahead of the competition.
- Stay compliant: To avoid any issues with YouTube's policies and guidelines, make sure you stay compliant with their rules around monetization and content creation. Avoid using copyrighted material without permission, follow YouTube's guidelines around sensitive topics and content, and stay informed about any updates or changes to their policies. By staying compliant, you can avoid any penalties or suspensions that could impact your earning potential.
- Use SEO best practices: To improve your visibility and discoverability on YouTube, use SEO best practices to optimize your Shorts for search. Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags, and add custom thumbnails and captions to your Shorts to increase your reach and engagement. Use YouTube's auto-generated captions and translate them into different languages to reach a wider audience.
- Offer value to your viewers: To keep your viewers engaged and coming back for more, offer value in your Shorts beyond just entertainment. Use your Shorts to educate, inform, or inspire your viewers, and provide actionable tips, advice, or insights that can help them improve their lives or solve their problems.
- Test different monetization strategies: To find the best monetization strategy for your Shorts, test different options like ads, sponsorships, merchandise, or crowdfunding. Monitor your results and adjust your strategy based on your audience's preferences and engagement levels.
- Build your email list: To build a direct connection with your viewers and increase your earning potential beyond YouTube, build your email list and promote your Shorts through email marketing. Use lead magnets, opt-in forms, and email campaigns to capture your viewers' contact information and nurture your relationship with them.
- Have fun: Last but not least, don't forget to have fun and enjoy the process of creating and sharing your Shorts on YouTube. Embrace your creativity, passion, and personality, and use your Shorts to express yourself, connect with your viewers, and make a positive impact on the world. When you're having fun, your viewers will too, and your Shorts will be more engaging and rewarding for everyone involved.
- Collaborate with other creators: Collaborating with other creators on YouTube can help you reach new audiences, increase your exposure, and build your network. Look for creators who share your niche or interests and reach out to them to collaborate on Shorts, guest appearances, or joint projects. Use YouTube's collaborative features to make the process easier and more seamless.
- Leverage seasonal events and holidays: To capitalize on seasonal trends and holidays, create Shorts that are relevant and timely. Use special occasions like Valentine's Day, Halloween, or Christmas to create Shorts that are festive, fun, and shareable, and use relevant hashtags or keywords to increase your reach and engagement.
- Engage with your viewers outside of YouTube: To build a stronger connection with your viewers and increase your earning potential beyond YouTube, engage with them outside of the platform. Use social media, email marketing, or other channels to connect with your viewers, share exclusive content, and promote your Shorts.
- Focus on retention and engagement: To maximize your earning potential on YouTube, focus on retention and engagement metrics like watch time, likes, and comments. Use YouTube's analytics tools to monitor your metrics and identify areas for improvement, and use that information to optimize your content strategy and monetization strategy.
- Stay authentic and transparent: To build trust with your viewers and maintain your credibility on YouTube, stay authentic and transparent in your Shorts and your monetization strategy. Disclose any sponsored content or affiliate links in your Shorts, and be open and honest about your motives and intentions. When you stay authentic and transparent, you'll build a loyal and engaged audience that will support you for the long term.
- Create a content calendar: To stay organized and consistent with your Shorts, create a content calendar that outlines your topics, schedules, and goals. Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar to plan your content in advance, and track your progress and performance along the way. A content calendar will help you stay on track with your content creation and monetization strategy.
- Use different formats and styles: To keep your Shorts fresh and interesting, use different formats and styles that cater to different audiences and preferences. Experiment with animation, stop-motion, timelapse, or live-action, and use different angles, perspectives, or camera movements to create dynamic and engaging Shorts. Use YouTube's Creator Studio to learn more about the different formats and styles available.
- Optimize your end screens and cards: To promote your other content and monetization options, use YouTube's end screens and cards to add links, calls to action, and interactive elements to your Shorts. Use compelling visuals, copy, and messaging to encourage your viewers to engage with your channel, subscribe to your newsletter, or purchase your merchandise. End screens and cards are a powerful way to maximize your earning potential on YouTube.
- Seek feedback and insights: To improve your Shorts and your monetization strategy, seek feedback and insights from your viewers, other creators, or YouTube experts. Use YouTube's feedback forms, surveys, or polls to gather feedback from your viewers, or join online communities, forums, or groups to connect with other creators and experts. Use that feedback to refine your content and strategy over time.
- Stay persistent and patient: Finally, to succeed on YouTube and turn on monetization for your Shorts, stay persistent and patient. Building a loyal and engaged audience, optimizing your content and monetization strategy, and earning money from ads and sponsorships takes time, effort, and dedication. Stay focused on your goals, stay motivated, and don't give up when faced with setbacks or challenges. With persistence and patience, you can achieve your dreams on YouTube.
- Use keywords and hashtags: To increase the visibility and discoverability of your Shorts, use relevant keywords and hashtags in your titles, descriptions, and tags. Use YouTube's keyword planner or other keyword research tools to find the most popular and relevant keywords in your niche, and use those keywords in your content to improve your ranking and reach on YouTube.
- Use subtitles and closed captions: To make your Shorts more accessible to viewers with hearing impairments or different languages, use subtitles and closed captions in your videos. Subtitles and closed captions will not only improve your accessibility but also boost your SEO and ranking on YouTube, making it easier for viewers to find and watch your Shorts.
- Participate in YouTube Shorts challenges: To leverage the power of community and reach new audiences on YouTube, participate in YouTube Shorts challenges. YouTube Shorts challenges are community-driven events that encourage creators to create Shorts around a particular theme or topic, and share them with their followers and peers. Participating in these challenges can help you increase your exposure, build your network, and drive engagement on your channel.
- Use audience insights to inform your strategy: To tailor your content and monetization strategy to your audience's preferences and needs, use YouTube's audience insights to learn more about your viewers' demographics, behaviors, and interests. Use that information to create more targeted and personalized Shorts, optimize your advertising and sponsorship strategy, and grow your channel and revenue over time.
- Use YouTube's monetization tools: Finally, to turn on monetization for your Shorts, use YouTube's monetization tools, such as YouTube Partner Program, Super Chat, Super Stickers, or Channel Memberships. Each of these tools offers different monetization options and requirements, so read up on each one to see which ones work best for your channel and goals. By using these tools, you can turn your Shorts into a profitable and sustainable business on YouTube.
- Collaborate with other creators: Collaborating with other creators on Shorts can help you reach new audiences, cross-promote your content, and increase your engagement and monetization potential on YouTube. Find other creators in your niche or related niches, and brainstorm ideas for Shorts that showcase your skills and personalities. When collaborating, make sure to credit each other, include links to each other's channels and social media accounts, and follow YouTube's community guidelines.
- Use high-quality equipment and software: To create high-quality Shorts that stand out from the competition, use high-quality equipment and software. Invest in a good camera, microphone, lighting, and editing software that can help you produce professional-looking Shorts that appeal to your viewers. If you're on a tight budget, consider renting or borrowing equipment, or using free or low-cost software alternatives.
- Engage with your viewers: To build a loyal and engaged audience on YouTube, engage with your viewers by responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, or conducting polls and surveys. Engaging with your viewers not only helps you build relationships and trust with them but also provides you with valuable feedback and insights that can help you improve your Shorts and monetization strategy.
- Attend YouTube events and conferences: To learn from other creators, network with industry experts, and stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in the YouTube community, attend YouTube events and conferences. YouTube hosts a variety of events and conferences throughout the year, such as VidCon, Creator Camp, or YouTube NextUp, that offer workshops, panels, and networking opportunities for creators of all levels.
- Stay informed and adaptable: Finally, to succeed on YouTube and turn on monetization for your Shorts, stay informed and adaptable. The YouTube community is constantly evolving, with new features, policies, and trends emerging every day. Stay up to date on the latest news and updates from YouTube, follow other creators and influencers in your niche, and be willing to adapt your content and monetization strategy as needed to stay ahead of the game. With dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and grow, you can turn your Shorts into a successful and rewarding career on YouTube.