Making Money from YouTube Shorts

YouTube introduced Shorts back in 2020 and it has since become a major part of the YouTube experience and community. Shorts allow creators to make vertical videos up to 60 seconds in length and add features like music. In this article, we will explore how YouTube Shorts work and various ways creators can monetize and make money from their Shorts content.

Understanding YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts are short vertical videos that are 60 seconds or less in length. They were created by YouTube to compete with platforms like TikTok that were dominating the short form video space. With Shorts, users can record, edit clips together, add special effects and music to create entertaining short videos much like they would on TikTok. Some key things to note about Shorts include that they can only be uploaded from a mobile device in vertical format.

YouTube Shorts Monetization Options

When YouTube first launched Shorts back in 2020, monetization options for creators were limited. However, in recent years YouTube has introduced several ways for creators to make money from their Shorts content. One of the primary ways is through the YouTube Shorts Fund. YouTube committed $100 million to reward creators for creating popular and engaging Shorts content. Creators who meet the eligibility requirements receive a share of the fund based on metrics like views and watch time on their Shorts. YouTube is also testing integrated ads on Shorts. If a creator’s channel is monetized, ads may begin displaying on popular Shorts in the future and they would earn a portion of the revenue. Additionally, YouTube continues to explore sponsorships and other forms of integrated monetization within Shorts.

Building an Audience for Shorts

While monetization options continue expanding, one of the keys to making meaningful income from Shorts is building a large and engaged audience. Since Shorts videos are so short, creators need to upload frequently to keep viewers interested and growing their subscriber count. Some tips for building an audience include:

• Utilizing popular trends and hashtag challenges to go viral.
• Maintaining a consistent uploading schedule, even if just 1-2 times per day.
• Engaging with comments and responding to viewers to boost interaction.
• Cross-promoting Shorts content to other social platforms.
• Creating playlists or collections to keep viewers watching multiple Shorts. With a dedicated following, creators open up more sponsorship and partnership opportunities beyond just YouTube monetization as well.

  Leveraging Longer Form Content

  While Shorts are great for snacking type entertainment, creators should also consider using them strategically to drive traffic to other longer form content which may be easier to monetize through traditional YouTube methods like ads and subscriptions. Some ways to do this include:

• Teasing an upcoming video or project in a Short.
• Directing viewers to click the profile for more details.
• Watermarking Shorts with your channel name and logo.
• Sharing intros or snippets from larger videos in Short format. Weaving Shorts and traditional videos together provides multiple income streams and engages viewers across formats.

  Monetizing Shorts Overseas

  YouTube monetization features vary globally, so it’s important for creators to understand if their country has full access yet. However, even if direct YouTube monetization isn’t available right away, alternative monetization models can still apply.
  Leverage a large Shorts following as a way to pitch sponsorship opportunities from local or international brands. Build relationships with influencer marketing agencies too that can help connect brands and leverage a global creator network beyond YouTube’s direct monetization capabilities alone. Cross-promoting through other social platforms popular overseas can further help monetize videos indirectly if needed. Utilizing global trends is also a great way to still gain exposure and build an engaged following as YouTube continues expanding their monetization programs worldwide over time.

  Using Shorts for Affiliate Marketing

  Affiliate marketing allows creators to earn commissions by promoting or mentioning approved third-party products and services in their content. The process is straightforward once partnered with an affiliate network - add approved product links, earn a percentage if someone purchases through your unique tracked link. With Shorts, creators can highlight various everyday products that may be of interest to their audience in entertaining snippet formats. Example topics could include tech gadgets, hobbies, subscription services, apps and games, online courses and more. By frequently featuring new relevant affiliate products in Short snippets, creators provide value while earning passive income even without direct YouTube monetization enabled yet. Over time as viewership grows, affiliate marketing income potential increases as well.

  Monetizing Shorts through Merchandise

  Personalized merchandise featuring a creator’s brand, catchphrases or motifs is a popular way for YouTube stars and influencers to monetize their large followings. While this may take more time to build up to for Shorts-focused channels just starting out, merchandise remains a very achievable long-term passive income strategy. Design fun apparel, accessories, home items and more bearing your channel’s style. Promote new items across YouTube, socials and through an online shop. Fans will enjoy repping their favorite creator while also generating ongoing profits through sales even long after initial content exposure occurred. With creativity, quality merchandise can become a substantial earning avenue complementing other YouTube Shorts monetization methods.

  Final Thoughts

  YouTube Shorts opened up many new creative and revenue generating possibilities for online video creators worldwide since launching in 2020. While direct YouTube monetization features continue expanding, alternative monetization models already offer achievable income sources right away. With dedication to producing engaging short snippets frequently while cultivating a loyal following,Shorts hold great earning potential through various pathways both on and off YouTube itself over the long run.