Transcript

Moin! We’re talking about the YouTube Partner Program—lots to cover, so get comfortable. Let’s start with February 1st: From February 1st, 2023, creators in the YouTube Partner Program can monetize YouTube Shorts using the YouTube Shorts monetization model. Likely, an ad will be shown every 5 to 10 Shorts in the feed, and at the end of the month, revenue will be split based on the views of the creators. The previous model with the YouTube Shorts Fund will only be available for January Shorts views. The last month you can claim your Shorts bonus is February 2023, and the bonus will then be credited to your account in March 2023.

No worries if you haven’t reached the necessary watch time for the YouTube Partner Program with your Shorts: There’s another way to apply—with 10 million views (Shorts views) in the last 90 days and an additional 1000 subscribers, which we already know from the other route. Of course, the other route is still available. That means, if you have videos or streams, you can also continue to apply for the YouTube Partner Program with 4000 hours of public watch time and 1000 subscribers. It’s up to you which route you prefer.

Once you’re in the YouTube Partner Program, you can monetize both Shorts and everything else—videos and live streams alike. With the introduction of Shorts monetization, there will be some changes to the paperwork for you: For all creators who are already part of the YouTube Partner Program and are not music creators, there is a modified base contract that you must sign by July 10, 2023, to remain in the program. If you don’t sign it, you will be removed from the program on the cutoff date and will have to reapply completely after a 30-day lockout period.

There are no changes to the terms for existing monetization options, only a restructuring of the contract. This means the wording will be changed slightly to enable and introduce so-called monetization modules, such as the Shorts Monetization Module or the Commerce Product Add-on Module. This was already the case before, especially for merchandise and the like. Let’s take a quick look at the modules:

Of course, we start with the Watch Page Monetization Module. This is what you already know: 55% of all ad revenue (before taxes) goes to the creator, as well as 55% of YouTube Premium watch time revenue. Then, of course, there’s the classic Commerce Product Module, which has also existed in the past. Here, everything related to transaction revenue is summarized, such as Super Chat, Super Stickers, Memberships, and so on. If you’ve already signed this module in the past, you don’t have to sign it again—one less thing to sign.

Finally, we have the Shorts Monetization Module, which gives you the opportunity to participate in the Shorts Ad Share Program. This means that you are involved in the revenue in proportion to your views in the respective market. The Shorts Ad Share share consists of all ads played within the Shorts during the billing period. However, before any money is paid out, 10% (as far as we know) will be withheld for the music industry so that you can use music through the Shorts camera. Attention: This only applies via the Shorts camera. If you upload music that you have created, for example, in your studio, you will, of course, still be charged for it. Use the camera or bring your own music license—then you’ve paid for the other music licenses for nothing.

Now we have a big pot, and YouTube will take 55% of it first. They just take 55%, unlike streams or other formats.

Videos

On YouTube, 55% of the revenue will be retained, while the remaining 45% will be shared among all monetized creators. Payouts are based on the percentage of views that your content receives in the feed. If you’ve already created Shorts, remember to enable monetization for this content, or you won’t be able to receive a revenue share. The YouTube Video Editor tool in YouTube Studio can do this for you. You simply select all Shorts and enable monetization. Note that this is only possible in the desktop version of YouTube Studio, so mobile users, make sure to also log in on your laptop.

By the way, a little fun fact: watermarks from third-party platforms or free video editing software like Power Director are negatively considered in the ranking. So, if you want to make money, invest in decent editing software. I don’t want anyone complaining later that their Shorts aren’t being viewed and then having something like Camtasia, PowerDirector, or the like in the video. Make it neat! There are also free alternatives like DaVinci Resolve for your laptop. Please take note, I don’t want to see third-party watermarks in your videos, got it? Great!

Super 6 for Shorts

Another way to monetize Shorts is coming on January 9 for all WIP Creators. It’s called Super 6 for Shorts, which will be displayed as highlighted comments, similar to regular Super Chats. These Super Chats count towards transaction-based revenue, meaning you’ll receive a net of 70% of the revenue. If you want to learn more about how this revenue affects you, I’ve created a video about it. Just look for the small “i” in the top right corner, and you’ll find a link to that video.

Creator Music

Another big topic is Creator Music, an extensive library of tracks that you can include in your videos and even further monetize as long as you pay the licensing fees. Creator Music has been available since October 2022 and is part of the YouTube Partner Program for Creators in the US. Throughout 2023, it will then be made accessible to more markets. I’ll keep you updated.

If you have any further questions about Shorts monetization, YouTube Partner Program changes, or want a video on a different topic, feel free to leave a comment. I wish you a fantastic week and hope to see you on Saturday for the regular YouTube Patch Day. Until then, take care and keep going!