Monetizing Your YouTube Videos
Saper Law has received many inquiries from individuals who want to know how to attract subscribers and monetize viewership legally. This article provides an overview of considerations for YouTube content creators.
With 2 billion active monthly users, YouTube is slated to outnumber TV viewership within the decade. This is no surprise since YouTube has seemingly endless content, and much of this content is created by “average joes.”
Typically, no special training, education, or investment is required for someone to become the next big Youtube star. For example, children’s content creators like Ryan’s World and Cookie Swirl C generate over $10 million yearly mostly through video advertisements filmed at home. Other YouTube creators, like JoJo Siwa, have turned their unique abilities into contracts with talent agencies. As evidence of YouTube’s star-creating potential, popular YouTuber PewDiePie has 103 million subscribers!
Multiple Income Streams
YouTubers often have multiple income streams. Typically, YouTubers receive the most money from advertisement revenue, but they can also profit from affiliate links, sponsorships, donations, channel memberships, and merchandise.
Advertisement revenue comes from Google AdSense, and the amount received per 1000 views usually ranges from $3 to $10. Video creators choose the frequency and location of advertisements in their video, which determines the amount of monetization.
Affiliate links involve discussing a product and linking it with the video. If viewers click on the link and make a purchase, the YouTuber receives a percentage of the purchase price.
Sponsorships can appear in many forms, such as a single mention in one video, use in the entire duration of a video, or use in a series of videos. Profit from sponsorship is negotiated before creating the sponsored content and is usually proportional to the number of subscribers.
Donations to YouTubers can take place in multiple forms. Sometimes YouTubers ask for money through donations, especially when trying to grow their channel. This usually takes place on platforms like PayPal and Patreon.
Channel Memberships are a new addition to YouTube. Creators can offer channel memberships for viewers that are billed on a monthly basis. These memberships may include perks such as badges, extra videos, live chats, and other content.
Merchandise is released by several YouTubers alongside their video creation. YouTuber merchandise, commonly referred to as “merch,” can include a wide array of products such as clothing, makeup, and toys. For YouTubers, making a profit requires branding that is identifiable and attractive to viewers.
Making Social Media a Career
There has never been a better time to pursue a career as a social media influencer.
For help legally building your online presence, contact Saper Law at 312-527-4100 or book a consultation here.
