In the past few years, YouTube has made monetizing a channel completely attainable. However, there are very specific steps in the process that need to take place before you can start earning income through ad revenue.
Keep reading to learn what requirements you need to meet and how to set up your channel for monetization once you do.
The Monetization Requirements on YouTube
When you create a YouTube channel, you can’t expect your first video to be monetized. There are certain requirements that need to be met to be eligible for YouTube’s Partner Program. However, if you follow thecontent creation checklist, you can get there faster.
First Milestone
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCoYP9_0003avg9u1wZRhm7A/monetization
Screenshot by Sam Wolfe; no attribution
Though the first milestone doesn’t allow you to make money from ads that run on your YouTube videos just yet, it does give you the opportunity to gain fan funding. This can be done through your YouTube channel’s memberships, supers, and shopping perks.
Second Milestone
The second milestone is where the real fun starts. This is when you can start earning revenue from Watch Page ads and Shorts Feed ads. Watch Page ads can be placed before, during, and after your videos while Shorts Feed ads run between videos.
Create an AdSense Account
https://adsense.google.com/start/
Once you have, go toYouTube Studio>Earn>Starton theSign-up for Google AdSenseoption. The directions for applying for an AdSense account are pretty straightforward. Enter your Google and contact information and submit your application. AdSense will email you within seven business days letting you if you’ve been accepted and what to do if you haven’t.
Apply for the YouTube Partner Program
After receiving approval for an AdSense account, YouTube will take over the application and decide if your channel can be monetized or not. It can take up to a month depending on application volume.
What Will YouTube Be Looking For?
YouTube looks at a few different things beyond having the minimum requirements for the Partner Program. This includes your main theme, most viewed videos, newest videos, and video metadata just to name a few.
The reason for this is to ensure that your channel is consistently producing original quality content while staying within the copyright and community guidelines.
What if the YouTube Partner Program Rejects You?
If for some reason YouTube rejects your application for the Partner Program, there are steps you can take.
If the first application is rejected, appeal the decision within 21 days or keep creating original videos and reapply after 30 days. If your application after the first one has been rejected, you can reapply after 90 days.
Turn On YouTube Monetization
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCQv1xTxyd_QyIybujS4Gv4w/monetization/ads
Once your application has been approved, the next step is to turn on monetization. You can’t start earning from video ads until you do. This includes turning on Watch Feed ads, Short Feed ads, Super Chats, and more.
All you need to do is go toYouTube Studio, click on theEarntab, then click onEnable Monetization. You’ll need to go into each module of monetization type and turn it on.
After you do, you’ll see all of your previously uploaded videos will have a green dollar sign next to them, meaning that you can startearning ad revenue from viewsstarting when you turn on monetization.
Continue Following YouTube’s Guidelines and Policies
To remain monetized, you must abide byYouTube’s channel monetization policies. It’s important to follow community guidelines, such as no hate speech, misinformation, spam, or sensitive content.
Additionally, having knowledge of copyright laws is equally important. In terms of music, there are ways around copyright laws, likeusing royalty-free music subscriptions like Epidemic Soundor using YouTube’s music library for creators.
How to Add Monetization to Your Videos
Once you’re in the program, when you upload your next video, you’ll see an option to allow monetization for the video. Select theOnoption and choose what kind of ads you want for your videos.
You can also add specific ad breaks within your video, so ads don’t interrupt the middle of a sentence or a specific part of the video that is important.
After uploading the video, YouTube will check it for any copyright or other issues that may not allow the video to be monetized. You’ll know you passed the check when a little green dollar sign shows up next to the video on YouTube Studio.
How to Avoid YouTube’s Yellow Dollar Sign
If YouTube is checking your video and you end up with a yellow dollar sign, this means that YouTube is advising potential advertisers that your video may not be suitable for all audiences. This can stop advertisers from placing their ads on your videos, causing you to lose money in the long run.
Some things that may trigger a yellow dollar sign can be excessive bad language, clickbait, false statements, and controversial subjects.
To avoid a yellow dollar sign, the best practice is to observe what kind of videos you are producing and understand what YouTube will allow and what your viewers want to see. Many times, you may drive the same point home without foul language or clickbait.
Other Monetization Tips for Your YouTube Channel
Understand YouTube’s Process to Get Your Channel Monetized
Once you reach the milestones, though, use this guide to help you start earning from ad revenue, memberships, and the multiple super features.
