One of the most common questions people ask me when they find out what I write is,
"How to make money on YouTube?"
Oh, boy.
This used to be a simple answer. When the first YouTube users started making money, which was predominantly through the choice to run ads on their video channels' (still do today), but also through the sale of goods. Creators would link to their branded shirts, stickers, buttons ... basically, which could produce low cost and still make a small profit. More progressive production companies, who have had enough success could afford to take some risks, it would encourage viewers to join their membership sites, promising exclusive content and promotions galore.
While these are still tried and true methods, some YouTube users have decided to experiment with other methods of monetization through the years. And why not? The growing popularity of online video is sufficient for creators to maximize your earning potential incentive.
For starters, the distribution has changed in some very unique ways. While many artists continue to sell items directly from their shops, they are looking for other ways to get their products more expensive and time-consuming in front of as many eyes as possible. For example, the creators have partnered with large companies that specialize in the distribution of put your content on the internet - this is what the comedy trio of Hannah Hart, Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart made his film Camp Takota. And in a bold move, Kurt Hugo Schneider YouTuber debuted his film Musical College for a livestream and then put it on iTunes for purchase. Hundreds of fans Schneider caught the livestream viewing (they got the hashtag # CollegeMusical to trend on Twitter), and are now able to help spread the word about the film through word-of-mouth.
Other YouTube users are obeying the old days when artists were supported by customers. They figure that if your audience really love what they are doing, they will be monetarily support. And often, audiences are. Kickstarter and Indiegogo are going to destinations for the request for funding for projects that YouTube fan might otherwise have difficulty producing themselves. In addition, YouTube users can now use multiple sites, one of them is the aptly named-Patreon as "tip jars" digital where fans can go to donate money when they want - not for a specific project for a creator but just as a gesture to say "I love what you're doing, keep it up." Yes YouTube is testing its own characteristic tip jar with some beta creators; if it works well, all developers can use the function.
Besides, YouTube also just announced that they will pay some of its main creators. Of course, this does not all users will be applied at the site; the few with a proven track record impact gain followers and get first dibs. Whether or not this is an incentive to stay in the YouTube video platform in place to address the growing efforts of Facebook video is speculation at this point. However, it is very telling when one of the largest sites online video choose-straight pay its main users on more than the advertising revenue (which is still a commendable effort, because for years this form of income has made YouTube the only social media site that pays its users - they do not get paid to tweet, right?).
Like many celebrities, YouTube users also have methods of making money that are more "traditional". Appearances and talks are an easy way to make money once your name is big enough to reach beyond the scope of just your YouTube fans. Although in theory any YouTuber could apply these tactics in your business, which works very well with those who are a) popular, b) education, c) both of the first. A good example is Laci Green, who runs a channel called Sex + all about sex education. She is available to speak at schools and other gatherings of young adults. In a world where teenagers probably rather hear about this issue from someone close to their own ages, is a smart financial decision for Green.
People who are curious about YouTube seem to assume such efforts are not economically plausible. They do not see video creators as "real" people who need to earn a living. Not that I can not see them in this way, never gave it a thought. That's why I'm always happy when I'm asked that age old question, "How to make money on YouTube?"