YouTube gives more creators option to monetize channels
Channel Memberships, a program that lets creators offer a $4.99 monthly subscription fee, is now available to channels with 50,000 subscribers.
YouTube is dropping the number of required subscribers for access to Channel Memberships to 50,000, a reversal from the 100,000 threshold it set in June.
Why the change? Previously called Sponsorships, YouTube’s Channel Membership program allows creators to offer $4.99-per-month subscriptions to their channels, giving paid subscribers access to account badges, emojis, members-only posts in the Community tab and exclusive content from creators. The update gives more creators who are trying to grow a loyal fan base on YouTube the opportunity to monetize their channel beyond ads.
Why you should care. The Channel Memberships offer creators a way to monetize their content beyond YouTube ads. One success story, According to YouTube, is Wintergatan, a Swedish instrumental band and designers of the Marble Machine musical instrument. The band reportedly increased revenue more than 50 percent using Channel Memberships. The creators behind the channel, which currently has more than 1 million subscribers, are also using Channel Memberships to provide perks like early access to tickets for concert tours or free tickets to long-term members.
PR Play, a channel with nearly 150,000 subscribers, is using Channel Memberships to offer premium content like driving lessons, and Tristar Gym is offering exclusive Brazilian jiu-jitsu instruction videos.
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily MarTech. Staff authors are listed here.
About The Author
