Super Chat, Channel Memberships, and merch have become major sources of revenue for content creators.
What you need to know
- Content creators will now have access to Super Stickers, membership levels, and new merch partners.
- YouTube Giving will soon leave beta and enable a new way for content creators to raise money for charity.
- Learning Playlists are coming to educational channels to give more structure to learning on YouTube.
YouTube had some big announcements for the 10th anniversary of VidCon, the world’s largest convention for digital video creators.
It begins with new ways to content creators to earn income. Last year, YouTube introduced Super Chat to allow fans to purchase messages that stand out during live streams. Since introducing Super Chat, over 90,000 channels have utilized the feature and it is now the biggest earner for nearly 20,000 channels. Some streams are even earning more than $400 per minute from it.
YouTube is looking to expand upon Super Chat and is now introducing Super Stickers. With Super Stickers, fans will be able to purchase animated stickers during live streams and Premieres to react to their favorite streamers.
The Stickers will be available in the coming months and will range from a variety of categories, including beauty, fashion, food, gaming, sports, and more.
Next up is membership levels, one of YouTube’s most requested features. Creators will now be able to set up to five different membership levels with varying perks. Currently, YouTube has been testing membership levels with Fine Brothers Entertainment and their REACT channel. Since introducing two higher-priced membership levels, the channel has received six times more revenue, making membership levels a great new way for content creators to earn.
YouTube hasn’t forgotten about merch either, as it has added five new partners, including Crowdmade, DFTBA, Fanjoy, Represent, and Rooster Teeth. Now, eligible creators will be able to sell merchandise to their fans in more ways than ever before.
Finally, YouTube is giving creators a way to support their favorite charities and give back with YouTube Giving. Last year, Google began testing the feature that is now out of beta and should be available to thousands of creators in the U.S. in the next few months.
All creators have to do is select a nonprofit for donations on their live stream or videos and fans will be able to give directly by using the “Donate” button.
YouTube isn’t only about the money though, it’s also a valuable resource around the globe for learning. That’s why YouTube is introducing Learning Playlists to help organize video collections and make learning easier and more structured. To further enhance the learning environment, YouTube will even be hiding recommendations — making it easier to focus on your lesson.
Initially, Learning Playlists will be tested with trusted partners, including Crash Course, Khan Academy, and TED-Ed, covering subjects such as working in Java or chemistry.
Copyright claims on YouTube now require timestamps
