In a nutshell

  • Creators on YouTube can monetize YouTube Shorts
  • You can make money, but the standard payout is less than traditional videos
  • There are a few different ways you can maximize your YouTube Shorts monetization

In recent years, short-form video content has taken the reigns on the internet. TikTok has exploded in popularity, so it’s only natural that other platforms follow suit. In 2020, YouTube launched a new feature called Shorts, which promotes the creation of short-form videos. Since then, YouTube has continued promoting and encouraging creators to use the Shorts feature and even created a large fund to pay creators for using it. So, YouTube shorts monetization is possible.

If you’re wondering how YouTube Shorts work, you can read more about them here. Now, let’s learn a little bit more about YouTube Shorts monetization.

Can YouTube Shorts be monetized?

The answer is yes if we’re talking about Adsense monetization. But, it’s not quite as simple as monetizing longer videos. There are two different kinds of YouTube Shorts. Creators can use the Shorts camera to produce 15-second videos. However, creators cannot monetize these Shorts. Creators can upload verticle videos from their phones for up to 60 seconds. 60-second videos are more compatible with Adsense and can be monetized.

What is the payout for YouTube Shorts?

The payout for YouTube shorts depends on a few different things, and payouts vary among creators. However, the payout from the YouTube Shorts Fund and ads is not very large. It’s very minimal, which is discouraging, considering YouTube claims that the YouTube Shorts Fund pays creators anywhere from $100 to $10,000 per month.

One example is GEVids. This channel has over 4 million subscribers but received only $2,300 for 130 million views on Shorts.

How to maximize YouTube Shorts monetization

There are several different ways creators can maximize their YouTube Shorts monetization.

Google Adsense

One way to monetize your YouTube Shorts is through Adsense. If you are part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), then you are eligible to monetize your shorts through Adsense. However, there are some essential things to note.

YouTube Shorts come in two different forms. If creators use the Shorts camera, the short is limited to 15 seconds. In this case, the video isn’t eligible to earn revenue from Adsense. If a creator uses vertical video, they can use a video that goes up to 60 seconds. These longer YouTube shorts can generate Adsense revenue.

YouTube Shorts Fund

In 2021, YouTube announced a $100 million fund for YouTube Shorts creators to get more creators to use the feature. As of April 2022, YouTube is still promoting this fund and continues to pay creators. Eligibility for the YouTube Shorts Fund is less strict than the typical monetization requirements.

Here are the requirements:

  • Channels need to have at least one eligible Short uploaded
  • Creators need to abide by YouTube’s Community Guidelines, copyright rules and monetization policies
  • Channels need to feature original content
  • Creators must be 13 years or older
  • Creators between 13 and 18 must have a parent/guardian accept the terms and set up an Adsense account

Requirements for YouTube Shorts monetization and regular monetization

YouTube ShortsYouTube – longer videos
• No minimum subscribers
• Must have one eligible Short uploaded
• No minimum watch time
• Must have AdSense account set up
• Must follow YouTube’s community guidelines and monetization policies
• Must be eligible for YPP
• Must have at least 1,000 subscribers
• Must have over 4,000 hours of watch time in 12 months
• Must have AdSense account set up
• Must follow YouTube’s community guidelines and monetization policies

Consistency, viewership and engagement

Regarding the YouTube Shorts Fund, you need to be sure to meet all of the requirements, but it doesn’t necessarily end there. YouTube pays out creators based on the performance of their Shorts from the previous month.

So, are you getting a lot of views and engagement on your Shorts? If you want to see a payout from YouTube, you need to be sure to produce original content that gains a lot of views and has a lot of engagement. One way to do this is by uploading original content consistently.

Brand deals

Another avenue to monetize your YouTube Shorts is through brand deals. If you put in a lot of work and see good results with your Shorts, brands may reach out to work with you. Also, if you feel your Shorts are getting a lot of attention, you can approach brands yourself to see if they want to partner with you on some content.

Shorts are here to stay

When it comes down to it, making money with YouTube Shorts can be a little more complicated than making longer content. The monetization of Shorts through AdSense is hit and miss, and it also seems that the YouTube Shorts Fund is too. Creators get a payout based on views and engagement and location. It seems there isn’t a guaranteed formula for making money. That doesn’t say creators can’t make money with YouTube Shorts; it takes some effort. Creators can still put out content and catch some brand deals, which is a great way to make money using the platform.