What are youtube shorts and how does one make money with YouTube Shorts? YouTube Shorts is a feature on the YouTube platform designed for creating and sharing short-form videos, typically ranging from 15 to 60 seconds. Launched in response to the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok, Shorts allows users to produce quick, engaging clips that can include music, effects, and various editing tools. The format is tailored for mobile viewing, making it easy for creators to reach a broad audience and capture viewers’ attention in a fast-paced, visually driven environment. With a dedicated Shorts feed on the YouTube app, users can seamlessly browse and discover new content, making it a popular avenue for creators to showcase their talents and gain visibility.

It is possible to make money with YouTube Shorts though the monetization model differs slightly from traditional long-form YouTube videos. Here’s how it works:

Ways to Make Money with YouTube Shorts

1. YouTube Shorts Fund

• What it is: YouTube created a $100 million Shorts Fund to reward creators for their efforts in producing engaging short-form content. Payments are distributed monthly to creators based on their Shorts’ performance.
• How it works: To be eligible, your Shorts need to attract a significant number of views and engagement. You don’t need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), but your content must follow community guidelines and adhere to YouTube’s monetization policies.

2. Ad Revenue (2023 Update)

• Ads in Shorts Feed: Starting in early 2023, YouTube began showing ads in the Shorts feed, which allows creators to earn a portion of the revenue.
• Revenue Sharing: Unlike traditional videos, ad revenue is shared in a pool and distributed based on the performance of Shorts across the platform. The revenue share ratio is generally lower for Shorts compared to long-form videos.

3. YouTube Partner Program (YPP)

• Eligibility for Monetization: As of 2023, to qualify for YPP with Shorts, you need either 1,000 subscribers and 10 million views on Shorts within the last 90 days, or you can qualify through the long-form content criteria (1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours).
• Revenue from Premium Views: In addition to ad revenue, creators can also earn from YouTube Premium members who watch their Shorts.

4. Brand Sponsorships

• If your Shorts gain traction, you may attract brands for sponsorships. Brands are particularly interested in collaborating with creators who can produce engaging and viral short-form content, especially within niches like beauty, fashion, fitness, and lifestyle.

5. Cross-Promotion

• You can use Shorts to promote other monetizable content such as merchandise, affiliate products, or paid services. A well-performing Short can drive traffic to other revenue-generating areas of your content ecosystem.

6. Super Thanks

• YouTube is gradually rolling out features like “Super Thanks” for Shorts, where viewers can tip creators directly. This is a newer addition and may not be available to everyone yet.

Key to Success:

• Consistency and Trends: Posting frequently and staying up to date with trends in your niche can help boost your views and engagement.
• Quality: High-quality, engaging content that quickly grabs viewers’ attention is essential, as Shorts typically only last 15-60 seconds.

Challenges:

• Revenue Share is Lower: Since Shorts are shorter and viewed in a more casual, scrolling format, the revenue per view is often lower than long-form content.
• High Competition: With many creators producing Shorts, the competition is intense, requiring creativity and consistency to stand out.

In summary, while it’s possible to make money from YouTube Shorts, the monetization potential may be smaller than traditional videos unless you achieve significant reach. The key is to consistently produce engaging, high-quality content.

Popular Creators that Make Money with YouTube Shorts

Many creators have found success and monetization through YouTube Shorts, leveraging the platform’s short-form video format to build large audiences. Here are some popular creators known for their engaging Shorts:

1. MrBeast

• Known for his extravagant challenges and philanthropic content, MrBeast has adapted his style to Shorts, creating entertaining snippets that attract millions of views.

2. Zach King

• Famous for his “magic” videos and clever editing, Zach King creates visually captivating Shorts that often go viral, showcasing his creativity and storytelling skills.

3. Khaby Lame

• Gaining fame on TikTok before expanding to YouTube, Khaby Lame is known for his humorous, no-nonsense reactions to overly complicated life hacks, making his Shorts relatable and entertaining.

4. Ninja

• Popular gamer Tyler Blevins, known as Ninja, creates Shorts focused on gaming highlights, tips, and funny moments, appealing to a wide audience of gaming enthusiasts.

5. Tasty

• The food brand Tasty shares quick, visually appealing recipe Shorts that inspire viewers to try new dishes, leveraging their established brand to attract millions of views.

6. Dude Perfect

• This sports entertainment group produces fun and engaging Shorts featuring trick shots, challenges, and comedic skits that resonate with fans of all ages.

7. Addison Rae

• Originally a TikTok star, Addison Rae has successfully transitioned to YouTube Shorts, sharing dance challenges, beauty tips, and personal vlogs that engage her followers.

8. Michael Le (JustMaiko)

• A dancer and choreographer, Michael Le creates engaging dance and lip-sync Shorts that highlight his creativity and talent, often collaborating with other influencers.

9. JennaMarbles

• Though she has stepped back from YouTube, Jenna Marbles’ content and style continue to inspire many creators in the short-form space.

10. Kris Collins (Kallmekris)

• Known for her relatable comedic skits and character-based content, Kris Collins creates Shorts that resonate with audiences, often drawing on everyday situations.

These creators have effectively harnessed the unique aspects of YouTube Shorts to grow their audiences, engage with fans, and generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and brand deals. Their success illustrates the potential of short-form content in today’s digital landscape.