We laid the groundwork for this modern-day creator economy over 14 years ago when we launched the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) — a first-of-its kind business model that shares the majority of revenue generated on the platform with creators. We recently crossed a new milestone with over 2 million creators globally now part of our monetization program. Over the last three years, we’ve paid more than $30 billion USD to creators, artists and media companies. And in Q2 2021, we paid more to YouTube creators and partners than in any other previous quarter.
Here in Canada, creators continue to thrive on the platform, with the number of Canadian YouTube channels making six figures or more in revenue up 30% year-over-year as of December 2020. And we're not stopping there, we continue to work with creators in Canada and around the world to encourage even more growth on the platform.
We’re investing in new monetization options for creators beyond advertising, including Paid Digital Goods, merchandise, branded content and more. Our shared goal with creators is to help them build robust and diversified business models that suit their unique content and community of fans.
Jeff Thorman, a general contractor from Ottawa with over 25 years of experience, created his YouTube channel Home RenoVision DIY to share his knowledge and help homeowners learn new home improvement skills. Jeff utilizes the Channel Memberships feature to offer exclusive content and additional perks to monthly paying members, further diversifying his revenue streams on the platform. Two years ago, Jeff shifted his business to focus on YouTube full time. Besides memberships, he earns money from ads, sponsorships and affiliate income.
And there are thousands of creators turned entrepreneurs on YouTube like Jeff from all walks of life, who use the platform to turn their traditional careers, their hobbies and passions into a sustainable, revenue-generating business.
Today we're launching the Shorts Fund in Canada, adding to our growing list of how artists and creators make money and build a business on YouTube. Canadian creators have been early adopters of Shorts such as multi award winning Canadian percussionist Joe Porter. Since uploading his first Short in April 2021, Joe Porter's channel has received more than 250M views and gained more than 875K subscribers.
Creators and artists now have 10 ways to make money and build a business on YouTube. Here’s how:
1. Shorts Fund
The YouTube Shorts Fund, a $100M fund distributed over 2021-2022, is now available to Canadian creators! Each month, we'll reach out to thousands of eligible creators around the world to claim a payment from the fund.
The YouTube Shorts Fund, a $100M fund distributed over 2021-2022, is now available to Canadian creators! Each month, we'll reach out to thousands of eligible creators around the world to claim a payment from the fund.
Creators can make anywhere from $100 to $10,000 based on viewership and engagement on their Shorts each month. The Shorts Fund is the first step in our journey to build a monetization model for Shorts on YouTube and is not limited to just creators in YPP — any creator that meets our eligibility criteria can participate. Check out all the details here.
We're also dedicated to providing funding via our Black Voices Fund and Kids Fund.
2. Ads
Ads have been at the core of creators’ revenue streams, and continue to be the main way that creators can earn money on YouTube. Creators receive the majority of the revenue generated from ads on YouTube.
3. YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a paid subscription option which enables members to enjoy ad-free content, background playback, downloads and premium access to the YouTube Music app. The majority of subscription revenue goes to YouTube partners.
4. Channel Memberships
With channel memberships, creators can offer exclusive perks and content to viewers who join their channel as a monthly paying member at prices set by the creator.
5. Merchandise
The merch shelf allows channels to showcase their official branded merchandise right on their watch page on YouTube. Creators can choose from 40 different retailers globally.
6. Super Chat
Fans watching livestreams and Premieres can purchase a Super Chat: a highlighted message in the chat that stands out from the crowd to get even more of their favorite creator’s attention.
7. Super Thanks
Soon, more viewers will be able to give thanks and show support on uploaded videos through Super Thanks as it continues to roll out in Canada. As an added bonus, fans will get a distinct, colorful comment to highlight the purchase, which creators can respond to.
8. Super Stickers
Another way fans can deepen their connection with creators during live streams and Premieres is with Super Stickers, which allows fans to purchase a fun sticker that stands out.
9. Ticketing
Music fans can learn about upcoming concerts and with a simple click, go directly to our ticketing partners’ sites to purchase tickets.
10. YouTube BrandConnect
Through YouTube BrandConnect (previously known as FameBit), we’ve been making it easier for creators and brands to create branded content that is both authentic and financially rewarding. BrandConnect brings insights, measurement and industry expertise to the influencer marketing landscape -- seamlessly connecting brands, creators and fans.
We’re driven to keep developing new ways for creators to continue to grow sustainable businesses on YouTube. As creators keep innovating and pushing the boundaries to produce engaging and innovative content, we'll continue to deliver more ways to help them do just that.