How Can I Earn Revenue From YouTube?

YouTube is one of the largest platforms for sharing and monetizing content, and as a musician, you can earn revenue from your music by utilizing various monetization methods. This little guide  will show you how you can earn revenue from YouTube as an independent artist 💸

Monetize Your Music Through YouTube's Content ID

YouTube's Content ID is a system that helps you earn revenue from videos that use your music. Here’s how it works: whenever someone uploads a video with your music, YouTube automatically places ads on the video, and the revenue generated is shared with you.

YouTube Monetization through Ads (YouTube Partner Program)

In addition to Content ID, you can also earn revenue through ads placed on your own YouTube channel, if you meet the eligibility requirements for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP):

• At least 1,000 subscribers on your YouTube channel.
• 4,000 hours of watch time in the last 12 months.
• A YouTube account in good standing, following YouTube’s community guidelines, terms of service, and copyright policies.
• Once accepted into the YouTube Partner Program, you can enable ads on your videos, and YouTube will share ad revenue with you.

👉 Click here for more information on YouTube’s Partner Program

Monetize Through YouTube Music (Subscription Streaming)

Your music can also generate revenue from YouTube Music, which is a streaming service that offers a subscription-based model similar to Spotify or Apple Music. Revenue is generated through subscription fees and is shared with you based on the number of streams your music receives. This revenue will be added to your monthly sales report, which you can download from your iMusician dashboard. 

Become a YouTube Creator

In addition to monetizing through ads and streams with your music, you can become a YouTube Creator to benefit from other revenue sources such as:

• Super Chat & Super Stickers: These features allow viewers to pay to highlight their comments or support you during live streams.
• YouTube Memberships: If you have a channel with over 30,000 subscribers, you can offer paid channel memberships where fans get access to exclusive content and perks.
• Merchandise: You can sell merchandise directly from your YouTube channel using YouTube’s merchandise shelf.

👉Click here for more information on how YouTube Creators earn money

How to Track Revenue from YouTube

Once your music is monetized, you can track your revenue directly through YouTube Analytics (available if you have an official artist channel) and iMusician’s dashboard.

• YouTube Analytics: Check how your videos are performing, including views, engagement, and revenue generation from ads.
• iMusician Dashboard: From your iMusician account, you can monitor the status of your Content ID monetization and track the revenue your music is earning on YouTube and other platforms.

Earning revenue from YouTube is a great way to make the most of your music as an independent artist. They offer many ways to turn your music into income!

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