While making money from ads and brand deals is awesome, don't overlook YouTube memberships. It can bring in extra income without adding a ton of extra work.
Memberships have tremendous potential for YouTube creators, offering a steady recurring income and a closer connection with your audience. In this article, we'll explore why YouTube memberships are worth trying and what YouTubers do to make them successful, so they can benefit their channels.
What is YouTube Membership?
Skip to the next part if you know what it is …
Think of YouTube channel memberships as a way for your biggest fans to show their support through a paid subscription. You can set up different tiers, each offering unique perks like custom emojis, badges, exclusive live streams, special chats, and bonus content that only members can access. If you’ve already built a strong following on YouTube, memberships can be a great way to give your fans more of what they love while also boosting your income.
How Hard Is It to Launch YouTube Memberships?
Starting YouTube memberships isn't as hard as you might think, especially with a bit of expert guidance. Many YouTubers think it's a complicated process, but starting is actually pretty simple. You don't need to start with time-consuming perks right away because your audience might be motivated by different things. Here's what drives people to become members:
- Many viewers just want to help you keep doing what you’re doing. They may not expect big-time perks; they simply want to see you succeed.
- Fans love seeing behind the scenes and getting regular updates directly from you.
- They're willing to pay for perks they can't get anywhere else, making them feel special.
- Members want to be recognized by you and other fans, showcasing their dedication.
- They crave deeper engagement with your channel and fellow fans.
The overall idea is that you shouldn’t underestimate the value of connection memberships provide. The second important thing is that there are already lots of tested practices that you can use. AIR Media-Tech has helped thousands of creators implement those tactics, so you can reach out to us for a consultation to get the most efficient membership tips and arm yourself with expert support.
What Do You Need to Qualify for a YouTube Membership?
Even though YouTube membership is a fantastic option, it's not available to everyone. Before you dive in, it's important to check if you qualify. Here’s what you need:
- Be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Agree to YouTube’s terms and policies.
- Have over 1,000 subscribers.
- Get 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months or 10 million valid Shorts views in the last 90 days.
- Live in one of the available countries.
- Your channel can't be set as “made for kids” or have too many videos marked that way.
- Avoid using claimed music in your videos.
- Check the full list of criterias here.
After you've confirmed you're eligible, you can activate channel memberships. Just head over to the Monetization page in YouTube Studio and click on the memberships tab. YouTube will then walk you through the setup step-by-step.
Once you turn on YouTube memberships, you need to keep meeting these qualifications to stay active. To learn how to get started with YouTube memberships and set it up the right way, check out our article.
How Much You Can Earn On YouTube Memberships?
With AIR Media-Tech, hundreds of creators have successfully launched their YouTube Memberships, boosting their income by 20%, 30%, and even more. One of our partners made over $217,000 in one year from memberships alone, with a monthly income exceeding $20,000.
Our experts are ready to assist you in setting up memberships — reach out to us and we'll offer everything from the latest insights and membership design services to a comprehensive Channel Membership Development package.
15 Practises to Make YouTube Memberships Work
The variety of options to maximize the results of memberships in an easy way is huge. Let’s take a look at some tricks successful YouTubers use, so you can leverage them as well.
1. Figure Out the Best Pricing for Tiers
Start simple: managing six different membership levels can be overwhelming, so it's best to stick with three — low, medium, and high price categories. Choose your lowest price carefully. Would you attract twice as many members at $0.99 compared to $1.99? If not, go with the $1.99 option. And remember, don't underestimate what your biggest fans might be willing to pay!
2. Reuse Levels and Perks from Patreon
If you already use Patreon, you can reuse levels and perks from there to launch YouTube memberships. Yes, they can work together and boost your income as both platforms have their own perks, and some of our partners have already proven that it works.
3. Highlight Members in Videos
Give shoutouts to your members in your videos. Whether it's a special mention at the end of your video or dedicating a segment to answer their questions, this personal touch can significantly increase member retention and attract new subscribers.
4. Run Super Features During Live Streams
YouTube Super Features like Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks are fantastic for live streams. Our Ukrainian partner, Yanina Sokolova, uses these tools alongside with memberships to excel in her content. This strategy accumulated over 50% of her total channel revenue on YouTube in just a year.
You can also set up 24/7 live streams using services like Gyre to make the most of these features. Contact AIR Media-Tech to learn how it’s done and boost your channel’s income.
5. Organize Member-Only Virtual Hangouts
Host regular virtual hangouts exclusively for your members, where they can chat with you and fellow members in a more relaxed and informal setting. You can promote these sessions in your videos and community posts. These hangouts create a stronger sense of community and allow members to feel more connected to you and each other, enhancing their overall membership experience.
6. Share Early Access to New Content and Features
Grant your members early access to your new videos, features, or content updates before they are available to the public. Announce these early access perks in your videos and community posts to create a sense of exclusivity and anticipation among your members, making them feel like they are part of an inner circle with special privileges.
7. Share Exclusive Bloopers and Outtakes
Give your members a good laugh by sharing exclusive bloopers and outtakes from your videos. Highlight these funny and candid moments in your community posts and videos, showing your audience a more personal and unfiltered side of your content. This not only entertains your members but also makes them feel like they’re getting special behind-the-scenes access that others don't see.
8. Leverage Community Posts for Member-Only Polls and Updates
Utilize the Community tab to create member-only polls and updates. This not only engages your members but also gives them a voice in your content creation process, making them feel more involved and valued.
9. Offer Uncut Versions of Your Videos
Provide your members with uncut versions of your videos, giving them access to the full, unedited content. While non-members will see the regular edited version, your members will enjoy the extended footage with all the extra details and moments. This exclusive access can make your members feel special and more connected to your creative process.
10. Offer Members-Only Discounts on Merchandise
Provide your members with exclusive discounts on your merchandise. This not only rewards their loyalty but also encourages them to support you further by purchasing your branded products.
11. Provide Access to Member-Only Q&A Sessions
Host regular Q&A sessions exclusively for your members. This could be a live stream or a recorded session where you answer questions submitted by your members. Promoting these Q&A sessions in your videos and community posts can help foster a deeper connection with your audience, as they feel their voices are heard and their questions are personally addressed.
12. Create a Monthly Member Recognition Program
Establish a monthly recognition program where you highlight and celebrate a few members for their contributions, engagement, or support. Mention their names in your videos, feature them in community posts, or dedicate a special segment to share their stories. This public acknowledgment can make members feel appreciated and valued, enhancing their loyalty and encouraging others to join.
13. Create Exclusive Member-Only Tutorials and Workshops
Host special tutorials and workshops that are exclusively available to your members. These can cover advanced topics, behind-the-scenes processes, or any niche expertise you have. Promoting these exclusive learning opportunities in your videos and community posts can greatly enhance the value of your membership, making members feel they are gaining unique, high-quality content that they wouldn't find elsewhere.
14. Offer Members-Only Downloadable Resources
Provide exclusive downloadable resources for your members, such as templates, e-books, wallpapers, or presets. Highlight these resources in your videos and community posts, emphasizing the added value they bring. This perk not only enhances the membership experience but also offers practical tools and materials that members can use, further solidifying their loyalty and satisfaction.
15. Create a Member-Only Content Vault
Develop a content vault accessible only to your members, containing a curated collection of your best content, including exclusive videos, extended cuts, and deleted scenes. Promote this vault in your videos and community posts, highlighting the unique and valuable content members can access. This provides ongoing value and gives members a reason to stay subscribed, knowing they have access to a treasure trove of exclusive material.
You’ve seen how powerful YouTube memberships can be and how simple it is to get started with the right approach. Our experts have helped thousands of creators maximize their membership potential and create meaningful connections with their audience. Reach out to us today and let’s take your channel to the next level together!
