How can you tell if a YouTube channel is already monetized? In this article, we'll show you how to check your channel's monetization status and find out if other channels are earning money.
For example, some creators worry that certain types of content, like AI voices or meditation videos, might not be eligible for monetization. But often, these concerns have no ground underneath. The best way to know for sure is to see if channels making this kind of content are actually monetized.
Before going into the steps to check monetization, let's first go over some of YouTube's rules for making money on the platform.
What are the requirements to Enable Monetization on a YouTube Channel?
To enable monetization on a YouTube channel, certain requirements must be met. These typically include:
- Channels need to have accumulated at least 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million valid short video views in the last 90 days for Shorts channels. YouTube Shorts monetization has its specifics.
- The channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers.
- Channels must comply with YouTube's community guidelines, copyright rules, and advertiser-friendly content policies.
- You must be the rightful owner of the content you upload.
- A valid AdSense account must be linked to the YouTube channel.
How do you get 1,000 subscribers on YouTube?
As you aim for the 1,000 subscriber milestone on your YouTube journey, remember that YouTube values quality over quantity. Here are some key concepts to kickstart your progress:
- Discover Your Unique Qualities: Identify your unique strengths and highlight them in your content.
- Deepen Connections: Make your viewers feel like insiders by sharing behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive content.
- Encourage a Feedback Loop: Keep viewers engaged across multiple videos to increase their session time.
For additional strategies and tools, feel free to contact AIR Media-Tech.
How to Enable Monetization on YouTube?
To enable monetization on YouTube, follow these steps:
- Enable 2-Step Verification: Go to your Google Account settings, find the "Security" section, and turn on 2-Step Verification.
- Sign Up for Google AdSense: In YouTube Studio, click on "Monetization" in the left menu and follow the steps to connect an existing AdSense account or create a new one.
- Apply for the YouTube Partner Program:
- In YouTube Studio, go to the "Monetization" tab.
- Click "Start" under the "Review Partner Program terms" section.
- Read and agree to the terms.
- Follow the prompts to complete your application.
- Wait for Review: YouTube will review your channel to ensure it complies with their policies. This process may take a few weeks. You will be notified via email once the review is complete.
- Enable Monetization Features: Once approved, return to the "Monetization" tab in YouTube Studio to enable ads, channel memberships, Super Chat, and other monetization options.
How to Enter The YouTube Partner Program?
To join the YouTube Partner Program, follow these steps:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Subscribers: Ensure you have at least 1,000 subscribers.
- Watch Hours: Accumulate 4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months.
- Community Guidelines: Make sure your channel is in good standing with no active Community Guidelines strikes.
Steps to Enable Monatization:
- Enable 2-Step Verification: Go to your Google Account settings, find the "Security" section, and turn on 2-Step Verification.
- Sign Up for Google AdSense: In YouTube Studio, click on "Monetization" in the left menu, and follow the steps to connect an existing AdSense account or create a new one.
- Apply for the YouTube Partner Program:
- In YouTube Studio, go to the "Monetization" tab.
- Click "Start" under the "Review Partner Program terms" section.
- Read and agree to the terms.
- Follow the prompts to complete your application.
- Wait for Review: YouTube will review your channel to ensure it complies with their policies. This process can take a few weeks. You'll be notified via email once the review is complete.
- Enable Monetization Features: Once approved, go back to the "Monetization" tab in YouTube Studio to enable ads, channel memberships, Super Chat, and other monetization options.
After you're in the YouTube Partner Program, you can apply to be a partner of AIR Media-Tech. This is the ultimate space for creators, designed to support every aspect of your journey. We work together to pinpoint your channel's growth opportunities, set goals, and achieve them faster. With over 30 unique tools and services, we ensure you have everything you need to grow and succeed. Contact us today for a consultation!
Meeting these criteria ensures that the channel is eligible for monetization with YouTube.
How to Check if Your YouTube Channel is Monetized?
Steps to check if a YouTube channel is monetized:
- Sign in to your YouTube account and go to YouTube Studio.
- In YouTube Studio, find and click on the "Monetization" tab.
- Look for the "Monetization status" section. If it says "Enabled," you're already monetized. If not, it will say "Not enabled."
- If your channel isn't monetized, you'll see what else you need to do. This might include getting more subscribers or watch hours and following YouTube's rules. Take note of these requirements and work towards meeting them to enable monetization for your channel.
Even if your channel is monetized, it’s essential to explore the different options to earn more. YouTube offers various ways for creators to generate revenue, such as ads, memberships, merchandise, and YouTube Premium revenue. Let's take a closer look at some of them.
Signs That Your YouTube Video Is Monetized
When your YouTube video is monetized, specific icons in the YouTube Studio clearly indicate its monetization status. Here’s what you need to know to interpret these signs and understand what they mean for your revenue:
Green Dollar Sign: Full Monetization
When you see that green dollar sign, you’re in the clear! It means:
- Ads are running on your video, and you’re earning revenue.
- Your video is advertiser-friendly and meets all of YouTube’s monetization policies.
- You’re getting access to a wide range of advertisers, which can boost your earnings.
Yellow Dollar Sign: Limited or No Ads
The yellow dollar sign is less exciting, but it’s not the end of the world. Here’s what it means:
- Fewer ads will show up, and some advertisers might skip your video entirely.
- Earnings will be lower because the video is marked as “not fully suitable for all advertisers.”
- This typically happens if your content touches on sensitive topics but doesn’t outright break YouTube’s rules.
No Dollar Sign: Not Monetized
If there’s no dollar sign at all, your video isn’t monetized. Why?
- Maybe your channel hasn’t met the YouTube monetization requirements (like 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours).
- Or maybe the video itself goes against YouTube’s monetization policies.
What You Can Do
Check your monetization status
Open YouTube Studio to see which videos are monetized.
Fix the yellow dollar sign
If you think it’s a mistake, submit an appeal or tweak your content to meet advertiser guidelines.
Stay on top of the rules
Knowing YouTube monetization policies helps you avoid any surprises.
These signs are like traffic lights for your monetization status — keep an eye on them to make sure your content is working for you!
How To Check If Someone Else's YouTube Video Is Monetized
YouTube has become a vast platform for content creators to share their creativity and earn money through monetization. But as a viewer, have you ever wondered if the video you're watching is monetized? Here's a guide on how to check it.
- One of the most apparent signs of a monetized video is the presence of ads. If you see ads playing before, during, or after the video, it's highly likely that the channel is monetized.
- Monetized channels often integrate sponsored content into their videos. Look for mentions of sponsorships, product placements, or affiliate links in the video description or within the video itself.
- Monetized channels may utilize engagement features such as Super Chat during live streams or channel memberships. If you see these features enabled, it's a good indicator of monetization.
- There are lots of Chrome extensions that can help. One of them is the VidIQ tool, which you can try for free. It's probably the easiest way to check if a channel is monetized. VidIQ plugs into your browser and gives you info about your channel and your competition.
- Finally, you might find Patreon or "Buy Me a Coffee" links where they ask for donations or support for the channel directly.
Remember, not all monetized channels will have all these signs, but a combination of them is a strong indicator. Some creators may choose not to monetize their content despite being eligible, so the absence of ads doesn't necessarily mean the channel isn't monetized.
Our partners recently reached 125 billion YouTube views, achieving milestones of 100K, 1M, 10M, and 100M subscribers. Join AIR Media-Tech and grow faster with us!
How To Check If A YouTube Short Is Monetized
With the rise of YouTube Shorts, many creators are wondering if it has any value in regards to monetization. The simple answer is yes. Lots of our partners have turned shorts into a great source of bringing more views, revenue, and attention to their long-form content. Here's how to check if a YouTube Short is monetized:
- Just like regular videos, monetized YouTube Shorts can have ads. If you encounter ads while watching a Short, it's likely that the creator has monetized their content.
- Similar to regular videos, monetized Shorts may have engagement features like Super Chat or channel memberships enabled. Check for these features during or after the Short.
- Check the video description for other ways the channel earns money. You might find links to online stores, courses, or services. Sometimes, there are hidden affiliate links, usually shortened, that earn the creator a commission if you buy something through them.
There is a chance to even double your subscribers with the help of Shorts. We've already seen our partners do that. To help you jump into this, we've prepared a list of 18 hacks to make your YouTube Shorts go viral. Take a look and try it out!
Can You Earn Money on YouTube Without Enabling Monetization?
Yes, it's possible to earn money on YouTube without enabling monetization through various alternative methods, including:
- YouTube Memberships: This feature lets you earn money through subscriptions from your dedicated viewers.
- Sponsorships and Partnerships: You can team up with brands for sponsored content or partnerships, making money through brand collaborations. The simplest way to do this is by using a free tool for content creators called pin.top. It helps you get noticed by brands and secure 100% pre-paid brand deals.
- Affiliate Marketing: You can monetize your content indirectly by promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales made through their affiliate links.
To find out more, check out our detailed guide about 9 alternative options to make more money on YouTube, even without YouTube monetization and its Partnership Program.
Common mistakes to avoid when checking monetization status
When checking if a YouTube channel is monetized, keep in mind that it's not always how it looks. Sometimes the points we described above can lead to false assumptions. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- While having a minimum number of subscribers is a requirement for monetization, it’s not the only factor to consider. A channel may have a high subscriber count but still not be monetized if it fails to meet the other requirements, such as watch hours.
- The presence of ads on a YouTube channel does not necessarily indicate monetization. YouTube may display ads on channels that are not yet monetized as part of their testing or promotion strategies.
- Monetization goes beyond ads. Channels may generate revenue through memberships, merchandise sales, brand deals, and other avenues. Checking only for ads may not provide a complete picture of a channel’s monetization status.
When you check out other channels, you'll get lots of ideas on how to make money in your niche. Remember to look at things like ads, engagement features, and what the creator says. Meeting certain requirements lets you make money on YouTube, but there are other ways to earn cash too, even if you don't turn on monetization. For a personal consultation about ways to earn more money for your YouTube channel, just drop a line here and our experts will analyze your content and share all the tactics that have already worked for thousands of our partners.
