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 you can learn about it here.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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 17 hacks to make your YouTube Shorts go viral. Take a look and try it out!
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.
