15 YouTube Membership Tips That Really Make a Difference

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 a lot of 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.

What Happened When Creators Flipped the Switch

We’ve helped tons of creators to use YouTube Memberships to the fullest, that sometimes helped shift their entire strategies and help improve engagement by far. 

One of the examples is our partner within the Health & Sports niche, who barely earned $50 on Memberships at first. After a few strategy tweaks, and a couple of strategic advice, they were able to transform that into a full-blown revenue stream. 

Up next, Rally Point’s case, who gained around 46% of revenue thanks to YouTube Memberships. Turning on the feature for them was a first step to massive success. 

And the last channel, who transformed their YouTube Memberships into a +30% of income is OOHAMI. Tons of exclusive content and special features - and fans adore it.

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. 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. So saying things like “support my channel here” can motivate such viewers to do so.
• Fans love seeing behind the scenes and getting regular updates directly from you. Mentioning such a possibility can be a winning factor of transferring your viewers into active Members.
• They're willing to pay for perks they can't get anywhere else, making them feel special. Mention special perks in your videos if you can. 
• Members want to be recognized by you and other fans, showcasing their dedication. Shoutouts can make such Members feel appreciated.
• They crave deeper engagement with your channel and fellow fans. Little personal touches for your Members can make a world of difference.

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.

Mistakes to Avoid

Most creators that fail to build a paying membership base, do so because of how they approach the issue:

• No clear value: Fans need a good reason to pay. Channels that succeed make it clear of what the Members will receive when they subscribe to your YouTube Membership.
  
  
• Poor timing: Launching memberships too early in your YouTube journey reduces the amount of willing Members simply because your viewers might not care just yet.
  
  
• Weak communication: Many creators avoid explicitly promoting memberships in videos or descriptions, fearing it will annoy viewers. This results in a silent launch, which most often just falls flat.
  
  
• Neglecting audience segmentation: Treating all viewers the same is a mistake. Memberships should target your superfans, aka those who comment, watch consistently, and participate in your community. Don’t cast your net too wide.

But these mistakes aren’t the only ones that cause YouTube Membership launch to fail. How you promote it is important as well. It should sound like an invitation, not a demand. Here’s how to approach it right: 

• Video hooks: Introduce memberships naturally at peak points. Example:
  “If you love seeing how this is done behind the scenes, join our Members community for exclusive content and direct Q&A sessions.”
  
  
• Description: Be explicit. Include what members get, how often, and why it matters. Example:
  “Members get early access to videos, exclusive live streams every month, and custom badges. And it’s also directly supporting my channel so I can provide content more often.”

Call-to-action balance: Avoid overselling. It can be tricky to find balance between that and underselling. It takes some trial and error if you do it by yourself, or reach out and we can help you.

Alternatives

While YouTube Memberships can be convenient, and it’s a great way to set up an additional income stream, it’s not your only option. Sometimes, oftentimes, it’s not the best fit for the creator. So, what alternatives are out there? 

Patreon

While highly flexible with their tier structure, Patreon shines best with creators who want multi-platform content monetization. It has strong international payment support, detailed analytics, and some fun community features to play around with.

If you have global fans, Patreon is your go-to option. Of course, this brings in additional platform management, and around 5-12% fees.

Buy Me a Coffee (BMC)

BMC is quite simple in its setup, has many features such as one-time and recurring payments, and it’s best-suited for smaller creators with casual supporters. Ideal for creators who prefer fast support without committing to a full membership program. 

It’s less sophisticated than Patreon but also limited in analytics and tier options. 

For many professional creators, the best way is hybrid: leverage YouTube for core membership content while using Patreon or BMC (or even both) for additional 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 criteria 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.

Now to successfully launch a membership program, creators need a structured approach:

• Define tiers with clear, increasing benefits.
• Prepare at least 2-3 months of members-only content before launch.
• Design custom badges and emojis.
• Test payment and delivery systems for smooth member access.
• Create launch video and written description templates.
• Build a soft pre-launch campaign to get a feel for whether or not your community is interested.
• Establish a feedback loop.

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.

The next question is - how do you estimate an approximate number of your potential earnings? How do you set a price? Quite simple: 

• Estimate current audience size (especially frequent viewers, commenters, high watch-time viewers).
• Assign realistic conversion rates (typically 0.5–3% for small-to-medium channels).
• Multiply expected paying members by average monthly tier price.
• Factor in churn (average 5-10% per month) to project sustainable income.

Example:

• 10,000 viewers × 1% conversion = 100 members
• $5/month tier × 100 members = $500/month
• Accounting for 10% churn → $450/month steady-state revenue

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!