YouTube’s Partner Program

There are many ways to make money from youtube but like most great things it takes time. We’ll go over a few of the ways you can monetize the content you make, starting with youtube’s partner program.

Youtube states that “the youtube partner program allows creators to monetize content on youtube through a variety of ways including advertisements, paid subscriptions, and merchandise.”  

Youtube states that “your youtube channel may be eligible for the youtube partner program if your account is in good standing, hasn't previously been disabled for monetization. If you upload original, quality content that is advertiser-friendly and your video content complies with our terms of service and community guidelines. As well you should review our copyright education materials. And if your multi-channel network does not prohibit youtube partner program membership.”

The first part of being in the youtube partner program, is staying in good standing with your youtube channel. Youtube states that “ violating our community guidelines or copyright policies can affect your account standing. Accounts in bad standing lose access to certain account features and programs. To stay in good standing, your account must have: no community guidelines strikes, no copyright strikes, no more than one video blocked worldwide by content id.”

Along with staying in good standing, it's important that your video’s also be advertiser friendly. Youtube states “advertiser-friendly content is appropriate for all audiences, from our youngest to older viewers. It is content that has little to no inappropriate and or mature content in the video stream, thumbnail, or metadata such as video title. If there may be inappropriate context, the context is usually newsworthy or comedic where the creator’s intent is to inform or entertain, and not offend or shock.

Content that youtube considers to be inappropriate for advertising includes but is not limited to:

Sexually suggestive content, including partial nudity and sexual humor. Violence, including display of serious injury and events related to violent extremism. Inappropriate language, including harassment, profanity and vulgar language. Promotion of drugs and regulated substances, including selling, use and abuse of such items. Controversial or sensitive subjects and events, including subjects related to war, political conflicts, natural disasters and tragedies, even if graphic imagery is not shown.

If this describes any portion of your video, then it may not be approved for monetization. In cases where monetization is approved, your video may not be eligible for all of the ad formats we offer.“

Its best to be familiar with youtube’s terms of service. You can find the full terms of service on youtube. A simple search with in youtube of tos or terms of service to read more.

Lastly, if you are in an multi channel network or plan on joining one, make sure to find out if that mcn allows you to be apart of the youtube partner program. Youtube will allow being a part of both at the same time, however each mcn has their own policies.

Its important to understand the 4 types of ads that are part of the youtube partner program. As a default, youtube will run all 4 ad types unless you specify what type you want. Youtube recommends running all 4 to see what type is most successful with your content type.

The first are (1) display ads, they appear to the right of the feature video and above the video suggestions list. They show up on desktop computers and are either 300 by 250 pixels or 300 by 60 pixels.

The next are (2) overlays, they are  transparent overlay ads that appear on the lower 20% portion of your video. These are made for desktops and are images 480 by 70 pixels or can be just simple text.

Then on to (3) skippable ads, they allow viewers to skip ads after 5 seconds, if they choose. Inserted before, during or after the main video. Their platforms are both desktop and mobile and run in the video player, just like your video.

Lastly there are (4) non-skippable and long non-skippable ads. They must be watched before your video can be viewed. Long non-skippable video ads may be up to 30 seconds long, even on videos less than 10 minutes in length. These ads can also be placed after the conclusion of a video, in the post-roll slot. They run on both desktop or mobile and plays in the video player for :15 or :20 seconds, depending on regional standards

The earnings from the youtube partner program are based on a share of the advertising revenue generated when people view your video - so more views may lead to more revenue. Youtube will pay you through the adsense account that you have linked to your youtube channel.

The youtube partner program is a simple way to begin to generate revenue with your videos. Although some of the ads can be quite intrusive, others aren’t. Your newly minted revenue might even be what you need to push your channel to further success.