Making Money With YouTube

YouTube is a continually growing video sharing site.   I have found that one of the most commonly asked questions about YouTube is, "how do you make money with YouTube videos?".  The answer to this question is... monetization.  Currently there are three common methods of monetization for YouTube partners.  monetization for YouTube partners.  These are pre-roll ad placements, overlay in-video ads, and (most recently) merchandise annotations.

The pre-roll ad placements is probably the most common method for video monetization.  Though monetization used to be reserved for YouTube partners only, last year YouTube opened up monetization for everyone in twenty countries.  The pre-roll ad placement is, in my opinion, one that is not always worth it and could end up hurting more than helping you get money. On YouTube these ads are called TrueView ads.  This means that you will only be payed if the viewer watches the ad fully through, rather than skipping it.  Also, these ads may turn some people away from your video.  They may lose interest if they have to sit through a 30sec ad before your video.

This is not to say that the pre-roll ad placement should not be used.  I'm just saying that you should be smart with this form of monetization.  You may find it worth it to use TrueView ads if you have a video that is longer than ten minutes or if your video serves a strong purpose and is in demand.  Be smart and put yourself in your viewers' shoes.  If you wouldn't want to sit through an ad before watching a video, why would your viewers?

The overlay in-video ads are another method of monetizing videos.  These ads are those that are across the lower third of videos for a short time.  These ads contain a link to the advertiser's webpage.  This to me is the best method for monetizing.  It will still earn you money and does not annoy or turn away as many viewers as TrueView ads might.

The third, and most recently added, monetization method (for partners only) is the merchandise annotation.  This method allows YouTube partners to promote licensed merchandise directly from their videos.  Fans can now click on an inlayed link within a video that will take them directly to the purchase site.   Some of the currently approved sites include Google Play, iTunes, Shopify, Jinx, Spreadshirt, and more.

This method of monetization is exciting and fun, though it should be used wisely.  It would be best not to place the link at the beginning of the video, or the viewer may click on the link and not watch the video (leading to you missing video views).  Also, these links should be displayed within the video in a manner that does not mislead the viewers and allow them to think that it is simply an ad.  If this were to happen, you would be missing out on the purpose of the Merchandise Annotation Tool.

These are the most common methods for monetizing your videos in order to make money.  It is my recommendation to learn as much as you can about each of these methods and figure out how to use these methods to receive the most out of them.  Also, it is important to remember that now everyone will be making six figures through their videos.  However, with hard work, determination, and consistency, it is possible to make a reasonable income from your videos.