YouTube Shorts have become a huge hit, giving creators a fast and fun way to share videos. These short clips, lasting up to 60 seconds, get billions of views every day. If you’re a creator, you’re probably wondering how to turn your Shorts into a source of income. The good news? YouTube has rolled out some exciting updates to how you can make money from Shorts. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through these changes and show you how to start earning from your YouTube Shorts. Whether you’re new to YouTube or a seasoned creator, this guide will give you everything you need to get started.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are short videos, 60 seconds or less, made for quick viewing on mobile devices. They’re usually filmed or uploaded in a vertical format, which makes them perfect for phones. You can create Shorts using the YouTube app’s built-in Shorts camera, which offers tools like timers, filters, and music. Or, you can upload videos you’ve already made, as long as they fit the time and format rules.
Shorts show up in a special section on YouTube’s homepage called the Shorts shelf. They can also pop up in your regular video feed or get recommended to viewers. Since launching in 2020, Shorts have grown fast. Today, they have over 1.5 billion monthly active users, making them a powerful tool for creators to reach new fans.
Why are Shorts so popular? They’re quick to watch, easy to make, and perfect for grabbing attention in a busy world. For creators, they’re a chance to grow your channel and, now, to earn money too.
How Does Monetization Work on YouTube?
Before we get into the changes for Shorts, let’s look at how creators make money on YouTube in general. YouTube offers several ways to earn:
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Ad Revenue: Money from ads that play before, during, or alongside your videos.
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Channel Memberships: Fans pay a monthly fee for exclusive perks like badges or emojis.
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Merchandise Shelf: Sell your own products, like t-shirts or hats, right on your channel.
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Super Chat and Super Stickers: Viewers pay to pin their messages or send stickers during live streams.
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YouTube Premium Revenue: A share of the subscription fees from Premium users who watch your content.
These options have been around for a while, mostly for longer videos. But Shorts were different—until recently, they didn’t have a direct way to earn from ads. That’s where the new changes come in, opening up fresh opportunities for creators like you.
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What’s New with YouTube Shorts Monetization?
In early 2023, YouTube made some big updates to how creators can earn from Shorts. These changes make it easier to turn your short videos into a paycheck. Here’s what’s new:
Ad Revenue Sharing for Shorts
Now, creators can earn money from ads that show up between Shorts in the Shorts Feed. This is a game-changer. Before, Shorts didn’t have ads tied directly to them. Now, when viewers scroll through the Shorts Feed and see an ad, you can get a cut of the money that ad brings in.
To join in, you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). More on that in a bit.
Who Can Earn from Shorts Ads?
To qualify for ad revenue from Shorts, you need to meet these requirements:
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1,000 Subscribers: Your channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers.
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10 Million Shorts Views: Your Shorts need to rack up 10 million views in the last 90 days.
These are different from the rules for longer videos, which require 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. For Shorts, it’s all about views, not watch time, since they’re so short.
How the Money Splits
When ads run between Shorts, YouTube shares the revenue with creators. You get 45% of the ad money, and YouTube keeps 55%. For example, if an ad earns $100, you’d pocket $45. It’s a straightforward split, and it applies to all creators in the YPP who meet the Shorts criteria.
The YouTube Shorts Fund
There’s another way to earn, even if you’re not in the YPP yet. YouTube set up a $100 million fund called the YouTube Shorts Fund. This fund pays creators for making popular Shorts, based on how well their videos perform. You don’t need 1,000 subscribers or 10 million views to qualify—YouTube picks creators to reward each month and invites them to claim a payment.
Payments from the fund can range from $100 to $10,000 a month, depending on your Shorts’ views and engagement. It’s a bonus way to earn while you work toward bigger goals.
Extra Earning Options
Once you’re in the YPP, you can also make money from Shorts through:
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Super Thanks: Viewers can tip you to show appreciation, and their comment gets highlighted.
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Channel Memberships: Offer special perks to fans who pay monthly.
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Merchandise Shelf: Sell your own branded items on your channel.
These updates mean Shorts are no longer just a fun side project—they’re a real way to make money.
How to Start Earning from YouTube Shorts
Ready to turn your Shorts into cash? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you going.
Step 1: Set Up Your YouTube Channel
If you don’t have a channel yet, it’s easy to start one:
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Sign into YouTube with your Google account.
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Click your profile picture, then “Create a channel.”
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Pick a name and add a profile picture to make it your own.
It takes just a few minutes, and you’re ready to start uploading.
Step 2: Create Your First Shorts
You don’t need fancy gear to make Shorts. Here’s how to get started:
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Use the Shorts Camera: Open the YouTube app, tap the “+” button, and choose “Create a Short.” Add music, text, or filters to spice it up.
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Upload a Video: If you’ve got a vertical video ready, upload it from your phone or computer. Make sure it’s 60 seconds or less.
Try making a few Shorts to get the hang of it. Keep them fun, quick, and eye-catching.
Step 3: Build Your Audience
To earn from ads, you need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. Here’s how to grow:
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Post Often: Aim for at least one Short a day or a few each week.
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Grab Attention Fast: Start with something exciting in the first 3 seconds to hook viewers.
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Share Everywhere: Post your Shorts on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok to bring in more viewers.
It might take time, but every view gets you closer to your goal.
Step 4: Join the YouTube Partner Program
Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views, apply for the YPP:
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Open YouTube Studio (on your computer or the app).
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Go to the “Monetization” tab.
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Click “Apply” and follow the steps.
YouTube will check your channel to make sure it follows their rules—like no copyright issues or spam. If approved, you’re in!
Step 5: Turn On Monetization
After joining the YPP, enable monetization for your Shorts:
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In YouTube Studio, go to “Monetization” again.
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Turn on ads for your Shorts.
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Save your settings.
Now, ads can start running, and you’ll earn from them.
Step 6: Check Your Earnings
Want to see how much you’re making? Use YouTube Analytics:
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Go to YouTube Studio.
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Click “Analytics” and look at the “Revenue” tab.
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Track your ad money, Super Thanks, and more.
It’s a simple way to see your progress and plan your next steps.
More Ways to Make Money from Shorts
Beyond ads, here are other ways to boost your Shorts income once you’re in the YPP:
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Super Thanks: Fans can send you tips, starting at a few dollars. It’s a nice bonus for great content.
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Channel Memberships: Set up tiers (like $1 or $5 a month) for fans to join and get perks.
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Merch Shelf: Got a logo or catchphrase? Put it on a shirt and sell it through YouTube.
Even if you’re not in the YPP yet, keep an eye out for Shorts Fund invites. Every little bit adds up.
Tips to Boost Your Shorts Earnings
Want to make more money from Shorts? Try these ideas:
Make Videos People Love
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Keep it short and sweet—focus on one idea per Short.
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Use good lighting and clear sound so your videos look professional.
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Tell a story or share a tip to keep viewers watching.
Jump on Trends
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Check what’s hot on YouTube or TikTok, like challenges or popular songs.
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Add your own twist to make your Short stand out.
Team Up with Others
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Work with another creator on a Short to share audiences.
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Mention each other in the video or comments for extra reach.
Post Regularly
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Consistency matters. Try posting daily or a few times a week.
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The more Shorts you have, the more chances to get views.
Write Smart Titles
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Use words like “funny,” “quick,” or “how to” to catch eyes.
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Keep it short—think 5-10 words max.
Chat with Your Fans
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Reply to comments to build a community.
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Ask viewers what they want to see next.
These tips can help your Shorts get more views, which means more money in your pocket.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings from Shorts vary a lot. Here’s a breakdown:
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Ads: You might make $0.01 to $0.06 per 1,000 views. So, 1 million views could mean $10 to $60. It’s not huge, but it grows with more videos.
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Shorts Fund: Payments range from $100 to $10,000 a month, based on performance.
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Other Features: Super Thanks or memberships could add hundreds more if you’ve got loyal fans.
Top creators with millions of views can earn thousands monthly. For example, some report making $500 to $2,000 just from Shorts ads and tips. Your earnings depend on your audience size, location, and how often you post.
Challenges to Watch Out For
Monetizing Shorts isn’t all easy. Here are some hurdles:
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Lots of Competition: Millions of creators are making Shorts, so you need to stand out.
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Time Commitment: Hitting 10 million views takes effort and regular posting.
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Smaller Earnings: Ads on Shorts pay less than on long videos because they’re shorter.
But don’t worry—these are just part of the journey. With the right approach, you can overcome them.
Why Start Now?
YouTube is betting big on Shorts to keep up with TikTok. Here’s why it’s a smart move to jump in:
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Huge Audience: Over 1.5 billion people watch Shorts monthly, and it’s growing.
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New Opportunities: The monetization changes are fresh, so early adopters can get ahead.
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Multiple Income Streams: Ads, the Shorts Fund, and more give you options.
The sooner you start, the faster you can build your channel and cash in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need special equipment for Shorts?
A: No, a smartphone is enough. Good lighting and sound help, but you can start simple.
Q: How long does it take to get 10 million views?
A: It depends. Posting daily and using trends can speed things up—some do it in a month or two.
Q: Can I monetize old Shorts?
A: Yes, once you’re in the YPP, all your Shorts can earn from ads if they meet the rules.
Start Earning with YouTube Shorts Today
YouTube Shorts monetization changes have opened the door for creators to make money from short videos. With ad revenue sharing, the Shorts Fund, and extra features like Super Thanks, there’s never been a better time to start. Follow the steps we’ve laid out—set up your channel, create Shorts, grow your audience, and join the YPP. Use our tips to make your videos shine and watch your earnings grow.
So, what’s next? Grab your phone, make your first Short, and start your journey to earning with YouTube Shorts. The opportunities are waiting—go get them!