Published: September 20, 2024
A YouTube channel membership is a way for creators to earn money while giving their biggest fans a little extra.
When fans pay a monthly fee, they become members and get access to content that non-members can’t see.
This can be anything from exclusive videos and behind-the-scenes content to special badges and custom emojis.
YouTube channel memberships allow viewers to support a channel by paying a monthly fee. In return, they get member-only videos, live chats, and custom emojis.
It’s like a VIP club where members feel more connected to the creator and get worthy content. For creators, it’s a steady income stream to invest more into their content.
Each membership has different tiers, which can be priced differently.
Higher tiers might offer more extra content or benefits so viewers can choose how much they want to pay and what perks they want to get.
Adding membership benefits to your YouTube channel homepage gives you, as a channel owner, a few advantages:
First, it’s an extra income stream. YouTube takes 30% of the membership fees, but the remaining 70% goes directly to the creator.
For example, if a channel owner charges $4.99 a month and has 500 members, you could earn around $1,745 a month after YouTube’s cut.
Second, it builds a stronger community. Channel members will engage more with content because they feel like they’re getting special treatment.
That kind of loyalty can pay off big time in the long run.
Third, it motivates creators to produce better and more content.
Knowing fans are paying to support you can push you to create new and exciting content that keeps them returning for more.
Setting up memberships is easy, but there are some requirements you need to meet:
When you set up your YouTube channel membership, you need to consider carefully the perks you offer so that they add value to your audience.
The perks you choose should excite your viewers and make them feel like they’re getting something special.
Here are some popular perks and why they work:
One of the most popular perks is offering videos that are only available to members.
These could be behind-the-scenes content, Q&As, or deep dives into specific topics that interest your audience.
This type of content makes members feel like they have access to something unique and private, which can increase their sense of loyalty and belonging to your channel.
Why It Works: People love to see what others can’t. Exclusive members-only videos create a sense of mystery and privilege; more people will click the join button.
Another perk is hosting a live stream that is only for members. These could be gaming sessions, special announcements, or just casual hangouts where members can interact with you.
Members-only streams allow for a more personal connection, as members can ask questions, give feedback, or chat with you in real-time.
Why It Works: Live interaction creates a sense of community and gives members a reason to stay engaged. They feel valued when they can talk to their favorite YouTube creators.
Custom emojis and badges are small but mighty perks. You can create custom emojis for members to use in comments and live chat.
Badges that change the longer someone is subscribed can also be a cool way for members to show off their channel membership.
Why It Works: These perks add an element of fun and personalization. Members feel special when they have access to exclusive emojis and loyalty badges, which create a sense of achievement and pride in supporting your channel over time.
Giving members access to your videos early before they go live is a simple perk. This could be a video a few days or even hours before the public.
It’s a great way to make your biggest fans feel like they’re in on something before everyone else.
Why It Works: Early access makes members feel like they’re a priority and value. It also creates anticipation and excitement around your content drops.
Running eligible channels membership programs isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are some common problems and solutions:
YouTube channel memberships aren’t the only way to monetize your audience.
Patreon is another platform where creators can offer premium content to fans who pay a monthly fee.
Here’s a comparison:
Feature | YouTube Membership | Patreon |
Cost to Fans | Varies by creator (usually $1.99 to $49.99) | Varies; creators set their own prices |
Platform Cut | YouTube takes 30% of earnings | Patreon takes 5-12% plus transaction fees |
Content Location | Content stays on YouTube | Content is hosted on Patreon |
Customization | Limited to YouTube’s built-in tools | More flexibility with pricing and rewards |
Audience Reach | Direct access to YouTube subscribers | Requires promoting the Patreon page to your audience |
Patreon offers more control and flexibility over pricing and rewards but requires more work to get your audience to another platform.
Your earnings will depend on several factors: the size of your audience, the price of your membership tiers, and the value of the perks you offer.
For example, a YouTube channel with 5,000 subscribers and a $4.99 membership fee might expect about 5% of its subscribers to join.
That would be 250 members and $1,250 per month before YouTube’s cut.
Think about your goals and whether channel memberships will help you reach them. Also, consider whether you have the time and resources to consistently offer value to members.
Markiplier, a multi-million sub-YouTuber, offers membership with members-only videos and special live streams.
By offering unique content that fans can’t get anywhere else, he’s built a strong community and increased his revenue.
This shows how offering the right specific perks can make YouTube channel memberships a good option, so more and more people will press the memberships tab.
Check Out the Statistics
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When people see others are already subscribed, they’re more likely to subscribe, too – it’s human nature!
With us, you’re not just buying any subscribers, you’re buying real people who can watch and engage with your content.
This helps you build a stronger, more engaged community from the get-go.
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It’s a great way to get started, get noticed, and attract more real viewers and fans.
A YouTube Channel Membership can be a good way to build a loyal community and earn extra cash.
It’s not for everyone, but if you have a solid fanbase and are willing to put in the work, it can be very profitable.
Just offer real value, communicate with members, and be consistent. Think about your audience, your content, and your goals.
Ready to leap? YouTube channel Memberships might be the next step for your channel.
The cost of a YouTube channel membership varies from creator to creator.
Generally, it’s between $1.99 and $49.99 per month, depending on the membership tier and the perks.
Creators set the price for each membership level so that the fees differ from channel to channel.
A channel membership on YouTube is where viewers pay a monthly subscription fee to a creator’s channel in exchange for exclusive perks.
These perks can be members-only videos, live chats, loyalty badges, emojis and early access to content.
It’s a way for fans to support their favorite creators directly and get special benefits in return.
Creating a YouTube channel is free.
However, suppose you want to monetize your channel with memberships or other features.
In that case, you must meet specific requirements, such as having at least 1,000 subscribers and being part of the YouTube Partner Program.
To grow your channel, you may need to pay for production equipment, editing software, or marketing, but depending on the type of content you produce, those are optional expenses.
YouTube has different membership tiers that creators can customize to offer different levels of access and exclusive perks.
These tiers can be priced differently and offer unique benefits such as early access to videos, exclusive live streams, custom emojis, and badges.
The creator decides the offerings and pricing for each tier so fans can choose the one that fits their interests and budget.
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