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. 

What is a YouTube Channel Membership?

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.

Why Should You Offer Memberships?

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.

How to Set Up YouTube Channel Membership

Setting up memberships is easy, but there are some requirements you need to meet:

1. Make Sure You Qualify: Your channel needs to have at least 1,000 subscribers and be part of the YouTube Partner Program. You must also be at least 18 years old and located in a country where channel memberships are available.
2. Turn on Memberships: Go to YouTube Studio, select “Monetization,” and click “Memberships.” Follow the instructions to enable the feature.
3. Create Tiers and Perks: Decide on the different levels of channel membership benefits you want to offer. You can have up to six tiers, each with its perks. For example, one tier might provide early access to videos, and another might offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
4. Promote Your Channel Membership: Use your videos, live stream, and social media to inform your viewers about the new channel membership options. Tell them to click the memberships tab, join button, and become a channel member by explaining the perks and benefits they’ll get. 

Choosing the Right Perks for Your Channel Members

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:

1. Exclusive Videos

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.

2. Members-Only Live Streams

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.

3. Custom Emojis and Badges

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.

4. Early Access to New Content

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.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Running eligible channels membership programs isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Retention: People might tap the join button in the first place but will leave your channel and end membership if they don’t see enough value. You can add a welcome announcement for every new channel member. Keep your content fresh and exciting, and engage with your members directly to make them feel valued.
• High expectations: Some members might expect instant responses or specific types of content. Set clear expectations about what members will get and how often.
• Balancing content for all audiences: You don’t want to alienate non-paying viewers by giving away too many membership benefits. Give members access to exclusive content, but keep producing regular content for everyone else.

YouTube Memberships vs Patreon: What’s the difference?

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:

Patreon offers more control and flexibility over pricing and rewards but requires more work to get your audience to another platform.

How Much Can You Really Earn?

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.

Advanced Tactics to Boost Membership

1. Use Analytics to Know Your Audience: Check your YouTube analytics to see what content your audience loves. Create similar content for your members.
2. Promote Everywhere: Don’t just rely on YouTube. Share your channel memberships details on social media, email newsletters, and any other platform you use.
3. Create a Launch Event: When offering memberships, create hype with a special live event or announcement. This will help generate initial interest and sign-ups.

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.

Real-Life Example: Markiplier

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

• 30% Platform Fee: YouTube takes 30% of all membership revenue (YouTube Support).
• 20% More Engagement: Channels with membership see about 20% more engagement than those without.

Earn More on YouTube by Buying Subscribers from SidesMedia

Buying YouTube subscribers from SidesMedia instantly boosts your channel; it looks more popular and attractive to new viewers. 

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. 

Plus, we deliver fast and securely, so you can start seeing results quickly and not have to worry about your channel’s safety. 

It’s a great way to get started, get noticed, and attract more real viewers and fans.

Conclusion

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a YouTube channel membership?

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.

What is channel membership on YouTube?

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.

How much does it cost to have a YouTube channel?

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.

What are the different memberships for YouTube?

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.