YouTube Shorts is a true phenomenon of modern internet culture. Short, dynamic videos have captivated billions of viewers worldwide, becoming a separate universe within YouTube. Today, we will reveal the truth about making money on YouTube using short videos. How much does YouTube actually pay for Shorts? Is it worth it for businesses and content creators to invest time and effort in this format? The answers to these questions are below in the article.
1. Debunking Myths About YouTube Shorts Monetization
1.1 “Shorts Are Not Serious, There’s No Money There.” – Why Is This Not True?
Have you often heard the opinion that YouTube Shorts is only for “frivolous” content, and that serious money is only made in “long-form” videos? This is a typical myth that we at YouTubeBro are ready to debunk.
Of course, Shorts algorithms differ from the algorithms for displaying “long-form” videos. Shorts focus on reaching the widest possible audience; their goal is virality and instant engagement. “Long-form” videos, on the contrary, are valued for depth, attention retention, and audience loyalty.
But does this mean that it is impossible to make money on YouTube with Shorts? Not at all. The huge reach of Shorts is a colossal potential for attracting a new audience, increasing brand awareness, and, of course, monetization.
Expert comment by YouTubeBro: “Many still consider Shorts to be just entertainment, a platform for ‘clip’ content. But at YouTubeBro, we see how smart entrepreneurs and creators are turning short videos into a powerful earning tool. The main thing is to understand the specifics of the platform and use its advantages.”
1.2 The Main Difference Between Shorts Monetization and “Long-Form” Video Monetization
Until recently, Shorts monetization existed, but in a somewhat limited format – through the so-called YouTube Shorts Fund. This was a reward fund for creators of the most popular Shorts, but it was not a stable and predictable earning model.
Everything changed in 2023 when YouTube introduced a new, full-fledged Shorts monetization model, integrating advertising into the Shorts Feed – a stream of short videos. Now, Shorts creators can earn income from ads that are displayed between videos in the Shorts feed.
How exactly does revenue sharing work? Very simply: the revenue from advertising in the Shorts Feed is summed up, and 45% of this amount goes to Shorts creators, while 55% – YouTube keeps for itself. These 45% are distributed among creators proportionally to the number of views of their Shorts.
YouTubeBro Expert Comment: “It’s important to understand that YouTube Shorts monetization works differently than with regular videos. There is no familiar CPM (cost per thousand ad impressions) or RPM (revenue per thousand impressions). Revenue depends on YouTube’s total revenue from advertising in the Shorts Feed and on the share of views of your content in this total volume. But this does not mean that it is less profitable; you just need to know the new rules of the game.”
1.3 First Successful Shorts Monetization Case Studies
Are there real examples of successful Shorts monetization? Yes, and there are more and more of them. Although the new Shorts monetization model has been in operation relatively recently, there are already channels that specialize exclusively in short videos and receive a stable and decent income.
Success Story: Take a look at the “5-Minute Crafts” channel. Although they also create “long-form” videos, a significant part of their content is Shorts with various life hacks and DIY ideas. Due to the virality of their Shorts, the channel receives billions of views monthly, and, accordingly, significant revenue from advertising in the Shorts Feed. [If possible, insert a link to the “5-Minute Crafts” channel or other successful Shorts channels].
YouTubeBro Expert Comment: “The “5-Minute Crafts” channel is just one of many examples. Today, successful Shorts channels can be found in a variety of niches – from humor and entertainment to education and business. The main thing is to create content that ‘hooks’ the audience, that people want to watch again and again, and that they want to share with friends. And then making money on Shorts will become a pleasant bonus.”
2. How Much Does YouTube Pay for Shorts in Reality?
2.1 YouTube Shorts Fund Payout Amounts (for reference)
Before moving on to the new monetization model, it is worth mentioning the YouTube Shorts Fund. This fund was created to support creators who create popular Shorts and paid out rewards monthly. The payout amount from the Fund varied and depended on the popularity of Shorts, the creator’s country of residence, and compliance with platform rules.
It’s important to understand that the YouTube Shorts Fund is already history. It fulfilled its function – stimulated the development of the Shorts format and attracted the attention of creators. Today, the main focus is the partner program and revenue from advertising in the Shorts Feed. But information about the Fund may be useful for understanding the evolution of YouTube monetization.
YouTubeBro Expert Comment: “The Shorts Fund was a good start, a kind of ‘test site’ for short video monetization. It showed that Shorts can be not only popular, but also bring income to creators. But now, the real game begins with a new monetization model, which opens up significantly greater prospects.”
2.2 New Shorts Monetization Model: Advertising Revenue Sharing
So, how much can you earn on YouTube using Shorts within the new model? It is impossible to name an exact figure, as revenue depends on many factors. But we can figure out how the revenue sharing mechanism works, and what factors affect the final amount.
As we already mentioned, YouTube takes 55% of the total revenue from advertising in the Shorts Feed, and 45% distributes among creators. These 45% are distributed proportionally to the number of views of each creator’s Shorts. That is, the more views your Shorts get, the larger share of the total “pie” you receive.
Important factors affecting income:
- Number of views: This is the main factor. The more views, the higher the income.
- Country of views: Advertisers pay different amounts for advertising in different countries. Views from countries with a high advertising market (USA, Canada, Western Europe) bring more revenue.
- Channel topic: Some topics are more attractive to advertisers, and, accordingly, advertising in these niches may cost more. Business, finance, technology are usually more “profitable” niches than entertainment or lifestyle.
- Audience engagement: YouTube algorithms value videos that not only gain views, but also engage the audience – generate likes, comments, subscriptions. Engaged audience is a signal to algorithms that your content is interesting and valuable, and this can positively affect monetization.
YouTubeBro Practical Lifehack: “To increase revenue from YouTube monetization, focus on creating viral content that has the potential to ‘spread’ around the world. Views from countries with high advertising value are especially valuable. Analyze YouTube analytics to understand which countries your audience is from, and adapt your content to their interests.”
2.3 Comparison of Revenue From Shorts and “Long-Form” Videos: Which Is More Profitable?
Is it more profitable to create Shorts than “long-form” videos in terms of monetization? There is no definitive answer here; it all depends on the specific channel, niche, and strategy.
“Long-form” videos traditionally have a higher CPM (cost per thousand ad impressions) and RPM (revenue per thousand impressions). This is due to the fact that more advertising can be placed in “long-form” videos, and advertising in them is generally more targeted and effective for advertisers.
On the other hand, Shorts have a significantly higher reach and viral potential. One Short can gain millions of views in a matter of days, while a “long-form” video takes weeks or even months to achieve this. Due to the large number of views, Shorts can generate significant revenue, even with a lower RPM.
YouTubeBro Expert Comment: “You should not choose between Shorts and “long-form” videos as between ‘good’ and ‘evil.’ Each format has its advantages and disadvantages. The best strategy is to use both formats, complementing each other. Shorts can be a great tool for attracting a new audience and quickly growing a channel, and “long-form” videos – for deeper engagement, building loyalty, and more stable income.”
3. How to Increase Earnings on YouTube Shorts: Practical Tips From YouTubeBro
3.1 Creating Viral Content for Shorts: Trends, Challenges, Formats
The key to success in Shorts is virality. Your short videos should “hook” the viewer from the first seconds, evoke emotions, surprise, laughter, and a desire to share.
Popular trends in Shorts are constantly changing, but there are several eternally relevant formats:
- Music trends and dances: Using popular music, creating dance challenges, parodies of trends.
- Humor and sketches: Short humorous skits, jokes, memes, situations from life.
- Life hacks and DIY: Useful tips, instructions, simple solutions for everyday problems.
- Educational content: Short lessons, interesting facts, answers to popular questions, “education in one minute.”
- Stories and emotions: Touching, inspiring, dramatic stories that evoke an emotional response from viewers.
YouTubeBro Practical Tip: “Follow trends on TikTok and Instagram Reels – viral ideas are often born there, which then ‘flow’ into YouTube Shorts. But do not copy blindly; adapt trends to your niche, add your unique style and humor.”
3.2 SEO Optimization of Shorts for More Views and Revenue
Although Shorts are focused on virality and random views in the feed, SEO optimization also plays an important role. Proper optimization will help your Shorts get into recommendations, YouTube search results, and attract more organic traffic.
YouTubeBro SEO Lifehacks for Shorts:
- Keywords: Use relevant keywords in the title, description, and hashtags of Shorts. Focus on short, catchy keywords that reflect the main topic of the video. (For example, for videos about making money on YouTube, use keywords: make money on youtube, how to earn on youtube, youtube monetization).
- Title optimization: The Shorts title should be as attractive, intriguing, and short as possible – up to 60 characters.
- Description optimization: In the Shorts description, add a few sentences with keywords, раскрывая тему видео, as well as a call to action (for example, “Subscribe to the channel!”, “Watch the full video!”).
- Hashtag usage: Add relevant hashtags (#shorts, #youtube shorts, #lifehacks) to expand reach and categorize your content.
YouTubeBro SEO Lifehack: “Do not overload the text with keywords, the main thing is naturalness and readability. Use keywords organically so that they look natural in the title and description. And don’t forget about hashtags – they help YouTube algorithms ‘understand’ what your video is about and show it to the appropriate audience.”
3.3 Attracting and Retaining Audience in Shorts: The Importance of the First Seconds
In the world of short videos, where viewer attention is scattered in seconds, the first seconds of Shorts are crucial. If you do not “hook” the viewer from the first moments, they will simply scroll further.
Lifehack From a YouTubeBro Editor: “The first 1-2 seconds of Shorts are your ‘hook.’ Make them as captivating, intriguing, funny, shocking – anything to attract attention and make the viewer watch further. Use dynamic editing, effects, text, music to create a ‘wow effect’ from the first seconds.”
Secrets to Retaining Viewer Attention in Shorts:
- Dynamic editing: Use fast editing, transitions, change of shots to make the video dynamic and not bore the viewer.
- Visual effects and animation: Add visual effects, animation, graphics to make the video brighter and more interesting.
- Text and subtitles: Use text on the screen to emphasize key points, add humor, or make the video more understandable for viewers watching without sound.
- Music and sound effects: Properly selected music and sound effects can significantly enhance the emotional impact of the video and make it more captivating.
3.4 Using Shorts to Promote “Long-Form” Videos and Increase Total Channel Revenue
Shorts can be not only an independent source of income, but also a powerful tool for promoting your channel as a whole, and especially – your “long-form” videos.
YouTubeBro Strategic Advice: “Use Shorts as ‘commercials’ for your channel. Create short, bright Shorts that ‘touch upon’ interesting topics from your ‘long-form’ videos, and leave links to the full versions in the YouTube Shorts settings when uploading. This way, you will attract a new audience using Shorts, and convert them into viewers of your ‘long-form’ videos, where monetization is generally more profitable.”
How Shorts Generate Traffic to “Long-Form” Videos:
- Links in Shorts description: Leave links to relevant “long-form” videos in the Shorts description, urging viewers to “Watch the full version!”, “Learn more!” etc.
- Call to action at the end of Shorts: At the end of Shorts, add a call to action – “Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss new videos!”, “Watch the full video on our channel!”
- Using playlists of Shorts and “long-form” videos: Create thematic playlists that combine Shorts and “long-form” videos on the same topic so that viewers can easily switch between formats and delve deeper into the content.
3.5 Alternative Ways to Monetize Shorts: Sponsorships, Affiliate Programs, Sales of Goods
Although revenue from advertising in the Shorts Feed is the main way to monetize Shorts today, you should not limit yourself to it. There are other, alternative ways to make money on YouTube Shorts that can significantly increase your income.
YouTubeBro Creative Approach to Monetization of Shorts:
- Sponsorships and ad integration: If your channel already has a certain audience and popularity, you can directly cooperate with brands and place sponsored advertising or integrations in your Shorts. This may be advertising of goods, services, applications, other YouTube channels, etc.
- Affiliate programs (affiliate marketing): Place affiliate links in Shorts descriptions to products or services that you recommend in the video. Receive commissions from each sale or action made through your link.
- Sales of your own goods or services: Use Shorts to promote and sell your own goods or services – merchandise, online courses, consultations, physical products, etc. Short, dynamic Shorts can be an effective tool for attracting attention to your offer and stimulating sales.
YouTubeBro Creative Approach: “Do not limit yourself only to advertising YouTube monetization. Look for creative ways to integrate sponsorships, affiliate programs, and sales of your own goods into your Shorts. For example, if you create Shorts about cooking, you can advertise cookware, kitchen appliances, food products, etc. The main thing is that advertising is organic and relevant to your audience.”
Conclusion
So, is there real earnings on YouTube Shorts? Absolutely, yes. Although the YouTube algorithm works differently with Shorts, there are many exclusively Short channels where creators can earn decent money. The new Shorts monetization model opens up new horizons for creators and businesses. YouTube Shorts is not just a trend, but a real earning opportunity that is worth using wisely.
Use our tips from YouTubeBro, experiment, create viral content, optimize your Shorts, and let making money on YouTube with short videos become a pleasant addition to your success on YouTube!
