Apr 17 2008
Jeremy Schoemaker

Making Money With The YouTube Partner Program

By Jeremy Schoemaker 60 comments

At SXSW in the bloghaus I was talking to some of the top youtube’rs and they were telling me about the YouTube partner program. Now don’t get this confused with the Adsense for Video program. With the YouTube partner program you get a revenue share from the money that YouTube makes. So I applied by going to the YouTube Partner page. Filled out the application which was pretty simple then a few hours later I got a email saying that I had been approved. I had read that its pretty hard to get approved but…. If I can get approved then I am guessing its not THAT hard.

One approved you have to link up a AdSense account so they have you sign in and give your Adsense account login information for the account you are going to get paid through.

The final step is going through the tutorial where they show you all the terms of service and rules of the program. Its pretty self explanatory. Of the 13 steps I think 5 of them are devoted to copyright rules. They are very concerned about you uploading original content (obviously) and especially for this partner program.

So how does the money work? Well here is some of the info from the tutorial.

How your videos can generate revenue

* When you designate a video for revenue sharing, YouTube will place ads “inside” or near the video.
* You will earn a share of the revenue that is generated from ad impressions occurring when these videos are viewed.
* For more details on revenue sharing, please review the Content Hosting Agreement at the end of this tutorial.

As I stated above they are VERY strict on the content you can submit:

Do not upload any TV shows, music videos, music concerts, or commercials without permission unless they consist entirely of content you created yourself. The Copyright Tips page and the Community Guidelines can help you determine whether your video infringes someone else’s copyright.

By clicking “Upload Video,” you are representing that this video does not violate YouTube’s Terms of Use and that you own all copyrights in this video or have express permission from all copyright owners to upload it.

What does this mean?

* Do not use:
o A photograph
o Any music
o Any movie or TV visuals
o Any artwork
o Any play, theatrical work, or concert

…unless you have the permission of the person who created or produced it
* Also:
o Make sure you get permission from people who are featured in your video
o Don’t include “bad stuff” that is prohibited in our Community Guidelines

Now when I look at my video’s this is what I see:

You even need to tell YouTube a bit about what your video is about that you want to receive a revenue share for:

As for when you get paid seems inline with AdSense:

When and how you get paid

* We’ll send your check or EFT payment within approximately 60 days of the end of the month in which your account balance reaches US$100.
* For example, if you earn $105 in January, we’ll send payment to you by the end of March.
* If your account balance is less than US$100 at the end of the month, we’ll roll your earnings over to the following month, until the payment threshold is reached.
* You will have the option of receiving payment in US dollars or in a local currency.
* Your AdSense account will start displaying your revenue 60 to 90 days after you have joined the partnership—but don’t worry, all your revenue is being accrued in the meantime.

Now do not get to excited… the top youtubers I talked to make piss so I doubt I will really cash in but its still nice to give it a whirl ;)

  1. Melvin said on April 17th, 2008 at 7:29 am

    So its also an adsense type… I have signed and also get approved… yeah its really hard to… ;-)

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  2. Melvin said on April 17th, 2008 at 7:32 am

    …and you know how i just wish that adsense would somehow consider paypal in the near future…

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  3. Christian said on April 17th, 2008 at 8:01 am

    Sorry for the Trackback, it was a mistake…

    Greets

    [Reply]

  4. Samir said on April 17th, 2008 at 8:05 am

    I was surprised when you said that the top youtubers dont make much more than 5kish a month. I thought that with so many views you’d have to make more than that. I wonder if it depends on the video and the ads around it. So maybe if you do a video on insurance of lawyers you might make more.

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  5. Not John Chow said on April 17th, 2008 at 8:06 am

    If anyone can make money at this the Shoe can! Please let us know how this works. My blog is too small to benefit from Adsense and I have not yet got my act together enough to tackle You Tube but, I like to live vicariously thru the shoe.

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  6. luq said on April 17th, 2008 at 8:39 am

    Well, seems like a great program,but it looks like it’s gonna be hard to create a video based on their guidelines. But, i think if you manage to create a funny,viral video you could be making a lot from it for months based on the views those funny videos get, i havent seen many ’sponsored’ videos on Youtube though.

    Nevertheless Youtube has another wonderful ‘feature’ of giving you really good traffic if you create a video and watermark your site in it..

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  7. Affiliate Confession said on April 17th, 2008 at 8:43 am

    Sounds a little involved for the amount of revenue it will probably generate. I guess you can earn a few bucks if your video goes viral though.

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  8. Hustle Strategy said on April 17th, 2008 at 8:57 am

    Seems like it is good for getting names out there. Nike can work on brand recognition for cheap. But the click through rate probably is horrible because of the medium. There are probably better ways to make money on videos.

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  9. luq said on April 17th, 2008 at 9:34 am

    yep,,,guess its not a good idea for advertisers,it is pretty good for publishers though as you get paid for impressions

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  10. Puissance said on April 17th, 2008 at 9:42 am

    It is not difficult to get approved as long as you are a regular. They are looking for people who post videos somewhat regularly, probably because they are hoping to get some feedback. They sent me an email saying that I don’t have “sufficient original new content”. I have old content that people are still watching, but they want new stuff.

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  11. Flimjo said on April 17th, 2008 at 9:50 am

    It’s sort of like a window of opportunity for wannabe film makers or frustrated commercial/tv producers. It’s still pretty cool, and it provides you with exposure and yet another way to make money.

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  12. Flimjo said on April 17th, 2008 at 9:51 am

    It places the emphasis on creativity.

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  13. Flimjo said on April 17th, 2008 at 9:52 am

    It has to be so bad (the click-through rate). I can’t imagine how it won’t be. I mean, it’s not a static image; it’s a running video.

    [Reply]

  14. Melvin said on April 17th, 2008 at 9:55 am

    i’ll still give it a try…

    [Reply]

  15. GolfSpy X said on April 17th, 2008 at 10:29 am

    Damn…anyone say STRICT!

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  16. Brick Marketing said on April 17th, 2008 at 11:12 am

    Seems cool but we can see where people make “piss”…either way, it couldn’t hurt to sign up right?

    [Reply]

  17. The Internet Apprentice said on April 17th, 2008 at 11:48 am

    I think this is worth a try. At the very least, it may help you promote your blog or business as well.

    Thanks for the tip!

    - Dave

    [Reply]

  18. Paul said on April 17th, 2008 at 11:59 am

    A few extra dollars never hurt anyone. I can wait for the follow up.

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  19. Eric said on April 17th, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    Google and Paypal are competitors. It will never happen.

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  20. Popular Wealth said on April 17th, 2008 at 2:37 pm

    Nice review Jeremy, I don’t think youtube videos make much on a standalone website or money blog but when combined with a twitter message “hey, check out this video”, who knows. Let us know.

    [Reply]

  21. Ashley said on April 17th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

    Shoe - you said the top YouTuber’s you talked to were only making “piss” but what exactly is “piss.” Do you have some hard and fast numbers? And can you link to one of their pages so we can see how much video they’re producing to make “piss.”

    This program might not make anyone any real money, but in the long run I think it’s where online video will be. Maybe they need better ad delivery, etc etc but a rev share on a site like You tube seems like a great idea.

    [Reply]

  22. Joseph Ratliff said on April 17th, 2008 at 6:26 pm

    Shoemoney,

    Another great opportunity to put some “cha-ching” in the piggy bank.

    Thanks…

    Joseph Ratliff

    [Reply]

  23. Make Money Online said on April 17th, 2008 at 6:32 pm

    Hey that’s cool sound like youtube is playing chess, Good Move!
    http://www.topbusinessreviews.com

    [Reply]

  24. Make Money Online said on April 17th, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    Hey looks like YouTubes playing chess, Nice Move!

    [Reply]

  25. Website Reviews said on April 17th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

    Well with all the traffic top YouTubers get it is not a suprise to see this program. I am sure they will start to make more money over time!

    [Reply]

  26. Terry Tay said on April 17th, 2008 at 10:29 pm

    IF you are going to upload the videos anyways, you might as well make some extra money off them if they give you the option to do it. Makes sense to me ;-)
    ~Terry

    [Reply]

  27. Terry Tay said on April 17th, 2008 at 10:41 pm

    I wonder when Google Cash is going to expand and if Adsense will offer that as a payment option in the future?
    ~Terry

    [Reply]

  28. sikantis said on April 17th, 2008 at 11:09 pm

    Yes, me too, I’m very interested to read more about your real experience with it. Please write as soon as you have something.

    [Reply]

  29. sikantis said on April 17th, 2008 at 11:12 pm

    Another comment from sikantis: normally I like to visit the sites of other comment writers. Why can’t I find the websites of the others?

    [Reply]

  30. Homebizseo.com staff writer Greg said on April 18th, 2008 at 12:18 am

    Wow !!!!!!the music rights will be tough to obtain…that rules out over half the videos on youtube……This sounds like a great moneymakers for the “jackass” wanna beeeees that do stunts. It may also be great for the make money online internet ramblings gurus that run the who is who top 100 blogs on the net… MGM better watch out shoemoney is in town.

    [Reply]

  31. Chetan said on April 18th, 2008 at 2:01 am

    I think now its time for me too to make and publish good videos in youtube. Never thought a necessity for that before. Thanks for letting me know about this Shoe :)

    [Reply]

  32. Thinkjayant said on April 18th, 2008 at 4:02 am

    Thanks for the info mate. I have many videos made with wallpapers in the background saying SAVE EARTH which i created out of passion and is lying on my hard drive. Wonder if i can use them. The wallpapers are collected from google images though

    [Reply]

  33. * Miss Universe said on April 18th, 2008 at 7:58 am

    The ads really distract from the videos…..
    .
    Part of YouTube’s charm is the fact that it is basically a non commercial atmosphere

    [Reply]

  34. Georgia said on April 18th, 2008 at 1:26 pm

    I played with the Adsense for Video. It is a good feature for my sites, but the profit hasn’t been much. I might try this out as well. Video is definately the way to go now, it’s just finding the best fit.

    [Reply]

  35. Joe Cavell said on April 18th, 2008 at 2:12 pm

    I agree that having an effective network creates a solid foundation for any internet marketing. Now there is a system that helps you do just that and it absolutely free.

    Based on web 2.0 and social marketing, (including YouTube) the Spiderweb Marketing System is a great way to get started.

    It’s at least worth a look.
    http://www.EffortlessATM.com

    [Reply]

  36. Dr. Teeth said on April 18th, 2008 at 3:45 pm

    Thanks for the tip jeremy.
    I gonna try it now

    [Reply]

  37. Dr. Teeth said on April 18th, 2008 at 3:46 pm

    thats the main point here. people mistakenly click them and yo bonus for the publishers

    [Reply]

  38. Dr. Teeth said on April 18th, 2008 at 3:47 pm

    hey chetan, video advertising is the next gen media hype.

    [Reply]

  39. Dr. Teeth said on April 18th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    lol, so funny of you MMO!

    [Reply]

  40. Dr. Teeth said on April 18th, 2008 at 3:53 pm

    why dont you join elite retreat, and then you can teach us ;-)

    [Reply]

  41. Dr. Teeth said on April 18th, 2008 at 3:54 pm

    thats the wish of tons of adsense subscribers.
    i hope to see adsense paying out with paypal.

    [Reply]

  42. Horny Girls Here! said on April 18th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

    why would they take that much time to payout? Thats insane!

    [Reply]

  43. Paid Surveys Reviewed said on April 18th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

    This is interesting, I am interested to hear how well you do in terms of actual revenue. I suspect your videos are viewed a lot, but I suspect most are embedded. In this instance I am assuming there is little or no revenue to earn.

    Keep us posted with results.

    Jim

    [Reply]

  44. Web Marketeer said on April 19th, 2008 at 2:55 am

    Video is definitely the way forward, sort of going from radio to television in the past century. It requires a different set of skills, especially if one produces and edits oneself, which will ultimately be the most cost effective. Will be fun trying, even if one eventually ends up enlisting the services of professionals. There is much learning to be done, and the sharing of information is appreciated!

    [Reply]

  45. Alex B. said on April 19th, 2008 at 7:02 pm

    This is a good thing. People will do their best to create quality videos. Thumb up for youtube on this one.

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  46. Googlelady said on April 19th, 2008 at 11:28 pm

    I think to get approved is easy for those that have certain amount of their own videos in their profile.

    [Reply]

  47. Meethere said on April 19th, 2008 at 11:44 pm

    How much you made till now from this youtube program ?
    I am sure its very low.

    [Reply]

  48. opz said on April 20th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

    Thanks for great the ideas!
    I gonna try it now

    [Reply]

  49. auctionpixelpage.com said on April 22nd, 2008 at 6:53 pm

    This is another chance for those just starting out making money online to get another source of, say $50 per month. Not a lot but get a hundred little bits like this and it adds up. It’s easy enough to do, requires only a little maintenance and just gets put into your account every so often. If I went around and checked every affiliate account I have online at any time, I estimate that I would have about $1000 total at any given time. Again, not a lot, but it adds up and if you analyse those that are consistent and see how the money is made and where the traffic comes from, you can build on that.

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  50. Gay Comic Book Fan said on April 23rd, 2008 at 6:14 am

    Hey, this is a great a post. Finally, a practical way to generate revenue via YouTube!

    [Reply]

  51. Debo Hobo said on April 24th, 2008 at 3:02 pm

    Okay I am going to give it a shot. I submitted my application a minute or so ago. I guess I need to create some videos now. Doh!!! Time to by a Flip Camera just incase I get approved :)

    [Reply]

  52. Deathdoom7 said on April 26th, 2008 at 5:03 pm

    i have been acdepted woo!!!

    [Reply]

  53. Asia'h Epperson said on April 30th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

    Interesting. I’ve hear about that, but assumed it was the same as the Adsense version. Looks like another profitable stream for me to exploit! LOL

    [Reply]

  54. Tamish Mehra said on May 1st, 2008 at 2:04 am

    Post some of your earnings screenshots .
    I am sure you made a LOT .

    [Reply]

  55. Ire said on September 9th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    You mentioned you filled out step two of the partner process. (Adsense account) Once you open one up, what’s suppose to happen? Will youtube automactically know you did this or do you need to contact them again, In order to move on to step three? Will youtube automatically link the ads to your channel. I’m so lost on step number two. Much Help Needed!

    Thanks.

    [Reply]

  56. YouTube Partnerprogramm » Beitrag » Kuddelig.de said on April 17th, 2008 at 7:53 am

    [...] Shoemoney! Making Money With The YouTube Partner Program Geld Tags: Tags: adsense, Geld, verdienen, [...]

  57. What’s Going To Happen to YouTube.com | LeftTheBox.com said on April 17th, 2008 at 1:11 pm

    [...] fact even Jeremy Schoemaker of Shoemoney.com who was just invited to the YouTube Partner Program stated that most top YouTubers make only about [...]

  58. Fridays Weekly LinkBowl | Blogsmarter.dk said on April 18th, 2008 at 5:01 am

    [...] Look for other revenue options ? ShoeMoney.com has an article : “Making Money With The YouTube Partner Program“ [...]

  59. Learning How To Use YouTube Tips said on April 26th, 2008 at 8:30 am

    [...] Making Money With The YouTube Partner Program [via Zemanta] [...]

  60. Blogistan Panoptikum KW17 2008 auf datenschmutz.net said on April 27th, 2008 at 11:10 am

    [...] die Top-Youtuber berichten von sehr geringen Einkünften, wie Jeremy in seinem lesenswerten Beitrag [...]

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