Summary

A YouTube content creator expresses frustration with the platform's monetization policies, contrasting it with the more immediate revenue opportunities on Medium, and questions why YouTube doesn't compensate creators from the outset when their content is deemed ad-worthy.

Abstract

The author of the content, who is also a Google shareholder and early-stage YouTuber, is discontented with having to watch ads on their own YouTube videos without receiving any revenue from it. They highlight the stringent requirements for monetization on YouTube, which include 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 public watch hours within a year, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days, and lament that despite nearly 30 videos, they are far from meeting these thresholds. The author compares this to Medium's platform, where monetization is more accessible, requiring only 100 followers to start earning. They propose that YouTube should pay creators from the first instance their content is paired with an ad, suggesting that the content's suitability for advertising should also qualify it for revenue sharing. The author acknowledges YouTube's quality control concerns but challenges the platform to devise a system that better supports and retains creators.

Opinions

The author believes it is unfair that YouTube does not compensate creators for their content that is used to generate ad revenue.
YouTube's monetization requirements are seen as burdensome and a significant barrier to earning for new creators.
Medium's monetization model is praised for its accessibility and immediate earning potential for creators.
The author suggests that the mere fact that an advertisement is placed on a YouTube video should be sufficient for the content to qualify for revenue sharing.
There is skepticism about whether YouTube's current policies are the best way to maintain content quality, suggesting that a reevaluation could be beneficial.
The author expresses a mix of frustration and anticipation, looking forward to the day they can monetize their YouTube content, while also questioning if the effort will be worth the reward.

YouTube is really screwing me

Imagine my surprise the other day when I went to one of my YouTube videos and had to sit through an ad just to see my own content.

If I were actually being paid a cut of said ad revenue by YouTube, I wouldn’t be so annoyed.

And as a Google shareholder, I suppose I should actually be happy that I’m working (?) … for myself (??) … for free (???).

Such is the life of an early-stage YouTuber.

I’ve created close to 30 videos, yet I still feel like I’m miles away from ever seeing a dime for my work.

The path to monetization on YouTube is onerous indeed.

Not only do you need 1,000 subscribers, you also need 4,000 public watch hours over 365 days or, as of last week, 10 million shorts views in a span of 90 days.

Here’s where I am currently:

I’ve written before about why I think Medium is so unbelievably cool.

After hopping over the relatively simple 100-follower hurdle (achievable in days, not months or years like YouTube), you can start earning significant side hustle income almost immediately.

This is an amazing feeling and a powerful incentive for creators.

I have a radical idea for Google: Creators should be paid the first time YouTube serves an ad on their content.

If the software deems it good enough for an advertiser’s content, shouldn’t it be good enough for revenue sharing?

How I feel right now (Photo by 傅甬华 on Unsplash)

I understand there are issues around quality, and YouTube wants to make sure its high-value content doesn’t get buried under an avalanche of trash.

But is there no mathematical wizardry that the smartest corporation in the world could come up with to draw (and keep) more creators?

At the end of the day, I’m just whining into the void about something I think is unfair.

But then, I suppose it’ll be that much sweeter when I finally do cross that magical monetization threshold.

Tell me in the comments, dear readers who’ve been monetized: how does it feel?

And more importantly, was it worth the effort?

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