How To Monetize Gaming Videos: 8 Great Ways To Start Earning Cash On YouTube

If you’re a gamer, you have likely considered transforming your gaming videos into a source of income.

After all, many leading YouTubers earn a living from their video gaming content!

Whether you’re just starting or seeking ways to earn money, read on for valuable advice from the pros!

How to Monetize Video Game Content Through a YouTube Channel

YouTube provides various methods to monetize gameplay videos, including the YouTube Partner Program, Super Chats, and other features.

The most common method to monetize gameplay videos is through advertisements. However, you can also earn money through sponsorships, donations, and product placement.

Let’s examine each of these methods in greater detail:

1. Super Chats

Super Chats are a relatively new method for monetizing gameplay videos on YouTube.

They function by enabling viewers to buy “super chats,” which are displayed in a specific area of the chat during a live stream.

These super chats are highlighted in vibrant colors and remain pinned at the top of the chat for a designated period, ensuring they are impossible to overlook.

Subscribers can utilize super chats to send supportive messages, ask questions, or engage in conversation with the YouTuber.

In return, the YouTuber receives a small portion of the purchase price.

This is an excellent method to monetize videos if you possess a large and engaged audience.

Remember that this feature is applicable only to YouTube live gaming content, meaning you can generate revenue only while you are online.

2. Channel Memberships

Channel memberships provide an additional method to monetize gameplay videos.

This is a monthly subscription that allows viewers to support their favorite YouTubers.

In return, they gain access to exclusive content, including behind-the-scenes footage, additional original material like extra video game videos, Patron-only live streams, and more.

This is an excellent way to monetize videos if you have dedicated fans who share your passion for the same games and are willing to support you on a monthly basis.

That said, you must also remember that this feature becomes available once your YouTube channel has grown sufficiently.

Without a minimum of 30,000 subscribers, you won’t gain much from this feature.

3. YouTube Applause

Applause is a feature that enables viewers to purchase “claps” for their favorite YouTubers.

These claps are subsequently shown on the screen during a live stream.

This is an excellent way to support your favorite YouTubers while also helping to monetize their gameplay videos.

Please note that this feature is exclusively available for YouTube live gaming content.

4. YouTube Partner Program

This YouTube feature is how most publishers are generating revenue online.

Once you join the YouTube Partner Program, you can run ads and receive a share of the revenue.

To join, your channel must have a minimum of 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months and at least 1,000 subscribers.

5. Product Placement

You can also earn money from your gameplay videos by incorporating product placement.

This is when you highlight a specific product in your video, either by using it or mentioning it.

For instance, if you are a YouTuber who plays various first-person shooter games, you could showcase a gaming mouse in your videos.

You can link to the product’s website in the description box or include an affiliate link.

If someone clicks on the link and completes a purchase, you will earn a commission.

This is an excellent method to monetize gameplay videos and obtain free products to showcase in your videos!

6. Upload Sponsored Videos

Another way to earn money on YouTube is by partnering with other channels or brands.

You can achieve this by uploading videos that showcase a specific product or service.

For instance, if you are a YouTuber who plays various video games, you might upload a sponsored video showcasing a newly released game.

In exchange for showcasing the game in your video, you would receive a fee from the game’s developer.

7. Run Sponsored Streams

If you prefer not to upload gaming videos, you can also host sponsored YouTube Live videos.

This is where you can stream yourself playing a specific game, and in exchange, the game’s developer will compensate you with a fee.

You can also conduct sponsored Twitch streams, which operate in a similar manner.

8. Donations

Finally, donations provide another method to monetize gameplay videos.

This is when viewers contribute money to support their favorite YouTubers.

You can set up donation buttons on your channel or utilize a service like Patreon.

How To Monetize Gaming Videos On Patreon

Patreon is a platform that enables fans to support their favorite creators through monthly donations.

This is an excellent method to monetize your gaming video content, as it enables you to earn money from your audience.

Depending on the amount they donate, they gain access to various content.

For example, you can upload the highlights from your latest live-action videos, behind-the-scenes footage of your YouTube gaming channel, or additional gameplay videos.

You are not restricted to only gameplay videos. Patreon can also be utilized to promote your Discord or Minecraft server.

However, remember that your audience is eager to see you remain active in whatever you are promoting.

Furthermore, Patreon requires consistent content to expand your audience and begin generating income.

To set up Patreon, just create an account and connect it to your YouTube gaming channel.

How Much Will I Be Paid?

This varies based on the number of views, subscribers, and watch time.

Additionally, it depends on the country you are in and the type of ads being displayed.

However, creators with gaming channels can generally expect to earn between $0.01 and $0.03 per view.

This may not appear to be significant, but it can accumulate rapidly if you have a sufficiently large audience!

Additionally, do not depend solely on the Partner Program; explore other avenues to generate income through your YouTube channel.

Successful creators primarily generate revenue through affiliate marketing.

So don’t hesitate to contact your favorite video game creators or gaming platform brands to request an affiliate link.

How To Grow Your YouTube Gaming Channel

Monetization becomes significantly easier when you have a large audience.

Here are some tips for growing your YouTube gaming channel:

Choose A Niche

YouTube gaming encompasses a wide variety of niches.

You can choose to concentrate on a specific game or even on a particular console.

For example, you could create a channel focused on playing and reviewing indie games.

Alternatively, you could establish a YouTube gaming channel dedicated to retro gaming.

The key is to identify a niche that you are passionate about and believe you can develop further.

Avoid Limiting Yourself to Just One Type of Content

While it is important to identify a niche, you should not limit yourself to just one type of content.

For example, if you are a YouTuber who specializes in Call of Duty gameplay videos, you could expand your content by starting live streams or even Let’s Plays of different games.

The key is to experiment and discover what works best for you and your audience.

Engaging Content

Secondly, ensure that you are producing engaging content.

Your content should be entertaining, informative, and engaging.

If you’re uncertain about how to make your content more engaging, examine other successful YouTube gaming channels to observe their strategies.

Be Consistent

One of the most crucial actions you can take is to maintain consistency in your content.

Your audience expects fresh content regularly, so ensure you are producing videos on a consistent schedule.

You don’t need to post a new video every day, but aim to post at least once or twice a week.

Additionally, live streaming is an excellent way to maintain consistency and demonstrate dedication to your channel.

Engage With Your Audience

The simplest way to increase your views on YouTube is by engaging with comments.

Since monetization relies on the number of subscribers, feel free to invite people to subscribe.

Additionally, you should aim to engage with other creators in your niche.

For example, you could team up with another user who is playing the same video game.

Be Ad-Friendly

Lastly, ensure that you are ad-friendly.

This means you should avoid using any foul language in your videos, as this could lead to YouTube demonetizing your channel.

Additionally, avoid using music from in-game radios or game audio, as this may also result in your channel being demonetized.

Conclusion

There you have it! These are some tips for monetizing your YouTube channel.

Remember to remain consistent, engaging, and ad-friendly, and you’ll be well on your way to generating revenue from your channel.

FAQ