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

If you’re a gamer, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about turning your gaming videos into a source of income.

After all, many top YouTubers make a living off of their video gaming footage!

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So whether you’re just starting or looking for ways to earn money, read on for some helpful advice from the pros!

How To Monetize A Video Game Content Through A YouTube Channel

YouTube offers a variety of ways to monetize gameplay videos, whether it is through their YouTube Partner Program or Super chats and other features.

The most common way to monetize gameplay videos is through advertisements. Still, you can also make money through sponsorships, donations, and product placement.

Let’s take a look at each of these methods in more detail:

1. Super Chats

Super Chats are a relatively new way to monetize gameplay videos on YouTube.

They work by allowing viewers to purchase “super chats,” which appear in a designated area of the chat during a live stream.

These super chats are highlighted in bright colors and stay pinned to the top of the chat for a set period, making them impossible to miss.

Subscribers can use super chats to send messages of support, ask questions, or chat with the YouTuber.

In return, the YouTuber gets a small cut of the purchase price.

This is a great way to monetize videos if you have a large and engaged audience.

Keep in mind that this feature works only for YouTube live gaming content, so you can generate revenue only while you are online.

2. Channel Memberships

Channel memberships are another way to monetize gameplay videos.

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

In return, they get access to exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes footage, additional original content such as extra video game videos, Patron-only live streams, and more.

This is a great way to monetize videos if you have die-hard fans who are passionate about the same games as you are and willing to support you monthly.

With that being said, you also have to keep in mind that this feature works once your YouTube channel grows enough.

Without at least 30k subscribers, you won’t get much out of this feature.

3. YouTube Applause

Applause is a feature that allows viewers to buy “claps” for their favorite YouTubers.

These claps are then displayed on the screen during a live stream.

This is a great way to show support for your favorite YouTubers and also helps monetize their gameplay videos.

Keep in mind that this feature is only available for YouTube live gaming content.

4. YouTube Partner Program

This YouTube feature is the way most publishers are making money online.

Once you join Partner Program on YouTube, you can run ads and get a cut of the revenue.

To join, your channel must have at least 4000 public watch hours in the last 12 months and 1000 subscribers.

5. Product Placement

You can also monetize your gameplay videos through product placement.

This is when you feature a particular product in your video, either through use or mention.

For example, if you’re a YouTuber who plays many first-person shooter games, you could feature a gaming mouse in your videos.

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

If someone clicks on the link and makes a purchase, you’ll earn a commission.

This is a great way to monetize gameplay videos and get free products to feature in your videos!

6. Upload Sponsored Videos

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

You can do this by uploading videos featuring a particular product or service.

For example, if you’re a YouTuber who plays many video games, you could upload a sponsored video featuring a new game that’s just come out.

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

7. Run Sponsored Streams

If you don’t want to upload gaming videos, you can also run sponsored YouTube Live videos.

This is where you would stream yourself playing a particular game, and in return, the game’s developer would pay you a fee.

You can also run sponsored Twitch streams, which work similarly.

8. Donations

Finally, donations are another way to monetize gameplay videos.

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

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

How To Monetize Gaming Videos On Patreon

Patreon is a service that allows fans to support their favorite creators with monthly donations.

This is a great way to monetize your gaming video content, as it allows you to earn money from your audience.

Depending on the amount they donate, they get access to different content.

For example, you can upload the best moments from the latest live-action, behind the scenes of your YouTube gaming channel, or extra gameplay videos.

You don’t have to be limited strictly to gameplay videos. Patreon can be used for promoting your Discord or Minecraft server.

However, keep in mind that your audience is looking forward to seeing you continue to be active in whatever you’re promoting.

Furthermore, Patreon also requires consistent content to grow your audience and start making money.

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

How Much Will I Get Paid?

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

In addition, it also depends on the country you’re in and the type of ads that are being shown.

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

This may not seem like a lot, but it can add up quickly if you have a large enough audience!

Also, don’t rely only on the Partner Program, and look for other ways to make money through your YouTube channel.

Successful creators mostly earn revenue through affiliate marketing.

So don’t be shy to reach out to your favorite video game creators or gaming platform brand to ask for an affiliate link.

How To Grow Your YouTube Gaming Channel

Monetization is a lot easier if you have a large audience.

Here are some tips on how to grow your YouTube gaming channel:

Pick A Niche

There are many niches in YouTube gaming.

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

For instance, you could start a channel dedicated to playing and reviewing indie games.

Alternatively, you could create a YouTube gaming channel that focuses on retro gaming.

The key is to find a niche that you’re passionate about and that you think you can grow in.

Don’t Stick To Creating Only One Type Of Content

While it’s important to find a niche, you don’t want to stick to only one type of content.

For instance, if you’re a YouTuber specializing in Call of Duty gameplay videos, you could branch out and start doing live streams or even Let’s Plays of other games.

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

Engaging Content

Secondly, make sure that you are creating engaging content.

Your content should be entertaining, informative, and engaging.

If you’re not sure how to make your content more engaging, take a look at other successful YouTube gaming channels and see what they’re doing.

Be Consistent

One of the most important things you can do is be consistent with your content.

Your audience wants to see new content regularly, so make sure you’re creating videos on a consistent schedule.

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

In addition, live streaming is also a great way to be consistent and show dedication to your channel.

Interact With Your Audience

The easiest way to get more views on YouTube is by responding to comments.

As monetization depends on the number of subscribers, don’t be shy to invite people to subscribe.

In addition, you should also try to interact with other creators in your niche.

For instance, you could collaborate with another user playing the same video game.

Be Ad-Friendly

Last but not least, make sure you’re ad-friendly.

This means that you shouldn’t use any foul language in your videos, resulting in YouTube demonetizing your channel.

In addition, try to avoid using music from in-game radios or game audio, as this could also lead to your channel being demonetized.

Conclusion

There you have it! These are some tips on how to monetize your YouTube channel.

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

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