Monetization on platforms like YouTube allows creators to earn money from their content. The process of getting approved for monetization may seem complicated, but can be broken down into a few key steps. Here is a guide on how to apply for monetization on major platforms.
YouTube Monetization Requirements
YouTube has specific criteria channels need to meet before applying for monetization:
- 1,000 subscribers
- 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months
- AdSense account linked to YouTube channel
- Content follows YouTube monetization policies
Meeting the subscriber and watch time requirements demonstrates that a channel has an engaged audience. The AdSense account is necessary for YouTube to pay you your earnings. Following the YouTube monetization policies ensures advertisers feel safe placing ads on videos.
Applying for YouTube Monetization
Once your channel crosses the subscriber and watch time thresholds, you can apply for YouTube monetization by following these steps:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio
- Go to Monetization
- Click “Start” under “Application checklist”
- Check that your channel meets the monetization policies
- Link an active AdSense account or create a new one
- Agree to the YouTube monetization agreement
- Click “Submit” and wait for YouTube’s review
It may take YouTube several weeks to review your channel once you apply. Make sure to continue creating content while waiting for approval.
Facebook Monetization Requirements
To be eligible for Facebook monetization, pages need:
- 600,000 total 1-minute views in the last 60 days
- 5 or more active video uploads
- 50,000 or more followers
- Content that aligns with Facebook monetization policies
The view threshold ensures your content has engaged users regularly watching it. Having several videos and a sizeable audience also demonstrates you create content frequently that people want to see.
Applying for Facebook Monetization
Follow these instructions when your Facebook page is ready to monetize:
- Click “Monetization” in Facebook Page Settings
- Click “Get Started”
- Select ad formats you want to monetize
- Choose a monetization admin for your page
- Check that page content complies with monetization policies
- Enter tax information
- Click “Request Video Monetization”
Facebook will review your page using both human evaluators and technology. This process can take a few weeks. Stay patient and keep engaging your audience in the meantime.
Twitch Affiliate and Partner Requirements
Twitch offers two monetization tiers for streamers:
- Affiliate – 50 followers, 500 total minutes broadcast, 7 unique broadcast days, average 3 concurrent viewers
- Partner – 75 average concurrent viewers, 500 followers, broadcast 25 hours in last 30 days
Meeting the Affiliate requirements demonstrates you have built a small but dedicated audience. The Partner requirements show you have grown your channel to attract a sizable live audience consistently.
Applying for Twitch Monetization
To enable monetization on Twitch:
- Go to the Achievements tab in your Twitch Dashboard
- Click “Apply Now” when eligible for Affiliate or Partner
- Provide tax information
- Agree to the Affiliate or Partner agreement
- Wait 1-3 days for Twitch to review your application
Once approved as an Affiliate or Partner, you can start earning money through subscriptions, bits, and ads. Make sure to read Twitch’s monetization policies closely.
TikTok Creator Fund Requirements
To join TikTok’s Creator Fund for monetization, accounts need:
- At least 10,000 authentic video views in the last 30 days
- 1,000 followers or more
- Located in an eligible country
- 18 years or older
TikTok wants creators with an established audience creating quality content. Eligible countries include the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and more.
Applying for the TikTok Creator Fund
Follow these steps to submit a TikTok Creator Fund application:
- Tap the profile icon in TikTok to open your account page
- Tap the 3 line menu icon and select “Creator Fund”
- Tap “Apply” and fill out the application
- Provide tax information
- Accept the program terms
- Wait up to 30 days for review
If accepted, you can start earning money based on views and engagement. Make sure to read the Creator Fund policies and create TikToks consistent with their guidelines.
Instagram Badges and Subscriptions
Instagram offers two monetization features:
- Badges – Need 10,000+ followers, account in good standing
- Subscriptions – Need 10,000+ followers, account in good standing, post consistently
A sizeable, well-engaged audience on Instagram is key to accessing these monetization features. Instagram wants to see you have experience fostering a community.
Activating Instagram Monetization
Follow these steps to monetize your Instagram account with badges and subscriptions:
- Go to account settings
- Under “Monetization” tap “Set Up”
- Select “Subscriptions” and/or “Badges”
- Set subscription price and badge details
- Agree to Instagram’s monetization policies
- Tap “Done” and wait for Instagram’s review
Instagram will evaluate your account to ensure it meets their guidelines before approving monetization. Earning potential depends on subscribers and badge purchases.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to smooth the monetization application process:
- Carefully review each platform’s specific requirements
- Give yourself plenty of time to meet requirements before applying
- Double check that your content follows all platform guidelines
- Provide accurate tax information when submitting application
- Continue engaging your audience while waiting for review
- Be patient as the review process can take weeks or more
With persistence and high-quality content, you can build an audience and start earning money on major platforms. Stay consistent, find creative ways to attract viewers, and keep them coming back. Monetization allows creators to turn their passion into a career!