A YouTube channel membership model gives creators the option to charge subscribers an additional fee for premium monthly content hidden behind a paywall. It's similar to the Patreon concept, allowing creators to set up a similar service within the YouTube platform. YouTube added the membership feature to its platform in 2018. However, you'll need to meet specific criteria with your channel before applying for membership.
To meet the requirements for a channel membership model, the creator must have a minimum of 1,000 subs to their channel. You'll need to be a YouTube Partner Program member, and specific requirements are involved with receiving that status. To gain access, creators must live in a qualifying country and be over 18 years of age. They must also meet the requirements set by YouTubes' policies regarding copyright issues. You'll also have to follow the YouTube membership guidelines.
With YouTube channel memberships, creators get a chance to open another income stream to assist their financial prospects on the platform. It's a way to connect with a core audience on your channel that loves your content. However, you can't expect every subscriber to your channel to hit the 'Join' button. Most creators see between 5% to 15% of their subscribed audience take a channel membership.
Membership costs for subscribers can range from $5 to $10 per month, and YouTube keeps 30% of the revenue collected from your subscribers. The 30% charged by YouTube seems outlandish, especially considering Patreon charges its creators 5% to 12% of monthly revenue. However, it keeps the membership on the YouTube Platform, meaning that your subscribers don't have to navigate to another website, like Patreon, to subscribe. Creators can review their subscription earnings in their YouTube Studio. Select the "Analytics" tab and then hit the "Revenue" tab to access the data.
