YouTube Launches New Monetization Feature

Liam Alexander 22 Jul 2021

YouTube has rolled out a new feature that helps boost its monetizing content creators’ earning potential. Known as Super Thanks, the new tool is currently available in beta form for users in almost 70 countries on iOS- and Android-powered PCs and smartphones. So, what exactly is Super Thanks? How does it work? What money does it pay? Find answers to these questions below.

According to the company representatives, via Super Thanks, fans get to express support and appreciation to their favorite video creators in a monetary form. As of today, Super Thanks is up for grabs at four price points: $2, $5, $10, and $50. Once the feature is used, a highlighted comment shows up in the comment area, giving the channel author the possibility to react to the fan’s support with a comment.

YouTube claims that Super Thanks can be used on archived videos instead of live streams (unlike Super Stickers and Chats). Furthermore, the Super Thanks functionality cannot be used on videos that are private, unlisted, created for children, or have age restrictions. Those who qualify to use the feature can enable it from their monetization/Supers menu. Once activated, a ‘Thanks’ button will appear on YouTube videos. 

Now that a lot of content creators switch to alternative crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, establishing new channel monetization tools is especially vital for YouTube. While YouTube is still the leading video-sharing platform in the online universe, it’s obvious that by introducing features like Super Thanks, Google strives to maximize the amount of money flowing through its ecosystem, as well as focus on supporting its most active users. So, have you already tested the new feature? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comment section below.