Hey guys! Ever wondered whether creating regular YouTube videos or those super trendy Shorts makes more sense if you’re trying to earn some cash? It’s a question a lot of us creators have, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let's dive deep into the world of YouTube monetization and figure out where you should be focusing your energy to maximize your earnings.

Understanding YouTube Monetization

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s break down how YouTube monetization works in general. It's not just about uploading videos and watching the money roll in—there are a few key factors at play.

The Basics of Earning on YouTube

To start earning, you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). As of my last update, to join the YPP, you generally need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid watch hours in the past 12 months. Once you hit those milestones, you can apply to the program. YouTube will then review your channel to make sure you meet their monetization policies, which cover things like copyright, ad-friendliness, and community guidelines. Once accepted, you can start monetizing your content through ads, channel memberships, Super Chat & Super Stickers, and YouTube Premium revenue.

How Ads Work on YouTube Videos

Most creators earn primarily through advertisements. When you watch a YouTube video, you might see different types of ads: display ads, overlay ads, skippable video ads, non-skippable video ads, and bumper ads. Each type has a different impact on revenue. Skippable and non-skippable video ads tend to generate more revenue because viewers are more likely to see them. The revenue from these ads is calculated using a metric called CPM (Cost Per Mille) or RPM (Revenue Per Mille). CPM is the cost an advertiser pays for one thousand views of an ad, while RPM is the actual revenue a creator receives per thousand views after YouTube takes its cut.

The actual CPM and RPM can vary wildly based on factors like viewer demographics, video content, ad engagement, and the time of year. For example, videos targeting high-income countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK typically have higher CPMs. Content about finance, business, or technology often commands higher ad rates compared to, say, gaming or vlogging. And of course, ad rates tend to spike during the holiday season when advertisers are eager to reach consumers. So, understanding these variables is super important if you’re trying to optimize your ad revenue. Remember that consistency and engagement play a huge role—the more active and engaged your audience, the better your chances of boosting those ad earnings.

YouTube Shorts: A Different Ballgame

YouTube Shorts are those quick, vertical videos designed to compete with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. They’re capped at 60 seconds and are meant to be easily digestible on mobile devices. But when it comes to monetization, Shorts operate a bit differently than regular YouTube videos.

The YouTube Shorts Fund

Initially, YouTube introduced the YouTube Shorts Fund to incentivize creators to make Shorts. This fund distributed money to eligible creators based on the performance of their Shorts. However, this model was temporary. Now, YouTube has shifted to a more sustainable, long-term monetization strategy.

Ad Revenue Sharing on Shorts

As of early 2023, YouTube began testing ad revenue sharing on Shorts. This means that creators can now earn a portion of the ad revenue generated from ads that play between Shorts in the Shorts feed. Here's how it works:

1. Pool Creation: Ad revenue from Shorts is pooled together.
2. Creator Pool: A portion of this pooled revenue goes to creators based on their share of total Shorts views.
3. Revenue Split: Creators then receive 45% of the revenue allocated to them, regardless of whether they use copyrighted music. (YouTube keeps the remaining 55%).

This model is quite different from how ad revenue works on regular YouTube videos, where creators typically get 55% of the ad revenue directly generated by their videos. The Shorts model is designed to reward creators for their overall contribution to the Shorts platform, rather than the performance of individual Shorts. The key is consistent uploads and broad appeal to maximize your share of the revenue pool. Creating engaging content that keeps viewers watching can significantly increase your overall earnings. Plus, it’s worth experimenting with different styles and trends to see what resonates best with your audience. Stay updated with the latest YouTube guidelines, as these policies can evolve, influencing your monetization strategy.

Revenue Comparison: Videos vs. Shorts

So, which earns more? Let's break down the key differences and considerations.

Earning Potential of Regular YouTube Videos

Regular YouTube videos, especially longer-form content, have several advantages when it comes to monetization. Firstly, they allow for multiple ad placements within a single video, increasing the potential ad revenue. Secondly, longer videos tend to have higher watch times, which can boost engagement and ad revenue. Thirdly, regular videos can be monetized through various methods, including ads, channel memberships, Super Chat & Super Stickers, and YouTube Premium revenue.

The CPMs and RPMs for regular YouTube videos tend to be higher than those for Shorts. This is because advertisers are often willing to pay more for ads on longer-form content, where they have more time to capture the viewer's attention. Additionally, longer videos often attract a more engaged audience, which can lead to higher ad click-through rates and, consequently, higher revenue. Remember to optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords to improve search visibility and attract more viewers. Engaging with your audience through comments and community posts can also help build loyalty and increase watch time, further boosting your revenue.

Earning Potential of YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts offer a different kind of earning potential. While the revenue per view might be lower compared to regular videos, Shorts have the advantage of potentially reaching a much wider audience. Because Shorts are designed to be easily shareable and discoverable, they can go viral quickly, driving a large number of views in a short amount of time. This can be particularly beneficial for new creators looking to grow their channel and build a following.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the ad revenue sharing model for Shorts is different. Creators earn a portion of the pooled ad revenue based on their share of total Shorts views, rather than the performance of individual Shorts. This means that consistency and a high volume of Shorts are key to maximizing earnings. Regularly uploading engaging and trending content can help you capture more views and increase your share of the revenue pool. Don't forget to analyze your Shorts' performance to understand what resonates with your audience and optimize your content accordingly. Experiment with different styles, formats, and topics to keep your content fresh and engaging.

Factors Influencing Revenue

Several factors can influence your revenue on both regular YouTube videos and Shorts:

• Audience Demographics: As mentioned earlier, the demographics of your audience play a significant role in determining ad rates. Viewers from high-income countries tend to generate more revenue.
• Content Niche: Certain niches, such as finance, business, and technology, often attract higher ad rates.
• Ad Engagement: The more viewers engage with ads (e.g., by clicking on them), the higher the revenue.
• Seasonality: Ad rates tend to fluctuate throughout the year, with higher rates during the holiday season.
• Video Length and Watch Time: Longer videos with high watch times tend to generate more ad revenue.
• Consistency: Regularly uploading high-quality content is crucial for building an audience and maximizing revenue.

By understanding these factors and optimizing your content accordingly, you can increase your earning potential on both regular YouTube videos and Shorts.

Strategies for Maximizing Revenue on Both Platforms

Alright, so how can you make the most money, no matter which type of content you’re focusing on? Here are some top strategies to boost your revenue on both regular YouTube videos and Shorts.

Optimizing Regular YouTube Videos

1. Optimize for Watch Time: Focus on creating engaging content that keeps viewers watching. Longer watch times mean more ad exposure and higher revenue. Use storytelling techniques, create compelling visuals, and keep the pace engaging.
2. Strategic Ad Placements: Place ads strategically throughout your video. Don't overload your video with ads, but make sure to include them at natural breaks in the content. Experiment with different ad formats to see what works best for your audience.
3. High-Quality Content: Invest in high-quality equipment and editing. Professional-looking videos are more likely to attract and retain viewers. Good lighting, clear audio, and polished editing can make a big difference.
4. SEO Optimization: Optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords. This will help your videos rank higher in search results and attract more viewers. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner and TubeBuddy to find popular keywords.
5. Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create a community around your channel. Engaged viewers are more likely to watch your videos and support your channel.

Optimizing YouTube Shorts

1. Stay on Trend: Keep up with the latest trends and challenges on YouTube Shorts. Participating in trends can help your Shorts go viral and reach a wider audience.
2. Create Addictive Content: Focus on creating short, engaging videos that grab viewers' attention within the first few seconds. Use fast cuts, trending sounds, and visually appealing content.
3. Consistency is Key: Upload Shorts regularly to maximize your share of the ad revenue pool. A consistent upload schedule will keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
4. Use Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your Shorts. Research popular hashtags in your niche and include them in your video descriptions.
5. Promote Your Channel: Use your Shorts to promote your other content, such as regular YouTube videos. This can help drive traffic to your channel and increase your overall revenue.

Diversifying Your Income Streams

Relying solely on ad revenue can be risky. Diversifying your income streams can provide a more stable and sustainable source of income.

1. Channel Memberships: Offer exclusive content and perks to paying members. This can provide a steady stream of recurring revenue.
2. Super Chat & Super Stickers: Allow viewers to pay to have their messages highlighted during live streams. This can be a lucrative way to monetize live content.
3. Merchandise: Sell branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, mugs, and stickers. This can be a great way to monetize your brand and engage with your audience.
4. Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and services and earn a commission on sales. This can be a good way to monetize your content without creating your own products.
5. Sponsorships: Partner with brands to create sponsored content. This can be a lucrative way to monetize your channel, but make sure to only partner with brands that align with your values and audience.

Case Studies and Examples

To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at some real-world examples and case studies.

Case Study 1: A Gaming Channel

Consider a gaming channel that uploads both regular gameplay videos and Shorts featuring highlights and funny moments. The regular videos, which average around 20 minutes in length, generate a CPM of $5 and an RPM of $2. The Shorts, on the other hand, generate a lower RPM of $0.50 per thousand views. However, the Shorts often go viral, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers, while the regular videos typically get tens of thousands of views.

In this case, the gaming channel might find that Shorts are a valuable tool for attracting new subscribers and driving traffic to their channel. While the revenue per view is lower, the sheer volume of views can still generate a significant amount of income. Additionally, the Shorts can serve as a promotional tool for their regular videos, increasing overall revenue.

Case Study 2: A Beauty Channel

A beauty channel that uploads both makeup tutorials and quick beauty tips as Shorts might find a different dynamic. The longer tutorials, which provide in-depth instructions and product reviews, might generate a higher CPM and RPM due to the targeted audience and higher ad engagement. The Shorts, which offer quick tips and tricks, might be more effective at reaching a broader audience and promoting the channel's brand.

In this case, the beauty channel might focus on creating a mix of both types of content. The longer tutorials can generate a higher income per video, while the Shorts can help to grow the channel's audience and brand awareness.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance

So, what’s the final verdict? Which earns more, YouTube videos or Shorts? The truth is, it depends on your channel, your content, and your audience. Regular YouTube videos tend to offer higher CPMs and RPMs, but Shorts have the potential to reach a wider audience and drive more views.

The best approach is often to find a balance between the two. Create high-quality, engaging regular videos that provide value to your audience and generate substantial ad revenue. At the same time, use Shorts to promote your channel, reach new viewers, and experiment with different content formats. By diversifying your content strategy and optimizing your monetization methods, you can maximize your earning potential on YouTube.

Ultimately, the key to success on YouTube is to create content that your audience loves. Whether you're creating long-form videos or short-form content, focus on providing value, engaging with your audience, and staying true to your brand. With hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, you can turn your passion into a profitable career on YouTube. Happy creating, folks!