Social media platforms are all competing against one another to be the best, the most used, and the most popular platform. This means when one social media platform tries something new and it works, the others are quick to try to replicate it. We see it all the time, TikTok started gaining popularity, so Instagram started shifting its focus to reels. YouTube are no different. After TikTok created its Creator’s Fund, YouTube realised it needed to offer something similar to keep up with the new and growing social media platform. So, it created the YouTube Shorts Fund.
What is the YouTube Shorts Fund?
This is a $100M fund that is rewarded to creators for their dedication to making original, unique YouTube shorts that are well received by the YouTube community. YouTube reach out to thousands of creators directly every month, to tell them that they qualify for a Shorts bonus.
Who is Eligible for YouTube Shorts?
To be eligible for YouTube Shorts Fund you need to meet strict criteria. This includes:
• You need to have at least one eligible Short in the last 180 days.
• Your channel must abide by YouTube’s Community Guidelines, copyright rules, and monetization policies.
• You have to upload original content. Examples of ineligible videos include:
o Videos that are not original. For example, a clip from a TV show.
o Videos that have been reuploaded from other another creator’s channel (or other social media platform), this includes any compilations you might make.
o Videos that have watermarks/logos from third-party social media sites. As well as videos with titles, hashtags, or metadata that references other social media platforms. However, linking to your other social media profiles does not affect your eligibility.
• Creators must be 13 or older and creators 13–18 years old need a parent or guardian to accept the terms and set up an AdSense account for payment.
You also need to be living in one of the eligible countries, a full list of eligible countries can be seen here.
How Will You Know If You Qualify?
If you qualify for a bonus from this fund, YouTube will let you know directly. You will receive an email, as well as an in-app notification. The email and notification will tell you the amount of the bonus and give you instructions on how to claim the bonus. You will usually receive any notifications during the first week of the month and will have until the 25th of each month to claim your bonus.
How much can I get?
The bonus values vary, a qualifying channel can get anything from $100-$10,000 each month. The bonus will be adjusted based on the location of your audience. All payments are made through the channel’s linked AdSense account.
Don’t forget, if you are lucky enough to receive a bonus from this fund, you do need to accept it before the 25th of the month. Once you have accepted the bonus, as well as the bonus terms and conditions, you can set up or link your AdSense account and payment will be sent to you. If you already have an AdSense account, you don’t need to set a new one up, however, if you don’t, you will need to provide some personal details, as well as tax information and your preferred method of payment.
Start uploading shorts today and you might be pleasantly surprised with a bonus from the YouTube Shorts Fund!
Why not check out our own viral video productions for inspiration?