YouTube is stepping up its game by introducing an exciting new feature that allows creators to earn money during vertical livestreams. Announced on Thursday, the platform now lets viewers purchase “Jewels,” a form of digital currency, which they can use to send “gifts” to their favorite creators. As viewers send these gifts, they animate on the screen, creating a dynamic and interactive experience for both parties.
If this concept rings a bell, it’s because it’s quite similar to TikTok’s live gifting system, which involves viewers buying “coins” to support live creators by sending gifts of varying values.
In this fresh YouTube experience, each time viewers use Jewels to send gifts, creators gain “Rubies.” For every 100 Rubies collected, creators earn $1, translating to 1 cent per Ruby. However, the cost of Jewels can fluctuate due to different bundle options, meaning there’s no fixed revenue share for creators. Consequently, the Rubies accumulated could vary depending on the bundle choices made by viewers.
In an attractive move to boost adoption, YouTube is offering a 50% bonus on gift earnings to eligible creators for the next three months, with potential additional earnings of up to $1,000 per month, apart from their regular income from Rubies.
To utilize this feature, creators must stream vertically either straight from YouTube or by utilizing third-party streaming software. Gifts can only be sent through the YouTube mobile app, enhancing mobile engagement.
Although YouTube has previously offered support options like “Super Stickers” in the chat, this new gift feature is a response to TikTok’s successful live gifting phenomenon. On TikTok, creators can make substantial earnings through live gifts, sometimes raking in thousands monthly by participating in engaging and often entertaining livestreams.
YouTube also mentions that upon enabling the gift feature for vertical livestreams, creators will no longer be able to use Super Stickers. The platform believes that gifts provide a more vibrant and visual way to support live streamers.
This innovative monetization option is being rolled out to eligible U.S. creators in the coming weeks, offering them an exciting opportunity to engage with their audience and boost their earnings in a fresh, interactive way.
