With YouTube becoming the go-to platform for videos in India, more creators are starting their channels. Many of them have turned their passion into a source of income by creating and uploading videos regularly. While the amount you can earn depends on factors like subscribers and views, YouTube also offers rewards like play buttons to mark key milestones.
How YouTube Creators Make Money
YouTube mainly pays its creators through advertisements shown on their videos. Every time a viewer watches or clicks on an ad, the creator earns money. On average, YouTube pays Rs 100-200 for every thousand views on ads. This number can vary depending on the type of content, the target audience, and where the video is being watched from. Creators can also boost their earnings through brand sponsorships, product placements, and affiliate marketing.
Creators with channels that receive more views can potentially earn more. For example, a creator with a silver play button (awarded at 1 lakh subscribers) could make between Rs 1 to 2 lakh per month. For creators who manage to achieve higher play button milestones, the earnings grow significantly.
Understanding YouTube’s Play Button Rewards
YouTube introduced its play button rewards as a way to celebrate creators who have gained a substantial number of subscribers. Each play button represents a new level of success for a YouTube channel. Here’s a look at the different play buttons and how creators can achieve them:
- Silver Play Button: Awarded when a creator reaches 1 lakh subscribers. This is the first major milestone for YouTubers and is often seen as a big achievement for small and medium creators.
- Gold Play Button: Given when a creator reaches 10 lakh (1 million) subscribers. At this stage, the channel has likely established a strong presence on the platform.
- Diamond Play Button: Awarded to creators who hit 1 crore (10 million) subscribers. Only a small percentage of creators manage to reach this level, making the diamond button a prestigious reward.
- Ruby Play Button: This is for creators with 5 crore (50 million) subscribers. It’s a rare achievement, and only a handful of channels globally have reached this milestone.
- Red Diamond Play Button: The ultimate YouTube prize, given to those with 10 crore (100 million) subscribers. This is reserved for the biggest names on YouTube.
How to Get a Play Button
Simply reaching the subscriber milestone doesn’t automatically get you the play button. Once a channel crosses a milestone, the creator has to apply for the play button. This option is available directly on the channel’s dashboard. However, to be eligible, the creator must follow YouTube’s guidelines and community standards.
So, if you’re a creator with over 1 lakh subscribers, you can apply for the silver play button. As your channel continues to grow, you’ll be eligible for higher-level rewards.
Additional Ways to Earn on YouTube
In addition to ads, YouTubers can earn money through various other means, including:
- Brand Sponsorships: Companies may pay creators to promote their products or services on their channels.
- Affiliate Marketing: Creators can earn commissions by promoting products through affiliate links.
- Super Chats and Memberships: For channels that have a dedicated fanbase, viewers can pay for memberships or donate through live chat features.
These income streams can significantly increase a creator’s earnings, making YouTube a lucrative platform for those who can grow their subscriber base.
