The YouTube Effect [Video]

Let’s say your channel meets all the thresholds. It’s time to cash in—sort of. YouTube pockets 45 percent of ad money generated from long-form videos and 55 percent from short clips. As a result, YouTubers earn an average of 18 cents per ad view. So a video with 100 ad views may rake in . . . $18. 

That’s why most social media stars diversify their income streams. That means they earn money from several different sources. For instance, YouTubers can post links for products in their content. Every time someone clicks one of the links and buys an item, the creator earns a small percentage of the sale. YouTubers also sell channel subscriptions and merchandise, like T-shirts and baseball caps. 

But the main way creators make money is by teaming with brands to sell stuff. Maybe you’ve noticed that your favorite gamer always guzzles a particular sports drink. Or …