YouTube Videos Vs. Shorts: Which Makes More Money?

by Alex Braham 51 views

Alright, guys, let's dive into the age-old question for content creators: YouTube videos vs. Shorts – which one brings home the bacon? If you're trying to make a splash on YouTube, understanding the revenue differences between these two formats is absolutely crucial. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from ad revenue and watch time to audience engagement and long-term strategy. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Understanding YouTube Video Revenue

When we talk about YouTube video revenue, we're typically referring to the income generated from longer-form content. These are the videos that usually span several minutes, allowing for multiple ad breaks and a more in-depth connection with your audience. The primary way to monetize these videos is through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which allows creators to run ads on their content. But let's dig a little deeper into what makes YouTube videos a potentially lucrative option.

Ad Revenue (AdSense)

Ad revenue, often managed through Google AdSense, is the bread and butter for many YouTubers. The amount you earn depends on several factors, including your video's watch time, audience demographics, ad placement, and the ever-fluctuating CPM (Cost Per Mille) and RPM (Revenue Per Mille). CPM is the cost advertisers pay for one thousand ad impressions, while RPM is the actual revenue you receive per thousand views after YouTube takes its cut. Generally, longer videos with higher watch times tend to earn more ad revenue because they can accommodate more ads.

To maximize your ad revenue, focus on creating engaging content that keeps viewers watching. Longer watch times not only increase the number of ads shown but also signal to YouTube's algorithm that your content is valuable, potentially boosting your video's visibility. Also, consider the types of ads you allow on your videos. While skippable ads are less intrusive, non-skippable ads can provide a higher payout. Experiment to see what works best for your audience and revenue goals.

Other Monetization Methods for Standard YouTube Videos

Beyond ad revenue, standard YouTube videos open the door to various other monetization methods. These include:

  • Channel Memberships: Offering exclusive content and perks to viewers who pay a monthly fee.
  • Super Chat & Super Stickers: Allowing viewers to purchase highlighted messages in live streams and premieres.
  • Merchandise Shelf: Selling branded merchandise directly from your YouTube channel.
  • Sponsorships: Partnering with brands to promote their products or services in your videos.
  • Affiliate Marketing: Recommending products and earning a commission on sales made through your affiliate links.

These methods can significantly supplement your ad revenue, offering diverse income streams. For example, channel memberships can provide a steady, predictable income, while sponsorships can bring in large sums for a single video. The key is to diversify your monetization strategy and cater to your audience's interests and needs.

Understanding YouTube Shorts Revenue

Now, let's switch gears and talk about YouTube Shorts. These are short-form, vertical videos, typically 60 seconds or less, designed for quick consumption on mobile devices. YouTube introduced the Shorts format to compete with the likes of TikTok and Instagram Reels, offering creators a new avenue for reaching a wider audience. However, the monetization model for Shorts is different from standard YouTube videos, and it's essential to understand these differences.

The YouTube Shorts Fund

Unlike standard videos, YouTube Shorts are not directly monetized through AdSense in the traditional sense. Instead, YouTube launched the YouTube Shorts Fund, a $100 million fund to reward creators for their engaging content. Each month, YouTube selects thousands of creators to receive a bonus from the fund, ranging from $100 to $10,000. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the video's performance, audience location, and adherence to YouTube's Community Guidelines.

To be eligible for the YouTube Shorts Fund, creators must meet certain criteria, such as:

  • Creating original content that aligns with YouTube's Community Guidelines.
  • Having uploaded at least one eligible Short in the past 180 days.
  • Being based in one of the eligible countries (which include the United States, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Nigeria, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and more).
  • Being at least 13 years old (or the age of majority in your country).

Ad Revenue Sharing on Shorts

In early 2023, YouTube introduced ad revenue sharing on Shorts. This means that creators can now earn ad revenue directly from ads that play between Shorts in the Shorts feed. This is a significant change from the Shorts Fund, which was a fixed pool of money distributed among creators.

With ad revenue sharing, YouTube pools the revenue from ads that run between Shorts and distributes it to creators based on their share of total Shorts views. Creators keep 45% of the revenue, with the rest going to YouTube. This is a lower percentage than the 55% that creators earn on standard YouTube videos, but it's still a significant opportunity to monetize short-form content.

To be eligible for ad revenue sharing on Shorts, creators must meet the following criteria:

  • Have at least 1,000 subscribers.
  • Have at least 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months, or 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days.
  • Sign the YouTube Partner Program terms.
  • Link an AdSense account to their channel.

Other Monetization Opportunities for YouTube Shorts

While the Shorts Fund and ad revenue sharing are the primary ways to monetize Shorts, other opportunities exist. These include:

  • Brand Sponsorships: Partnering with brands to create sponsored Shorts.
  • Affiliate Marketing: Promoting products in your Shorts and earning a commission on sales.
  • Driving Traffic to Longer Videos: Using Shorts to promote your longer YouTube videos and increase watch time on those videos.

Shorts can be a powerful tool for building brand awareness and driving traffic to your channel. By creating engaging Shorts that resonate with your audience, you can attract new subscribers and increase your overall revenue.

YouTube Videos vs. Shorts: A Detailed Comparison

Now that we've explored the monetization methods for both YouTube videos and Shorts, let's compare them side-by-side to see which one comes out on top.

Revenue Potential

  • YouTube Videos: Generally offer higher revenue potential due to higher CPMs and RPMs, multiple ad breaks, and diverse monetization methods.
  • YouTube Shorts: Revenue potential is growing with the introduction of ad revenue sharing, but CPMs and RPMs are typically lower than standard videos. The Shorts Fund can provide a boost, but it's not a guaranteed income source.

Audience Engagement

  • YouTube Videos: Allow for deeper engagement with your audience through in-depth content, tutorials, and storytelling.
  • YouTube Shorts: Offer quick, snackable content that can capture attention and drive views, but may not foster the same level of engagement as longer videos.

Production Effort

  • YouTube Videos: Often require more planning, scripting, filming, and editing, leading to higher production costs and time investment.
  • YouTube Shorts: Can be produced quickly and easily with minimal equipment, making them a more accessible option for creators with limited resources.

Algorithm Reach

  • YouTube Videos: The algorithm favors videos with high watch times and engagement metrics, which can be challenging to achieve.
  • YouTube Shorts: The algorithm actively promotes Shorts to a wide audience, making it easier to gain views and subscribers, especially for new creators.

Long-Term Strategy

  • YouTube Videos: Building a library of high-quality videos can establish you as an authority in your niche and generate long-term passive income.
  • YouTube Shorts: Can be used to drive traffic to your channel and promote your longer videos, but may not provide the same long-term sustainability as standard videos.

Which One Should You Focus On?

So, which one should you focus on: YouTube videos or Shorts? The answer depends on your goals, resources, and target audience. If you're looking to maximize revenue and build a sustainable business, longer YouTube videos are still the way to go. They offer higher CPMs, diverse monetization options, and the opportunity to create deeper connections with your audience. However, if you're just starting out or want to reach a wider audience quickly, Shorts can be a valuable tool. They're easy to create, have a high potential for virality, and can drive traffic to your channel. Ultimately, the best strategy is to combine both formats. Create a mix of longer videos and Shorts to cater to different audiences and maximize your revenue potential. Use Shorts to promote your longer videos, and use your longer videos to provide more in-depth content and build a loyal fanbase.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, both YouTube videos and Shorts offer unique opportunities for content creators. While longer videos generally provide higher revenue potential and deeper audience engagement, Shorts can be a powerful tool for reaching a wider audience and driving traffic to your channel. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each format, you can develop a winning strategy that helps you achieve your goals and maximize your success on YouTube. So, go out there, experiment with both formats, and see what works best for you! Good luck, and happy creating!