How to Turn on Gifts on YouTube: A Creator’s Guide to Super Thanks

So, you want to enable the Super Thanks feature on your YouTube channel? Excellent choice! It’s a fantastic way to let your audience directly support your content and show their appreciation. Here’s the straightforward answer:

To turn on gifts, or Super Thanks, on YouTube, you need to:

1. Meet the eligibility requirements for monetization, including being a part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
2. Enable monetization on your channel.
3. Navigate to YouTube Studio.
4. Go to the “Monetization” tab.
5. Select the “Supers” tab.
6. Toggle the “Super Thanks” option to the “On” position.

That’s the gist of it. But, as with everything in the YouTube universe, there’s a bit more to unpack to truly master this powerful tool. Let’s delve deeper.

Understanding YouTube Super Thanks

Super Thanks is a feature that allows viewers to purchase a one-time animated GIF that appears over your video. They also get a distinct, colorful comment highlighting their purchase in the comments section. It’s essentially a direct “thank you” with a tangible contribution. This feature is also named YouTube Gifts. Think of it as a digital tip jar, but with added visibility and a little bit of flair for the supporter.

Why Enable Super Thanks?

In a nutshell, enabling Super Thanks:

• Creates an Additional Revenue Stream: This allows you to earn money directly from viewers who appreciate your content.
• Boosts Viewer Engagement: Super Thanks encourages viewers to actively support you, fostering a stronger sense of community.
• Provides Valuable Feedback: When viewers choose to send a Super Thanks, it’s a clear indication they value the specific video they’re watching.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Super Thanks

Let’s break down those steps mentioned earlier into a more detailed process:

1. Meeting the Eligibility Requirements

This is the most crucial step. You must be a member of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) to access monetization features like Super Thanks. To qualify for the YPP, you generally need:

• At least 1,000 subscribers.
• 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months.
• An AdSense account linked to your channel.
• To adhere to all YouTube monetization policies.
• To live in a country where the YPP is available.

2. Enabling Monetization

If you meet the YPP requirements, ensure monetization is turned on for your channel. This is usually done during the application process to the YPP. You must link your AdSense account and accept all the terms.

3. Navigating to YouTube Studio

Head over to YouTube Studio. This is your command center for managing your channel. You can access it by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner of YouTube and selecting “YouTube Studio“.

4. The Monetization Tab

On the left-hand side of YouTube Studio, you’ll see a menu. Find and click the “Monetization” tab. This is where all your monetization settings are located.

5. Discovering the Supers Tab

Within the Monetization tab, you will find several options such as Overview, Ads, Membership, and Supers. Click on the “Supers” tab. If you don’t see the Supers tab, it likely means you aren’t yet eligible for the feature, either because you’re not in the YPP, or the feature isn’t fully rolled out in your region.

6. Toggling Super Thanks On

Finally, on the Supers tab, you’ll find the “Super Thanks” option. Simply toggle the switch to the “On” position. YouTube may ask you to agree to some additional terms and conditions. Read them carefully and accept them to proceed.

Optimizing Super Thanks for Maximum Impact

Enabling Super Thanks is just the first step. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Promote Super Thanks in Your Videos: Briefly mention Super Thanks in your videos and explain how viewers can use it to support you. A simple “If you enjoyed this video, consider sending a Super Thanks to help me create more content like this!” can go a long way.
• Acknowledge Super Thanks in Your Videos: Acknowledge Super Thanks received in previous videos. This shows you appreciate the support and encourages others to contribute.
• Engage with Viewers Who Send Super Thanks: Respond to their comments and thank them personally. This fosters a stronger connection with your audience.
• Offer Exclusive Perks: Consider offering small, exclusive perks to viewers who send Super Thanks, such as early access to videos or shout-outs.
• Be Authentic: The key to any successful monetization strategy is authenticity. Don’t be pushy or overly sales-y. Simply let your viewers know that Super Thanks is an option if they appreciate your work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different Super Thanks price points?

YouTube offers several pre-set price points for Super Thanks. These price points vary by region, but they typically range from $2 to $50. You cannot customize these price points.

2. How much of the Super Thanks revenue do I get?

You receive 70% of the Super Thanks revenue after applicable taxes and fees. YouTube retains the remaining 30%.

3. Can I disable Super Thanks on specific videos?

No, you cannot disable Super Thanks on individual videos. It’s an all-or-nothing setting for your entire channel.

4. Why don’t I see the “Supers” tab in YouTube Studio?

The most common reason is that you’re not yet eligible for the YouTube Partner Program. Alternatively, the Super Thanks feature may not be available in your region, or your channel might have demonetization issues.

5. Does Super Thanks affect my video ranking?

There’s no direct evidence that Super Thanks directly impacts your video ranking. However, increased engagement (which Super Thanks can contribute to) can indirectly improve your video’s visibility.

6. Can I use Super Thanks on live streams?

No, Super Thanks is not available for live streams. For live streams, consider using Super Chat and Super Stickers.

7. How do I view my Super Thanks earnings?

You can view your Super Thanks earnings in YouTube Analytics, within the “Revenue” tab. You’ll see a breakdown of your earnings from various sources, including Super Thanks.

8. Are Super Thanks available for all types of content?

Super Thanks are generally available for most types of content that are eligible for monetization. However, certain types of videos, such as those containing hate speech or violating community guidelines, may not be eligible.

9. How does Super Thanks differ from YouTube Channel Memberships?

Super Thanks is a one-time contribution, while YouTube Channel Memberships are recurring monthly subscriptions that offer exclusive perks to members. They both serve different purposes, so consider using both to diversify your income.

10. What happens if a viewer requests a refund for a Super Thanks?

If a viewer requests a refund and it is approved, the refunded amount will be deducted from your future earnings. YouTube has a system in place to prevent abuse of the refund process.

11. Can I see who sent me a Super Thanks?

Yes, you can see the names of viewers who sent you Super Thanks in the comments section of your videos. Their comments are highlighted to make them easily identifiable.

12. Is there a limit to how many Super Thanks a viewer can send?

While there isn’t a publicly stated limit, YouTube likely has systems in place to prevent abuse or fraud. The intention is for viewers to send reasonable amounts to support creators they appreciate.