Video games have been in the entertainment field since forever. Children, teenagers, and even adults love playing these games. The only difference is that in the past, these games were merely a source of entertainment and recreation. However, in the present age, Video Gaming has also become an entire professional field. Thanks to the internet, there are thousands of successful gamers who are making millions out of their passion. They play games and earn money: no need to work hard on any of the content creating, scripting, acting phases. Plug, play, and make money!
Content creation is a great way to make money in today’s world. Platforms like Youtube, especially, not only offer a place for creators to showcase their talent but also make money out of their skills. The basic concept of YouTube lies in graphics and videography. So, is gaming. Thus, for the ease of gamers, YouTube has dedicated one of their features, entirely to the world of Video Gaming.
To excel in your YouTube Gaming Career, you not only need exceptional gaming skills but also can make it interesting for the other amateur gamers. Only then you would be able to cultivate an engaging and supportive audience for your channel. Your subscribers and your talent, these are the only two things which can get you ahead on a platform like YouTube. Otherwise, there are a lot of other talented people who are already making the environment of this industry competitive. Still, the question arises How to make money on YouTube gaming? The only way you can achieve that is by Monetizing gaming videos on YouTube.
Can you Monetize Gaming Videos on YouTube?
Yes, you can. Monetizing gaming videos on YouTube videos is quite simple yet technical. You may be unable to monetize gaming videos right away because there are some requirements and content you need to have before applying for monetization of your gaming channel.
Requirements to apply for Gaming Channel Monetization
- 4000 watch hours minimum.
- 1000 subscribers at least.
- Both should be achieved in a single span of 12 months.
YouTube’s new monetization policy lets it filter out the talented people. There is a vast difference between playing video games as a hobby and doing it professionally. Thus, not everyone is capable enough of making a successful YouTube career in Gaming. You can only achieve that if you put much hard work in it with consistency for your goal and determination for your gaming passion. However, it also isn’t that much difficult. If you possess the right talent for it, you are more than welcome on a platform like YouTube.
Once you’ve achieved the required subscriber count and watch hours, you’re eligible to apply for YouTube monetization program. Still, after submission, your application gets reviewed by the authorities to decide whether to monetize your videos or not.
How much does a YouTube Gamer Make?
Successful YouTube gamers like PewDiePie are making millions every year through their YouTube gaming career. The thing is that many factors determine your annual income from YouTube. Your Subscribers, Audience Reach, Popularity among the community, Content Quality, and last but not the least, the ability of your channel/videos getting featured, everything counts.
At the start, there might be no income at all. However, once you’ve attracted a pretty massive number of the interested audience, ways to make money automatically appear. Let it be Game Reviews, Live Streams, Tutorials, or Walkthroughs. Even different gaming brand’s approach you to do sponsored videos. In this way, you can earn millions of dollars.
The income of Some Famous YouTube Gamers
- Stampylonghead: $9.7 Million.
- PewDiePie: $8.5 Million.
- JuegaGerman: $5.4 Million.
- TheWillyRex: $4 Million.
- KSIOlajidebt: $3.4 Million.
- Ihascupquake: $2.4 Million.
What can a Beginner Expect?
After reaching the minimum requirements to enable monetization, a YouTuber can expect to earn $18 per 1000 views. However, 45% of that goes to Youtube, therefore leaving you with $9.9 per 1000 views.
How to Monetize Gaming Videos Legally?
Legal Monetization for your YouTube Gaming Videos can be enabled only when you fulfill the necessary, basic requirements of your channel. However, from the start, the following steps that can be taken are
- Sign in to your Account.
- Go to Creator Studio Tab.
- From the menu, select ‘Channel’ option and enable Monetization.
- Wait for your application approval.
- Done!
Other ways
Even if your application for monetization doesn’t get approved, there is no need to worry. There are millions of different ideas from where you can start earning money right away on YouTube, even at the beginning.
The thing is that these ways of monetization are quite simple and easy to achieve. You don’t necessarily have to be a YouTube star. As long as you know the art to keep your audience engaged and focus on the quality content, you can start making millions at the start of your YouTube career. It all depends on the skill level you hold.
Affiliate Marketing
How to make money on YouTube gaming? Affiliate Marketing is the best option. It’s simple, secure, and more compliments explicitly your work. That too, while making money. Being an affiliate, you can enjoy a flexible work schedule, high commissions, and earn the comfort of your home. As long as you bring customers to the company, it doesn’t matter how you convince your followers. Just advertise the products, attract as many clients, and get paid. Pretty simple!
Brand Sponsorships
Brand sponsorships are another great way of monetizing gaming videos on YouTube. As a YouTube blogger/influencer or a public figure, you can do sponsored work and earn money. The best part is you can either do pre-planned sponsored videos related to your YouTube gaming content as well as do sponsored product reviews and advertisement videos. It depends on you and your audience.
Brand sponsorships can promise you an enormous reward. These sponsorships usually cost from $10 to $50 per thousand views for different brands. Surprisingly, if your video crosses even a million views, you would be making anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 per video!
Merch Sale
Merchandise is also a source of making money from YouTube. You can have your custom designed t-shirts, bags, hats, accessories, patches, stickers, posters, and what not. In this way, you will not only be promoting your channel, but also it would be a source to maximize follower engagement with your videos. Henceforth, a win-win situation for you and even your channel.
Maximizing your YouTube Content Creation
Getting started on YouTube as a gamer isn’t that much easy. It requires some investment beforehand. Gaming equipment, Mics, Speakers, a faster PC, Editing Softwares, and the list continues. However, once you start making money on YouTube, these investments can easily be covered. Not only you’ll be earning more money than ever but also have the potential to keep it updated with the latest market trends. Therefore, maximizing your productivity.
Here are some of the ways with the help of which you can easily enhance your gaming as well as content creation skills on YouTube.
Be Consistent
Consistency is required to be successful on YouTube. The chances of your videos getting more views and ultimately reaching the trending category also depends on your persistence. The more videos you upload daily, more will be your audience reach. Thus, the only golden rule. If not daily, upload your new content every 2-3 days. Without it, you would never be able to reach the heights of Youtube Gaming. Bonus tip do live game streams more frequently.
Focus on Original Work
Only Original work is supported on YouTube. If you try to copy others, not only YouTube has a strict copyright policy about it, but also you would never be able to impress your spectators. Taking inspiration is necessary; however, try and focus on your personal, original work. A type of gaming content that perfectly describes your channel’s purpose.
Diversity of Content
Variety of content is the essential thing to have a more engaged following. Do every sort of Gaming Content. Live streams, Walkthroughs, Tutorials, Game Reviews, Game Recordings, and also teach others. These are all the categories; a YouTube gamer can use to create unique content.
Do Giveaways
Giveaways are an authoritative source to bring more subscribers to your channel. Believe it or not, everyone loves to have free stuff. Let it be gift cards, games, gaming equipment, even t-shirts, coffee mugs, etc. Furthermore, it also enhances the loyalty of your followers to your work and channel.
Summing Up
Monetizing Gaming Videos on YouTube is the only way to earn through your gaming talent. Let it be any monetization; there are numerous opportunities present to make money on YouTube. However, it requires skill, talent, and dedication. If you start a YouTube channel only with a mindset to make money, then you can forget about a successful gaming career. Whereas if you keep money making and quality content side by side, you’ll be making thousands of dollars within no time and then even millions.