Giant video streaming app YouTube has launched a feature that will not only help content creators keep their connections with (super) fans meaningful, but also provide a new avenue of making money.
According to YouTube, creators from around the globe have asked for magic beyond livestreams and Premieres to video uploads since the launch of Super Chat in 2017 and Super Stickers in 2019. Enter Super Thanks!
With the new feature, fans watching YouTube videos can now purchase Super Thanks to express their gratitude and show support. They will see an animated GIF and, as an added bonus, get a distinct, colorful comment to highlight their purchase, which creators can respond to. Super Thanks is currently available at four price points between $2 and $50 (or local currency equivalent).
“For creators, building a business isn’t a one-size-fit-all approach. Some may gravitate towards tools like channel memberships while others may double down on Super Chat. At YouTube, we’re always looking for fresh ways creators can diversify their revenue streams. That’s why I’m excited to unveil our fourth Paid Digital Good — Super Thanks. This new feature gives creators yet another way to earn money while also allowing them to strengthen relationships with viewers,” Neal Mohan, Chief Product Officer
YouTube has recently been experimenting with the applause feature that allows fans to show support for their favorite YouTube channels. For the last one year, the company partnered closely with creators to beta test this feature and gather feedback to inform and shape the experience.
In fact, while beta testing Super Thanks, psychic intuitive Nicholas Ashbaugh was able to generate a new revenue stream—one that now accounts for nearly 15% of his revenue—by tapping this new way to recognize and engage with his most active fans. Here’s what he has to say:
“Having a built-in feature like Super Thanks ensures that my viewers can show their love and support while watching a video — without interrupting their viewing. It nicely augments Super Stickers and Super Chat by allowing folks who are watching a replay of a livestream to still feel like they’re being seen (thanks to the purchase animation) and also thanks to the comment that it leaves.”
Super Thanks is currently in beta and with today’s expansion, is now available to thousands of monetizing creators. The feature is available to creators and viewers in 68 countries on desktop and mobile devices (Android and iOS). Creators can check if they have early access by following the instructions here.
If they don’t yet have access, fear not — it will be expanding availability to all eligible creators in the YouTube Partner Program later this year.
Apart from the above features, YouTube offers various ways through which creators can make money on the platform — from running ads and selling merchandise to channel memberships and beyond