India’s influencer marketing industry is booming, with estimates suggesting it will reach an impressive ₹3,375 crore (US$ 404.82 million) by 2026. As a result, many youngsters are now setting their sights on becoming influencers, with YouTube being one of the most popular platforms on which to start their journey. According to Statista, YouTube ranks fourth in terms of influencer marketing, making it a key player in this growing field.

Recognising the immense growth potential, YouTube has recently revised its monetisation policies to make it easier for new content creators to start earning money. Now you can monetise a 500-subscriber YouTube channel. This allows creators with smaller audiences to start monetising their content through features such as membership.

If you're an aspiring YouTuber looking to monetise your channel, read on. Let’s explore how to monetise a 500-subscriber YouTube channel.

What is YouTube Monetisation?

YouTube channel monetisation is all about turning your content into a revenue stream. Once your channel meets specific eligibility requirements, such as gaining 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours in the past 365 days or 3 million YouTube Shorts views in 90 days, you can monetise your channel to some extent and make money.

However, to unravel the complete monetisation options, you need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. But how exactly does this work, and what options are available to you with 500 subscribers? Let's explore the changes in the YouTube partnership program (YPP) and how it opens the various features to monetise your channel with 500 subscribers.

Watch the video YouTube Monetisation Rules 2024 on Seekho to understand the different types of monetisation available on YouTube and the essential criteria for monetising a channel.

YouTube Partner Program Changes

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) allows creators like you to monetise content through ads, memberships, and other revenue streams once they meet specific eligibility requirements. The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) has undergone significant changes aimed at making it easier for smaller creators to monetise their content. These updates have made it possible for more creators to join the program, even if you don’t have a large following. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates:

• Lower Eligibility Requirements: You can now apply for monetisation with as few as 500 subscribers, down from the previous 1,000. This opens up monetisation opportunities for smaller channels.
• Reduced Watch Time Requirement: Instead of the earlier 4,000 hours of watch time in the past 12 months, creators now need just 3,000 hours in the past 365 days to be eligible for YPP.
• Shorts Monetisation: YouTube now includes Shorts views in the eligibility criteria. Channels with 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days can qualify for monetisation, offering a new way to earn through shorter content.
• Early Access to Features: Smaller creators can also access features such as Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Channel Memberships, giving them more ways to engage with their audience and earn revenue.

Understand new changes in the YouTube algorithm and how it could boost your channel views on the video YouTube New Algorithm 2024 on Seekho.

Monetisation Options for 500 Subscribers YouTube Channel

Are you struggling to grow your subscriber count? YouTube’s new policy has made reaching 500 subscribers a key milestone. With this achievement, you'll unlock several monetisation features that can help you start earning from your content.

The best part is that once you're accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you won't need to re-apply as you grow—you’ll automatically gain access to additional revenue tools as you hit higher milestones. Let's explore the features you can access with 500 subscribers.

How to Monetise 500 Subscribers YouTube Channel

Now you know which features you will be able to unlock with 500 subscribers. This gives smaller creators a chance to build sustainable income while growing their audience. Let's explore the key steps you can take to start monetising your channel with 500 subscribers.

Channel Memberships

Channel memberships allow creators to offer exclusive perks to their subscribers in exchange for a monthly fee. With as few as 500 subscribers, you can start offering memberships, provided you have at least three public uploads in the last 90 days. Members can enjoy:

• Custom badges
• Emojis and
• Members-only content

Shopping (your own products)

Selling your own products on YouTube is a great way to monetise your channel and engage your audience in a unique way. With just 500 subscribers, you can start showcasing and selling your own merchandise directly to your fans.

• You can integrate your online store with YouTube, allowing viewers to purchase products like branded clothing, accessories, or digital goods directly from your channel.
• Offering exclusive products tied to your content builds a stronger connection with your audience while providing an additional income stream.

Super Chat & Super Stickers

Super Chat and Super Stickers allow you to monetise your live streams by enabling viewers to pay for highlighted messages or fun stickers during broadcasts. With 500 subscribers, you can activate this feature to enhance interaction with your audience.

• Viewers can purchase Super Chats to make their messages stand out, gaining your attention during live streams.
• Super Stickers add a fun, visual element to the chat, allowing fans to express themselves while supporting your channel financially.

Super Thanks

Super Thanks allows viewers to support creators by purchasing a one-time “thank you” directly on any video, not just live streams. This feature is a great way to earn extra income from dedicated fans who want to show their appreciation. 

• When someone buys a Super Thanks, a colourful, animated comment appears in the video’s comment section, helping the viewer stand out while supporting your content. 
• It’s a simple, engaging way for creators to boost their earnings while building stronger connections with their audience.

Discover the tips and tricks for monetising your YouTube channel on Seekho video Fast YT Monetisation Tricks.

Advantages of Monetising YouTube Channel for Small Creators

The new YouTube policy offers significant advantages for small creators, making it easier to start earning revenue with just 500 subscribers. Here are some key benefits this new policy provides:

• Early Access to Monetisation: Small creators can now start earning earlier without waiting to hit 1,000 subscribers.
• Diverse Revenue Streams: Features like Super Chat, Super Stickers, and channel memberships are available, allowing multiple ways to monetise content.
• Increased Audience Engagement: Interactive features such as Super Thanks and Super Chat help creators build stronger connections with their audience.
• Motivation for Growth: Unlocking monetisation at 500 subscribers encourages creators to stay motivated and continue growing their channel.
• No Reapplication Needed: Once accepted into the YouTube Partner Program, creators automatically unlock additional monetisation tools as their channel expands without needing to reapply.

Learn crucial steps of YouTube monetisation on the Seekho video YouTube Monetization Important Setting. Unlock the secrets of the monetisation section, ad suitability form, and the significance of carefully selecting content descriptors on our video.

Challenges of Monetising YouTube Channel for Small Creators

Monetising with just 500 subscribers is an exciting step, but it comes with its own set of challenges. To truly benefit from YouTube’s new policy, small creators need to overcome certain hurdles.

• Necessity of an Engaged Community: Revenue generation depends heavily on having an active and loyal audience. Small creators may struggle if their subscriber base isn't constantly interacting with their content.
• Limited Earnings: With fewer subscribers, the potential to earn significant revenue is limited. More subscribers and views are often needed for substantial ad earnings or successful fan funding.
• Growing Subscriber Base: While 500 subscribers unlock monetisation, scaling up to a larger audience is crucial for better long-term earnings.
• Consistency and Content Quality: Small creators must consistently produce high-quality content to maintain audience interest, which can be demanding with fewer resources or limited experience.
• Competing with Bigger Channels: Larger channels have more visibility and resources, making it challenging for smaller creators to stand out and grow their audience.

Find out how to earn without monetisation. Watch the video Earn without Monetisation on Seekho for more details.

Conclusion

Are you ready to turn your passion into profit with just 500 subscribers?  YouTube’s updated policies make it possible for smaller creators to start earning with a 500-subscriber YouTube channel. But your journey doesn’t stop there. It is just a beginning milestone for you. Have you thought about how to keep your audience engaged and grow your channel further? 

While the doors to monetisation have opened, success will rely on your skill in creating robust. connections, create consistent content, and stand out in an increasingly competitive space. How will you make the most of these new opportunities and take your YouTube channel to the next level?

Are you looking to increase your subscribers? Watch Monetise Channel in 7 Days video on Seekho and discover genuine and tested methods to boost your subscribers in 7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I start earning money on YouTube with just 500 subscribers?

Yes! YouTube’s updated monetisation policies allow creators with at least 500 subscribers to access features like Super Chat, Super Stickers, and channel memberships, providing new opportunities to earn from your content.

2. Do I still need to meet watch-time requirements to monetise my channel with 500 subscribers?

Yes, in addition to 500 subscribers, you’ll need either 3,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the last 365 days or 3 million Shorts views in the last 90 days to qualify for monetisation.

3. Can I run ads on my videos with 500 subscribers?

No, to enable ads on your videos, you still need to meet the higher threshold of 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 public watch hours or 10 million Shorts views within 90 days.

4. Do I need to reapply for the YouTube Partner Program as my channel grows?

No, once you’re accepted into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you don’t need to reapply. As your channel grows, you'll automatically unlock additional monetisation tools as you hit higher subscriber and watch-time milestones.

5. Can Seekho help me improve my YouTube content to attract more subscribers?

Yes, Seekho offers a number of video series on YouTube. These expert-led videos provide tips and tricks to help creators enhance their video production skills, grow their audience, and develop strategies for building a successful YouTube channel.

6. How can Seekho support my journey towards YouTube monetisation?

Seekho provides expert-led video series on content creation, audience engagement, and channel growth, which are essential for reaching monetisation milestones on YouTube and maximising your earning potential.