YouTube Drops New Gifting Feature!

The Story: YouTube is rolling out a new monetization feature called "Jewels", allowing viewers to purchase virtual currency to send animated gifts during vertical livestreams. Each gift enhances viewer engagement while creators earn "Rubies" in return, valued at one cent each. Initially inspired by TikTok's livestream gifting, this feature targets eligible creators in the YouTube Partner Program and aims to elevate the creator economy on the platform.

The Details:

• Viewers can buy Jewels during vertical streams on the mobile app and send gifts, similar to TikTok's gifting features.

• Creators earn Rubies for each gift sent, with 100 Rubies equating to $1; however, revenue share varies based on the Jewel bundle prices.

• For the first three months, YouTube is offering a 50% bonus on gift earnings, upping creators' potential earnings to $1,000 monthly.

• The feature exclusively supports vertical livestreams, limiting it to mobile and requiring the gifts to be enabled in the stream settings.

• YouTube also discontinues Super Stickers for creators using Jewels, pushing for a more interactive gifting experience.

Why It Matters: YouTube's entry into the digital gifting game is a strategic move to enhance viewer engagement and support creators in a competitive market. As TikTok has proven the lucrative potential of live donations, this new feature could significantly boost earnings for content creators, allowing them to monetize their livestreams effectively while fostering a community of supportive fans. For creative professionals looking to capitalize on new revenue streams, understanding and harnessing this feature could translate into a notable financial opportunity in their content strategy.