Understanding YouTube Channel Monetization

Modified on Tue, 28 Jul at 4:16 PM

When a YouTube channel is linked to Revelator’s MCN, it can generate revenue through several different streams. This article explains each revenue stream and the conditions that affect whether a given video earns money.

Revenue streams for linked channels

1. Video views — ad revenue

When a free-tier YouTube viewer watches a video on your channel, YouTube may display an ad before or during the video. If it does, you earn a share of the ad revenue. Not all videos will display ads — see the restrictions section below.

2. Video views — subscription revenue

When a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music subscriber watches a video on your channel, you earn a share of the subscription pool for that view — even if no ad is displayed.

3. Content ID claims on other channels

Once your channel is linked to Revelator’s MCN, the videos you upload gain Content ID capability. This means that if another YouTube user uploads a video containing audio or video from your channel’s content, your channel’s asset will generate a claim on that video and earn revenue from it.

Note This Content ID capability only applies to channels linked to an MCN. Channels that are in YPP but not linked to an MCN cannot generate claims on other videos through their channel uploads.

4. Channel features

Channels in YPP can also earn through channel memberships (viewers pay a monthly fee for exclusive perks), Super Chat and Super Stickers (viewers pay to highlight their messages during live streams), tips (direct viewer contributions), and linked storefronts.

Note Revelator’s reporting covers ad revenue and subscription revenue from video views, and revenue from Content ID claims generated by your channel’s content. Revenue from memberships, Super Chat, and store sales may appear as a separate line in your YouTube revenue report.

Restrictions on video monetization

Not every video on a monetized channel will earn revenue. A video may be restricted from monetization if:

A third-party rights holder has placed a Content ID claim on audio or video within the video. Even if part of the content is your own, the entire video’s ad revenue may be redirected to the claiming party. To monetize your own portion, distribute the audio through Revelator so your Content ID asset claims it instead.
YouTube’s automated systems or manual reviewers determine that a video does not meet advertiser standards — for example, due to mature themes, strong language, or controversial subject matter. The channel as a whole remains monetized, but the individual video earns no ad revenue.
The video violates YouTube’s Community Guidelines and is removed from monetization entirely.

Warning Deleting a video with an active claim does not resolve the underlying issue. Revelator and YouTube both track claims across your channel’s history, including deleted or unlisted content.