Hey guys! Ever wondered whether creating regular YouTube videos or those super trendy Shorts is the better way to make some dough? You're not alone! It’s a question buzzing in every content creator's mind, from newbies just starting out to seasoned YouTubers looking to maximize their earnings. Let's dive deep into the world of YouTube monetization and figure out which format truly reigns supreme when it comes to revenue.

Understanding YouTube Monetization

First off, let's break down how YouTube monetization works in general. To start earning, you've gotta be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This means having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid watch hours over the past 12 months. Once you're in, you can start slapping ads on your videos and rake in some cash. But, it's not just about the ads; there are other ways to monetize your content too!

• Ad Revenue: This is the bread and butter for most YouTubers. You earn money based on the number of ad views or clicks your videos get. The actual amount can vary wildly depending on factors like ad type, viewer location, and the niche you're in.
• Channel Memberships: Offer exclusive perks to viewers who become members of your channel. Think exclusive content, badges, and emojis.
• Super Chat & Super Stickers: During live streams, fans can pay to have their messages highlighted in the chat.
• Merchandise Shelf: Sell your own branded merch directly from your YouTube channel.
• YouTube Premium Revenue: Get a cut of YouTube Premium subscription fees when Premium members watch your content. This is a great way to diversify your income streams and tap into a dedicated audience willing to pay for an ad-free experience. Remember, consistent engagement and high-quality content are key to attracting and retaining these premium viewers.

The Key Differences in Monetization for Videos and Shorts

Okay, so here’s where things get interesting. While regular YouTube videos and Shorts both fall under the YPP, the way they generate revenue is quite different. Standard videos rely heavily on pre-roll, mid-roll, and banner ads. The longer your video, the more ad breaks you can insert, potentially leading to higher revenue. Shorts, on the other hand, have a unique ad system.

Shorts are funded by ads displayed between videos in the Shorts feed. Instead of direct ad revenue from each Short, a portion of the revenue generated from these feed ads is pooled together and distributed to Shorts creators based on their share of total Shorts views. This means the payout per view can be significantly lower compared to regular videos. Despite the lower per-view payout, the sheer volume of views that Shorts can generate can sometimes make up for the difference. The key is to consistently create engaging content that keeps viewers hooked and coming back for more. By mastering the art of short-form storytelling and leveraging trending topics, you can maximize your visibility and increase your chances of earning a substantial income from YouTube Shorts.

YouTube Videos: The Long Game

Let's talk YouTube videos – the OG content format. These are your standard, longer-form videos that can range from a few minutes to upwards of an hour. The earning potential here is huge, but it requires a different strategy than Shorts.

Advantages of YouTube Videos for Revenue

• Higher Ad Revenue per View: Because you can place multiple ads within a single video, the revenue per view tends to be higher compared to Shorts. Advertisers are often willing to pay more for ads on longer-form content, as viewers are more engaged and likely to see the ads.
• Multiple Monetization Options: Videos open the door to various monetization methods like channel memberships, Super Chat, and merchandise shelves. These options provide additional income streams that can significantly boost your overall earnings. By diversifying your monetization strategy, you can create a more sustainable and profitable YouTube channel.
• Deeper Engagement: Longer videos allow you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. This can lead to increased loyalty, more comments, and a stronger sense of community. When viewers feel connected to your channel, they are more likely to support you through memberships, Super Chat, and merchandise purchases.
• Ideal for Tutorials and Detailed Content: YouTube videos are perfect for creating in-depth tutorials, reviews, and educational content. This type of content tends to attract a more engaged audience that is willing to spend more time watching your videos. This longer watch time can lead to higher ad revenue and increased opportunities for monetization.

Challenges of YouTube Videos

• Requires More Effort: Creating high-quality, longer videos takes time and effort. You need to plan, film, edit, and optimize your content. This can be a significant investment, especially when you're just starting out.
• Slower Growth: Building an audience for longer videos can be slower compared to Shorts. It takes time to build trust and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. However, the payoff can be worth it in the long run, as a loyal audience is more likely to support your channel through various monetization methods.
• Competition: The competition on YouTube is fierce. You need to create content that stands out and provides value to your audience. This requires constant innovation and a willingness to experiment with new ideas.

YouTube Shorts: The Quick Hit

Now, let’s zoom into the world of YouTube Shorts. These are those quick, vertical videos clocking in at 60 seconds or less. Think TikTok, but on YouTube.

Advantages of YouTube Shorts for Revenue

• High View Velocity: Shorts have the potential to go viral and rack up views at lightning speed. YouTube actively promotes Shorts, giving them prime placement on the platform and in user feeds. This increased visibility can lead to a massive influx of views and subscribers in a short amount of time.
• Easy to Create: Creating Shorts is relatively simple. You can shoot and edit them directly from your phone using the YouTube app. This makes it easy to produce a high volume of content and experiment with different ideas.
• Mobile-Friendly: Shorts are designed for mobile viewing, making them accessible to a wider audience. With the majority of YouTube users accessing the platform on their smartphones, Shorts are perfectly positioned to capture their attention.
• Attracts New Audiences: YouTube shorts allow you to tap into a different market than standard Youtube Videos, with people looking for short, interesting pieces of content.

Challenges of YouTube Shorts

• Lower Revenue per View: As mentioned earlier, the revenue per view for Shorts is significantly lower compared to regular videos. This is because Shorts are monetized differently, with revenue being pooled and distributed based on overall Shorts views. While Shorts can generate a lot of views, the payout per view may not be as substantial as what you'd earn from longer videos.
• Limited Monetization Options: Shorts have fewer monetization options compared to regular videos. You can't use channel memberships, Super Chat, or merchandise shelves directly on Shorts. This limits your ability to diversify your income streams and maximize your earnings from Shorts content.
• Algorithm-Dependent: The success of your Shorts is heavily dependent on the YouTube algorithm. If the algorithm favors your content, you can see a huge spike in views. However, if the algorithm doesn't pick up your Shorts, they may struggle to gain traction. This makes it difficult to predict the performance of your Shorts and can be frustrating for creators.

So, Which One Earns More?

Alright, the million-dollar question: which one earns more, YouTube videos or Shorts? The answer, as with most things in life, is: it depends. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as the optimal approach varies significantly based on individual circumstances and preferences.

Factors to Consider

• Niche: Some niches perform better with longer videos, while others thrive on Shorts. For example, educational content might do well in longer videos, while comedic skits might kill it on Shorts.
• Audience: Consider what your audience prefers. Are they more likely to watch longer, in-depth videos, or do they prefer quick, entertaining Shorts?
• Content Style: What type of content are you good at creating? If you excel at storytelling and creating engaging narratives, longer videos might be your forte. If you're a master of quick cuts and viral trends, Shorts might be your calling.
• Consistency: The key to success on YouTube, regardless of the format, is consistency. Regularly uploading high-quality content is essential for building an audience and generating revenue. Whether you choose to focus on longer videos or Shorts, make sure you can consistently produce content that your audience will love.

The Hybrid Approach

Here's a pro tip: why not do both? Many successful YouTubers use a hybrid approach, creating both long-form videos and Shorts. This allows you to tap into different audiences, diversify your content, and maximize your earning potential. You can use Shorts to promote your longer videos, and vice versa. This cross-promotion strategy can help you grow your channel and build a loyal audience.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

To give you a clearer picture, let's look at some real-world examples. Some YouTubers have built their empires on long-form content, creating in-depth tutorials, reviews, and vlogs that attract a dedicated audience. Others have found success with Shorts, creating viral challenges, comedic skits, and educational snippets that reach a massive audience.

For instance, channels like Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell focus on highly detailed, animated explainers that can run over 10 minutes, drawing in viewers with their quality and depth. On the flip side, accounts that post funny skits or quick life-hack videos tend to thrive in the Shorts format. Each approach has its merits, and success stories abound for both.

Monetization Tips for Both Formats

No matter which format you choose, here are some tips to maximize your monetization:

• Optimize Your Content: Use relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to improve your search rankings. This will help more people discover your content and increase your views.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask questions, and create a sense of community. This will help you build a loyal audience that is more likely to support your channel through memberships, Super Chat, and merchandise purchases.
• Promote Your Content: Share your videos and Shorts on social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience. This will help you increase your views and subscribers.
• Stay Consistent: Regularly upload high-quality content to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. Consistency is key to building a successful YouTube channel.

Final Thoughts: Play to Your Strengths

In the end, the best approach is to play to your strengths. Experiment with both YouTube videos and Shorts, see what resonates with your audience, and focus on creating content that you enjoy making. Whether you're a master storyteller or a quick-cut king, there's a place for you on YouTube. So, get out there, create awesome content, and start earning!

So, what are you waiting for? Go get creating, folks! And remember, consistency and quality are your best friends in the YouTube game.