For years, YouTube's primary source of revenue has been advertising, which has helped many content creators, businesses, and brands grow immensely. Through its YouTube Partner Program (YPP), creators can monetize their content and qualify to share in advertising revenue.

YouTube generates revenue through advertising by

displaying various types of ads, such as overlay ads, skippable and non-skippable video ads, and sponsored content. Content creators who participate in the YouTube Partner Program are paid a share of this revenue.

However, with the introduction and rise of direct fan support platforms like CIRRDEN, Patreon, and TikTok, and their increasing popularity, many creators are considering which platform is better suited for monetizing their content. For example, Cirrden allows indie creators to monetize their content directly, without any third-party interference, and Patreon enables artists to receive direct funding from their fans. TikTok, on the other hand, allows content creators to receive support through gifts from their fans through live streams.

As an indie creator, you may feel conflicted about which platform is more suitable for making a living out of your passion. We’ll be delving into each platform's numbers, pros, and cons. Although each platform has unique benefits and disadvantages, the main question is which platform pays more.

YouTube Ads pays creators based on the engagement and impressions their ads receive. However, this is achievable through CPC (Cost per click) or CPM (Cost per thousand miles)

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YouTube ad revenue then takes about a 45% cut in commission, leaving the content creator with 55%. Direct Fan support platforms like Patreon, TikTok, and Cirrden usually take a smaller commission rate of 5%-20%.

Monetization requirements

YouTube ads have monetization requirements that any creator looking to make money should adhere to. To generate revenue from ads, creators will need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of watch time within the last 12 months, or 1,000 subscribers coupled with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the previous 90 days.

However, with direct fan support, creators use platforms like Patreon, Cirrden, or Ko-fi. These options do not have any monetization prerequisites. Instead, they allow creators to start earning almost immediately. Although TikTok requires some guidelines to start earning, creators must be at least 18 years old and have at least 10,000 followers with over 100,000 videos in the last 30 days.

Fees

In terms of YouTube ad revenue, creators don't have to pay any fee to utilize the platform, even though YouTube takes a 45% cut. Unlike YouTube, platforms like TikTok are free to download and use. Platforms like Patreon are also free, but they charge a 5% commission. Cirrden gives creators the flexibility to choose a starter pack. However, donation-based models require creators to pay platform fees, such as Super Chat.

Audience engagement

Direct Fan support revolves around fans supporting their favorite artists, content creators, influencers, and brands through donations, merchandise purchases, crowdfunding, Patreon, tips, and memberships, among other methods. Regarding fan relationships and engagement, these platforms allow creators to build close relationships with their fans, fostering a sense of community. While YouTube ads are based on clicks and views, they enable creators to reach a large audience but often lack fan engagement.

Predictable income

Direct fan support can provide a predictable and consistent source of income because it allows creators to control their content and enables fans to support their favorite creators, fostering a direct relationship that enhances community engagement. YouTube Ad revenue provides a steady income but can fluctuate based on factors like ad demand, viewer engagement, and trends. Direct Fan support allows creators to track and predict their earnings. This helps creators focus more on their craft and improve the quality of their content.

Earning Comparison

When it comes to monetizing content, various platforms offer unique opportunities for creators.

Direct Fan support platforms pay a monthly fee to provide exclusive content. Like Patreon, creators with dedicated fan engagement and over 100 patrons can earn between $1,000 and $5,000 monthly. A typical example of a music artist using Patreon is Davido; he shows his fans behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive music, earning over $1 million per month.

However, the TikTok creator fund provides a different approach. It pays creators per 1,000 views, ranging from $0.02 to $0.05, but this depends on factors such as video quality, audience engagement, and geographical location. Also, the Snapchat spotlight feature provides a more attainable option through its spotlight bonus program. Snapchat pays content creators $0.10 to $0.30 per 1000 views; this is achievable through performance, engagement, challenge, and Snapchat budget allocation.

YouTube Ads, on the other hand, also have a solid monetization option that pays creators with over 1000 subscribers around $30 per month through AdSense. Once a creator reaches the 1 million subscriber milestone, they can start earning over $10,000 per month.

While the YouTube Ads model provides a stable stream of income for creators, it doesn't give them total control over their earnings. By leveraging Direct Fan support, Creators can boost and control their earnings, maintain creative control, and build a sustainable career.