YouTube opens up partner programme to everyone

YouTube’s partner programme is what allows people to make money — real money that is — from the video-sharing platform. For most of its existence, it’s been available to a select few. All that’s about to change.

The Google-owned service announced that it would be opening up the programme to all YouTube users.

YouTube claims that, as long you live in one of 20 eligible countries, the process of becoming a partner is fairly simple:

YouTube uploaders in these countries can become YouTube partners by enabling their YouTube accounts, and successfully monetising at least one of their videos.

The video-sharing platform says it offers a number of services for helping people develop their skills, including:

Next Vlogger: In this feature, participants will receive one-on-one training from YouTube stars and industry leaders, video equipment valued at $5,000, and global promotion on and off the YouTube.

Creator Clubs: Creator Clubs are intended to help people network and collaborate with other creators in their area.

YouTube Features: YouTube claims you can use its growing tool set “to make videos the world will love”.

It also says there are a number to tools to help them “grow and engage larger audiences”:

• Partner Promotion: YouTube says some creators who were partners prior to 10 April may be eligible to receive free advertising on the Google Display Network—websites that cover more than 92% of the internet.
• Creator Playbook 2: The YouTube Creator Playbook 2 is the latest version of the definitive YouTube audience development guide. Find it at youtube.com/playbook.
• Creators On the Rise: The On the Rise Program offers high potential up-and-coming partners with homepage, editorial and social media promotion. Look out for opportunities to participate every month.

The 20 countries in which users can become YouTube partners are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States