Memberships on YouTube
Learn how Super Chat, Super Thanks, and Channel Memberships work on YouTube. Discover how creators are paid for fan support and engagement in 2025.
As a content creator or an avid YouTube user, you’ve probably come across features like Super Chat, Super Thanks, and Channel Memberships. But what exactly are they—and how do they help YouTubers make money?
In this post, we’ll break down each of these monetization tools, how they work, who can use them, and why they matter for both creators and fans.
What is Super Chat?
Super Chat is a feature available for YouTube live streams. People can pay to give prominence to their messages in the chat. The more they pay, the greater the visibility of their message—it gets pinned and typically gets color-coded for easier visibility.
Key Benefits:
- Fans get attention from the creator.
- Creators are paid directly in live sessions.
- Messages can be pinned for up to 5 hours depending on how much is paid.
Eligibility: You need to be in the YouTube Partner Program and livestream in order to enable Super Chat.
What is Super Thanks?
Super Thanks is similar to Super Chat but for uploaded videos generally, rather than livestreaming. Fans can tip creators a one-off amount of money and leave a highlighted, colorful comment on the video.
Why It's Useful:
- Creators can earn money from old videos too.
- Keeps engaged viewers even after a video is posted.
- Facilitates creator-fan relationship through thank-you features.
Price: Viewers are free to choose how much they would like to tip—anywhere from $2 to $50 in most locations.
What are Channel Memberships?
Channel Memberships allow fans to pay a recurring subscription fee (minimum of $0.99) to receive special perks, including:
- Members-only badges and emojis
- Exclusive community posts
- Private livestreams or behind-the-scenes material
- Acknowledgement or special thanks
Think of it like Patreon—but built directly into YouTube.
Requirements:
- 1,000+ subscribers
- Enrolling in the YouTube Partner Program
Content creators can offer multiple membership tiers, each with varying perks at different prices.
How Do These Features Work Together?
All three of these features—Super Chat, Super Thanks, and Memberships—are components in YouTube's broader efforts to allow creators to receive direct support from viewers. They provide fans with an option to:
- Show appreciation
- Stand out in live streams
- Gain special content or recognition
Meanwhile, creators can diversify revenue beyond ads and affiliate links.
Conclusion
YouTube is no longer just a destination for video views—it's an interactive ecosystem where viewers can engage with creators in the moment and long term. Super Chat, Super Thanks, and Channel Memberships are tools of power to drive engagement and monetize.
Whether you're a content creator interested in accessing new streams of revenue or a viewer who'd like to support the channels you care about, these features deliver real value and real connection in today's creator economy.
Want to Unlock These Features?
Make sure you meet YouTube's eligibility requirements and join the YouTube Partner Program to get started.
YouTubeMonetization #SuperChat #SuperThanks #ChannelMemberships #CreatorTips2025 #YouTubePartnerProgram