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YouTube is offering a new way for viewers to support creators through gifts during live streams. Like some other social video platforms, creators will be able to earn “Jewels” and “Rubies” by receiving gifts, which can then be converted to cash.
The Google-owned platform is introducing a new way for users to support their favorite creators. The feature, set to roll out in the coming weeks for U.S. users enrolled in the YouTube Partner Program, will allow fans to show appreciation in an entirely new format.
💎 YouTube introduces Jewels & Rubies for monetization! 💎
Super Stickers for vertical streams are being replaced with Jewels — a new gifting system. 🎁 Viewers can buy Jewels in bundles, send gifts during streams, and creators earn 1 cent per Ruby received.
This new feature… pic.twitter.com/pgiVEHzHsH
— Kael Lancaster (@kael_lanc) November 13, 2024
It will initially be available mainly for vertical livestream videos, adding another opportunity for creators to earn and connect with their audience before the year’s end.
The video site appears to be following in the footsteps of TikTok, whose gifts program, introduced in 2019, gives fans around the world an easy way to support their favorite creators.
There are over 100 TikTok gifts available, with prices ranging from just one penny to a staggering $210, and they’re among the most popular ways that creators can monetize their platform.
TikTok’s version offers over 100 gift options, with prices ranging from a penny to an impressive $210, making them one of the most popular monetization tools for creators.
In September, YouTube announced its own Jewels and Gifts during the Made On YouTube event, introducing digital items designed to “power real-time fan engagement.” ReadWrite also reported on a new “Hype” feature aimed at helping smaller channels grow by expanding their reach to new audiences.
What are YouTube’s ‘Jewel’ gifts?
YouTube’s new “Jewels” feature includes a variety of animated gifts that fans can send to creators during vertical live streams.
Unlike single-purchase gifts, Jewels are sold in bundles, allowing users to share appreciation without buying individual gifts each time. Rubies are said to be valued at one cent each, however, the company says that the amount of rubies earned can vary per promotion.
For the next three months, YouTube will also give eligible creators a 50 percent bonus on their earnings, which means they can earn up to an extra $1,000 each month.
While specific pricing details haven’t been released, and costs are expected to vary by region, Jewels could provide fans with a more affordable option for supporting their favorite creators on the platform.
Featured image: YouTube / Google / Canva
