YouTube Launches "Jewels" Monetization Feature, New Ways To Get Money Quickly

YouTube has just launched a new monetization feature called "Jewels", (photo: socialmediatoday.com)

JAKARTA - YouTube has just launched a new monetization feature called "Jewels", inspired by Twitch Bits. This feature allows viewers to buy virtual currencies that can be used to reward creators during vertical live broadcasts on the YouTube app on mobile devices. These prizes can be in the form of interactive animations that appear during live broadcasts, providing a more enjoyable and in-depth experience for viewers and creators.

How Jewels Features Work

The Jewels feature allows viewers to buy a virtual currency called "Jewels" which can later be used to buy gifts for creators. After buying Jewels, viewers can send various gifts in the form of animations that will appear on the screen when live broadcasts are in progress. This prize will be calculated in the form of another virtual currency, namely "Rubies". Every Ruby is worth a penny and will be accepted by creators as income.

This feature will only be available for creators who are members of the YouTube Partner Program and have received the Virtual Goods Module on YouTube Studio. Currently, Jewels can only be purchased and sent by spectators in the United States, but viewers from other countries can still see prizes sent during live broadcasts.

Bonuses for Creators

YouTube will provide additional incentives for creators who receive Jewels, with a limited bonus given of 50% of the total prize income received during the first three months of the launch of this feature. The bonus can reach a maximum of 1,000 US dollars (IDR 15.8 million).

However, YouTube has not disclosed in detail how much revenue distribution creators will receive for each Jewels purchase, in contrast to a clearer share of revenue on features like Super Chats or channel membership. The company explains that because the price for Jewels purchases can vary depending on the bundle being purchased and the promotion is ongoing, there is no fixed yield sharing for Jewels.

The Jewels feature is only available for vertical live broadcasts made through the YouTube application on mobile devices. This limits the use of this feature in certain formats, so viewers can only buy Jewels and send gifts on vertical live broadcasts, which have become a popular trend on the platform.

YouTube plans to roll out the Jewels feature to eligible creators in the next few weeks. However, for now, this feature is only available in the United States. Spectators from other countries can still see the prizes sent by viewers in the US, but cannot buy Jewels or deliver the prizes themselves.

YouTube hasn't disclosed the exact price for the Jewels bundle yet, but this feature is expected to provide a new way for creators to make money from their live broadcasts. With a reward offer in the form of animation and a lucrative additional bonus potential, Jewels may be a new attraction in the world of YouTube monetization.

The creators interested in using the Jewels feature are expected to follow further developments regarding the price of the Jewels bundle and the complete requirements of YouTube. Further information on revenue sharing and the price of the Jewels bundle will be announced following the launch of this feature to all users in the coming weeks.