YouTube is introducing a fresh monetization feature for creators streaming live in vertical format. As announced on Thursday, viewers can now purchase "Jewels," a digital currency, to send "gifts" — animated icons that appear on the screen during vertical livestreams.
This feature mirrors TikTok’s live gifting system, where viewers buy “coins” to send virtual gifts, providing a way to financially support creators during their live sessions.
On YouTube, when viewers send gifts using Jewels, creators receive “Rubies,” with each Ruby valued at 1 cent, meaning 100 Rubies equal $1. The cost of Jewels can vary depending on different bundle options, which results in a fluctuating revenue share for creators based on the amount of Rubies earned.
For the next three months, eligible creators can earn a 50% bonus on gift earnings, up to $1,000 per month, on top of their regular Ruby income.
Creators can only receive gifts when they stream vertically on YouTube or use third-party streaming software, while viewers can only send these gifts through the mobile app.
Though YouTube previously offered “Super Stickers” to support livestreamers, this new gift feature seems aimed at capturing the success of TikTok’s live gifting system.
On TikTok, some creators earn significant income from live gifts — for example, some teens made up to $7,000 monthly by debating political figures in live battles, while certain NPC streamers have earned thousands daily from gifts during streams.
Once a creator enables the gift feature on YouTube, they will lose access to Super Stickers. YouTube believes the gift feature provides viewers with a more engaging way to show support for their favorite livestreamers.
The new feature will be rolled out to eligible U.S.-based creators over the coming weeks.
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