YouTube monetization allows creators to earn money from their videos through ads, channel memberships, and other revenue streams. Many people are curious about whether a specific YouTube channel is monetized, especially if they are considering collaboration, advertising, or simply learning from successful creators. Luckily, there are multiple ways to check if a YouTube channel is monetized, ranging from simple observations to using dedicated tools.
While some methods require manual checking, others offer a more automated approach. Suppose you are interested in finding out whether a channel is earning money. In that case, you can use a monetization checker, inspect video ads, or look at certain YouTube features that are only available to monetized channels.
Check for Ads on Videos
One of the easiest ways to determine if a YouTube channel is monetized is by watching its videos and checking for ads. Monetized videos usually display different types of ads, such as:
- Pre-roll ads – These ads appear before a video starts.
- Mid-roll ads – These ads appear in the middle of a video (usually for videos longer than 8 minutes).
- Post-roll ads – These ads play at the end of a video.
If you see any of these ads on a channel’s videos, it likely means that the channel is monetized. However, keep in mind that YouTube does not always show ads on every video, even if the channel is monetized. Factors such as ad availability, viewer location, and YouTube’s ad policies can influence whether an ad appears.
Look for Memberships and Super Chats
Another easy way to check if a YouTube channel is monetized is by looking for channel memberships and Super Chats. These features are only available to monetized channels that are part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
- If a channel has a “Join” button next to the Subscribe button, it means that the creator has enabled channel memberships. This is a clear sign that the channel is monetized.
- If a channel’s live stream includes Super Chats or Super Stickers, it also confirms monetization. These features allow viewers to pay for highlighted messages during live streams, which is only available to monetized channels.
Use a YouTube Monetization Checker Tool
For a quick and easy way to check a channel’s monetization status, you can use a YouTube monetization checker. This tool allows you to enter a channel’s URL and instantly verify whether it is monetized or not.
These tools work by analyzing YouTube’s public data and checking if the channel has ads or monetization features enabled. While some browser extensions claim to provide similar functionality, their accuracy is not always reliable. Using an online monetization checker is a more straightforward and effective way to find out whether a YouTube channel is earning money.
Check Monetization Status in YouTube Studio (For Your Own Channel)
If you own the channel, the most accurate way to check its monetization status is through YouTube Studio. Simply log in, go to the “Monetization” tab, and check if your channel is part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). If your channel is not yet monetized, YouTube will display your progress toward the 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours requirement.
Inspect Page Source Code (Advanced Method)
For a more technical approach, you can inspect the page source code of a YouTube video to check its monetization status. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open a video from the channel you want to check.
- Right-click anywhere on the page and select “View Page Source”.
- Press Ctrl + F (Windows) or Cmd + F (Mac) to open the search bar.
- Type “is_monetized” and look for the value next to it.
If the value is set to “true”, the channel is monetized. If it is “false”, the channel is not monetized. However, this method is not always reliable, as YouTube frequently updates its backend structure, which can make it harder to find this information.
Reasons a Channel Might Lose Monetization
If a channel was previously monetized but no longer shows ads, it may have been demonetized. There are several reasons why a channel can lose monetization, including:
- Copyright strikes – If a channel receives multiple copyright strikes, YouTube may disable monetization.
- Community guideline violations – If a creator repeatedly violates YouTube’s policies, their monetization privileges may be removed.
- Reused content – If a channel uploads content that is not original or does not provide significant added value, it may lose monetization.
- Inactivity – YouTube requires channels to remain active and follow their monetization guidelines to continue earning revenue.
If a channel has lost monetization, the owner can fix the issues and reapply for the YouTube Partner Program after 30 days.
Conclusion
Checking whether a YouTube channel is monetized is possible through various methods, from simply looking for ads to using online tools. If you own a channel, the best way to verify monetization is through YouTube Studio. For a fast and reliable check, you can use a monetize checker to instantly verify any channel’s status. For those aiming to monetize their content, meeting YouTube’s eligibility requirements and following guidelines is crucial to maintaining monetization status.
