YouTube Expands Merch Sales, Channel Subscriptions To More Creators

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has shared an update that focuses on the streamer's top five priorities for 2018.  At least three of the updates are great news for musicians and other creators.

____________________________

• Merchandise Sales – The threshold for eligible U.S.-based channels has been lowered from 100,000 to just 10,000 subscribers. YouTube hinted that number may go even lower.  It is also expanding its merchandising partners beyond Teespring, but has not named any new providers. 
• Channel Memberships - Viewers pay a monthly recurring fee of $4.99 to get unique badges, new emojis, members-only posts in the Community tab, and access to unique custom perks offered by creators, such as exclusive livestreams, extra videos, or shout-outs. After a beta test with a small group of creators, YouTube is now expanding it to eligible channels with more than 100,000 subscribers and "even more creators in the coming months"
• Famebit – Acquired by Google in 2016, FameBit helps brands tap into YouTube's audience to develop unique branded content at scale. Over half of channels that used Famebit in the first three months of 2018 doubled their revenue, according to YouTube.
• Tickets!?! – In the coming months, YouTube and Famebit are adding a feature that will allow users to easily shop for products, apps or tickets directly from the creator watch page.
• More here.