How to Make Money on YouNow
The power of technology is simply limitless.
Nowadays, anyone can be a star. You don’t need to be immaculately good-looking or carry a six-pack like Zac Efron’s. As long as you bring something unique to the table, it’s easier to attract viewers and turn them into loyal subscribers.
A lot of new live-streaming apps are emerging on the market. One of these apps that are starting to skyrocket is YouNow. This live-streaming app is popular not only among teens but also among younger generations. This platform offers an opportunity for everyone to share a snippet of their everyday lives. It doesn’t only help you connect with other people across the globe, but more importantly, YouNow gives you an opportunity to make money.
If you’re hungry for a little fame and money, this article will guide you on how to use YouNow and make money.
What is YouNow?
Before we switch your live button, let’s ponder and get to know YouNow a little better.
What exactly is YouNow?
Adi Sideman founded this American live broadcasting service in September 2011. It did not start to gain popularity until 2014.
Similar to other apps like Periscope, Chatroulette, and Meerkat, YouNow enables users to stream their own live video content. You can pretty much do a lot of things on this platform. Most users sing or dance on their feeds, while others just talk or tell a silly joke.
As of August 2015, the app handles more than 150,000 broadcasts every day. It’s a big hit amongst the younger generations, as about 70% of its users are under 24 years old. It recently raised a $15 million round of funding.
You can do the following on YouNow:
- Broadcast live videos
- Watch live videos and browse trending broadcasters, categories, and hashtags.
- Connect with other broadcasters/fans.
- Follow other users.
- Interact with videos by sending a like or comment.
- Purchase gifts for other users or broadcasters.
YouNow has also become a favorite platform for artists to showcase their art. For example, you can paint your piece while viewers watch and ask a few questions about you or your work.
It is very different from YouTube. On YouNow, you’re making a live video stream that will never be seen again. There are no retakes or editing. You simply turn on your camera and do your thing. Another key difference between these two platforms is that YouNow does not have advertising. Despite the lack of ads, there are several ways that you can make money on YouNow.
How Much Money Can You Make in YouNow?
Your earning potential depends on the quality and uniqueness of your content. The more followers you attract, the more likely you are to earn more money.
While some users have earned a few bucks on YouNow, a number of users have actually made a living on this platform.
A former store clerk makes as much as $1,000 for a 45-minute broadcast. He is now earning three times more than his store clerk’s salary. Another user, a college art teacher, has quit his job and become a full-time YouNow broadcaster.
Earning this much would also require a lot of effort from you. You have to have a lot of on-screen time to attract a big following. Nevertheless, broadcasting on YouNow is a good side hustle, especially when you put a lot of hard work and creativity into it.
Looking for additional side hustle options? This article provides many choices for you to make extra money.
How to Get Started
Anyone can create an account with YouNow. You can simply go to their website or download the app and set up your own account.
If you want to monetize your account, though, you must apply to become a YouNow Partner. Click here to begin your journey and make money while sharing your life with your audience.
Any user can become a YouNow partner as long as he meets the minimum criteria such as:
- 2,500 fans
- 15 average concurrent viewers
- No major Community Rule violations
If you’re using other platforms to share your content (for example, Instagram or YouTube), you can still earn a Partnership status. You increase your earning potential when you have multi-platform audiences. The criteria are as follow:
- Instagram – Should have at least 20,000 followers and 5,000 likes.
- YouTube – Should have at least 50,000 subscribers and 30,000 average views per video.
As a user or broadcaster, it’s also important that you are aware of the community guidelines, which includes:
- Must be at least 13 years old.
- No violent behavior and/or self-harm.
- Nudity, sexually explicit content, or abusive behavior is not permitted.
- Users under the age of 18 must be fully clothed on camera.
- No hate speech, harassment or bullying
- Illegal use of substances onscreen is strictly prohibited.
- No copyright infringement.
How to Make Money on YouNow
YouNow offers endless possibilities to engage with your audience and make money in return. Sure, it feels good to share a part of yourself to someone and interact with them from time to time. However, it’s even better that you’re making money while on this process.
So, how can you possibly make money on YouNow?
You make money through “bars,” which is YouNow currency. Your supporters buy bars and use these bars to purchase premium gifts for their favorite broadcasters. You earn money when you receive bars during your broadcast.
Your supporters can use bars to buy these premium gifts:
- 50 Likes – This gift is a huge boost to help you make trending.
- Fan Mail – A personalized note that your supporter sends during your broadcast. Fanmails are displayed above the chat. You have to accept these gifts when you receive them. You also need to acknowledge fan mails during your broadcast to encourage other supporters to engage with you.
- Marriage Proposal—It’s just some pure fan love. There’s no need to panic, as there’s no commitment attached at all.
- Tip Jars – It helps support your earnings.
- Applause – It’s a way for your audiences to show their love and support.
- 400 Likes – This gift can help you trend faster and way more powerful than the 50 Likes.
All YouNow broadcasters can receive Fan Mail, 50 Likes, Applause, a Marriage Proposal, or 400 Likes. However, you have to be a YouNow Partner to receive tip jars. Moreover, only Partners can earn revenue when they receive these premium bar-based gifts.
How do you determine your earnings from gifts?
A screen with an outline of your estimated earnings will pop up at the end of your broadcast. Your total earnings are dependent on the number of gifts that you have received during your broadcast. You have to create great content and engage more with your viewers to earn more.
It is recommended that your broadcast should last 30-60 minutes. This would be enough time to build momentum and engage with your viewers. Of course, you can broadcast as long as you like, provided that you don’t bore your viewers to death.
A Road to Something Bigger
A lot of broadcasters have made a living out of YouNow.
However, why not limit your fame on this platform alone? You can use YouNow as a stepping stone and jump on to bigger success.
Many famous stars have now started their careers as YouTube stars. The idea of parlaying YouNow into becoming a huge star is not far-fetched. In fact, the New York Times has predicted that many movies will hire actors who became famous through social media.
YouNow can also be a venue to promote your merchandise. You can display or wear your products during your stream, and then refer your audience to your eCommerce store or website to make the purchase.
How to Attract More Fans
As you know, you earn more money on YouNow through engagement. The more fans you have, the bigger your earnings.
How can you stand out amongst thousands of broadcasters and attract more viewers?
Try doing some of these tips:
- Add your YouNow link on your social media profiles.
- Announce on your social media profiles that you’re going live on YouNow. Buzz them up on Snapchat, Vine, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube.
- Encourage your viewers to share your broadcasts.
- Know when is the best time to go live. Make a poll and ask your fans when is the best time for them. Weekends and evenings have the most engagement with fans.
- Broadcast interesting content.
Is it Worth It?
If you’re still doubting YouNow is the right platform for making money, it’s time to shrug off your doubts and fully embrace it.
Digital platforms are now scoring high. With today’s technology, anyone can be a star. There’s an opportunity to hit fame and fortune, whether you’re broadcasting in a studio or apartment.
YouNow is here to stay. In fact, users have spent between $1.5 million and $2 million in digital gifts. Since most of the monetization comes from “bars” purchased by supporters, it’s important that you strive to provide interesting and engaging streams.