Here is how to monetise your YouTube channel in Nigeria

Here is how to monetise your YouTube channel in Nigeria

Are you a YouTube creator looking for ways to monetise your YouTube channel in Nigeria? This guide dives into the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), a financial program that allows content creators to earn from funding resources such as ad revenues, merchandise sales, and fan funding.

The YouTube logo seen on an iPad resting on an Apple MacBook Pro against a red background.
YouTube is the world's largest video-sharing website that allows creators to monetise their content. Photo: ozgurdonmaz (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Monetising a YouTube channel begins with applying for YPP on YouTube Studio and setting up an AdSense account.
  • Through the YPP program, content creators can earn from ad revenue, YouTube Premium revenue, merchandise sales, and fan funding.
  • Basic eligibility for the program begins with 500 subscribers, 3 public uploads in 3 months, and either 3,000 watch hours or 3 million Shorts views.
  • Eligibility for advertising revenue requires a threshold of 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views.

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Full details of how to monetise your YouTube channel in Nigeria

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is available for content creators in Nigeria, allowing them to earn money through fan funding, which includes channel memberships, Super Chat, stickers, and thanks.

Other earning channels include merchandise sales, advertising revenue, and YouTube Premium. The program is open to creators who fit a specific criterion that includes subscriber count, views, and watch hours for public uploads and Shorts.

A smiling female influencer talks during a vlog post while standing in her living room
You can earn from the YouTube Partner Program's monetisation features if you meet specific thresholds and eligibility requirements. Photo: mapodile
Source: Getty Images

YouTube Monetisation requirements

To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), your YouTube channel must achieve a specific level of public engagement, specifically known as the threshold. Except for shopping (for other brands), which is not available in Nigeria, each threshold has been specified by the program.

Here is what you need to do to start making money on YouTube in Nigeria through fan donations, channel memberships, and merchandise sales:

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  • ​​​​​​At least 500 subscribers
  • 3 public uploads in the last 90 days
  • Either 3,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the last year or 3 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days
A young woman films a beauty and makeup vlog
Monetising your YouTube channel in Nigeria is open for skit makers, musicians, make-up, lifestyle, and adventure vloggers. Photo: Alistair Berg
Source: Getty Images

On the other hand, you can only earn from advertising revenue if you meet the threshold below;

  • At least 1,000 subscribers
  • Either 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the last year or 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days

Nigerian YouTubers are not eligible for one monetisation feature, affiliate sales for other brands, which is not available in the region.

Except for merchandise sales, you must be at least 18 years old or have a legal guardian to access monetisation benefits. Have a look at all the requirements as per the monetisation features they unlock.

Monetisation feature

Minimum requirements

Channel memberships

Accept the Commerce Product Module
Have no 'Made for Kids' content
Have no music content under SRAV contract
Follow the YouTube channel monetisation policies

Merchandise sales (shopping)

Be an official artist channel
Have no 'Made for Kids' content
Have no content that violates monetisation policies
Have no hate speech flags as per community guidelines

Super Chat and Super Stickers

Accept the Commerce Product Module
Accept and comply with YPP terms and policies
Have no music content under SRAV contract
Not available for age-restricted, unlisted, private, Made for Kids and fundraiser videos
Not available for videos with no live chat or comments
Follow the YouTube channel monetisation policies

Super Thanks

Accept the Commerce Product Module
Accept and comply with YPP terms and policies
Channel is not a music channel under SRAV
Have little to no 'Made for Kids' content
Not available for age-restricted, unlisted, private, Made for Kids, Content ID claims, and fundraiser videos
Not available for videos with no live chat or comments
Not available for live streams or premieres
Follow the YouTube channel monetisation policies

Ad revenue

Accept the relevant contract modules
Meet advertiser-friendly content guidelines

YouTube Premium revenue

Accept the relevant contract modules
Have YouTube Premium users among your viewers and subscribers

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How to join the YouTube Partner Program: Where to apply

To unlock monetisation features, you are required to pick and choose or turn on contract modules you are eligible for. These modules include Shorts Feed Ads, Watch Page Ads, YouTube Premium revenue, Shopping, Super Chat & Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.

Follow the steps below to access earning opportunities on YouTube on a computer, Android phone, and an iPhone or iPad.

A screenshot of the YouTube Studio dashboard
Once in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), you can pick and choose contract modules that offer earning opportunities. Photo: @studio.youtube.com (modified by author)
Source: Original
  1. Sign in to your YouTube channel on a computer.
  2. In the top right corner, click on your profile picture and scroll to YouTube Studio.
  3. You will be redirected to the YouTube channel dashboard.
  4. In the left menu, click 'Earn'.
  5. Select 'Apply Now' to get started if you are eligible to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
  6. Click 'Start' to review, followed by 'Accept Base' terms
  7. For each optional module to review and accept the terms.
  8. Click Start to set up an AdSense for YouTube account, or link an existing active one.
  9. Once done, you’ll see 'In Progress in the Get Reviewed' step. The review process takes about a month.

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If you are using an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you will need to use the YouTube Studio mobile application. If you are eligible, the 'Apply Now' section will be reactive, allowing you to send your application for the partnership program.

Screenshots of the YouTube Studio mobile app dashboard and earn section
Select 'Get Notified' on the 'Earn' section of YouTube Studio to receive a notification once you are eligible to start earning. Photo: @studio.youtube.com (modified by author)
Source: Original
  1. Download and open the YouTube Studio app.
  2. From the bottom menu, tap 'Earn'.
  3. Select 'Apply Now' to get started.
  4. Click 'Start' to review, followed by 'Accept Base terms'.
  5. Create a new AdSense account for your YouTube account in YouTube Studio.
  6. Make sure 2-Step Verification is turned on for your Google Account.
  7. You will receive the 'In Progress' notification once you complete your application.

As a Nigerian citizen, you are liable to pay taxes to your country of residence on any income earned from your monetised Shorts and videos on YouTube.

The Personal Income Tax Act directs all individuals deemed to be residents to pay tax on any income generated in Nigeria.

Common monetisation challenges in Nigeria

A key challenge for creators in Nigeria is the cost per mille (CPM) rate for local advertisers. YouTube creators often earn less because local ads pay lower rates per 1,000 views, which may require diversifying monetisation efforts to include sponsorships.

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A YouTube influencer adjusts his ring-light and smartphone while vlogging.
Your YouTube channel can become eligible for monetisationwith either Shorts or long-form videos across various content types. Photo: Webfluential
Source: Getty Images

Can you monetise YouTube in Nigeria?

Nigerian YouTube creators can earn extra income by monetising their channels and receiving sponsorships and endorsements. To earn money through the YPP, you must meet eligibility requirements and connect to an AdSense account to begin receiving payments.

How do I activate my YouTube channel to make money?

To activate monetisation, you must first meet the eligibility requirements by having a minimum number of subscribers, videos, Shorts, and viewer engagement. You are also required to meet several other criteria linked to YouTube community guidelines and monetisation policies.

How much does YouTube pay per 1,000 views in Nigeria?

YouTube earnings are dependent on factors like ad engagement, audience demographics, and niche and do not have a fixed rate per 1,000 views. However, However, some Nigerian creators report that YouTube's Revenue Per Mille (RPM) is significantly lower than in other countries and can range between $0.0062 and $0.0035 per 1000 views.

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Do you need 1,000 subscribers to monetise your YouTube channel?

The standard requirements to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) are 1,000 subscribers, 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months, or 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days.

Knowing how to monetise your YouTube channel is the first step in growing your income today. While this program is available in Nigeria, it is dependent on meeting eligibility thresholds. Nigerian creators can maximise earnings by meeting YPP eligibility criteria and exploring additional income streams such as sponsorships.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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Legit.ng has recently published an article listing the best content creators on YouTube, from MrBeast to PewDiePie and MadFit. YouTube offers a platform for people to gain fame and wealth while showcasing their creativity and sharing their content with the world.

Not all YouTubers become successful, and only top-tier creators have dominated the platform. Read on for details of the best YouTubers with the most subscribed channels across different content types.

Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ciku Njuguna avatar

Ciku Njuguna (Lifestyle writer) Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with more than four years of experience in writing and content creation while working with Legit.ng, Sports Brief and CyberSchool technologies. She has a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics (2018) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Nairobi (2022). Ciku joined Legit.ng in 2024, covering lifestyle content. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and participated in the Google News Initiative training program. Email: ciku.njuguna1@gmail.com

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