With millions of YouTube creators solidifying the platform as a global community of professionals, YouTube is working hard to help them make more money for their time and efforts. The mainstream platform has launched several features to improve monetization opportunities for creators, one of them being the Super Chat.

While this feature was rolled out in 2017, not many are aware of how to monetize YouTube live streams using it. Some still don’t know what is a Super Chat on YouTube anyway.

This guide is your go-to resource for all things YouTube Super Chat. So, let’s get the ball rolling.

What is YouTube Super Chat?

Super Chat is a chat feature that allows creators to make money from their live streams while interacting with their viewers.

When you go live or schedule a YouTube Premiere, your live stream viewers can reward you with donations ranging from USD 1 to USD 500, and their comments will be highlighted in the chat. The more money donated, the longer the commenter’s message can remain pinned (up to five hours) and the more characters they are allowed to use in their message (up to 350 characters).

The paid messages could be highlighted in different colors to make them stand out. Anyone watching the live stream could see the Super Chat messages along with the contributors’ names and the amount they donated.

But Super Chat represents so much more than donations. It’s a terrific recognition system to build a community on YouTube, particularly for live gaming and fundraising.

Below is a popular example of a Super Chat live stream done right:

Now, let’s dive deeper and understand if you really need Super Chat while live streaming on YouTube.

Why do you need Super Chat?

So, what does Super Chat help you achieve? Here are a few benefits you can enjoy with this YouTube feature:

Earn while you go live

Making money may not be every creator’s primary goal to go live on YouTube, but let’s be honest, it doesn’t hurt to earn as you interact with your audience in real-time. The potential additional income that Super Chat offers is one of the key reasons creators use it.

Foster community-building

Whether you’re a famous creator or just starting out, the problem with live chats is that they tend to become too crowded with irrelevant comments — making your loyal supporters often feel side-lined. With Super Chat, you can gain the attention of your Super Fans, who care about your content so much that they pay you to create more of it. This helps build more engagement while helping your community feel more loved.

Increase sponsorship opportunities

Coupled with engagement metrics, Super Chat seamlessly delivers information about a creator’s engagement potential. This not only empowers creators to show off what they’re gaining through their Super Fans but also lets them earn more sponsors.

How to monetize YouTube live stream with Super Chat

Step 1: Find out channel eligibility

Can you monetize YouTube live through Super Chat? Well, you might, as long as you are eligible. See if you fulfill these requirements:

• Your channel has live streams and live chat enabled
• Your channel is monetized
• You are residing in a location where the Super Chat feature is available
• You are over 18
• Your videos aren’t age-restricted, unlisted, private, or made for kids

Step 2: Enable Super Chat

If your channel is eligible, go ahead enable Super Chat to monetize YouTube using this feature:

1. Log in to studio.youtube.com.
2. Click Monetization in the left navigation menu.
3. Next, at the top of the “Channel Monetization” dashboard, click “Supers” and then “Get Started.”
4. Now follow the on-screen instructions and ensure the “Super Chat” toggle is “on” (blue).

That’s how easy it is to enable Super Chat and monetize your YouTube live streams using this excellent creator funding tool.

Benefit from YouTube Super Chat with Wave.video

With Wave.video streaming solution YouTube streamers can manage all the super chat features directly in Wave.video studio. There is nothing special you should do to enable them in the studio. If your YouTube channel supports Super Chat features and monetization is turned on, then it would automatically appear in the studio.

As well as in YouTube messages with donations are highlighted with special colors and show the amount of money that was donated. Also in Wave.video there is a special tab with Super Chat messages, so you could see them all together and show them on the screen whenever you want.

5 Tips to make the most of YouTube Super Chat

Super Chat is a brand awareness game changer. While creators can further their engagement and earn additional revenue from their YouTube live streams, fans get to feel valued using Super Chat. All this builds momentum to take your creator brand to the next level.

So, how to draw on this fantastic feature? The following tips may help:

1. Promote your YouTube live broadcasts

Using Super Chat comes later. First, you need to promote your live stream on every possible medium to get more viewers. Remember, the more views you’re able to generate, the higher your chances of receiving Super Chat contributions. So, use your YouTube Community tab, Stories, and even other social media networks to promote your live stream before it starts. And that’s not it. It would be best if you also promote the live stream after it’s over to thank your Super Chatters and fuel future donations.

2. Tell them why they should contribute

Begin your live stream with a quick mention of why you’re using Super Chat. Is it for raising funds for a cause or seeking general support from your fans? Highlight the primary objective and ask for shares to bring in more viewers and Super Chatters along the way.

3. Thank your Super Chatters

Remember, every Super Chat is a token of appreciation from your live viewers. So, thank each user who sends a Super Chat by giving them a shout-out and acknowledging their message. And if you don’t want to interrupt the flow of your live broadcast, you can always conduct Super Chat breaks to thank your Super Chat senders.

4. Create a ritual

A fun way to announce Super Chats could be by creating a ritual. Be it a particular hand gesture, a unique catchphrase, or just a simple animation — announcing every Super Chat entry as a ritual can help build enthusiasm and give you an edge over the rest.

5. Get creative

As with any other live broadcast, you can make your YouTube Super Chat live streams engaging by experimenting with different types of content. For example, you can host a Q&A with an influencer and invite questions through Super Chat. You can also create a special live series accessible only to Super Chat contributors. The central premise is to make the contributors feel valued by giving them more mileage out of your presence.

Are You (Super) Excited To Try Super Chat?

While competition is getting fiercer on YouTube, the platform leaves no stone unturned to help creators generate additional revenue through paid engagement features. So, try Super Chat and let us know how you like it. Do you think it’s beneficial when it comes to courting new live stream viewers? Leave your comment below.

And, hey, if you want to learn more about live streaming in general, here’s a quick guide that can help you become a pro in less than no time. It will help you know where to start and what all do you need to optimize your live streaming strategy for maximum success.

Happy live streaming!