When it comes to YouTube, some of the most commonly asked questions have to do with the site’s partnership program. What is the YouTube Partner Program and how can you become a part of it? How do partners make money and how do you apply for the program? Yesterday YouTube posted a blog post and video answering the most commonly asked questions about their partnership program. We’ve compiled the key points for you here.

What Is the YouTube Partner Program?

The YouTube Partner Program is a unique opportunity that gives YouTube users the chance to make money from videos that they create and share on YouTube. Aside from making money, YouTube Partners have access to special features, including branded channels and the opportunity to upload their own video thumbnails. There are two types of YouTube partners – account level partnerships and individual video partnerships.

Account Level Partnerships

Account Level Partnerships are reserved for users that consistently upload popular videos, have a strong following on YouTube or have published successful online DVD titles. Successful account level partners include Ryan Higa, Smosh and Fred.

Individual Video Partnerships

Individual Video Partnerships are designed for YouTube users that have a single popular video that want to earn revenue off the success of this video. Examples include ‘Laughing Baby’ and ‘Surprised Kitty’.

How do YouTube Partners earn money?

YouTube Partners earn money in one of two ways. Partners can earn money by enabling ads to be displayed with their videos or by making videos available to rent. The amount of money that you will make from being a YouTube partner depends on a number of factors including your popularity on YouTube and the amount of videos that you upload. YouTube Product Manager Shenaz Zack says, “Some of our more popular partners have even made YouTube their career.”

Enabling Ads

When YouTube Partners enable ads to be displayed with their videos the ads appear alongside their content. Ad revenue is shared with YouTube.

Offering Videos for Rent

When you make your YouTube videos available for rent no ads will be shown on your video. You can choose both the price and duration for your rentals. Rental revenue is shared with YouTube.

Is the YouTube Partner Program available in my country?

The YouTube Partner program is currently available in 14 countries – Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, the UK, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United States. However, YouTube is constantly rolling out new features in countries around the globe, so if the program is not yet available in your country stay tuned to the YouTube blog to find out when the program becomes available.

How Do I Apply To Become a YouTube Partner?

Users can apply for the YouTube Partner Program at YouTube.com/Partners. Before you apply there are several things you should keep in mind, to make sure that you qualify for the program. In order to be accepted to the program you must own all of the video and audio within your content or have express permission to make money from your videos. You must also upload videos on a regular basis and have a following on YouTube or elsewhere on the Web. YouTube Partners must also be at least 18 years of age, or have a parent or guardian’s consent.

Did YouTube answer all your questions about the Partner Program? If not, what else would you like to know?