YouTube Super Thanks is one of the simplest ways to earn money directly from your audience, and it's one of several fan-funding features that make YouTube a genuinely profitable platform for creators. Unlike Super Chat (which only works during live streams and premieres), Super Thanks lets viewers tip you on any regular uploaded video.
In this guide, we'll explain what is Super Thanks on YouTube, who's eligible, how to enable it, the tip amounts available, and proven strategies to maximize your Super Thanks earnings in 2026.
YouTube Super Thanks is a fan-funding feature that lets viewers send monetary tips on your uploaded videos. When a viewer purchases a Super Thanks, three things happen:
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Think of it as a "tip jar" for your videos. It's YouTube's way of letting your biggest fans show appreciation for individual pieces of content.
YouTube takes a 30% cut of all Super Thanks purchases. So from a $50 Super Thanks, you receive $35. From a $2 tip, you get $1.40. This is the same revenue split YouTube applies to all fan-funding features (Super Chat, Super Stickers, and channel memberships).
Tip Amount $2 $5 $10 $50 | YouTube's Cut (30%) $0.60 $1.50 $3.00 $15.00 | Your Earnings $1.40 $3.50 $7.00 $35.00 |
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YouTube offers several fan-funding features, and it's easy to confuse them:
The key advantage of YouTube Super Thanks is availability: it works on every eligible uploaded video, meaning viewers can tip you 24/7, not just during a live stream. For creators who primarily upload pre-recorded content, Super Thanks is the most accessible fan-funding feature.
Read more: YouTube Super Chat: The Complete Guide
To receive YouTube Super Thanks, you need to meet these requirements:
Not every video qualifies for Super Thanks. Your video must be:
Videos that are live streams, premieres, or Shorts are not eligible for Super Thanks. However, once a premiere ends and becomes a regular video, it can receive Super Thanks.
YouTube Super Thanks isn't turned on by default, you need to activate it manually. Here's how:
Once enabled, a heart icon with a dollar sign (the "Thanks" button) will appear below all eligible videos on your channel. Viewers tap this button to purchase a Super Thanks.
You can also check which individual videos have received Super Thanks by going to YouTube Studio > Analytics > Revenue and filtering by Super Thanks.
Enabling the feature is step one. Maximizing earnings requires intentional effort. Here are six strategies that work:
When someone sends a YouTube Super Thanks, they get a highlighted comment on the video. Always reply to these comments personally. When other viewers see that tippers get a direct response from the creator, it incentivizes more purchases. Viewers love feeling seen.
Pin a comment at the top of your video thanking everyone who has sent a Super Thanks. This creates social proof and shows your audience that you value their support. Update the pinned comment periodically as new tips come in.
Mention your Super Thanks supporters by name in your next video. You can add them to closing credits, give a verbal shoutout at the beginning, or create a dedicated "thank you" segment. This recognition encourages repeat tipping and motivates new viewers to join in.
Post on your Community tab to thank Super Thanks buyers. Share a heartfelt message, do individual shoutouts, or post a screenshot of your recent Super Thanks comments. The Community tab is an underused tool for deepening fan relationships.
Include a brief call-to-action in your videos: "If you enjoyed this video, consider hitting the Thanks button below." This serves double duty, it encourages Super Thanks purchases and gives you data on which content resonates most with your paying fans.
People are more likely to tip when they know where the money goes. Tell your audience that Super Thanks contributions fund your next camera upgrade, a better microphone, or travel for an upcoming video. Transparency builds trust and increases willingness to support.
Earnings vary widely based on your audience size, engagement level, and how actively you promote the feature. Here are some rough benchmarks:
Super Thanks alone won't replace ad revenue for most creators, but it's a meaningful supplemental income source, and it comes directly from your most engaged fans. Combined with channel memberships and Super Chat during live streams, fan funding can become a significant revenue stream.
As of 2026, YouTube Super Thanks is available on YouTube Shorts in select markets. This is a newer expansion of the feature. The same tip amounts apply ($2, $5, $10, $50), and eligibility requirements are similar to regular videos.
For Shorts creators, this opens a new monetization path beyond the Shorts ad revenue sharing model. If you create Shorts content, make sure Super Thanks is enabled and occasionally mention it in your Shorts or Community posts.
Yes. A viewer can purchase multiple Super Thanks on the same video. Each purchase generates a new highlighted comment.
No. Once purchased, the highlighted comment stays on the video permanently. Your earnings are credited immediately.
Yes. In YouTube Studio, you can toggle Super Thanks off for individual videos through the video's monetization settings.
Not yet. YouTube has been expanding availability, but some countries are still excluded. Check YouTube's support page for the current list of eligible countries.
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Lydia Sweatt is a writer who loves balancing her article/blog time indoors with a healthy dose of nature. She bikes, hikes, and identifies edible plants along the way.
