How Do YouTubers Get Paid?
The complete payment process explained - from AdSense setup to receiving your first dollar from YouTube.
Payment Method: Google AdSense
YouTube pays creators through Google AdSense.
Setup Requirements
- Join YouTube Partner Program (1K subs + 4K watch hours)
- Create/link a Google AdSense account
- Add your payment information
- Verify your identity and tax information
Payment Schedule
Monthly Payments
- Payments issued between 21st-26th of each month
- For earnings from the previous month
- Example: January earnings paid in late February
Minimum Payout Threshold
$100 USD
- You must earn $100 to receive payment
- Earnings roll over until threshold is met
Payment Methods Available
| Method | Countries | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Deposit (EFT) | Most countries | 2-5 business days |
| Wire Transfer | Most countries | Up to 15 business days |
| Checks | Select countries | 2-4 weeks |
| Western Union | Select countries | Varies |
Tax Requirements
For US Creators
- Provide Tax ID (SSN or EIN)
- Submit W-9 form
- Receive 1099 if you earn $600+
- Report as self-employment income
For Non-US Creators
- Submit W-8 form
- May have 24-30% withheld for US tax
- Check tax treaty with US
- Report in your home country
What Gets Paid Out?
Ad Revenue
55%
You receive 55% of ad revenue (YouTube keeps 45%)
YouTube Premium Revenue
Based on Premium members' watch time on your content
Other Revenue
~70%
Memberships, Super Chat (YouTube/fees take ~30%)
Payment Example
Channel earns in January:
- Ad revenue: $300 (from $545 advertiser spend)
- Memberships: $140 (from $200 member payments)
- Super Chat: $35 (from $50 in donations)
Total January earnings: $475
💰 Payment issued: Late February → Received in bank: Early March
Common Issues
Payment Delayed?
- Check if you've verified payment info
- Confirm you hit $100 threshold
- Verify tax information is complete
- Check AdSense account for holds
Payment Hold?
- Identity verification needed
- Address verification required
- Suspicious activity flagged
- Tax info incomplete
Related Resources
- How YouTubers make money - All revenue streams explained
- YouTube Earnings Calculator - Calculate your potential earnings
- YouTube monetization requirements - Get started earning
- How much YouTube pays for 1,000 views
- YouTube pay for 100,000 views
- How to make money on YouTube - Complete guide
- How many views to make $1,000?