Imagine you are live on YouTube, answering questions about studying in Canada. The chat is moving fast. Suddenly a bright yellow message pops up and stays pinned at the top: “Thank you for this! Your last video helped me get my visa.” Attached to it is a $10 Super Chat. A few minutes later, someone sends an animated Super Sticker. The next day, a viewer who watched your recorded video leaves a green Super Thanks comment with $5.
These moments are small, but they add up, and they tell you something important: your viewers value what you do enough to pay for it directly. This guide explains YouTube’s three “Supers” features, who can use them, how to switch them on, how much creators earn and how to encourage fans to support you without sounding desperate.
What Are YouTube Supers?
YouTube offers three fan-funding features grouped under the name “Supers”:
| Feature | Where it works | What the viewer gets |
|---|---|---|
| Super Chat | Live streams and Premieres | A highlighted message pinned in chat for a time based on the amount |
| Super Stickers | Live streams and Premieres | An animated sticker that stands out in chat |
| Super Thanks | Uploaded videos and Shorts | A coloured, highlighted comment and a fun animation on the video |
All three let viewers pay a one-time amount to support you and get noticed.
Super Chat Explained
Super Chat is designed for live streams and Premieres. When a viewer buys a Super Chat, their message appears in a bright colour in the chat. Larger amounts get:
- Longer pinning time at the top of the chat ticker
- Longer maximum message length
- A more noticeable colour
This makes Super Chat perfect for Q&As, where viewers want their question answered first.
Super Stickers Explained
Super Stickers work like Super Chat, but instead of a text message, the viewer sends an animated sticker. Stickers come in themed packs, such as gaming, food, sports or celebrations. They are fun and visual, and many viewers like sending them to celebrate milestones.
Super Thanks Explained
Super Thanks works on regular uploaded videos and Shorts, not live streams. A viewer taps the Thanks button, chooses an amount and sees a short animation. Their comment then appears highlighted in your comment section, and you can reply to it. It is a simple way for people who watch your recorded content to say thank you.
Why Supers Matter
- Direct income from fans that does not depend on advertisers
- High creator share compared with ads
- Available early at the 500-subscriber YPP tier
- Community building, because supporters feel recognised
- Useful feedback, since Super Thanks often come on your most helpful videos
For channels with loyal communities, especially education, faith, gaming, music and live Q&A channels, Supers can bring in meaningful monthly income even when ad revenue is modest.
Eligibility for Super Chat, Super Stickers and Super Thanks
Step One: Join the YouTube Partner Program
Supers are fan-funding features, so they are available from the early tier of YPP:
500-subscriber tier:
- 500 subscribers
- 3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days
- Either 3,000 qualified public watch hours in the last 12 months, or 3 million qualified public Shorts views in the last 90 days
1,000-subscriber tier (full monetization):
- 1,000 subscribers
- Either 4,000 watch hours in 12 months, or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days
Both tiers include Supers. YouTube has announced higher thresholds for the full tier from February 1, 2027, but the 500-subscriber fan funding tier is expected to stay the same.
Step Two: Meet the Feature Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| YPP | Channel accepted into the Partner Program |
| Age | 18 or older |
| Location | Channel based in a country where Supers are available |
| Audience | Channel not set as made for kids; individual videos set as made for kids cannot receive Supers |
| Policies | Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines and Supers policies |
| Commerce terms | Accept the Commerce Product Addendum |
How to Turn On Supers: Step by Step
Step 1: Accept the Commerce Product Addendum
In YouTube Studio > Earn, you will see the option to accept the Commerce Product Addendum when you join YPP or later. This covers memberships, Supers and other fan-funding tools.
Step 2: Open the Supers Tab
Go to YouTube Studio > Earn > Supers.
Step 3: Turn On Each Feature
You will see switches for:
- Super Chat & Super Stickers (for live streams and Premieres)
- Super Thanks (for uploaded videos and Shorts)
Turn on the ones you want. Most creators enable all of them.
Step 4: Check Individual Video Settings
Super Thanks is enabled across eligible videos once turned on. You can turn it off for a specific video in that video’s monetization settings if needed. Videos marked as made for kids will not show the Thanks button.
Step 5: Set Up Live Stream Settings
When scheduling a live stream or Premiere, check that chat is turned on. Super Chat only works when live chat is enabled. You can also set chat moderation rules so Super Chat messages follow your community standards.
Step 6: Make Sure AdSense Is Complete
All Supers earnings go to your AdSense account. Complete your address PIN, tax information and payment method so earnings are not held.
Step 7: Tell Your Viewers
Many viewers do not know Supers exist or where to find them. Mention them briefly in your next live stream and video.
Documents and Details You Need
- Google account with 2-Step Verification
- Approved AdSense account in your legal name
- US tax form in AdSense (W-8BEN for most non-US creators)
- Verified address (PIN)
- Bank details for payments
Prices and Revenue Share
How Much Viewers Can Send
| Feature | Typical price range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Super Chat | From about $1 up to $500 per message |
| Super Stickers | Several fixed price points, starting around $1 |
| Super Thanks | Four fixed price points, usually from about $2 up to $50 |
Prices are shown in local currency in many countries, and the exact ranges can vary by region. Viewers may also face limits on how much they can spend per day or per week.
How Much Creators Keep
For Super Chat, Super Stickers and Super Thanks, creators receive 70% of the revenue after applicable local sales taxes and, for purchases made through iOS, app store fees. YouTube keeps the remaining 30%.
| Viewer sends | Approximate creator share (70%) |
|---|---|
| $2 | $1.40 |
| $5 | $3.50 |
| $10 | $7.00 |
| $50 | $35.00 |
| $100 | $70.00 |
Example Monthly Earnings
| Channel type | Supers activity | Approximate monthly creator earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Small education channel, one live per week | 30 Super Chats averaging $5 | About $105 |
| Gaming streamer, daily lives | 300 Super Chats and stickers averaging $4 | About $840 |
| Tutorial channel with popular uploads | 150 Super Thanks averaging $5 | About $525 |
| Large community live show | 1,000+ Supers per month | $3,000+ |
These are illustrations. Real results depend on how loyal your audience is and how often you go live.
Supers earnings are paid through AdSense with the rest of your YouTube income, usually between the 21st and 26th of the month once you pass the payment threshold.
How to Get More Super Chats and Super Thanks
1. Go Live on a Regular Schedule
Super Chat only happens during live streams and Premieres. Pick fixed days and times and stick to them. A predictable schedule builds a habit for your viewers.
2. Answer Super Chat Questions First
Make it clear that Super Chat questions get priority. This is fair, respectful and motivating. Many Q&A creators reserve time at the end of each stream just for Super Chats.
3. Thank Every Supporter Warmly
Read their name and message aloud, and genuinely thank them. Recognition is the main reason people send Supers.
4. Use Premieres for New Videos
Premieres let viewers watch a new video together with live chat. They can send Super Chats and Stickers while it plays, turning a normal upload into an event.
5. Remind Viewers About Super Thanks
At the end of a helpful tutorial, add a light reminder: “If this helped you, the Thanks button is a great way to support the channel.” Keep it short and friendly.
6. Reply to Super Thanks Comments
When someone sends Super Thanks, reply to their comment and consider pinning it. Other viewers see that support is appreciated.
7. Set Fun Goals
Some creators set small goals during streams, such as “If we reach $50 in Super Chats, I will do a live review of your CVs.” Keep goals positive and never pressure people.
8. Protect the Experience
Use chat moderators and filters. Supers should never become a way for trolls to buy attention for abusive messages. You can remove inappropriate Super Chats, and YouTube’s policies apply to them.
What to Avoid
- Begging or guilt-tripping viewers
- Promising prizes, raffles or financial rewards for Supers
- Asking viewers under 18 to send money
- Reading out harmful or abusive Super Chat messages
A Simple Weekly Plan for Supers
| Day | Activity | Supers opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Upload main tutorial or guide | Super Thanks |
| Wednesday | 45-minute live Q&A | Super Chat and Stickers |
| Friday | Premiere a new video | Super Chat during Premiere |
| Saturday | Short behind-the-scenes Short | Super Thanks on Shorts |
| Sunday | Reply to and pin Super Thanks comments | Builds recognition |
Why Supers Might Not Be Available on Your Channel
- Not in YPP. Supers require Partner Program membership (500-subscriber tier or above).
- Under 18. You must be an adult to receive Supers.
- Unsupported country. Supers are not available in every country where YPP operates.
- Made for kids. Channels or videos set as made for kids cannot use Supers.
- Commerce addendum not accepted.
- Live chat turned off. Super Chat needs live chat enabled on the stream.
- Policy violations. Community Guidelines strikes or Supers policy breaches can disable features.
- Video settings. Super Thanks may be turned off on a specific video.
Checklist if the Thanks Button Is Missing
- Confirm you are in YPP and Super Thanks is switched on in Earn > Supers.
- Check the video is not marked made for kids.
- Check the video’s own monetization settings.
- Remember the button may not show for viewers in some countries or on some devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many subscribers do I need for Super Chat and Super Thanks? Supers are available from the 500-subscriber YPP tier, as long as you meet the upload and watch-time or Shorts-view requirements.
What percentage do creators get? Creators receive 70% after applicable local sales taxes and, for iOS purchases, app store fees.
Can I get Super Thanks on Shorts? Yes. Super Thanks works on uploaded videos and eligible Shorts.
Can viewers send Super Chat on recorded videos? No. Super Chat and Super Stickers work during live streams and Premieres. For recorded videos, viewers use Super Thanks.
Can I refund a Super Chat? Creators cannot refund directly. Viewers request refunds through YouTube according to its refund policy.
Are Supers available in Nigeria and South Africa? Supers are available in many YPP countries. Check YouTube Studio > Earn > Supers to confirm availability for your channel.
Do Supers count toward YPP eligibility? No. Supers are a benefit of YPP, not a way to qualify for it.
How do I get paid? Through your linked AdSense account, together with the rest of your YouTube earnings.
Final Thoughts
Super Chat, Super Stickers and Super Thanks give your most engaged viewers a simple way to say “thank you” with real support. They unlock early in the YouTube Partner Program, pay creators 70% and work across live streams, Premieres, uploaded videos and Shorts.
Turn them on in YouTube Studio, go live on a regular schedule, answer Super Chat questions first, thank every supporter warmly and gently remind viewers about the Thanks button on your most helpful videos. Over time, these small moments of appreciation can grow into a steady, meaningful part of your channel’s income.
YouTube updates Supers pricing, availability and policies from time to time. Always check YouTube Studio and the YouTube Help Center for the latest details.