[FAQ]

I’ve enabled the “Super Thanks” feature on my YouTube channel, which allows viewers to leave a tip on my videos. I’m trying to figure out the real pros and cons of this feature in 2025.

Is it an effective way to earn extra income? Does it help with engagement? I’m also curious if there are any downsides or best practices for encouraging people to use it without being pushy.

[Jeff Bullas]

That is an excellent question.

Quick Answer: The main benefit of Super Thanks is that it provides a simple ‘tip jar’ for loyal viewers to give a direct monetary tip on any video. The primary drawback is that for most channels, the income generated is often inconsistent and much smaller than other revenue streams like AdSense.

Understanding all the available monetisation tools, like Super Thanks, is key for any creator looking to earn an income from their work. It is a feature worth enabling for any eligible channel, but it is important to have realistic expectations about its financial impact.

Here are the pros. First, it provides a direct and low-friction way for your most dedicated fans to show appreciation. A viewer can make a small payment directly on a video they particularly enjoyed, without needing to commit to a recurring membership. Second, it highlights your top supporters. When a viewer leaves a Super Thanks, their comment is visually highlighted in the comments section. This makes it easy for you to identify and interact with your most engaged fans.

Now for the cons. First, as mentioned, the income is often unpredictable and modest. Only a small percentage of your viewers will typically use this feature, so it is not a reliable revenue source you can forecast easily. Second, there is a revenue share. YouTube takes a percentage of all Super Thanks revenue, which is typically 30 percent. And third, you need to be eligible to use it. Your channel must already be a part of the YouTube Partner Program to enable fan funding features like Super Thanks.

In summary, you should view Super Thanks as a valuable ‘tip jar’ feature and a great tool for identifying and engaging with your top fans. It is a nice bonus income stream, but it should not be relied upon as a primary monetisation strategy.

Cheers,

Jeff

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