YouTube Supers: What you need to know

June 20, 2025

YouTube offers various monetization features for creators, and among the most direct ways for fans to support their favorite channels are the “Supers.” These features allow viewers to make voluntary payments to creators, often in exchange for enhanced visibility or unique digital items. The three main “Supers” on YouTube are Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.

What Are YouTube Supers?

“Supers” collectively refer to a suite of fan-funding products that enable viewers to financially contribute to creators they appreciate. These features are designed to foster deeper engagement between creators and their audience, providing a direct way for fans to show support beyond simply watching videos.

To be eligible for Supers, creators typically need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and adhere to YouTube’s monetization policies and community guidelines.

Let’s break down each of these “Supers”:

1. Super Chat

What it is: Super Chat allows viewers to purchase highlighted messages in the live chat stream during a live stream or Premiere. These messages stand out from regular chat comments due to their distinctive color and often stay pinned to the top of the chat for a certain duration.

How it works:

For Viewers: During a live stream or Premiere, viewers will see a dollar sign icon in the chat window. Clicking this allows them to select “Super Chat,” choose an amount to pay (ranging from a minimum, typically $1 USD, up to $500 USD), and type their message. The amount paid determines the color of the message, its character limit, and how long it remains pinned at the top of the chat.
For Creators: When a viewer buys a Super Chat, the message appears prominently in their live chat feed. Creators can easily spot and acknowledge these messages, often giving a shout-out or responding directly, which fosters real-time interaction. Creators receive 70% of the Super Chat revenue after local sales tax and App Store fees (for iOS purchases) are deducted.

Benefits:

For Creators: Provides a direct and immediate revenue stream during live content. It helps identify and connect with highly engaged fans, allowing for real-time interaction and feedback.
For Viewers: Offers a way to get a creator’s attention in a busy live chat, express support directly, and make their message stand out from the crowd.

2. Super Stickers

What it is: Super Stickers are animated digital images that viewers can purchase and send in a live chat during live streams and Premieres. Similar to Super Chat, they are designed to be eye-catching and express support in a fun, visual way.

How it works:

For Viewers: Like Super Chat, viewers click the dollar sign icon in the live chat, select “Super Stickers,” and then choose from various animated sticker packs available in different categories and languages. The cost varies depending on the sticker’s design and animation complexity.
For Creators: Purchased Super Stickers appear as prominent animated images in the live chat feed. Creators can acknowledge these visual expressions of support, similar to Super Chats. Creators also receive 70% of the Super Sticker revenue after deductions.

Benefits:

For Creators: Adds another engaging monetization option for live content. It provides a visual and interactive way for fans to show support, potentially attracting more contributions.
For Viewers: Offers a unique and often humorous way to express appreciation and stand out in the live chat, adding a playful element to their interaction with creators.

3. Super Thanks (formerly Viewer Applause)

What it is: Super Thanks allows viewers to show extra gratitude for a creator’s uploaded videos (both long-form and Shorts, unlike Super Chat and Super Stickers which are live chat exclusive). Viewers purchase a one-time animation that appears over the top of the video, and they also get to post a distinct, colorful, customizable comment in the video’s comments section.

How it works:

For Viewers: On eligible videos, viewers will see a “Thanks” button (often represented by a heart with a dollar sign) below the video player. Clicking this allows them to choose a price point (e.g., $2, $5, $10, $50 USD) and then send a Super Thanks. An animation plays for them, and their personalized comment appears highlighted in the video’s comment section.
For Creators: Creators receive a notification of a Super Thanks purchase. The highlighted comment in their video’s comment section makes it easy to identify and respond to these supportive messages, even long after the video has been uploaded. Creators also receive 70% of the Super Thanks revenue after deductions.

Benefits:

For Creators: Provides a revenue stream for evergreen content, allowing creators to earn from videos even months or years after they are published. It also helps identify the most dedicated fans who are willing to support their content directly.
For Viewers: Offers a direct way to express profound appreciation for a specific video that resonated with them, and to have their comment highlighted for the creator and other viewers to see.

Why are Supers important?

For creators, Supers diversify their income beyond traditional ad revenue, offering a more direct and often more consistent way to earn from their most loyal audience. For viewers, they transform passive consumption into active participation, allowing them to directly contribute to the creators they value and gain a unique form of recognition.

By leveraging these “Supers,” YouTube continues to build a robust creator economy, empowering creators to build sustainable businesses while fostering stronger, more interactive communities on the platform.

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