Super Chat
What is Super Chat?
Super Chat is a feature introduced by YouTube in 2017 as a way to monetize live streams. Viewers can purchase a chat message that will be highlighted and stay pinned at the top of the chat window for a certain period, depending on the amount paid. The more a viewer pays, the longer their Super Chat stays pinned and the more characters they can use in their message.
This feature is available in select countries and can be used during live streams and Premieres, but not for unlisted videos or private streams. The revenue generated from Super Chats is split between YouTube and the content creator, with the creator receiving a significant portion.
How does Super Chat work?
Super Chat is easy to use for both viewers and creators. For viewers, the process begins by clicking on the dollar sign within the live chat. A slider then appears, allowing the viewer to select the donation. The color of the Super Chat, the maximum message length, and the amount of time the message is pinned depends how much money they contribute.
For creators, Super Chat can be enabled in the monetization settings of their YouTube account. Once enabled, all live streams will have the Super Chat feature available, and the creator will receive a share of the revenue generated from each Super Chat during their streams.
Benefits of Super Chat
For creators, Super Chats have the merits of an additional YouTube revenue stream. The Super Chat feature allows them to earn money directly from their viewers, supplementing the money they receive from ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Super Chats are particularly helpful for smaller creators who don’t make much money from ad revenue or sponsors.
For stream viewers, Super Chats offer a way to support their favorite creators directly. By purchasing a Super Chat, viewers can contribute to the creator's income and show their appreciation for the content.
Super Chat can also boost viewer engagement with creators’ live streams. It encourages viewers to participate in the chat, as their messages are more likely to be seen and appreciated by the creator. Super Chats can foster a more interactive and enjoyable streaming experience for both the creator and their audience.