Still a little confused...

[Willabee Nightly]

So back when i first started my channel, I was offered to monetize my videos pretty soon in. I still have very few subscribers after a year (about 50), but I'be had ads since about week 3. The way YouTube expresses it, I thought that meant that I was a partner. However, after reading through some of the posts here, it seems like there's a whole song and dance of other companies (networks?), groups of people, pros and cons and so on.
I guess my questions are:
1) Just how complex is all of this? And when the time comes, how will I compare networks?
2) Do I have to pick a network? Or can I just ride solo though all of it?
3) In your opinion, was it a bad or hindering decision to monetize so early one? I really didn't know what I was doing, and sometimes question whether if monetization has helped to drive away some potential viewers...

All opinions and responses are welcome and greatly appreciated
Thank you for your time.

 

[MattZ]

So back when i first started my channel, I was offered to monetize my videos pretty soon in. I still have very few subscribers after a year (about 50), but I'be had ads since about week 3. The way YouTube expresses it, I thought that meant that I was a partner. However, after reading through some of the posts here, it seems like there's a whole song and dance of other companies (networks?), groups of people, pros and cons and so on.
I guess my questions are:
1) Just how complex is all of this? And when the time comes, how will I compare networks?
2) Do I have to pick a network? Or can I just ride solo though all of it?
3) In your opinion, was it a bad or hindering decision to monetize so early one? I really didn't know what I was doing, and sometimes question whether if monetization has helped to drive away some potential viewers...

All opinions and responses are welcome and greatly appreciated
Thank you for your time.

1.) Not very complex just use this forum to compare people's opinions on networks and then go with a reputable network if you want to get partnered with one.
2.) You can ride solo through it but often networks will give you higher paying ad's than youtube, although this is not always the case.
3.) I Don't think its a bad decision to monetize early through youtube because it will get your sub's used to the ad's so it won't come as a shock when you start using them in the future.

If your still confused feel free to ask more questions or drop me a PM.

 

[KGATV]

When you enable monetization, you become a partner, but not a full partner. A full partner is when you partner with a network (you can choose, but they have to accept you). You don't need to partner with anyone, but it's pretty much recommended. I would wait until you get an average of 100 views a day to get partnered. (You have been getting 100+, but only since the 13th). You can check your stats on social blade.

 

[Daniel]

1) It isn't too complex, there is a lot of YouTube networks but it is all about choosing the one that is right for you. However, you should know the right networks from wrong. There are some you want to avoid and some you may want to look at. RPM and Fullscreen are probably the two most common around here.
2) You do have to pick a network, unless you are invited into a network by a company. However, when picking a network, you need to meet their requirements if you are going to be accepted.
3) Monetizing now is not a problem, but you won't earn a lot from it with little subscribers. If you think its driving down potential viewers simply disable it.

If there is any other questions you have, feel free to ask.

 

[Willabee Nightly]

If there is any other questions you have, feel free to ask.

Actually... I did just think of another question. In the image below, that exactly does the highlighted part mean? The way I interpret it is, "We're offering partnership. Do you want to verify?"
But at the same time, I would think that they would have sent an email or something. I would also assume that they would not partner someone with as small of a channel as I have.
My settings have had that for a while, but I have been reluctant to attempt it just in case it's going to partner me with a network that I might not want to join... or... something. I'm not sure, really. It's all a little confusing to me

 

[Daniel]

Actually... I did just think of another question. In the image below, that exactly does the highlighted part mean? The way I interpret it is, "We're offering partnership. Do you want to verify?"
But at the same time, I would think that they would have sent an email or something. I would also assume that they would not partner someone with as small of a channel as I have.
My settings have had that for a while, but I have been reluctant to attempt it just in case it's going to partner me with a network that I might not want to join... or... something. I'm not sure, really. It's all a little confusing to me

The verify button is just google's way of connecting your account with adsense.

 

[phoenixblue]

Actually... I did just think of another question. In the image below, that exactly does the highlighted part mean? The way I interpret it is, "We're offering partnership. Do you want to verify?"
But at the same time, I would think that they would have sent an email or something. I would also assume that they would not partner someone with as small of a channel as I have.
My settings have had that for a while, but I have been reluctant to attempt it just in case it's going to partner me with a network that I might not want to join... or... something. I'm not sure, really. It's all a little confusing to me

Pressing verify isn't going to make you join a network. It says partner when you enable monetizable with adsense with your youtube account and then you just verify (ie phone verification) and you get some more features like videos longer than 15 min but it's not joining a network. It also does not prevent you from joining a network. Also youtube enables monetization with every channel, including small channels.

 

[Willabee Nightly]

Pressing verify isn't going to make you join a network. It says partner when you enable monetizable with adsense with your youtube account and then you just verify (ie phone verification) and you get some more features like videos longer than 15 min but it's not joining a network. It also does not prevent you from joining a network. Also youtube enables monetization with every channel, including small channels.

The verify button is just google's way of connecting your account with adsense.

Alright. That's sort of what I figured! I just wasn't sure. It seemed like it could go either way. Thanks for the tip I'll have to verify it the next time I'm in Kingston.

 

[Symph]

I got nothing. Everyone else covered it hahaha you go guys.