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YouTube quietly rolls out subscription-inspired 'Join' button

YouTube quietly rolls out subscription-inspired 'Join' button

YouTube has silently dropped a new monetisation feature for some creators.

A few days ago, a button began appearing next to the subscribe button on some YouTubers' pages. 

The 'Join' feature lets fans support their favourite channels with a monthly donation. It appears to work in the same way as a Twitch subscription.

Priced at $4.99, the join button gives fans access to exclusive content and perks - such as chat emojis, member-only content, early access to new videos and merch discounts.

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In a world where YouTube ad revenue is ever dwindling, the join button gives YouTubers a way to earn regular income without using a third party crowdfunding solution such as Patreon.

It's unclear as to how much of the cut will go to the actual creator, but YouTuber ThioJoe says in a recent video that he'll recieve a "majority".

Of course, this does come with the worry that some creators may start gatekeeping their content to encourage financial support directly through YouTube. 

The button is only available to a handful of creators currently, but is expected to roll out to more in the coming months.


Editor

Danielle Partis is editor of PocketGamer.biz and former editor of InfluencerUpdate.biz. She was named Journalist of the Year at the MCV Women in Games Awards 2019, as well as in the MCV 30 under 30 2020. Prior to Steel Media, she wrote about music and games at Team Rock.