YouTube is finally rolling out what was once an experimental tool for creators to raise funds for nonprofit organizations. YouTube Giving is now available to all content creators on the platform with more than 10,000 subscribers in the U.S., UK, and Canada.
With YouTube Giving, creators under the YouTube Partner Program can use their videos and live streams to fundraise for eligible charitable causes by adding a donate button to their content. There's also an option to join another creator’s community fundraiser. Those interested can click here to learn more about setting up and managing a fundraiser. Viewers can then donate any amount directly on the video watch page or in live chat. This isn't available on child-oriented videos, though.
The video sharing service originally tested the fundraising tool last year. For nonprofit organizations, there are certain requirements to be eligible. For example, they must be requested by a creator and registered in the U.S. as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. These nonprofits must also follow YouTube’s monetization policies both on and off the platform.
YouTube Giving's donate button and live chat donations are available now to viewers across more than 40 countries. The Google-owned service says fundraisers on YouTube have already raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations in the U.S.
