How to Monetise Your YouTube Channel in Nigeria

Are you a Nigerian YouTuber eager to start earning money from your content?

If you’re creating vlogs, tutorials, comedy skits, or reviews on YouTube, you can make extra income with the YouTube channel and it is easier than you might think.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to monetise your YouTube channel in Nigeria. from the eligibility requirements and available earning options to the step-by-step process of applying for the YouTube Partner Program.

Full details of how to monetise your YouTube channel in Nigeria

The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is available for content creators in Nigeria, allowing them to earn money through fan funding, which includes channel memberships, Super Chat, stickers, and thanks.

Other earning channels include merchandise sales, advertising revenue, and YouTube Premium. The program is open to creators who fit a specific criterion that includes subscriber count, views, and watch hours for public uploads and Shorts.

 

YouTube Monetisation requirements

To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), your YouTube channel must achieve a specific level of public engagement, specifically known as the threshold. Except for shopping (for other brands), which is not available in Nigeria, each threshold has been specified by the program.

Here is what you need to do to start making money on YouTube in Nigeria through fan donations, channel memberships, and merchandise sales:

• At least 500 subscribers
• 3 public uploads in the last 90 days
• Either 3,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the last year or 3 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days
  
   

On the other hand, you can only earn from advertising revenue if you meet the threshold below;

• At least 1,000 subscribers
• Either 4,000 public watch hours on long-form videos in the last year or 10 million public Shorts views in the past 90 days

Nigerian YouTubers are not eligible for one monetisation feature, affiliate sales for other brands, which is not available in the region.

Except for merchandise sales, you must be at least 18 years old or have a legal guardian to access monetisation benefits. Have a look at all the requirements as per the monetisation features they unlock.

How to join the YouTube Partner Program: Where to apply

To unlock monetisation features, you are required to pick and choose or turn on contract modules you are eligible for. These modules include Shorts Feed Ads, Watch Page Ads, YouTube Premium revenue, Shopping, Super Chat & Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.

Follow the steps below to access earning opportunities on YouTube on a computer, Android phone, and an iPhone or iPad.

1. Sign in to your YouTube channel on a computer.
2. In the top right corner, click on your profile picture and scroll to YouTube Studio.
3. You will be redirected to the YouTube channel dashboard.
4. In the left menu, click 'Earn'.
5. Select 'Apply Now' to get started if you are eligible to join the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
6. Click 'Start' to review, followed by 'Accept Base' terms
7. For each optional module to review and accept the terms.
8. Click Start to set up an AdSense for YouTube account, or link an existing active one.
9. Once done, you’ll see 'In Progress in the Get Reviewed' step. The review process takes about a month.
   
    

If you are using an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, you will need to use the YouTube Studio mobile application. If you are eligible, the 'Apply Now' section will be reactive, allowing you to send your application for the partnership program.

1. Download and open the YouTube Studio app.
2. From the bottom menu, tap 'Earn'.
3. Select 'Apply Now' to get started.
4. Click 'Start' to review, followed by 'Accept Base terms'.
5. Create a new AdSense account for your YouTube account in YouTube Studio.
6. Make sure 2-Step Verification is turned on for your Google Account.
7. You will receive the 'In Progress' notification once you complete your application.

Tax and legal tips for Nigerian creators

As a Nigerian citizen, you are liable to pay taxes to your country of residence on any income earned from your monetised Shorts and videos on YouTube.

The Personal Income Tax Act directs all individuals deemed to be residents to pay tax on any income generated in Nigeria.

Common monetisation challenges in Nigeria

A key challenge for creators in Nigeria is the cost per mille (CPM) rate for local advertisers. YouTube creators often earn less because local ads pay lower rates per 1,000 views, which may require diversifying monetisation efforts to include sponsorships.