Super Thanks is a YouTube monetization feature launched in July 2021 that lets viewers buy a one-time animated reaction on a long-form video, with most of the revenue going to the creator. It's the on-demand equivalent of Super Chat, designed specifically for uploaded videos rather than live streams.
How Super Thanks Works
Under the video player, viewers see a "Thanks" button alongside the like and share icons. Clicking it opens a panel with price tiers, typically $2, $5, $10, and $50. The viewer picks an amount, completes the purchase, and YouTube plays a colorful animation over the video. A highlighted, distinct comment appears in the comments section so the creator and other viewers can see the tip.
Unlike Super Chat, the tip happens on the recording itself, not a live stream. That means viewers can support a creator any time, including weeks or months after a video was published, which makes Super Thanks the most timing-flexible fan-funding option on YouTube.
Super Thanks Pricing and Revenue Share
| Viewer Pays | Approx. Creator Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $2 | ~$1.40 | Entry-tier tip, brief animation |
| $5 | ~$3.50 | Common default tier |
| $10 | ~$7.00 | Larger animation and highlighted comment |
| $50 | ~$35.00 | Top tier, longest animation |
Creator earnings are approximate. YouTube keeps roughly 30% as a platform fee, and net payout varies by region, currency, and applicable taxes. The 70/30 split lines up with what creators see for memberships and Super Chat.
Super Thanks vs Other YouTube Fan Funding
YouTube offers several creator-direct revenue features that look similar at a glance but serve different moments.
- Super Thanks (this page): One-time tip on a long-form upload, any time after publish
- Super Chat: One-time tip during a live stream or Premiere, pins a highlighted message in chat
- Super Stickers: One-time tip during live streams that purchases an animated sticker
- Channel memberships: Recurring monthly subscriptions with perks like badges, custom emoji, and members-only content
- Shopping integration: Direct product sales, separate revenue model entirely
Eligibility for Super Thanks
To turn on Super Thanks, a creator must meet a few requirements:
Super Thanks Requirements
- Channel must be in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP)
- Creator must be 18 or older
- Channel must operate in a country where Super Thanks is available
- Channel must be in good standing (no active monetization strikes)
- Videos must not be marked Made for Kids
The list of eligible countries has expanded steadily since launch and now includes most of North America, Western Europe, parts of Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Check YouTube's official Help Center for the current list, since availability changes.
How to Enable Super Thanks
- Open YouTube Studio
- Click Earn in the left sidebar
- Open the Supers tab
- Click Get started next to Super Thanks
- Agree to the terms and click Turn on
Once enabled, Super Thanks is on by default for all eligible new and existing videos. You can opt out specific videos under the Monetization tab in each video's settings.
Tracking Super Thanks Performance
Super Thanks revenue shows up inside YouTube Studio Analytics under the Revenue tab. You'll see a breakdown of estimated earnings by source: ad revenue, channel memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and YouTube Premium revenue. Each Super Thanks purchase also appears as a highlighted comment so you can publicly acknowledge supporters.
How to Earn More Super Thanks
Super Thanks works best on videos where viewers feel genuine gratitude: free tutorials that solved a problem, deeply researched explainers, emotional storytelling, and creator community moments. A subtle verbal mention of the Thanks button in the outro performs better than a hard sell. Charity fundraisers, "challenge me" videos, and milestone celebrations also tend to drive Super Thanks volume.