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HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE TIPS & TRICKS YOUTUBE

Do YouTubers Get Paid if You Have YouTube Premium?

Do YouTubers Get Paid if You Have YouTube Premium?

Yes, YouTubers do get paid when YouTube Premium members watch their videos.

The short version is simple: Premium viewers do not see ads, but creators can still earn because YouTube shares a portion of Premium subscription revenue with eligible creators.

The more useful question is how that money is worked out, whether it replaces ad revenue, whether Premium views are worth more, and what this means for creators trying to build reliable income on YouTube. That is what this guide covers properly.

Why trust this guide?

I am not writing this as an outsider. I am a YouTube Certified Expert. I have coached 500+ clients, built and grown multiple channels, earned six YouTube Silver Play Buttons, built a personal audience of 100k+, and spent years working across YouTube strategy, SEO, retention, metadata, channel systems, and monetisation.

This matters because YouTube monetisation questions are often answered with half-truths. Creators need the practical version, not just a one-line yes or no.

If you want the wider monetisation picture as well, read What Percentage of YouTubers Make Money?. If you want help applying any of this to your own channel, you can book a discovery call.

Quick answer: do YouTubers get paid if you have YouTube Premium?

Yes. If a YouTube Premium member watches a monetising creator’s content, that creator can earn a share of YouTube Premium subscription revenue based on how much Premium members watch their content.

Premium viewers do not see ads, but creators are not left with nothing. YouTube pays eligible creators from subscription revenue instead.

That is the short answer Google can quote and the reader can use immediately.

The longer and more useful answer is that YouTube Premium creates a different revenue path from normal watch-page ads. Premium members pay a subscription fee. YouTube then distributes a portion of that revenue to creators based on member watch behaviour.

YouTube’s own help documentation states that revenue from YouTube Premium membership fees is distributed to creators based on how much members watch their content, and that subscription revenue is paid on the same monthly cycle as ad revenue. Source: YouTube Help.

How YouTube Premium pays creators

The simplest way to think about it is this:

  1. A viewer pays for YouTube Premium.
  2. They watch videos without ads.
  3. YouTube tracks how Premium members spend their watch time.
  4. A portion of Premium subscription revenue is distributed to eligible creators.
  5. The more Premium watch time your content gets, the more of that revenue pool you can receive.

YouTube Help puts it plainly: Premium membership fees are distributed to creators based on how much members watch your content. YouTube Help.

Viewer type What they see How the creator can earn
Free viewer Ads may show Ad revenue, plus other monetisation features if enabled
YouTube Premium viewer No ads on eligible videos Share of Premium subscription revenue, plus other monetisation features if enabled

That means Premium does not cancel creator earnings. It just changes the source.

Does YouTube Premium replace ad revenue?

Yes, for that specific Premium watch session.

If a Premium member watches your video, they are not seeing ads in the normal way, so that view is not generating standard ad revenue in the way a free viewer might. Instead, the creator can earn from the Premium revenue share model.

In plain English: ads are replaced by subscription revenue, not by nothing.

This is why the right answer to the main question is not just “yes”. It is “yes, but via a different revenue stream”.

Are Premium views worth more than ad-supported views?

Sometimes, but not in a simple one-size-fits-all way.

A Premium view is not automatically “worth more” every single time. The exact value depends on how Premium revenue is distributed, where the viewers are, how much Premium watch time your content gets, and how that compares with what the same audience might have generated through ads.

Question Better answer
Do Premium viewers help creators earn? Yes
Do Premium views count as ad views? No, they use Premium revenue sharing instead
Is every Premium view worth more than every ad-supported view? No, it varies
Can Premium still be valuable for creators? Absolutely, especially for watch-time-heavy channels

If you are trying to understand how view value changes across revenue types, also read Do YouTubers Get Paid More If I Watch the Whole Ad?, Do YouTubers Get Paid If I Use AdBlock?, and How Much Money Does 1 Million YouTube Views Make?.

What still counts when someone watches with Premium?

A lot more than many people realise.

Premium viewers can still contribute to:

  • watch time
  • audience retention signals
  • channel growth
  • recommendation momentum
  • Premium revenue sharing
  • other monetisation layers like memberships, Super Thanks, products, or external offers

Older YouTube Help guidance also confirms that background play and downloaded views from Premium users still count toward revenue sharing in relevant contexts because the watch activity still contributes to Premium watch behaviour. The core point for creators is simple: Premium viewers still matter.

Why this matters for strategy: you do not need to make “Premium-friendly” content. You need to make content people actually watch. Premium revenue follows watch behaviour.

Who can earn from YouTube Premium views?

Not every creator automatically qualifies.

To earn from YouTube Premium revenue sharing, you generally need to be in the YouTube Partner Programme and have the relevant monetisation modules enabled. YouTube’s expanded Partner Programme overview confirms that ad and Premium revenue sharing sit behind the full monetisation thresholds. YouTube Help.

Requirement area What matters
YPP eligibility You need to be accepted into the YouTube Partner Programme
Revenue sharing eligibility You need the relevant monetisation modules and compliant content
Content suitability Your content still needs to follow YouTube monetisation policies

If you are still working toward those thresholds, read How to Get 1,000 Subscribers and 4,000 Hours Watch Time and What Percentage of YouTubers Make Money?.

Fresh official facts worth knowing

This topic gets stronger when you anchor it in current YouTube documentation rather than old forum myths.

Fact Why it matters Source
YouTube says Premium membership fees are distributed to creators based on how much members watch their content This is the direct answer to the core question YouTube Help
YouTube says subscription revenue is paid on the same monthly cycle as ad revenue Useful for creators checking payment expectations YouTube Help
YouTube says Premium revenue sharing is part of YPP monetisation Confirms that Premium income is a real creator revenue stream, not a side perk YouTube blog, 2025
YouTube says RPM includes YouTube Premium revenue alongside ads and other revenue sources Shows Premium earnings are already folded into the broader revenue picture creators see YouTube Help

How Premium fits into a wider YouTube income strategy

YouTube Premium is valuable, but it is not usually the thing you build your channel strategy around directly.

The better approach is to build content that performs well in general: stronger topics, stronger thumbnails, stronger intros, more watch time, and more audience trust. Premium revenue then becomes one part of a broader monetisation mix.

A healthy YouTube income stack can include:

  • ad revenue
  • YouTube Premium revenue
  • memberships
  • Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks
  • affiliate links
  • sponsorships
  • products, services, or coaching

This is why Premium is worth understanding, but not worth obsessing over in isolation. It supports good content. It does not replace good content.

If you want to widen this into a fuller income strategy, also read Do YouTubers Still Get Paid for Old Videos?, Can YouTubers Control Which Ads Are Shown?, and The Top Ways to Monetise Your YouTube Channel.

Video pick: Why most YouTubers do not make money

This helps place Premium revenue in context. It matters, but it is only one part of a bigger creator economy picture.

Tools that genuinely help you build a monetisable channel

The old tools section needed a full rebuild. Tools should support a strategy, not pretend to replace one. These are the ones I would actually recommend first because they are relevant, trustworthy, and already supported by useful content on this site.

Tool Best for Why it earns a place here Best next step
YouTube Studio Watching revenue mix and audience behaviour This is where you see the broader monetisation picture, including RPM and viewer behaviour Learn how to read the right signals
vidIQ Topic research and search-led growth Useful for building content people actually click and watch, which matters for both ads and Premium revenue Try vidIQ or read my vidIQ review
TubeBuddy Workflow and publishing support Helpful when you want practical channel management support without pretending it will do the strategy for you Try TubeBuddy or read my TubeBuddy review
StreamYard Live streams, interviews, webinars Useful because live viewers can also support channels through more than one monetisation route at once Try StreamYard or read my StreamYard review
Syllaby Content planning and ideation Useful when your bottleneck is consistent topic planning, not just editing or analytics Try Syllaby or read my Syllaby review

Which tool should you pick first?

  • Start with YouTube Studio if you want the most direct view of how your channel is actually earning.
  • Use vidIQ or TubeBuddy if your bigger bottleneck is discoverability and packaging.
  • Use StreamYard if live content or fan-funding formats matter to your business model.
  • Use Syllaby if your issue is consistency and planning, not raw editing.

What I would do if I were trying to earn more from YouTube

  1. Stop thinking only in terms of ads.
  2. Build better content that holds attention for longer.
  3. Use analytics to understand audience behaviour, not just vanity metrics.
  4. Build a revenue mix that includes more than one stream.
  5. Treat Premium as part of the system, not the whole strategy.

Final thoughts

If you came here for the fast answer, here it is again: yes, YouTubers do get paid if you have YouTube Premium.

The important detail is that they are not paid through normal ads on that Premium watch. They earn through YouTube’s Premium revenue-sharing model instead.

That makes Premium an important part of the creator economy, but it is still only one part. The bigger goal is to make content people want to watch, because watch behaviour drives almost everything else.

If you want help building that kind of channel, start with Who Is Alan Spicer?, read how I help creators and brands grow, or book a discovery call.

Frequently asked questions

Do YouTubers get paid if I have YouTube Premium?

Yes. Premium viewers do not watch normal ads, but creators can earn a share of YouTube Premium subscription revenue based on how much Premium members watch their content.

Do Premium views count as ad views?

No. Premium views use a different revenue model. Creators can still get paid, but through Premium revenue sharing rather than normal ad serving on that watch.

Are YouTube Premium views worth more?

Sometimes, but not always. The value varies depending on watch behaviour, geography, and how Premium revenue compares with what ads might have generated.

Do YouTubers lose money if I watch with Premium?

Not automatically. Premium replaces standard ad revenue on that watch with subscription-based revenue sharing.

Can small YouTubers earn from Premium?

Yes, but only if they are eligible for the relevant monetisation features through the YouTube Partner Programme and their content meets monetisation policies.

Does YouTube Premium affect memberships or Super Thanks?

No. Premium mainly changes the ad experience. Other monetisation features such as memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks are separate revenue streams.

Does background play or downloaded Premium viewing still matter for creators?

Yes. Watch behaviour from Premium users still matters because Premium revenue is tied to how members consume content.

Is YouTube Premium important for creator strategy?

It matters, but it is not usually the main lever to optimise directly. Better content, stronger retention, and a wider monetisation mix still matter more.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What Happened To PewDiePie?

What Happened To PewDiePie? 1

PewDiePie, born Felix Kjellberg, is a Swedish YouTuber who once held the title of the most-subscribed YouTube channel.

His rise and fall captivated audiences around the world, and the story of PewDiePie is a fascinating tale of fame, controversy, and resilience.

Short Answer – What Happened To PewDiePie? – PewDiePie rose to fame with gaming videos on YouTube, faced controversies like racism & anti-Semitism, lost business partnerships, married Marzia Bisognin, moved to Japan, and announced pregnancy.

This deep dive explores PewDiePie’s meteoric ascent, his battles with controversies and demonetization, and his life beyond the screen.

If you like this blog check out my deep dives into Alex Day, Tobuscus, SourceFed, Smosh and more.

PewDiePie – The Humble Beginnings

Felix Kjellberg was born on October 24, 1989, in Gothenburg, Sweden. The son of Lotta Kristine Johanna and Ulf Christian Kjellberg, Felix grew up with his sister, Fanny.

He graduated from high school in 2008, and in 2010, while studying Industrial Economics and Technology Management at Chalmers University of Technology, Felix decided to start a YouTube channel.

PewDiePie’s Family

Family Member Name Relation
Mother Lotta Kristine Johanna Mother
Father Ulf Christian Kjellberg Father
Sister Fanny Sister

The Rise of PewDiePie

In 2010, PewDiePie began uploading videos to YouTube, primarily focused on “Let’s Play” videos, where he played and commented on various video games.

His quirky personality, unique commentary style, and signature “Bro Fist” quickly attracted a following, and by 2012, his channel surpassed one million subscribers.

PewDiePie’s YouTube Milestones

Year Milestone Subscribers
2012 1 Million Subscribers 1,000,000
2013 Most Subscribed Channel 11,932,254
2014 25 Million Subscribers 25,000,000
2016 50 Million Subscribers 50,000,000
2019 100 Million Subscribers 100,000,000

Controversies and Demonetization

As PewDiePie’s popularity grew, he faced an increasing amount of scrutiny, particularly with regard to his content. His sense of humour and edgy jokes were not without controversy, leading to several high-profile incidents that tarnished his reputation and strained his relationships with business partners.

What Happened To PewDiePie? 2

The Fiverr Incident (January 2017)

In one of PewDiePie’s most notorious controversies, he posted a video featuring two men holding a sign that read “Death to All Jews,” which he had commissioned on the freelancing platform Fiverr.

He intended the video to be a commentary on the absurdity of what people would do for money, but it was widely perceived as anti-Semitic.

As a result, the Wall Street Journal published an article highlighting this and other instances of controversial content on PewDiePie’s channel.

Response to the Controversy (February 2017)

Following the Wall Street Journal article, PewDiePie uploaded a video addressing the controversy. In it, he apologized for the offensive content but also criticized the media for taking his jokes out of context and sensationalizing them.

Nevertheless, the damage was done, and the fallout from the Fiverr incident would have lasting repercussions.

Disney and YouTube Sever Ties (February 2017)

In response to the anti-Semitic content, Disney’s Maker Studios, which had been working with PewDiePie, decided to cut ties with him.

YouTube also took action, cancelling the second season of PewDiePie’s YouTube Red series, “Scare PewDiePie,” and removing him from the Google Preferred advertising platform.

These decisions were significant blows to PewDiePie’s career, as they severed major revenue streams and partnerships.

The N-Word Controversy (September 2017)

In another incident, PewDiePie was live-streaming a video game on his channel when he used a racial slur, the N-word, in frustration. The incident sparked widespread condemnation from the YouTube community and reignited the debate about the appropriateness of his content.

PewDiePie apologized for his use of the slur, admitting that it was “extremely immature” and “irresponsible.”

These controversies, among others, cast a shadow over PewDiePie’s career and significantly impacted his standing within the YouTube community.

While he has since made efforts to clean up his content and repair his reputation, these events serve as a reminder of the challenges that come with fame and the importance of responsible content creation in the digital age.

PewDiePie’s Controversies and Demonetization Timeline

Year Event
2017 Accusations of anti-Semitic content
2017 Disney and YouTube sever ties
2017 Cancellation of “Scare PewDiePie” YouTube Red series
2017 Removal from Google Preferred advertising platform

Japan and Personal Life

Felix Kjellberg, known as PewDiePie, met Marzia Bisognin, an Italian YouTuber and entrepreneur, in 2011 after Marzia’s friend recommended she watch PewDiePie’s videos.

The two began a long-distance relationship, with Marzia eventually moving to Sweden to be with Felix. Over the years, their relationship has been documented in numerous YouTube videos, with Marzia often appearing in Felix’s content.

In April 2018, PewDiePie proposed to Marzia, and they announced their engagement on social media. The couple was married in a private ceremony at London’s Kew Gardens on August 19, 2019, surrounded by close friends and family. Photos from the event were shared on the couple’s social media profiles, and fans worldwide congratulated the pair on their union.

In 2020, PewDiePie and Marzia relocated from the United Kingdom to Japan, a country they had both expressed a deep love for in their videos. They have shared their experiences of living in Japan on social media and through their YouTube channels, showcasing their new home and the cultural experiences they’ve enjoyed. The couple has expressed their appreciation for the Japanese lifestyle and their excitement at starting a new chapter of their lives in the country.

In February 2023, PewDiePie and Marzia announced that they were expecting their first child together. The couple shared the news through an emotional video posted on PewDiePie’s YouTube channel, as well as on their respective social media accounts. Fans worldwide celebrated the announcement, expressing their joy and support for the couple as they embarked on this new journey as parents.

The personal life of PewDiePie and Marzia has been an integral part of their online presence, with fans following their relationship from its inception to their recent pregnancy announcement. As they continue to share their experiences and adventures in Japan, their story serves as a reminder of the human side of online content creators, who live their lives beyond the screen.

PewDiePie’s Personal Life

Year Event
2018 Engagement to Marzia Bisognin
2019 Marriage to Marzia Bisognin
2020 Relocation to Japan

The Fall and Rebirth of PewDiePie

Despite the controversies and setbacks, PewDiePie continued to create content and maintain a loyal fanbase. However, in early 2019, an Indian music label and film production company, T-Series, overtook PewDiePie as the most-subscribed YouTube channel.

The rivalry between PewDiePie and T-Series led to a massive online campaign known as “Subscribe to PewDiePie,” which garnered international attention. Though he eventually conceded the title to T-Series, this event further solidified PewDiePie’s impact on the YouTube community.

PewDiePie vs. T-Series

Year Event
2019 T-Series overtakes PewDiePie as most-subscribed channel
2019 “Subscribe to PewDiePie” campaign begins
2019 PewDiePie concedes the title to T-Series

In the wake of these events, PewDiePie shifted his content focus, moving away from “Let’s Play” videos and expanding into other areas, such as commentary, vlogs, and even book reviews. He also took a brief hiatus from YouTube in early 2020, citing the need for a break from the platform.

PewDiePie Philanthropy and the Future

Despite the controversies that have plagued his career, PewDiePie has remained dedicated to using his platform for good. He has raised millions of dollars for various charities, including Save the Children, World Wildlife Fund, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, among others.

PewDiePie’s Philanthropy

Year Charity/Event Amount Raised
2013 Save the Children $342,828
2016 World Wildlife Fund $152,239
2018 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital $200,000

Today, PewDiePie continues to create content for his millions of subscribers, evolving and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of YouTube.

Though his time as the most-subscribed channel has come to an end, PewDiePie’s legacy remains an important part of YouTube’s history, and his future endeavours will likely continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Finally…

The rise and fall of PewDiePie is a story of triumph, controversy, and resilience. From his humble beginnings in Sweden to the pinnacle of YouTube stardom, PewDiePie has navigated the ups and downs of fame while maintaining a loyal fanbase and making a lasting impact on the world of online content creation.

As he continues to evolve and adapt, it’s clear that PewDiePie’s story is far from over, and the world eagerly awaits what the future holds for this iconic YouTuber.

If you like this, check out the Where Are They Now Playlist