If you are a content creator, this year can bring rain of money for you! YouTube is bringing many new ways for creators to earn more income this year. YouTube CEO Neil Mohan shared the company’s plans for this year, which include increasing creators’ earnings, focusing on AI, making Shorts more fun, and strengthening safety for kids and teens.
New ways for creators to earn
Over the past four years, YouTube has paid creators, artists, and media companies more than $100 billion for their content. This trend will continue this year also. In 2026, YouTube plans to invest heavily in different monetization methods for creators, allowing them to earn money through shopping and brand deals, as well as fan funding features like Super Chat and gifts. Currently, users have to go to other platforms to purchase linked products, but soon they will be able to purchase products directly on YouTube.
Emphasis on AI
YouTube says more than one million channels used its AI creation tools in December. This year, users will be able to create Shorts and games using AI. The company will also focus on removing low-quality content created with the help of AI from its platform. Users can expect to see many new AI features on YouTube this year.
Better safety for children and teenagers
YouTube wants to make its platform even safer for children and teen users this year, and the process has already started. Recently, YouTube introduced new parental controls that allow parents to set time limits for their young children to watch Shorts.