YouTube adds money-making feature to attract content creators

YouTube has launched a new way for content creators to earn money from fans, as the Alphabet Inc.-owned streaming company looks to compete better with ByteDance Inc.’s TikTok and Facebook Inc.’s Instagram.

Called Super Thanks, the new feature is the fourth way for YouTubers to earn money from viewers. Fans can purchase Super Thanks at four price points, from $2 to $50, as a way to express gratitude and support their favourite YouTube channels, the company said in a statement.

After a purchase on a video page, a highlighted comment will appear in the comment section, allowing the creator to respond to the fan’s gift with a comment. The feature is available to thousands of creators in 68 countries, and will expand to all eligible creators in YouTube’s partner program.