What used to be called the “Sponsor” button is now known as Channel Memberships — the “Join” button viewers see on eligible channels. Here’s what it actually is and how it works today.
What Channel Memberships Actually Are
Viewers pay a recurring monthly fee directly to a creator in exchange for perks the creator defines — custom badges and emoji next to their name in comments and live chat, members-only videos or Community posts, and early access to content.
Current Eligibility Requirements
To enable Memberships, a channel needs to be in the YouTube Partner Program’s entry tier: 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours in the past 12 months (or 3 million Shorts views in 90 days).
How to Turn It On (as a Creator)
- Go to YouTube Studio > Earn (or Monetization).
- Select Memberships and follow the setup steps to define perks and pricing tiers.
How Viewers Join
Viewers click the Join button under an eligible channel’s videos or on the channel page, choose a membership tier, and pay through Google’s standard payment system — no separate account or app needed.
Where This Fits Alongside Ads and Sponsorships
Memberships are separate from ad revenue and separate from brand sponsorships — many creators use all three together once eligible, since they come from different sources (YouTube’s own program, brand deals, and direct fan payments respectively).
Related: See how to enable fan funding on YouTube and our beginner’s guide to earning from YouTube.
FAQ
Is the Sponsor button the same as Channel Memberships?
Yes, it’s the same feature under a different, current name.
What subscriber count do I need for Memberships?
500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours in the past 12 months.