YouTube terms

Super Chat

A paid message that is highlighted during a live chat on a livestream.

What is a Super Chat in YouTube?

Super Chat is a feature on YouTube that allows viewers to pay to have their comments highlighted during a live stream. It's a way for viewers to get the attention of their favorite creators during a live chat. The comment is pinned at the top of the chat window and is highlighted with a color, making it stand out from the rest of the comments.

The duration for which the comment stays pinned at the top depends on the amount paid. The more a viewer pays, the longer their comment stays highlighted. This feature not only allows viewers to interact more directly with creators, but also provides an additional revenue stream for creators. However, it's important to note that YouTube takes a percentage of the Super Chat revenue.

How does Super Chat work on YouTube?

Super Chat is a feature on YouTube that allows viewers to pay to have their comments highlighted during a live stream. When a viewer makes a Super Chat payment, their comment is pinned to the top of the chat feed for a certain amount of time, depending on the amount paid. This makes the comment more visible to both the streamer and other viewers, increasing the chances that it will be noticed and responded to.

To use Super Chat, viewers simply click on the dollar sign icon within the live chat, select "Super Chat," and choose the amount they wish to pay. They can then type their message and hit "Buy and Send." The streamer receives a share of the Super Chat revenue, making it a way for viewers to financially support their favorite creators. However, it's important to note that YouTube takes a percentage of the Super Chat revenue.

How much does a Super Chat cost on YouTube?

The cost of a Super Chat on YouTube can vary greatly as it is determined by the user. The minimum amount for a Super Chat is $1, and the maximum is $500. The amount you choose to pay will also determine how long your message stays pinned in the chat. For example, a $1 Super Chat will not be pinned at all, while a $500 Super Chat will stay pinned for 5 hours.

The cost also varies depending on the country you're in. For example, in the United States, the minimum amount is $1, but in Japan, the minimum is ¥100. The cost of Super Chats is not a fixed rate and is subject to change. It's also important to note that YouTube takes a percentage of the Super Chat revenue, with the creator typically receiving 70% and YouTube taking the remaining 30%.

How to enable Super Chat on YouTube?

To enable Super Chat on your YouTube channel, you first need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program, which requires you to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. You also need to be over 18 and live in a country/region where the Super Chat feature is available.

Once you meet these requirements, you can enable Super Chat by going to your YouTube Studio and clicking on the Monetization tab on the left-hand side. From there, select the Supers tab at the top of the page and click on the Get Started button. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable Super Chat. Once enabled, your viewers will be able to purchase highlighted messages during your live streams to get your attention or show their support.

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