I have ad-enabled videos on YouTube. These videos are mostly tutorials I have created to accompany my “tech for teachers” books. Instructional videos do not generate the millions of views sometimes associated with the popular entertainment videos, but I have already felt that those offering instructional content should have the potential for a return on the time they invest. Ad revenue from online resources in comparison to the return from books is miniscule so my interest is mostly in the process rather than the few dollars I receive.
So, I make a couple of dollars a month from my YouTube views. A month or so ago, I noticed that the frequency of views had increased but pennies were being accumulated. I thought perhaps I had been placed on super secret probation or something. I then came across an explanation that Google had changed its policy on YouTube video income and a producer must accumulate 10,000 views before the ads would return income.
For educators, hoping to generate revenue by offering instructional videos this information may explain what might be a source of confusion.