A new way to connect and earn with gifts
Today, we’re launching Gifts in India to provide a new way for creators to connect with their fans and for viewers to express themselves during vertical live streams.
In India, the creator economy is thriving, with the number of YouTube channels earning seven figures or more in revenue (INR) up by over 20% year-over-year 1 . This growth is increasingly fueled by a rising culture of fandom. In fact, 92% of surveyed Indian YouTube creators agree that the platform helps them foster a deep community with their audience 2 . Today, fans aren't just watching; they are actively supporting their favorite creators through interactive features like Channel Memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, and Super Thanks.
We’re bringing Jewels and Gifts to India to further empower creators to diversify their revenue and fans to connect with their favourite creators in easier and more engaging ways.
What are gifts?
Gifts are engaging animations that viewers can send on creators’ vertical live streams, showing their appreciation, reactions, and expressions in real-time. Gifts appear as overlays on top of vertical live streams, enhancing the live experience and creating a new way for creators and their viewers to interact and have fun.
To send gifts, viewers can buy Jewels in bundles. This makes it easier for them to react, show their support, and stay engaged in the moment, without having to make a new Jewels purchase for every gift.
When viewers use Jewels to send gifts to creators, creators get Rubies which represent their earnings.
To make this launch extra special, we’ve designed a series of exclusive Gifts for India. We know that nothing says 'support' from fans quite like sending a virtual "Vada Pav", "Chai Toast", or a "Pani Puri"! You can also send a "Badhai Ho," “Kem Cho,” “Macha” or an "All Izz Well" to cheer on your favorite creators. We'll continue rolling out special seasonal Gifts in the future!
How can I get started
Eligible creators can enable gifts on their channel by visiting the Earn hub in Studio and following the steps to turn on gifts. This includes accepting the new “Virtual Items Module”. Gifts will then automatically be enabled on your vertical live streams. For more info on vertical live streams, see our Help Center articles on how to create a vertical live stream & mobile live stream eligibility requirements. Once creators enable gifts, they’ll no longer have access to Super Stickers on vertical live streams.
We’re excited to see how viewers will use gifts to take their favourite streams to the next level. For more information, please visit the Help Centre.
