Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversFall ResetAmazon USFall reset deals: check better picks before checkoutAmazon US: today's deals, useful picks and quick comparisons.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content
Blog

YouTube’s “New” Way to Tip Creators Was Super Thanks—Here’s How It Works Now

By TheFinanceBase Team5 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

YouTube’s new way to support creators was Super Thanks, announced on July 20, 2021—not a new 2026 launch. It lets viewers make a one-time purchase on eligible videos and Shorts, with an animated acknowledgment and a highlighted comment. Today it is one of several YouTube support tools, each suited to a different kind of content.

What Super Thanks does

Super Thanks extends YouTube’s paid support beyond live chats. On an eligible recorded video or Short, a viewer can choose Thanks, select an available amount and complete the purchase. YouTube then shows the buyer an animation and adds a distinct, customizable comment beneath the content. The creator can reply to, heart or moderate that comment.

YouTube first tested the feature as Viewer Applause. At its July 2021 announcement, the company described Super Thanks as its fourth paid digital good, alongside products such as Super Chat and Super Stickers. The launch began as a randomized beta in 68 countries; contemporary launch coverage reported price points of about $2, $5, $10 and $50, or local equivalents. Those are historical launch details, not a promise about current prices or availability. YouTube said it planned to expand the feature to eligible YouTube Partner Program creators later that year. In April 2022, it announced expansion to eligible creators across 68 locations.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Super Thanks is a fan-funding purchase, not a donation or crowdfunding tool, under YouTube’s policy. Calling it a “tip” is common shorthand, but it should not imply that the entire purchase goes directly to the creator.

#1 Best Overall
Roblox Digital Gift Card - 1,000 Robux [Includes Exclusive Virtual Item] [Digital Code]
  • The easiest way to add Robux (Roblox’s digital currency) to your account. Use Robux to deck out your avatar and unlock additional perks in your favorite Roblox experiences.
  • This is a digital gift card that can only be redeemed for Robux at Roblox.com/redeem. It cannot be redeemed in the Roblox mobile app or any video game console. Please allow up to 5 minutes for your balance to be updated after redeeming.
  • Roblox Gift Cards can be redeemed worldwide, perfect for gifting to Roblox fans anywhere in the world.
  • From now on, when you redeem a Roblox Gift Card, you get up to 25% more Robux. Perfect for gaming, creating, and exploring- more Robux means more possibilities!
  • Every Roblox Gift Card grants a free virtual item upon redemption.

YouTube’s 2021 announcement explains the launch; its current Super Thanks help page describes the feature and its restrictions.

How to use Super Thanks as a viewer

  1. Open an eligible YouTube video or Short.
  2. Look for the Thanks button beneath the content. If it is not shown, that video, your location or your account may not be eligible.
  3. Choose one of the amounts offered in the purchase flow and confirm the payment.
  4. After purchase, look for the animation and your highlighted comment in the comments section.

Available amounts can differ by location, device, account and transaction method. Check the amount shown before confirming; the 2021 beta prices are not a reliable guide to today’s options. Super Thanks does not automatically buy access to exclusive content or recurring benefits.

Rank #2
YouTube Subscriber Counter - Black, All Day Battery - WiFi Desk Display, Tracks Subscribers Live in Real Time, No PC, App or Phone Needed
  • LIVE SUBSCRIBERS ON YOUR DESK: A tiny always-on display shows your real-time YouTube subscribers in big, readable numbers - every bit of growth feels real.
  • NEXT-MILESTONE PROGRESS BAR: Watch the bar fill toward your next round number (10K, 100K, 1M...), with a "+N today" ticker so momentum is always visible.
  • RUNS 100% ON ITS OWN: Joins your Wi-Fi and refreshes every minute - no laptop, no app, no phone, nothing to keep running. Just plug in the included USB-C cable.
  • 2-MINUTE SETUP, PRIVATE BY DESIGN: Guided phone setup; your details stay on the device and it only reads public YouTube counts over an encrypted connection.
  • THE GIFT FOR A YOUTUBER OR CREATOR: Comes pre-flashed with a desk stand and setup card. One device also tracks Twitch, Spotify, GitHub, Discord, Bluesky and 13 more - switch anytime.

How creators turn it on and manage comments

Creators can check or enable the feature in YouTube Studio:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio and open Earn from the left-hand menu.
  2. Choose the Supers tab and select Get started.
  3. Follow the setup prompts. If asked, accept the Commerce Product Module.
  4. Turn on the Super Thanks switch.

In the YouTube Studio app, open Earn, tap the Supers card and follow the setup prompts. When enabled, Super Thanks can appear on eligible past and future long-form videos and Shorts. Creators can find purchase comments with the From Super Thanks filter in Studio’s comments area or app, then reply, heart or remove them using the available moderation controls.

Rank #3
Visa Virtual eGift Card
  • Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
  • When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
  • This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
  • Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
  • This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.

Turning the feature off removes it from eligible videos, but historical earnings remain reviewable. YouTube’s creator setup instructions cover setup and comment management.

Eligibility: why the button may be missing

Availability depends on the creator, viewer location and individual video. Creators generally need to participate in the YouTube Partner Program or otherwise qualify for the relevant fan-funding features, accept YouTube’s Commerce Product Module and comply with its monetization, commerce and community policies. The feature must be available in the relevant country or region. Channels set as Made for Kids, or with a significant volume of Made for Kids content, are excluded; some music channels, including certain channels under SRAV contracts, may also be ineligible.

Rank #4
Roblox Physical Gift Card
  • Redemption: Online only. Robux cards can only be redeemed in a browser at Roblox.com/redeem. They cannot be redeemed in the Roblox mobile app or any video game console.
  • Roblox is an immersive platform for connection and communication. Every day, millions of people come to Roblox to create, play, work, learn, and connect with each other in experiences built by our global community of creators.
  • Get more with every Roblox Gift Card! From now on, when you redeem a Roblox gift card, you get up to 25% more Robux. Perfect for gaming, creating, and exploring- more Robux means more possibilities!
  • Deck out your avatar and unlock additional perks in your favorite experiences when you use Roblox Gift Cards to purchase Robux (Roblox's virtual currency).
  • Each gift card grants a free virtual item upon redemption.

Even on a participating channel, Super Thanks is not available on content that is:

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Private or unlisted, or age-restricted.
  • Made for Kids.
  • Subject to a Content ID claim.
  • Associated with a YouTube Giving fundraiser.
  • A live stream or Premiere while it is live.
  • Posted with comments turned off.

An archived live-stream video may become eligible after the broadcast if it meets the other requirements. If the channel has no Supers tab in Studio, eligibility, an incomplete Commerce Product Module or network-administrator settings may be the reason. If the button is missing on just one video, check that video’s privacy, age, audience, claim, fundraiser and comments settings.

Best Value
Sale
Duluvulu 4K Digital Camera for Photography Autofocus, 2026 Latest 48MP Vlogging Camera for YouTube with SD Card, 2 Batteries, 3" 180°Flip Screen Compact Travel Camera for Teens with 16X Zoom,Black
  • 4K DIGITAL CAMERA WITH AUTOFOCUS: The newest 4K digital camera for photography captures videos in 4K resolution and snaps ultra HD 48MP images. With Autofocus and 16X digital zoom, every detail is crisp, clear, and vibrant even captured from a distance.
  • 180° FLIP SCREEN AND PORTABLE: Our 4k camera for photography offers a 3.0-inch IPS 180° flip screen, ideal for selfie enthusiasts and vlogging creation. Designed for travel and everyday use, this compact travel camera for pictures is built to last. Its small size and durable construction make it a reliable companion for capturing memories on the go.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CAMERA: The 4K digital video camera features a date stamp, exposure compensation (-3.0 to +3.0), video pause and playback, time-lapse, slow-motion, giving your videos a creative edge. Additional features like a fill light, Anti-shake, 3 continuous shooting, smile & face detection, beauty face, self-timer, and various filters encourage you to stretch your creative boundaries.
  • WEBCAM AND EASY TRANSFER: This 4K vlogging camera for YouTube doubles as a webcam, perfect for live streaming, video chats, and vlogging. You can connect the photo camera to your computer via an USB cable for easy file download, sharing your experiences with friends instantly. With 2 spare rechareable batteries, never worry about power shortage.
  • A PERFECT GIFT WITH A HASSLE-FREE WARRANTY: User-friendly and versatile, this portable digital camera for teens is an ideal gift for beginners, amateurs, teens, and seniors, fulfilling daily shooting needs easily. Enjoy our worry-free 18-month replacement and refund warranty. Our prompt customer support team is ready to assist you in under 12 hours!
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which YouTube support feature fits?

Feature Best suited to Where it appears Payment pattern
Super Thanks Supporting a particular recorded video Eligible long-form videos and Shorts One-time purchase
Super Chat Paid visibility during live interaction Eligible live streams and Premieres One-time purchase
Super Stickers Animated paid support during a live interaction Eligible live streams and Premieres One-time purchase
Channel memberships Ongoing support in exchange for member benefits At the channel level Recurring monthly payment
Gifts and Jewels Virtual gifts during eligible live-stream experiences Eligible live streams Viewers buy Jewels and send gifts

These are not interchangeable. Choose Super Thanks for a one-off show of support tied to a video; memberships for recurring support and member benefits; or Super Chat and Super Stickers for live-stream interaction.

What creators should know about payouts

Super Thanks revenue is paid through the creator’s AdSense for YouTube payment setup, using the general payment mechanism for advertising revenue. The purchase amount a viewer sees is not necessarily the creator’s net payment: platform terms, taxes, payment processing, currency conversion and, depending on the transaction, app-store effects can affect the result.

Some launch-era coverage reported a 30% platform cut. That historical figure should not be treated as a verified current payout calculation. The current setup information establishes the payment pathway but does not, by itself, confirm a universal present-day net share for every transaction. Creators should consult current YouTube terms and their Studio or AdSense payment information rather than assume the viewer’s full purchase price will arrive in their account.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

2026 update: Gifts are a separate live-stream feature

YouTube’s newer live-stream support development is Gifts, powered by virtual Jewels. In April 2026, YouTube announced live-stream monetization updates, and TeamYouTube said Gifts expanded from vertical live streams to horizontal live streams on mobile. On eligible horizontal mobile streams, Gifts replace Super Stickers when the creator opts in. This does not replace Super Thanks on recorded videos and Shorts: the products serve different formats and interactions.

Read YouTube’s April 2026 live-stream update and the TeamYouTube Gifts update for the announced expansion.

When an external support page makes sense

YouTube’s native tools keep the transaction and interaction within YouTube, which can reduce friction for viewers and lets creators manage Super Thanks comments in Studio. An external page may be useful if a creator wants a separate support destination or options beyond YouTube’s features, but viewers must leave the platform and the creator takes on additional payment setup, disclosures, refunds and recordkeeping responsibilities.

  • PayPal.Me offers an external payment page, but it does not create YouTube’s highlighted comment experience.
  • Ko-fi and Buy Me a Coffee provide external creator-support pages, with options that can include one-time support or memberships.
  • Streamlabs is more relevant to livestreamers who want alerts and overlays than to creators seeking a simple appreciation button on an ordinary video.

Compare payment friction, audience trust, moderation, refund handling and recurring-support needs—not just advertised platform percentages. Fees and terms change, so check each provider’s current information before choosing one.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Roblox Digital Gift Card - 1,000 Robux [Includes Exclusive Virtual Item] [Digital Code]
Roblox Digital Gift Card - 1,000 Robux [Includes Exclusive Virtual Item] [Digital Code]
Every Roblox Gift Card grants a free virtual item upon redemption.; For more information, please visit roblox.com/giftcardFAQs.
$10.00
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Roblox Physical Gift Card
Roblox Physical Gift Card
Each gift card grants a free virtual item upon redemption.; Physical gift cards are delivered active via mail.
$50.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Written by TheFinanceBase Team

The Team behind TheFinanceBase.

Add your note

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.